About
Resomation is a pioneering company in the end-of-life industry, specialising in water cremation — also known as alkaline hydrolysis or aquamation. As the UK's only manufacturer of water cremators, Resomation provides funeral industry professionals with equipment that offers families an environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional flame cremation or burial. The process involves placing the deceased in a biodegradable coffin or shroud inside a water cremator, where a combination of water and an alkali-based solution gently accelerates the body's natural decomposition into basic organic elements. Families receive the resulting ashes, just as they would from a flame cremation, but with a significantly lower carbon footprint. Resomation's technology has been independently validated as having the lowest overall environmental impact among all mainstream end-of-life options. It is already legally available in parts of the USA and Canada, and Scotland recently became the first part of the UK to legalise the process — the most significant change in funeral law since 1902. The company also operates under the Kindly Earth brand for UK consumer outreach, and works with funeral partners worldwide to expand access to water cremation. Resomation is well suited for forward-thinking funeral homes, crematoriums, and end-of-life service providers seeking to offer greener options to environmentally conscious families.
Key Features
- Alkaline Hydrolysis Process: Uses water and a small alkali-based solution to gently and naturally reduce the body to ashes, mirroring the body's own decomposition process.
- Lowest Environmental Impact: Independently validated as the end-of-life option with the lowest overall environmental footprint compared to flame cremation and burial.
- UK's Only Water Cremator Manufacturer: Resomation is the sole UK manufacturer of water cremation equipment, supplying funeral providers in the USA, Canada, and internationally.
- Biodegradable Materials: Bodies are placed in biodegradable coffins or shrouds, ensuring the entire process is as natural and eco-friendly as possible.
- Expanding Global Availability: Already legal in parts of the USA and Canada, and newly legalised in Scotland, with ongoing efforts to expand access across Europe and beyond.
Use Cases
- Funeral homes and crematoriums seeking to offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional flame cremation for environmentally conscious clients.
- Families looking for a gentler, greener end-of-life option with a lower carbon footprint than burial or flame cremation.
- End-of-life service providers in regions where alkaline hydrolysis has been recently legalised, seeking to be early adopters of the technology.
- Funeral industry operators in the USA and Canada wanting to expand their service offerings with water cremation equipment.
- Organisations and individuals researching sustainable funeral practices and alternatives to conventional end-of-life processes.
Pros
- Environmentally Sustainable: Proven to have significantly lower carbon emissions and environmental impact than traditional flame cremation, making it ideal for eco-conscious families.
- Familiar End Result for Families: Families receive ashes just as they would with flame cremation, making the transition to this greener option emotionally accessible.
- Growing Legal Acceptance: Legalised in multiple US and Canadian states and newly approved in Scotland, reflecting increasing regulatory and public acceptance worldwide.
Cons
- Limited Geographic Availability: Water cremation is not yet legal or accessible in all regions, meaning many families may not yet be able to choose it.
- Niche Industry Adoption: Requires funeral providers to invest in specialised equipment, which may slow widespread adoption compared to established cremation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is water cremation (alkaline hydrolysis)?
Water cremation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis or Resomation, is a process that uses water and a small amount of alkali solution to gently reduce the body to ashes, mimicking natural decomposition but at an accelerated pace.
Is water cremation environmentally friendly?
Yes. Resomation's water cremation process has been independently verified to have the lowest overall environmental impact of all mainstream end-of-life options, including significantly lower carbon emissions than flame cremation.
Where is Resomation currently available?
Resomation is legally available in several US states and Canadian provinces. Scotland recently legalised it in 2025, and Resomation is working to expand access across the UK and Europe.
Do families still receive ashes after water cremation?
Yes. Just like traditional flame cremation, families receive the ashes after the water cremation process is complete, allowing the same memorialisation options.
How can funeral providers get involved with Resomation?
Funeral providers can register an interest directly through the Resomation website or contact their team to learn about purchasing water cremation equipment and becoming a Resomation partner.
