Co-op Funeralcare to Launch Green 'Water Cremation' in UK
The UK’s biggest funeral provider, Co-op Funeralcare, is shaking up the death industry with a new eco-friendly burial option. Later this year, it will roll out resomation, also known as water cremation, offering a greener alternative to traditional burial and cremation.
What is Resomation?
Resomation involves placing the deceased in a biodegradable pouch. This is submerged in a pressurized water tank with a bit of potassium hydroxide. Over four hours, the process breaks down the body into a liquid solution. The leftover soft bones are dried and ground into a white powder, which families can keep in an urn.
Why Choose Water Cremation?
- Unlike standard cremation, resomation doesn’t release carbon dioxide or toxic gases into the air.
- It avoids the groundwater contamination risks linked to traditional burials.
- It’s seen as a cleaner, greener option for eco-conscious families.
Co-op’s Green Future Plans
Handling over 93,000 funerals a year, Co-op Funeralcare will kick off an initial pilot scheme with sustainability experts and academics to back the technique’s green credentials. The pilot’s locations remain hush-hush for now but will be revealed later in 2024, with hopes of nationwide availability soon after.
Government and Church on Board
Co-op has already informed the government about its green burial plans. Discussions about new burial methods also took place earlier this year at the Synod of the Church of England. While water cremation is already popular in countries like the US, Canada, and South Africa, UK families currently only have traditional burial or gas cremation to choose from — until now.
