All About Aquamation
A gentle process that uses water instead of fire to return a body back to mother nature
The technical name for the process in Alkaline Hydrolysis. This is the same process that occurs as nature runs its course when a body is laid to rest in direct soil. The process uses a gentle flow of water, temperature, and alkalinity, not an acid, to break down the organic materials. It is eco-friendly as it uses less energy than a flame cremation and does not use any fossil fuels.
Frequently Asked Questions about Aquamation.....
- What is Aquamation?
Aquamation is a method of final disposition that is available for both our human and pet loved ones. The scientific name for this water-based process is alkaline hydrolysis. It is the same process that occurs as part of nature’s course when a body is laid to rest in the soil. A combination of gentle water flow, temperature, and alkalinity are used to accelerate the breakdown of organic materials.
- Is the body dissolved in acid? No. Aquamation uses a catalyst called alkali, which is the
chemical opposite of an acid. Alkalis are made from sodium and potassium
salts.
- Can my loved one be embalmed? Can we still have a service?
Yes, this is a choice that is in the hands of the individual or family. All embalming fluids are completely broken down in the process, so you can choose to have any type of funeral or memorial service you wish to have.
- How long has Aquamation been around?
The technology has been in use by universities and the scientific industries for over 25 years! It has been used for the final disposition of human bodies donated to medical science since 1995. The first funeral home to use the technology was in 2011.
- Can I get an urn to put the remains in? What can I do with the ashes?
Yes, you can get an urn and absolutely anything that can be done with flame cremation ashes can be done with Aquamation ashes. You can bury the urn in a cemetery, or inter the urn in a columbarium. There are numerous memorial products that can be made with the ashes – hand blown glass memorials, memorial plantings for your garden, and many more. Some families choose to scatter some or all of the remains in a special place, or you can keep your loved one at home with you.
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AQUAMATION
- A flameless cremation process that uses water instead of fire
- A gentle and respectful process
- No direct emissions of harmful greenhouse gases or mercury
- Uses less energy than a flame-based cremation
- 1/10 of the carbon footprint of flame-based cremation
- 20% more ash remains returned to the family
