“Water cremation,” also known as “boil-in-the-bag” funerals, is set to be introduced in the UK, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burials and cremations. This method, widely used in Ireland, Canada, and the US, has now been given the green light in Scotland, becoming the first part of the UK to adopt it following new regulations approved by the Scottish Parliament.
Public Health Minister Jenni Minto highlighted that the introduction of water cremation offers individuals a new choice for handling their remains, catering to a growing demand for environmentally conscious options. The process, which involves placing the body in a chamber with hot water and chemicals to accelerate decomposition, ensures that loved ones are treated with care and respect, similar to traditional methods.
Advantages of water cremation, as stated by cremation.green, include reducing carbon dioxide emissions, eliminating the use of fossil fuels, and being significantly faster than traditional burials. Unlike traditional burials that can take up to 25 years for decomposition, water-based cremation can achieve the same result in just two to three hours.
While water cremation facilities are already operational in various parts of the world, the first European facility opened in Ireland in early 2023. Scotland is expected to conduct its initial water cremation procedures later this summer once all necessary permissions are secured.