Scotland introduces green funeral option

March 03, 2026

Scotland has officially become the first nation in the UK to approve alkaline hydrolysis, a sustainable funeral option often referred to as water cremation or aquamation. The landmark decision reflects growing public demand for eco-friendly funeral alternatives and represents the most significant reform to Scottish funeral legislation since traditional cremation was introduced in 1902.

What is alkaline hydrolysis?

Alkaline hydrolysis is a low-emission funeral method designed to mirror the natural decomposition process — but in a carefully controlled and accelerated environment.

During the procedure:

• The deceased is placed in a pressurised stainless-steel chamber.

• The body is immersed in a solution of approximately 95% water and 5% alkaline chemicals, typically potassium hydroxide.

• The chamber is heated to around 150°C (300°F) for three to four hours.

This process gently breaks down soft tissue, leaving only the bone structure. The bones are then dried and reduced to a fine, white powder similar in appearance to cremated remains. Families can keep, scatter, or bury the remains just as they would with ashes from flame cremation.

Why Scotland legalised water cremation

The Scottish Parliament’s approval marks a historic shift toward sustainable funeral practices in the UK. Public Health Minister Jenni Minto described end-of-life decisions as deeply personal, influenced by faith, culture, environmental values, and family wishes.

She emphasised that hydrolysis provides a modern, environmentally responsible alternative to burial and cremation — offering families greater flexibility and choice for the first time in over 120 years. The process will be governed by the same strict regulatory standards that apply to existing funeral methods in Scotland.

Environmental benefits of hydrolysis

One of the key reasons for the rise in interest is its reduced environmental impact. Compared to traditional cremation, alkaline hydrolysis:

• Produces no direct harmful emissions into the atmosphere

• Uses significantly less energy

• Eliminates the need for single-use coffins

• Has a lower overall carbon footprint

As sustainability becomes a growing priority for families planning funerals, demand for greener options continues to increase.

When will water cremation be available in Scotland?

Kindly Earth, which holds exclusive UK manufacturing rights for hydrolysis equipment, estimates that Scotland’s first facility could open within nine months. Funeral providers must first obtain planning permission and secure approval from local water authorities.

Helen Chandler, general manager of Kindly Earth, described the legalisation as a transformative moment for Scotland’s funeral industry. She noted that hydrolysis is not intended to replace cremation or burial but to broaden the choices available to families — particularly those planning ahead who want their funeral arrangements to reflect personal environmental values.

Global adoption of alkaline hydrolysis

Hydrolysis is already legally practiced in:

• 28 US states

• Canada

• Ireland

• South Africa

• Australia

• New Zealand

Notably, Desmond Tutu selected water cremation for his funeral in 2022, bringing international attention to the method.

The future of sustainable funerals in the UK

In England and Wales, the Law Commission is currently reviewing potential regulations for emerging funeral technologies, including alkaline hydrolysis and human composting.

Andrew Purves, chief operations officer at William Purves Funeral Directors, has observed a clear shift in public attitudes. More families are asking about the environmental footprint of funeral arrangements — just as they consider sustainability in daily life.

He noted that when cremation was introduced more than a century ago, it faced public resistance. Today, however, cremations account for nearly 80% of UK funerals. Similarly, while hydrolysis may initially prompt scepticism, industry leaders expect it to become more widely accepted as awareness grows.

Scotland leads the way in green funeral innovation

By legalising alkaline hydrolysis, Scotland has positioned itself at the forefront of environmentally conscious funeral reform in the UK. As awareness increases and facilities become operational, water cremation is likely to play a growing role in sustainable end-of-life planning.