Australians want to know there are sustainable alternatives available when it comes to their end-of-life plans. One such exciting new eco-friendly option on the rise is Water Cremation, or alkaline hydrolysis. This approach utilizes a hot, alkaline solution to completely dissolve soft tissue. It provides a more sustainable, cost-effective and ethical alternative to flame cremation and burial. Water Cremation is legal in a number of Australian states, including Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania and South Australia. It provides them a viable sustainable choice that’s right in line with that growing trend towards more environmentally friendly choices.
Water Cremation works at a much lower temperature of 93 degrees Celsius, running an average of 10 to 12 hours to return the body. In comparison, flame cremation emits high levels of greenhouse gases as well, but this process has an estimated 90 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike an x-ray, the end result removes bones and metal pins. That leftover liquid—called molasses—is rich in salts and sugars, so it’s ideal for reusing.
Water Cremation is a new process to Tasmania. It launched in early 2023 at a new facility led by co-directors Brendan Cooper and Luke Cripps. From there, Cripps underscores how gentle and curated the process can be. As such, he explains, families often feel understandably concerned about what will happen to their loved one after they die. And so that’s really the biggest pushback, I think, from all of the families that we serve. Are you the one who is going to treat the love of my life? And are you going to tenderize them? And there’s a connection for them to water that’s calm,” he added.
Water Cremation mimics natural decomposition processes found in traditional burials, where rain seeps through soil to break down organic matter. In this way, it provides families with a reassuring option that would have the least negative influence on climate. Professor Michael Arnold, from the DeathTech research team at the University of Melbourne, couldn’t agree more. He claims that Water Cremation is the most environmentally sound alternative.
Yet the industry is under challenge to address these competing market demands, Arnold pointed out. He stressed that there is an immediate and profound demand for education on this option. As word continues to spread about it being sustainable and super gentle, he predicts it getting more popular. The more people that simply understand what water cremation is and why it’s so wonderful, the more it’ll take off. The environmental benefits of this approach will distinguish it from all other alternatives,” Cooper continued.
As advantageous as Water Cremation may sound, it is still challenging to achieve acceptance. It’s understandable that many families would want to start with some of the more traditional paths simply because they feel most familiar. Arnold said in that environment, it’s healthier for families to remain set in their ways. He added that the funeral industry is certainly safer by sticking to business as usual. This pushback brings to the fore a larger societal desire to hold onto status quo practices during periods of mourning.
Cripps notes several benefits of using Water Cremation. This innovative approach can yield 20 to 30 percent more remains than traditional flame cremation. You only get one shot!” he shouted. He stressed that the logistics of it all need to run like clockwork, given how emotional and charged the time can be.
The regulatory framework that surrounds Water Cremation in Australia provides an additional layer of peace-of-mind for families seeking out Water Cremation. Cooper and Cripps had multiple and long conversations with the water regulator in Tasmania. They wanted to make sure that the water that is released after the process is safe and non-toxic. Cripps noted that they talked to the water regulator in Tasmania for hours not years determining appropriate safety measures. Specifically, they concentrated on making sure that the water created at the conclusion of this cycle isn’t harmful, toxic, and not amenable to treatment.
Paola Magni explains what’s wrong with the term “aqua cremation.” She contends that it could confuse the public into believing that water just washes away the remains rather than using a gentler process to decompose them. She raised an important issue regarding the use of the term “aqua cremation.” It suggests that water erases, but in truth, there is not a trace of the human left behind.
Imagine a world where Australians could find more meaningful or personalized ways to say goodbye to their loved ones. Water Cremation truly is a remarkable alternative, aligning beautifully with today’s values of sustainability and gentleness. While still relatively new and under-regulated compared to traditional methods, its growth may signal an evolving landscape in funeral practices.
