Aquamation: Will It Catch On in the US Funeral Industry?

As the world continues to seek more eco-friendly and environmentally responsible practices, the concept of aquamation has gained significant attention. This innovative method of disposing of the deceased involves using a combination of alkaline water and heat to accelerate the natural decomposition process. Unlike traditional cremation, which involves burning the body, aquamation produces fewer harmful emissions and leaves behind fewer physical remains.

How Aquamation Works

Aquamation is a gentle and quieter process that utilizes a combination of water and alkaline substances to expedite the natural decomposition of the body. The process involves placing the body in a large vessel, adding alkali solution, and heating the mixture to a specific temperature. As the body dissolves over time, the remaining bones are dried and pulverized into a fine powder, which can be used for various purposes, such as creating cremation jewelry or even as fertilizer.

The Business Economics and Investment

While the environmental benefits of aquamation are clear, the economic feasibility remains a critical factor for its widespread adoption. The initial investment required for aquamation equipment is substantial. Additionally, each aquamation process takes significantly longer than a single cremation, which means that to achieve the same volume of work, you would need a greater number of aquamation units to replace a single cremation oven.

However, there is a potential solution. Larger aquamation units that can process multiple bodies at once could offer a way to improve efficiency. Ideally, an aquamation unit could be loaded during the day and operated at night, taking advantage of lower electricity and water costs. This approach could potentially match the work rate of current cremation ovens.

Customer Acceptance and Public Perception

One of the main hurdles for the widespread acceptance of aquamation is the public’s perception of the process. The idea of dissolving a body in a vat of hot caustic chemicals and then flushing it into the drains is likely to be difficult for many to accept. However, the end result—non-toxic remains that can be used as plant food or fertilizer—could be an attractive option. These byproducts could be particularly appealing to individuals and families looking for eco-friendly and natural solutions.

Another controversial aspect is the transformation of soft tissues into a bone liquid, which could be seen as disrespectful to some. Nevertheless, advancements in the process could make it more palatable, such as combining the bone powder with the liquid and reshaping it into a more tangible form, similar to traditional cremation urns.

Regulatory Implications and Future Prospects

The path to increased adoption of aquamation may also require legislative changes. For instance, if new regulations were to mandate the use of aquamation to reduce carbon footprints, the demand for this eco-friendly process could rise. Similarly, existing crematoriums could be phased out, requiring operators to convert to aquamation to comply with environmental standards.

As the sentiment towards eco-friendliness and sustainability grows, it's likely that legislation and public expectation will play a significant role in the market's shift towards aquamation. In the meantime, the funeral industry must balance economic realities with environmental consciousness to find a feasible solution for the future of end-of-life services.