Traditional funerals in the UK may be on the brink of transformation, as a recent Law Commission consultation proposes a legal framework to support alternative methods such as water cremation and human composting. The consultation paper, published earlier this week, outlines how these environmentally friendly approaches could be made available to the public in addition to current options like burial, cremation, and the rarely practised burial at sea.
Emerging Alternatives to Conventional Funerals
The paper draws attention to two alternative methods already in use overseas: alkaline hydrolysis, commonly referred to as water cremation or resomation and human composting.
Water cremation involves placing a body in a biodegradable shroud or pouch and using a combination of water, alkaline chemicals, heat and pressure to break down soft tissues. The process, which mimics natural decomposition in the ground, typically takes between four and 14 hours. After the tissue dissolves, the remaining liquid is checked and treated before entering the wastewater system. Bones and teeth, which remain intact, are dried and processed into a powder that can be returned to families, much like traditional cremated ashes.
Promoted as a greener alternative to flame-based cremation, water cremation was used in 2019 on five individuals in a study supported by Middlesex and Sheffield universities. It also gained attention when the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a renowned South African anti-apartheid figure, opted for resomation for his own funeral in 2021.
Human Composting: Nature-Driven Decomposition
Human composting, another method highlighted in the consultation, involves placing the body in a sealed vessel along with organic materials such as straw and wood chips. This carbon-rich environment facilitates rapid decomposition, transforming the body into soil in approximately two to three months. The resulting earth can then be returned to families or used to nourish land, offering a sustainable and personal return to nature.
While these methods offer compelling environmental benefits, the consultation also briefly explores cryogenic techniques involving the freezing of remains, though these are not yet deemed viable.
Regulatory Reform and Industry Support
Currently, there is no specific UK regulation for these newer funerary practices beyond general environmental and planning laws. The Law Commission’s consultation proposes establishing a clear legal framework that would allow for the safe and ethical regulation of such alternatives.
Co-op Funeralcare, one of the UK’s leading funeral providers, previously announced plans to pilot water cremation in 2023. However, the company halted the initiative due to regulatory barriers. In response to the consultation, a spokesperson said:
“At Co-op Funeralcare, we are committed to serving the needs of our member-owners and clients and offering the most sustainable and affordable services.
In 2023, we announced our ambition to pilot resomation in the UK, and we subsequently worked closely with government to explore the regulatory requirements. However, we did not proceed with this as, at the time, we were unable to find a path through the current regulatory framework.
We welcome the Law Commission’s review and encourage exploration into alternative methods that provide consumers with greater choice and deliver environmental benefits.”
What Happens Next?
The Law Commission’s consultation is set to run until spring next year, concluding with a final report and draft legislation. If adopted, this could open the door to a broader range of funeral choices that align with both personal values and environmental concerns.
With growing interest in sustainability, the future of funerals in the UK could soon be rooted not only in tradition but also in innovation and ecological responsibility.
