Co-op Funeralcare to offer resomation this year
Whilst 89% of UK adults hadn’t heard of the term resomation, once explained, 29% said they would choose resomation for their own funeral if it was available
Co-op Funeralcare is set to introduce resomation in the UK later this year, marking a major shift in UK funerals for more than 120 years, as the first alternative to burial or cremation since the Cremation Act of 1902.
Resomation, sometimes known as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation, speeds up the natural process associated with burial.
The deceased is enclosed in a biodegradable pouch and placed in a container filled with pressurised water and a small amount of potassium hydroxide.
Each cycle takes approximately four hours. At the end of the cycle, the soft bones which are left are dried, then reduced to a white powder, similar to ash. The remains are then returned to relatives in a sustainable urn.
Research conducted by YouGov on behalf of the Co-op has highlighted that alternative methods, such as resomation, have potential to be a preferred choice for UK funerals.
Whilst 89% of UK adults hadn’t heard of the term resomation, once explained, 29% said they would choose resomation for their own funeral if it was available.
Furthermore, 17% of UK adults who have arranged a funeral in the last five years said they would have considered resomation for their loved one’s funeral had it been an option at the time.
Resomation is already available to the general public in nearly 30 states in America. It is also permitted in Canada, South Africa, and could also be made available in Ireland this year.
Gill Stewart, MD of Co-op Funeralcare, said: “Our priority is to help families create a funeral that is personal every step of the way, and as the leading provider of funerals in the UK, introducing innovative and sustainable options for our clients is an absolute priority.
“Up until now choice has been limited to burial or cremation. We’ve seen from the rapid uptake of newer funeral options such as direct cremation, that when choice in the funeral market is broadened, this is only a positive thing both for the bereaved and for those planning ahead for their own farewell.”
