The potential legalization of alkaline hydrolysis in the United Kingdom is stirring wide public debate. As concerns grow over the environmental impact of traditional burial and cremation, the question of how to handle human remains in a greener and more sustainable way has become increasingly relevant. The UK Law Commission has recently recommended that alkaline hydrolysis, commonly known as “water cremation,” as well as human composting, should be legalized, with a regulatory framework established to govern their use.
Alkaline hydrolysis is a process that uses water, alkaline chemicals, heat, and pressure to decompose the body. It typically takes between 2 and 18 hours, and the remains are transformed into two components: one is bone and teeth fragments that are ground into powder and returned to the family, much like cremated ashes; the other is a liquid primarily made up of amino acids, peptides, and sugars. In theory, this liquid can be safely released into wastewater systems without significant harm to public health or the environment.
Currently, there is no clear regulatory framework in the UK for alkaline hydrolysis, which has prevented its adoption. In contrast, more than 20 U.S. states have legalized the practice, and it is also permitted in parts of Canada and Australia. The first European facility opened in Navan, Ireland. In the UK, the large funeral provider Co-op Funeralcare had previously expressed interest in introducing water cremation but was blocked by legal barriers, and therefore has welcomed the Law Commission’s proposal.
Environmental concerns are a major reason why alkaline hydrolysis is gaining attention. Traditional cremation consumes large amounts of energy, emits carbon dioxide, and can release mercury and other harmful substances. Burial requires land, and coffins and embalming chemicals can seep into soil. By comparison, alkaline hydrolysis produces significantly lower carbon emissions, consumes less energy, and is seen as more environmentally friendly. A small-scale UK study conducted in 2019 treated five human remains with the process, and wastewater monitoring results indicated that water quality remained within acceptable standards, providing scientific support for its safety.
Nevertheless, the method has sparked controversy. Some people find the idea of dissolving remains and discharging liquid into sewage systems difficult to accept on an emotional or cultural level. Religious groups have also voiced concerns, emphasizing that any new method must respect spiritual and cultural traditions. The Law Commission has therefore suggested that if alkaline hydrolysis and human composting are legalized, strict industry standards and ethical guidelines must be put in place, with criminal liability for misuse, to safeguard public trust.
In the long term, as societies place more emphasis on sustainability and ecological responsibility, public attitudes toward funerary practices are also evolving. Alongside alkaline hydrolysis, human composting—where bodies are allowed to naturally decompose into nutrient-rich soil under controlled conditions—has also been recognized and adopted in some jurisdictions. These methods provide alternatives to traditional burial and cremation that are more compatible with environmental goals.
If the UK ultimately passes the relevant legislation, it would not only expand people’s choices in planning their final arrangements but could also reshape the intersection between the funeral industry and environmental policy. Supporters argue that this is a necessary step toward a greener future, while critics caution that cultural values and emotional dimensions must not be overlooked in favor of technical and ecological arguments.
Regardless of the eventual outcome, the debate over how to approach death in a way that is both sustainable and respectful has already become part of a wider global conversation on funeral reform. In the future, people may increasingly recognize that end-of-life decisions are not only about personal or family expression but also about shared ecological responsibility.