Resomation is an alternative process for the disposal of human remains using alkaline hydrolysis. The process was first proposed as a method of disposing of cows infected by bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease) because the end product is a sterile, genetically-free green-brown liquid, containing ash, chemical components (amino acids, peptides, sugars, salts), and porous bone fragments. The creators, the British firm Resomation Limited, claim the process is much more ecologically friendly than cremation.
The body is placed into a silk bag within a metal frame, then lowered into the resomation chamber. The chamber is filled with a high-temperature (160 degrees Celsius) mixture of water and potassium hydroxide which is pressurized to prevent boiling, and the process takes approximately three hours. The bone ash is generally processed in a cremulator and can be scattered just like cremated remains, and the liquid recycled back into the ecosystem.
What are the Benefits?
Unlike cremation, resomation sterilizes rather than destroying bone implants, leaving them potentially recyclable, and it doesn’t vaporize the toxic mercury found in dental fillings. While some proponents of resomation argue it is better for the environment because the process uses less energy and produces less carbon dioxide than cremation, there is still a significant energy draw to heat and pressurize the water in the resomation chamber.
Does Phaneuf Funeral Home Practice Resomation?
While I have been interviewed on WMUR and have been quoted in the Union Leader and Concord Monitor that I do support the right of the individual to choose resomation, it is not legal in the State of New Hampshire, so Phaneuf is currently unable to offer this service.
Where is Resomation Legal?
Currently, resomation is legal in Minnesota and in Florida and is currently being used on cadavers for funeral practices and for research purposes. In New Hampshire, the process was legalized in 2006, but this decision was reversed in 2007 because it was introduced into legislation that was created to regulate cremation, and the actual resomation process bears very little resemblance to cremation. Similar legislation is currently proposed in a bill headed for an Assembly vote in California that seeks to broaden the definition of cremation to include the use of either fire or water.
By offering a final disposition method that is beneficial to the living, funeral directors will see renewed interest from the public in planning meaningful funerals. Funeral directors have an opportunity to educate consumers that their funeral can be about the well-being of family and friends, both emotionally and physically. By connecting funeral services to the needs of the living, funeral directors can offer and plan funerals that express one’s love and concern for family and friends. With the emphasis of planning a funeral for family and friends, not on oneself, those planning their own funerals will be more willing to spend on funeral services. Compassion and concern for family and friends are the drivers for selecting water & alkali for one’s final disposition over cremation and burial.
This new process has the potential to reinvigorate the funeral industry. Having witnessed the ongoing change cremation has brought to the funeral industry, in just a few decades; funeral directors need to project what this industry will look like in a year or two. Imagine families seeking an alternative to cremation and burial – one that is better for the living. You are finally able to meet their needs with the advent of CycledLife’s affordable water & alkali systems.
CycledLife manufactures patent pending, low-temperature, water & alkali disposition systems.
Our system differs considerably from the old style, high-pressure, alkaline hydrolysis systems, patented by WR2. These high-pressure systems are not and will likely never be commercially viable. Despite the industry’s awareness of the WR2 systems at the Mayo Clinic and at University of FL, there is not a single high-pressure system operating, today, at a funeral industry establishment, anywhere. The fact that high-pressure systems have been problematic (lots of costly maintenance and downtime) and costly (initial capital cost of $200,000+) has kept them from being marketable.
What makes us most unique and
relevant? On June 4, 2010, having successfully demonstrated our system to a group of funeral directors, our systems will soon be up and operating in several funeral homes in the U.S. and abroad.
I chose cremation because it was more eco-friendly. Reading about resomation
It sounds like a better choice. How much does resomation cost?
I have read that investment in a resomation facility is somewhere between $300 thousand to $400 thousand dollars, about twice that of a cremation facility. Since most cremtories in our area charge between $300 to $500 for the actual cremation process, the cost of resomation would seem to be much more expensive then a cremation. Given the fact that there is really no consumer demand for this option yet, a funeral home or other provider of this process would need to be willing to wait quite a few years to make their investment back. In our state most funeral homes don’t handle enough cremations to make the investment in a crematory economically viable. Doubling the investment and not knowing how many people with opt for this option is not going to be a financial gamble that many will be willing to take, at least in our small state.
All of us have to find more solutions in order to help save our earth. Really like hearing about this.