Scotland is the first UK nation to offer hydrolysis alongside traditional burial and cremation funeral options.
However, there are currently no operational hydrolysis facilities in Scotland, which means that until any are built, many unknowns remain. One of these unknowns is exactly how the repatriation of hydrolysed remains will be affected.
Amidst the uncertainty, we can’t speculate on this issue. Alternatively, we want to summarise how repatriation works and what support from our team might look like when hydrolysis becomes available.
Hydrolysis explained
Hydrolysis, widely called water cremation, is already available in several countries, including the Netherlands, Canada and the USA.
The practice combines water and heat with an alkaline solution and applies them to the body in a specially designed chamber, speeding up the natural decomposition processes a body ordinarily goes through.
The treatment takes around 3–4 hours and, like cremation, leaves the bones of the individual. These remains are transformed into a white powder for families to keep, scatter, or bury in a cemetery or other location of significance.
Once the liquid is drained, a small amount of acid is added to neutralise it. This liquid contains no human DNA and is safe for normal wastewater systems.
The process is clean, low‑emission, and uses fewer resources than burial or cremation; it’s therefore considered a more environmentally friendly option.
The recent legislation legalising hydrolysis in Scotland, and increasing uptake worldwide, has garnered a lot of press attention, prompting questions around the practicalities of introducing this service, including whether the white powder produced from hydrolysis can safely be repatriated.
Purves Repatriation expertise
As part of the William Purves family, we have extensive experience and a proven track record of safe human repatriation.
So, when a legal and regulatory framework is in place for hydrolysis, our team will be there to advise you.
Purves Repatriation will assist with any necessary paperwork, permits, and customs procedures, ensuring compliance with international regulations, as we already do in the cases of burial and cremation. Our goal, as always, will be to bring your loved ones safely home, regardless of the funeral choice.
So what can I do now?
We always advise planning ahead, whether for your own funeral or one for a loved one or someone you may be responsible for.
The reality is, only one in a hundred people actually know what a loved one would have wanted, and this often leaves the burden of decision-making to families left behind.
Those interested in hydrolysis should share their wishes with loved ones so that, when the time comes, these plans can be respected.
We offer free Plans of Wishes or prepaid funeral plans that can record your choices. This means that when the time comes, and a facility is available, your family can focus on saying goodbye.
The introduction of hydrolysis offers individuals an alternative for their funeral, one that is often considered more environmentally friendly and gentle to the body.
And we’re delighted that Scotland will be offering this to families, ensuring they receive the widest range of options to personalise their final journeys.
