Alkaline Hydrolysis Working Group minutes: June 2025

Attendees and apologies

• Katrina McNeill, Burial and Cremation Team, Scottish Government (SG) (Chair)
• Judith Parker, Burial and Cremation Team, SG
• Caroline Stewart, Burial and Cremation Team, SG
• Janine Ballantine, Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)
• James Blackburn, Scotmid Funeral Directors
• Nick Britten, The National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD)
• Helen Chandler, Kindly Earth
• Douglas Davies, Durham University
• Norman Donnelly, SEPA
• Gordon Findlater, HM Inspector of Anatomy for Scotland
• Alistair Gardner, Scottish Water (SW)
• Ross Jones, Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh
• Jane Matheson, Edinburgh Council
• Ellen Millar, South Lanarkshire Council
• Mark Porteous, The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF)
• Andrew Purves, William Purves Funeral Directors
• Georgina Robinson, Durham University
• Robert Swanson, Senior Inspector of Burial, Cremation and Funeral Directors

Apologies

• Joseph Murren, SAIF

Items and actions

Welcome and introductions

New members were welcomed to the group which was followed by introductions.

Topics

Agreement of minutes from Meeting 1

The group agreed the draft minutes for meeting 1, held on 3rd March 2025.

Action: SSG colleagues will publish the minutes from meeting 1 on the SG website.

Actions from Meeting 1

Discussion around which crematoriums currently hold over bodies, with Mortonhall Crematorium identified as the only one doing so at present. While Mortonhall does not accept shrouds, it does have refrigeration facilities capable of storing up to 12 bodies.

The Funeral Director Code of Practice already includes provisions regarding the appropriate refrigeration and storage of deceased persons. Although the forthcoming Alkaline Hydrolysis Regulations do not need to specify refrigeration or holdover practices, it was agreed that these aspects should be included in the management plan and will be clearly outlined in accompanying guidance.

Any further comments on disposal of effluent

At the previous meeting, it was agreed that effluent will be disposed of via the sewer system, provided the appropriate consent has been obtained from Scottish Water. However, this is not guaranteed and potential operators should be aware of this in advance of making an application. Raising awareness around the procedures, associated costs, and the fact that obtaining a permit does not guarantee approval will be important. In some cases, a new connection to the sewer system, such as to the mains or water infrastructure, may also be required.

Discussion is needed to address the potential impact of the process on water systems, including any knock-on effects and necessary treatments. It is estimated that around two processes could be carried out per day, amounting to approximately 500 annually.

It was noted that sustainable alternatives for disposing of the effluent can be explored in future.

Action: Scottish Water and SG to discuss what information will be required in future.

Definition of alkaline hydrolysis (see separate paper)

The group discussed the most appropriate terminology and definition for alkaline hydrolysis. While "Resomation" is listed in the dictionary, it is a trade name, whereas "hydrolysis" more accurately describes the process of removing water from the body. In the U.S., the term "hydrolysis" is commonly used and legislation has evolved away from defining it as cremation though cremation laws were initially used as a basis. 

Both pressurised and non-pressurised vessels are used in the process, so the definition should be wide enough to cover both to future-proof the regulations.

The remains cannot be referred to as “burnt remains” or “ashes”. Terms like “powder” or “residue” are more appropriate, though “residue” could be unclear as it includes both liquid and solid components. Clear differentiation is needed, especially considering how the public might perceive these terms.

Procedure for opening and closing premises

Opening a hydrolysis facility will require the applicant contact the SG inspector and provide the required information relating to the operation and management of the facility. This is in addition to necessary consents from Scottish Water (or SEPA) and local authority planning consent.

Action: SG will review the current application and checklist for opening a new crematorium to adapt it for alkaline hydrolysis premises.

Impact Assessments

On Scottish islands burial is currently the only available option unless the deceased is transported to the mainland. Hydrolysis could offer an alternative. While local sewer systems may not be suitable for handling the effluent, options such as transporting it to the mainland could be explored. Discharging to land would require SEPA consent and may be challenging due to the nature of the effluent.

Action: SG invited the working group to share any comments they might have on the impact assessments to help inform their content.

Research study on AH for human remains

Anatomy schools may choose to outsource Alkaline Hydrolysis and will be responsible for establishing their own procedures. If the body remains whole, the powder can be returned to the family.

AOB and next meeting

The group discussed potential negative publicity around alkaline hydrolysis and the need to reassure the public. Misleading headlines like “boiling” and “bag” have appeared in recent coverage, although the articles have been more positive. SG has consulted on regulation in Scotland in 2015 and 2023. Public understanding remains limited, so clear, consistent messaging is essential.

Local authorities and funeral directors may be key in responding to questions, especially given the influence of social media. SG will continue to work with the funeral sector to inform the public.

Action: SG will share guidance notes on the regulations with the group for feedback.

Action: SG to consider if a third meeting is required, possibly around the time of laying the regulations in the Scottish Parliament.

Action: SG will work with Scottish Bereavement Benchmarking Group (SBBG) and others in the funeral sector on how to publicise this ongoing work, including potentially using the SG Funeral Industry blog.