Scotland Legalises Hydrolysis

2 March 2026

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Scotland Legalises Hydrolysis (Water Cremation) in Biggest Change to Funeral Law for over a Century

Scotland will become the first part of the UK to legalise hydrolysis on Monday (March 2),
marking the biggest change of the law since cremation was introduced in 1902.

Until now, families arranging funerals in Scotland have had two options: burial or cremation.
From Monday, a third option, hydrolysis- often referred to as “water cremation”- will be legal under new regulations passed by the Scottish Parliament.
Hydrolysis uses water with 5% alkaline solution to break down the body, replicating the natural process of decomposition that occurs following burial, but over a much shorter period of three to four hours.

The process takes place in a sealed, pressurised chamber at a maximum150°C Kindly Earth, whose role is to support the introduction of hydrolysis, says it is already in discussions with several Scottish funeral directors and crematoria interested in offering the service once facilities are operational.
It is expected to take six to nine months before the first Scottish facility is operational, as crematoria or funeral operators will need to secure planning permission and obtain Consent to Discharge from their local water authority.

“ This is an historic moment for the funeral sector in Scotland. For the first time in more than a century, families will have an additional funeral choice alongside burial and cremation. We have been in discussion with organisations in Scotland over several years while the regulations were being developed. Now that the legal framework is in place, we look forward to those conversations progressing. We know that not everyone will choose hydrolysis - and that’s the point. It’s about giving families more choice. Each family has different values and priorities. Some people, particularly those planning ahead for their own funeral, are looking for options that feel more aligned to their own preferences Hydrolysis provides that additional choice."

Helen Chandler, General Manager, Kindly Earth,

Families choosing hydrolysis say they do so as it feels a “gentler” and more environmentally
friendly alternative.

The process produces no direct toxic emissions to air. There is also potential to reduce the use of single-use coffins, as a coffin is not required for the process itself. Kindly Earth is the partner organisation of Resomation Ltd, the exclusive UK manufacturer of hydrolysis equipment. Hydrolysis systems are designed and manufactured in Leeds and supplied all around the world.

Looking beyond Scotland
Scotland’s move does not automatically change the law elsewhere in the UK. However, the Law Commission in England and Wales is currently considering a broader legislative framework for new funerary methods, with a draft Bill expected later this year.