Alkaline Hydrolysis

A Gentle Alternative to Traditional Cremation

For families seeking an environmentally conscious way to care for their loved one's remains, alkaline hydrolysis offers something different. Sometimes called water cremation, aquamation, or bio-cremation, this process uses water and alkaline chemicals to return the body to its natural elements—gently, cleanly, and with a fraction of the environmental impact of flame-based cremation.

At Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home, we believe families deserve access to every meaningful option when making end-of-life decisions. While alkaline hydrolysis is not yet approved in Pennsylvania, we have established a partnership with a reputable facility in a state where the process is legal. This allows us to offer this service to families throughout Ringtown, Schuylkill County, and the surrounding region who feel drawn to this gentler approach.

Understanding Alkaline Hydrolysis

Alkaline hydrolysis mimics and accelerates the natural decomposition process that occurs when a body is buried in the earth. Rather than using intense heat and flame, it combines water, alkaline chemicals (typically potassium hydroxide), heat, and gentle agitation to break down organic matter over several hours.

The science behind the process is straightforward. The body is placed in a stainless steel vessel filled with a water and alkali solution. The solution is heated to approximately 200-300°F—far lower than the 1,400-1,800°F temperatures used in flame cremation. Over the course of several hours, the combination of warmth, alkalinity, and water movement breaks down soft tissue completely, leaving only bone fragments behind.

These bone fragments are then processed into a fine powder, just as they would be after flame cremation. The resulting remains are returned to the family in an urn of their choosing. Most families cannot distinguish between remains from alkaline hydrolysis and those from traditional cremation—the appearance and texture are virtually identical, though alkaline hydrolysis typically yields slightly more remains.

Why Families Choose Water Cremation

The reasons families choose alkaline hydrolysis vary, but several themes emerge consistently in our conversations with those considering this option.

Environmental Responsibility

Alkaline hydrolysis produces significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than flame cremation—by some estimates, one-tenth the carbon footprint. It uses less energy overall and avoids the release of mercury from dental fillings, which can occur during traditional cremation. For families who prioritized environmental stewardship in life, this option allows them to honor that value in death.

The water used in the process is treated and safely returned to the water system, meeting or exceeding all environmental discharge standards. Nothing harmful enters the environment.

A Gentler Process

Many families find comfort in knowing their loved one's body was treated gently. The idea of flame can be difficult for some, even when they intellectually understand that cremation is a respectful process. Alkaline hydrolysis offers an alternative that feels softer, more natural—water rather than fire, warmth rather than intense heat.

This perception matters. Grief is emotional, and the images we carry of how our loved ones were cared for can affect our healing. For families who find peace in the gentleness of this process, that peace has real value.

Preservation of Remains

Alkaline hydrolysis preserves more of the bone material than flame cremation. Families typically receive 20-30% more cremated remains. For those who plan to divide remains among family members or keep a portion while scattering the rest, this additional volume can be meaningful.

Medical Device Compatibility

Unlike flame cremation, alkaline hydrolysis safely handles bodies with pacemakers and other medical implants without requiring their removal beforehand. The process does not cause batteries or electronic components to rupture, eliminating a step that some families find distressing to consider.

## The Alkaline Hydrolysis Process Step by Step

Understanding what happens during alkaline hydrolysis can help families feel confident in their decision. Here is what the process involves from beginning to end.

Preparation

The body is prepared much as it would be for any cremation service. Any external medical devices are noted, and the body is placed in a biodegradable container or shroud. Unlike flame cremation, metal implants do not need to be removed beforehand.

The Hydrolysis Chamber

The prepared body is placed into a stainless steel vessel specifically designed for alkaline hydrolysis. The chamber is filled with a solution of water and potassium hydroxide, an alkaline compound. The ratio and concentration are carefully controlled.

The Process

The chamber is sealed and the solution is heated, typically to around 200-300°F depending on the specific system. Over the next several hours—usually four to six—the combination of heat, alkalinity, and gentle water circulation breaks down all organic matter. Proteins, fats, and soft tissues are reduced to their basic chemical components and dissolved into the water.

Processing the Remains

When the cycle completes, only bone fragments remain. These are removed from the chamber, dried, and processed into a fine powder using equipment similar to that used after flame cremation. The resulting cremated remains are placed in the family's chosen urn or a temporary container.

Water Treatment

The remaining liquid, called effluent, consists of water, salts, sugars, amino acids, and small peptides—all naturally occurring compounds. This liquid is treated according to local regulations and safely released into the municipal water treatment system, where it undergoes the same processing as any other wastewater.

Alkaline Hydrolysis in Pennsylvania: Current Status

As of now, Pennsylvania has not approved alkaline hydrolysis for use within the state. The process is legal in over twenty states, and that number continues to grow as more legislatures recognize its benefits and safety.

We have chosen not to wait. Through our partnership with a fully licensed facility in a state where alkaline hydrolysis is approved, we can offer this option to Pennsylvania families today. The facility we work with meets the highest standards for equipment, procedures, and environmental compliance.

Here is how the process works for families who choose this option through Stauffer-Breznik:

We handle all arrangements and paperwork at our Ringtown location, just as we would for any other service. Your loved one's remains are then transported to our partner facility by licensed professionals. The alkaline hydrolysis process is performed according to all applicable regulations. The cremated remains are returned to us and then to your family, along with documentation of the process.

Throughout this process, your loved one never leaves professional care. We maintain communication with our partner facility and keep you informed at every step.

Services Before and After Alkaline Hydrolysis

Choosing alkaline hydrolysis does not mean forgoing the rituals and gatherings that help families grieve. Every service option available with traditional cremation is also available when you choose water cremation.

Viewing and Visitation

Families can hold a traditional viewing before the alkaline hydrolysis process. The body is prepared, dressed, and presented just as it would be for any visitation. Friends and family can gather, pay respects, and say goodbye in person.

Funeral and Memorial Services

A full funeral service can precede the hydrolysis process, or a memorial service can be held afterward with the urn present. Religious services, secular celebrations of life, graveside committal services—all are compatible with this choice.

Final Disposition

After alkaline hydrolysis, families have the same options for cremated remains as they would after flame cremation. You can inter the remains in a cemetery plot, place them in a columbarium niche, keep them at home in a decorative urn, scatter them in a meaningful location, or divide them among family members. Our ocean scattering service in Key West is also available for remains from alkaline hydrolysis.