March 4, 2026

Scotland has become the first part of the UK to introduce ‘boil in a bag’ funerals, in the biggest change to Britain’s burial rules since cremation was introduced in 1885.

This alternative technique, known as alkaline hydrolysis, sees bodies dissolved into a sterile liquid and washed down the drains.

Advocates say these ‘water cremations’ are an eco–friendly alternative to traditional cremation, which uses large amounts of natural gas.

During a boil in the bag funeral, the body is wrapped in a biodegradable shroud, often made of silk or wool, and placed in a pressurised steel chamber.

The tank is then filled with a liquid made up of 95 per cent water and five per cent of an alkaline chemical such as potassium hydroxide.

The body is heated to 150°C (302°F) under pressure, which ensures that it does not actually ‘boil’.

Scotland has pioneered the UK's first 'boil in a bag' funerals, introducing alkaline hydrolysis as a groundbreaking burial alternative since cremation's arrival in 1885, where bodies are dissolved in a pressurized chamber filled with water and alkaline chemicals at 150°C, producing a sterile liquid that is eco-friendly and reduces reliance on natural gas, with the body wrapped in biodegradable materials like silk or wool to complete the process without actual boiling.

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