Guest Author: This article was written by Shaun Heath, a licensed funeral director in Minnesota since 2004, specializes in funeral planning and decedent affairs with expertise in alkaline hydrolysis, embalming, body preparation, domestic and international decedent transportation. A graduate of the University of Minnesota Program of Mortuary Science,  Shaun has provided compassionate support to families at the Mayo Clinic, the University of Minnesota, LifeSource, and Metro First Call.

Body Disposition in Minnesota

As a licensed funeral director with nearly 20 years experience in deathcare, I have had the
privilege of families entrusting me to help honor their loved ones’ final wishes. Throughout Minnesota, I’ve worked with various forms of body disposition, including earth burial, flame cremation, and alkaline hydrolysis, also known as water cremation. Minnesota has also legalized natural organic reduction, or human composting in May 2024, which will be available starting in July 2025.

Cremation: A Growing Trend

When a loved one passes away, families must decide on the best form of disposition. The trend towards cremation continues to rise nationwide. In Minnesota, over 70% of the deceased were cremated according to a 2024 CANA study. Although seven out of ten families in Minnesota are seeking cremation, in my experience few consumers are aware or prepared to respond when the funeral director asks “cremation by flame or water?” because many people are still unaware of the differences between flame cremation and alkaline hydrolysis.

What is Alkaline Hydrolysis?

Alkaline hydrolysis—also referred to as flameless or water cremation, Aquamation™, Resomation™—in simple terms is a natural process of decomposition that uses a combination of water, alkali (potassium hydroxide, aka lye) and heat to liberate the soft tissues of body from skeletal remains. The body is laid in a rigid porous basket or on a tray which is then sealed within a stainless steel vessel. An alkaline water solution is introduced, heated and circulated over the body. In a matter of 3-12 hours (varies with equipment) a sterile aqueous solution enters the municipal wastewater system while the bones are retained. The wet bones are carefully removed, fully dried and further reduced to a powder resembling the consistency and color of flour which is returned to the family. 

Minnesota Leads the Way 

Minnesota became the first state to legalize alkaline hydrolysis in 2003. The first vessel designed for individual human disposition was installed in 2006. I consider myself fortunate to have operated the initial unit in 2008 and continue to facilitate alkaline hydrolysis for families. 

As of August 2024, 28 US states and 5 Canadian provinces & territories in North America have passed alkaline hydrolysis legislation, although not every legalized state has an operating facility. 

Despite the national disparity in alkaline hydrolysis facilities and crematories, every funeral establishment has the ability to offer alkaline hydrolysis. Any provider that does not have a water cremation facility can engage trusted providers in the industry in order to offer this service to families. 

Advantages of Alkaline Hydrolysis

Environmental 

• Uses water instead of fossil fuel; all water is reclaimed, treated and safely returned to the environment
• Uses significantly less energy than flame cremation
• Releases minimal greenhouse gasses

Public Health 

• Destroys harmful pathogens (e.g. prion diseases, bacteria and viruses)
• Other harmful agents residing in the body (e.g. chemotherapeutics, formaldehyde, mercury in dental fillings) are either neutralized or contained for filtering or purification at the local water treatment facility  

Respect & Dignity 

• Gentle process that does not require removal of medical implants
• Produces 20% more skeletal remains than flame cremation
• No commingling with residual remains from previous cycles 

Challenges of Alkaline Hydrolysis

Location 

• Limited facilities in Minnesota

Cost 

• Slightly more expensive than flame cremation due to equipment and transportation needs. 

Bariatric Limitations 

• Due to equipment capacity, currently not an option for individuals weighing over 500 pounds. 

Making an Informed Choice

Choosing how you return to the earth is a personal choice and can carry ethical, cultural, and environmental implications. It’s essential to rely on facts rather than misconceptions when making these deeply personal decisions. I encourage you to consult with your local funeral director for more insights and detailed options available in your area. A funeral professional’s duty is to offer unbiased knowledge and expertise to guide families to a meaningful experience.