Flanders has decided to conduct a pilot project on resomation, a greener alternative to cremation, according to Flemish Minister for the Environment, Zuhal Demir.
Resomation is a process aimed at reducing a body to ashes without emitting excessive amounts of CO2, mercury or other harmful substances into the atmosphere. This is achieved by immersing the body in a pressurised alkaline solution, heated to 160°C.
Two Flemish crematoria have already expressed interest in the technique. However, before implementation, Flanders must adapt its current legislation on cemeteries and funerals.
The remnants of the resomation process, which are a white calcium powder and an organic liquid, do not meet current environmental standards.
Compared to cremation, resomation is more eco-friendly because it does not require wooden coffins, and uses a simple silk shroud instead. It also uses significantly less energy than cremation, which typically incinerates bodies at temperatures nearing 1,000°C.
