Antwerp hosts Belgium's first water cremation trial
The Pontes crematorium in Wilrijk, Antwerp, has started trialling a cremation technique based on alkaline hydrolysis. The pilot project is Belgium's first 'aquamation' or 'resomation' project.
Water cremation is already being done in countries such as the United States and Ireland. The Pontes crematorium in Wilrijk is the first in continental Europe to install an aquamation system, which is more environmentally friendly than the standard cremation process.
Aquamation involves placing the deceased in a sealed steel cylinder filled with water and potassium hydroxide and heated to around 160 °C. Over roughly four hours, the body - placed in biodegradable clothing and a shroud to allow full decomposition - breaks down into its natural components. The remaining ashes can then be returned to relatives.
"In Flanders, there is still limited scientific data on this technique," explained Tom Wustenberghs, general director of Pontes. "We want to thoroughly study its environmental impact and ensure a solid technical, legal and ethical framework before it can be offered in practice."
Environment, ethics and nuclear safety
The pilot phase of the project will take two to three years, during which researchers will assess environmental, health and ethical aspects and prepare the necessary legislation. It will even involve nuclear safety consultations, to assess potential impacts when handling bodies recently treated with radiotherapy.
Pontes is working with universities to test the cremation method on bodies that were donated to science. While the general public cannot yet choose aquamation, Wustenberghs expects wide interest once that changes: in the Netherlands, around 60 per cent of people say they would consider water cremation if available.
"If aquamation proves to be truly sustainable, many may want to choose it. But that must first be confirmed through research"
Flemish Interior minister Hilde Crevits confirmed that demand for aquamation in the region has existed for years. "We are now giving it the green light, but strict scientific monitoring is essential," she said. "If aquamation proves to be truly sustainable, many may want to choose it. But that must first be confirmed through research."
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE / BELGA VIDEO TIJS VANDERSTAPPEN
Related news
