‘Boil in the bag’ funerals set to become available soon

Saying goodbye to a loved one is incredibly difficult, with most families opting for a traditional graveyard burial or a cremation.

But, a new alternative method could be making its way to the UK soon - and not everyone is happy about it, with some even branding it as ‘disrespectful’.

‘Boil in the bag’ funerals could be the new norm soon - and yes, they are unfortunately exactly what they sound like.

Controversial but environmentally friendly, the funeral method, which is already available in other countries around the world, has certainly divided the opinions of Brits.

Also known as water cremations or alkaline hydrolysis, they are currently not allowed in the UK as there is no regulatory framework for the method.

A new funeral method could be coming to the UK soon (Paul Mansfield photography / Getty Images)

But thanks to a new consultation into funerary methods, which is being carried out by the independent Law Commission, the method could finally be approved.

What does a 'boil in a bag' funeral involve?

The method uses water and alkaline chemicals, and heat, to break down a body into a liquid and bone fragments called ‘effluent’.

According to The Standard, the mixture doesn’t contain tissue or DNA and is described by scientists as a brown colour that’s not too dissimilar to ‘tea or an ale’.

Then, the leftover fragments of bone and teeth are ground down into a liquid too and it all gets sent to the sewers.

If family members of the deceased want to, they can take some of the ground bone home, like you would with ashes.

The whole process can reportedly take anywhere between two and 18 hours in total.

You might be asking, why would anyone want to do this?

The controversial method has had a mixed reaction from Brits (Kindly Earth)

Well, this method does have a lower carbon footprint than gas-fired cremation and the process is said to be 'gentler on the body and kinder on the environment'.

According to The Guardian, polling conducted in 2023 found that not many Brits had actually heard of the practice.

However, just under a third (29 percent) said they would choose the method for their own funeral, so it’s clear not everyone is on board.

Some people find the method undignified as the liquid goes down to the sewers along with other wastewater.

People have taken to X to express their concern, with one user writing: “Again, I find this beyond distasteful. Why do we need this demeaning experiment?

Just under a third of Brits said they would use this method for their own funeral (Getty Images / Pascal Deloche)

“Why can't anything be kept nice, traditional or British anymore? It's all becoming very alien.”

Another added: “Sending a loved one down the drain alongside the rest of the sewage feels far from dignified, doesn’t it?”

Meanwhile, a third chimed in with: “'Boil in the bag' funerals. Stop the World I want to get off.”

In a statement provided to LADbible Group, Professor Alison Young, Commissioner for Public Law and the Law in Wales, said: “The established funerary methods of burial, cremation and burial at sea have existed for a long time. New methods are being developed, and the law has not changed to make provision for them. Our proposals for new legislation would enable the future regulation of new funerary methods. While we are not proposing or advocating any particular methods, we believe a new regulatory framework will enable people to have more choice in future about what happens to our bodies after we die.

“It is important to ensure that this is done sensitively, with appropriate safeguards, and in line with principles that underpin the regulation of existing funerary methods, including the preservation of human dignity. We want to hear from anyone with an interest in, or knowledge of, this area.”

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.