FAQ

Essentially, this process is an accelerated version of natural decomposition. Hydrolysis describes the splitting of a chemical compound through a reaction with water.

The solution consists of approx. 95 % water and approx. 5 % alkali. The alkalis used are the same substances that are used in common cosmetic products, body washes and food preparation.

Bones and teeth (calcium phosphate) remain in the lavarium as well as any existing prostheses. The human remains are ground into so-called “white ashes” for burial in an urn.

A key factor is the high energy efficiency. Compared to cremation, over 90 % energy is ^saved4 (see below). At the same time, no harmful emissions are produced. In addition, the alkaline hydrolysis neutralizes all harmful substances so that the environment is not polluted by medicines or the like.

Legally, this issue has not yet been finally clarified. If there is a wish to hold a funeral service before the lavation, there is always the possibility of borrowing a coffin. Unlike cremation and burial, no coffin is required for the lavation itself.

The remaining liquid is microbiologically sterile and no longer contains ^DNA/RNA5 (see below), as the process completely breaks down the human body into its original elements – amino acids, peptides, sugars and minerals. The liquid is filtered and can then be safely discharged into the sewer system. The discharge is carried out in accordance with all legal regulations and environmental requirements.

TNO from the Netherlands – an independent, non-profit research organization – carried out a study³ (see below) to assess the safety aspects of the process. Among other things, the waste water was examined, a hazard and risk analysis (HAZOP analysis) was carried out and machine-dependent test certificates (incl. process and instrument diagram) were checked and prepared. The study confirms that alkaline hydrolysis is technically and biologically safe and poses no risk to humans or the environment. The waste water from the process can be safely discharged into the sewage system.

There are many individual opinions on this question – attitudes to other, already established forms of burial also vary greatly. Religious, cultural and emotional aspects are particularly influential in the discussion. Critics of the procedure argue that it lacks reverence and dignity because the discharge of the remaining liquid into the sewage system is equated with “disposal”. For us, this argument focuses too much on the disposal aspect, which is ultimately part of every form of burial. In contrast, the focus should be on the individual farewell to the deceased person, the handling of the body by the undertakers and the final burial. In this case, lavation fits seamlessly into the existing mourning process and should therefore be viewed in the same way as cremation from an ethical perspective. We cannot influence how each individual feels about the lavation. For us personally, it is a positive one: it goes back to the elements from which life is created – back to the origin, so that the circle of life is closed.

At this point, we would like to refer you to a paper by the University of Bonn entitled “On the ethical justifiability of introducing alkaline hydrolysis procedures in the funeral sector in Germany”.

As exchange in all directions is important to us, we are of course also in contact with representatives of the churches. A final assessment and statement is not yet available at this time, as the scientific and social discussion surrounding this new type of burial is still in full swing. For the church, the focus was primarily on pastoral issues, such as the possibilities of saying goodbye. In addition, there is also a theological and liturgical examination of the lavation.