Flameless Cremation:
Dignified, Gentle, and Environmentally Conscious
Flameless Cremation or Aquamation, scientifically known as Alkaline Hydrolysis, is the gentlest and most environmentally conscious option available for final disposition. Instead of fire, this process uses a combination of warm water and alkalinity to accelerate the body's natural breakdown, resulting in cremated remains that are placed in an urn and returned to the family. By choosing Flameless Cremation, families select a process that mirrors the natural decomposition that occurs in a green burial, but is completed efficiently within a 10–12 hour period.
The Science and Environmental Advantage Why Choose Water?
Aquamation is a superior choice for those wishing to minimize their carbon footprint. The process is remarkably green, expending an estimated 85% less energy than traditional flame-based cremation.
Environmental Advantage:
- Carbon Footprint | 18 times less than flame-based cremation
- Natural Gas Usage | Reduced by 90%
- Electricity Usage | Reduced by 66%
- Carbon Dioxide Emissions | Reduced by 90%
- Mercury | 100% Mercury-free
The Flameless Process Explained
Aquamation is known by other names, including flameless cremation, water cremation, resomation, and eco-cremation. The process is simple, clean, and has been in use since the 1880s, gaining significant momentum in the 1990s when it was adopted by medical schools, including the world-renowned Mayo Clinic.
1. Water & Alkalinity: The body is placed in a clean, stainless-steel vessel with a solution of 95% water and 5% natural alkali (the same materials found in common cosmetic compounds like shaving cream).
2. Gentle Acceleration: Using a combination of gentle water flow and temperature, the solution quickly dissolves the body, leaving behind only sterile liquid and mineral ash.
3. The Result: At the end of the 10–12 hour process, approximately 20% more mineral ash is returned to the family compared to conventional cremation, and the remains are 100% free of carbon discoloration. Medical devices like pacemakers do not have to be removed prior to the process.
Permanent Placement Options at BCA
Aquamation cremated remains are eligible for the same beautiful and permanent placement options available for conventional ashes at Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum. We ensure your loved one has a permanent memorial site for future generations to visit.
Placement options include:
Indoor Columbarium
Placement in a niche within the indoor, climate-controlled Hotchkiss Chapel Columbarium.
Outdoor Columbarium
Placement in the tranquil outdoor Lakeside Columbarium in Wildwood Valley Gardens.
Traditional Gravespace
Placement in a traditional grave or lot located throughout the Cemetery grounds.
Cremation Property
Placement in the picturesque garden beds located in the Wildwood Valley Gardens, or in a custom monument designed for inurnment.
Common Questions & Funeral Planning
As a limited licensed funeral establishment since 2015, Bellefontaine Cemetery is uniquely positioned to manage every aspect of the Aquamation process and subsequent memorial services.
Yes. It mimics the same process that occurs during natural decomposition in the ground, only accelerated.
No. It uses no harsh heat or open flame, and the total carbon footprint is drastically reduced compared to flame-based cremation.
Similar to traditional cremation, the end result is the return of the cremated remains. Because no fire is involved, the cremated remains from Flameless Cremation are often whiter and more abundant than those from a flame-based process.
Yes. Traditional visitation or funeral services are possible prior to the Flameless Cremation by utilizing standard preparation and a rental casket. Once the process is complete—typically within one week—the cremated remains are ready for burial, niche placement, or return to the family.
Please contact our services team for a detailed quote, which includes the entire Aquamation process, staff services, and all required documents.
Prices for the disposition options (niche, grave, or garden placement) are separate. Please refer to our Cremation Property and Burial Options pages for property costs.