Water Cremation uses a process scientifically known as alkaline hydrolysis. Alkaline hydrolysis was originally patented in 1888 to process farm animals to use as fertiliser. In fact, the process gained international attention when it was discovered around 1991 that alkaline hydrolysis was the only way to neutralise the dangerous mad cow disease pathogen.
Alkaline hydrolysis has been used for 3 decades as a final disposition (for humans and animals) at organisations including: UGA, UCLA, Duke University, Colorado State University, Texas A&M, Kansas State University and the US Government. It was not used for whole human bodies and not used for domestic pets. The animals processed were the animals that were used in laboratories for scientific research. Alkaline hydrolysis has also been used to process the deceased for the Mayo Clinic for bodies donated to science since 2006.
Resomation, a Scottish company, was the only alkaline hydrolysis funeral equipment manufacturer in 2009 and it was high temperature and high pressure equipment.
The name Aquamation® was created to distinguish newly designed equipment that was neither high temperature nor high pressure. The new equipment was a revolution, being safer and easier to use, and less expensive.
The name ‘Aquamation®’ was coined in 2009 by John Humphries who considered a portmanteau of aqua and cremation. John considered other terms such as hydro cremation. Prior to John Humphries inventing the word ‘Aquamation®’ in 2009 it was simply not used in the funeral industry.
Aquamation® is our company name since 2009. Unfortunately, some others have mis-used our name. It was not the name of the process. So if you did not get equipment from us, it is not Aquamation®, merely alkaline hydrolysis.
The world’s first Aquamation® water cremation was in Australia in 2010 which was conducted by John Humphries, who also offered alkaline hydrolysis for pets for the first time in that year under the name of “Water Cremation for pets” By AQUAMATION®.
In 2015, Aquamation® Industries was awarded a place as a finalist in the very prestigious Australian Technologies Competition that recognises excellence in innovation in green technology.
Water Cremation, by Aquamation® is currently available in Australia with the funeral home Environmentally Friendly Cremations.
For over a decade, John Humphries has developed a unique and thriving company that has developed several generations of Aquamation® machines. The current machines are the world’s best for both humans and animals and are being highly acclaimed by funeral directors and other business professionals all over the world.
