Losing a pet that has become part of the family is an emotional experience. In the face of this situation, some pet owners opt for cremation as a way of saying goodbye. However, there is now a better eco-friendly alternative to cremation, which is aquatization or also known by its other name, bio-cremation. Let’s find out more!

How Does Aquamation or Bio-Cremation Work?
Aquamation or bio-cremation is the process of decomposing an animal’s body using water and alkali. This process is known as alkaline hydrolysis, where the animal’s body is put into a special tank containing a mixture of water and lye at high temperatures (90 – 150°C). During this process, the animal’s body breaks down naturally, leaving only soft bone minerals and ash, which can later be collected by the owner.

Unlike traditional cremation which uses fire, aquatization utilizes a gentler chemical reaction and results in much lower carbon emissions. The end result is similar to regular cremation, where the owner is left with ashes in memory of their beloved pet.

What is the Origin of Aquamation or Bio-Cremation?
According to the Dogster website, aquaculture was first introduced in the late 20th century, around the 1880s as an environmentally friendly solution for the treatment of human and animal bodies. This process was originally used in medicine to handle biological waste, especially in anatomy and medical laboratories. However, with increasing awareness of environmental issues, aquatization began to be adopted as an alternative method for burial.

Countries such as the United States and Canada were pioneers in the adoption of aquatization, and it is now starting to spread to other countries. For animal owners who are concerned about environmental impact, aquatization is a better solution than traditional cremation, as it is gentler and more environmentally friendly.

What are the Advantages of Aquaculture or Bio-Cremation?
Aquaculture has several advantages that make it more attractive compared to conventional cremation, especially in terms of its environmental impact and gentle process. Here are some of the advantages of aquatization:

1. Environmentally Friendly
Aquamation uses about 90% less energy than cremation which uses fire. The process also produces no ozone-damaging greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the water used in embalming can be recycled, thus minimizing waste. This makes aquatization a great choice for animal owners who are concerned about the environment.