Netherlands considers water cremation under proposed funeral law

The Netherlands is considering allowing water cremation as a funeral option under proposed legislation that would replace its Burial and Cremation Act, The People's Tribune reported. The method, also called alkaline hydrolysis or resomation, is not yet legal and would require review and passage through the Dutch legislative process.

According to The People's Tribune, water cremation uses water, heat and an alkaline solution in a sealed chamber to break down soft tissue. The remaining bones are dried into a powder that can be returned to relatives in an urn.

The People's Tribune reported that the Dutch Health Council assessed alkaline hydrolysis in 2020 and found it met its criteria on safety, dignity and sustainability for consideration as a method of handling human remains. The council reviewed the method again in 2025 and maintained that position.

The council did not make the same recommendation for human composting, The People's Tribune reported. It found there was insufficient information on its safety and sustainability to allow that practice in the Netherlands.