Understanding Pet Cremation: Flame-Based & Aqua or Water Cremation?
Losing a beloved pet can be one of the hardest moments for any pet owner. Many people choose cremation to honor their pet’s memory, but the process and options can vary. With the recent introduction of alternative methods like Aqua Cremation in Singapore, it offers families and pet owners a different approach to pet aftercare. Here, we’ll look at how traditional flame-based cremation and aqua cremation work, their differences, and what each option means for pet owners.
What is Flame-Based Pet Cremation?
Flame-based cremation, also known simply as cremation, is a traditional method that has been used for decades and has been the main option of disposition in land-scarce Singapore. This process involves placing the pet’s body in a crematory chamber, where it is subjected to high temperatures ranging from 760 to 980 degrees Celsius. Over time, this heat reduces the body and contents such as the deceased belongings in the crematorium to ash and bone fragments.
These remains, called “cremains,” are then processed into fine powdery ash* that can be kept, buried, or scattered according to the owner’s wishes.
*ASH – These are the powdered remains from bones. Fire alone doesn’t create ash; instead, a processing machine is used to grind the bones down into a fine powder after cremation.
Key Points of Flame-Based Cremation:
- Temperature and Time: The process takes about 1-3 hours, depending on the size of the pet.
- Environmental Impact: Traditional cremation does produce carbon emissions, as fossil fuels are burned to achieve the necessary high temperatures.
- Final Ashes: The resulting ashes are typically white or gray in color and are generally dry to the touch. All items that are incinerated alongside the deceased is also reduced down to ash remains together. Example items that can be recovered are metals or implants, something providers may be able to have returned to you,
Flame-based cremation is widely available and may be the preferred option for those who are familiar with this traditional approach.
What is Aqua Cremation or Water Cremation?
Aqua Cremation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation, is an alternative, more eco-friendly method of cremation. In aqua or water cremation, the pet’s body is placed in a stainless-steel chamber filled with a warm water solution containing natural salts such as potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide (Alkali, not Acid!).
The solution is then heated and gently circulated around the body, which reduces tissue and organic matter through a natural process of hydrolysis. After a few hours, this process leaves behind only the bone material, which is dried and can be processed into a fine, white ash.
Key Points of Aqua or Water Cremation:
- Temperature and Time: Aqua Cremation and Water Cremation occurs at a lower temperature than flame-based cremation, Operating below <100 Degrees Celcius (Thus allowing minimisation of steam and gases produced) , and the process takes 24 hours.
- Environmental Impact: Aquamation uses significantly less energy and does not produce harmful emissions, making it an environmentally sustainable choice.
- Final Ashes: The ashes from aquamation are often lighter and finer in texture compared to those from flame-based cremation.
- Other Inorganic Remains: The other remains such as medical implants or items found within the deceased from Aqua Cremation is also retrieved and is not altered from the process. Some pictures below from interesting items we recovered after the Aqua / Water cremation process in Singapore!
For more informative resources, content and information regarding water cremation head over to our Instagram Page – Highlights Tab : https://www.instagram.com/thegreenmorticiansg/
This Water-based method is considered gentler and may appeal to those looking for a sustainable end-of-life care option.
Choosing Between Flame-Based Cremation and Aqua / Water Cremation.
When deciding between flame-based cremation and Aqua or Water Cremation, it can be helpful to consider factors such as environmental impact, personal values, and available services in your area.
- Environmental Impact: If reducing your carbon footprint is important, aqua cremation may be a more suitable choice, as it consumes less energy and has a lower impact on the environment.
- Availability: Flame-based cremation is more widely available, though aqua cremation services are becoming more accessible as awareness grows!
- Location: The remoteness of flame crematoriums means that they may be difficult to access by regular transport, often requiring private transport or longer travel times, but this seclusion contributes to a sense of peace and serenity. Water or Aqua Cremation crematoriums, often located closer to urban areas, offer more accessible services compared to flame-based crematoriums. These facilities are typically designed for greater convenience, allowing families to easily reach them using public transportation.
- Ash Consistency: Both methods produces the same end result resulting in bones or powdered bones, though some pet owners find aqua cremation ashes to be softer and lighter in colour.
- Personal Values / Thoughts / Beliefs: There is no right or wrong, but rather what feels right for the family and individual. Personal opinion matters and no one should judge you for deciding what is best for yourself and your pet. You know your pet and family members best!
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose traditional flame-based cremation or the more eco-friendly aqua or water cremation, both methods offer a respectful way to say goodbye to a pet. This decision is a deeply personal one, and the best choice is ultimately the one that feels right for you and honors the special bond you shared with your pet.
Reach out
We at The Green Mortician, offer Aqua cremation for Pets, innovative services, unique urns & memorabilia, and aftercare support. We are dedicated to ensuring the process is more bearable for both the deceased and the living. For a full ist of our services Contact us at +65 8866 9495 or email us at [email protected] – Alternatively, click here for a full list of our services and FAQ page!
Watch this interesting explanatory video of Vice Asia’s Coverage of Aqua Cremation here!
