ALKALINE HYDROLYSIS
AN OVERVIEW
Alkaline hydrolysis uses water, alkaline chemicals, heat, and sometimes pressure and agitation, to accelerate natural decomposition, leaving bone fragments and a neutral liquid called effluent. The decomposition that occurs in alkaline hydrolysis is the same as that which occurs during burial, just sped up dramatically by the chemicals. The effluent is sterile, and contains salts, sugars, amino acids and peptides. There is no tissue and no DNA left after the process completes. This effluent is discharged with all other wastewater, and is a welcome addition to the water systems.
The graphic below summarizes the process.
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The information that follows is intended to help the public more fully understand what occurs in the cremation process. The steps are detailed and should be carefully considered.
However, please note that this information has been prepared on a general basis. Because of variations in manufacturers and state/provincial and local laws, there may be some differences in process and legal requirements in different jurisdictions; your funeral service provider should be able to explain the specific process.
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ABOUT CANA
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Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international 501(c)(6) trade association of over 3,700 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, consultants, and students. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for memorialization.
CANA is the trusted authority and educator on all aspects of cremation. When you register for a CANA certification program, convention, online class or join as a member, you become a participant in a community of cremation experts.
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CANA = All Things Cremation®
CANA is governed by a volunteer board of directors and led by a professional staff headquartered in Wheeling, IL. Volunteer and staff leaders regularly engage in strategic planning to review and prioritize the member benefits and programs offered.
The leadership and staff are guided by these values:
- Integrity
- Progressive
- Collaborative
- Inclusivity
Until the early 1920s, cremation was the choice of the wealthy and the well-educated. All crematories were located on cemetery property and elaborate columbariums were built for the elaborate urns then being used.
After it was proven, through scientific investigation, that proper in-ground, full body burial was safe, cremation fell out of favor and remained in the 3% to 5% range. It wasn't until the early 1980s that the rate reached double digits and started to increase on the average of 1.5% - 2% annually until the USA national rate exceeded 50% in 2016.
CANA also feels that the word "cremains" should not be used when referring to "human cremated remains." "Cremains" has no real connection with the deceased, whereas a loved one's "cremated remains" has a human connection.
CANA members subscribe to the tenets of the Code of Cremation Practice.
CANA PRESS RELEASES
Our press releases, news items, and general announcements are available in the News Archive.
The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is the only association solely focused on cremation, so you can be confident you are talking to leaders in the industry. We are a source of referrals to experts in the many facets of cremation, including:
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Cremation Statistics and Trends: CANA’s cremation statistics highlight national trends.
(Note: the Annual CANA Statistics Report can be provided upon request to members of the press).
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Funeral service alternatives with cremation: Cremation is becoming the first choice for families who also want to memorialize their loved ones. CANA members can help you tell the human interest stories behind CANA’s revealing statistics.
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Investing in Cremation: The leading cremation experts are on the CANA Board of Directors and are available as resources to you to answer industry-related questions.
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Crematory operations and best practices
- Environmental issues relating to cremation
When cremation-related news breaks, CANA members throughout North America are available to you for interviews.
 WHY JOIN CANA?“There is a reason why CANA continues to grow and attract new members, and we take this seriously through ensuring we are and always will remain all things cremation.” – CANA Past President Robert “BBJ” Boetticher, Jr. 
The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is the only association solely focused on cremation. We understand the industry and its challenges. We help our members find success.
CANA membership unites professionals who represent all aspects of the cremation industry – from independent businesses to corporations and from academic institutions to suppliers. Affiliation with CANA demonstrates to clients that practitioners are dedicated to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. The CANA logo on members’ doors, websites, and printed materials illustrates commitment to a professional organization and lends credibility because CANA keeps them up to date on emerging practices and policies.
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