At The Farewell Guide, we share stories, ideas, and resources that help people plan more meaningful, environmentally friendly, and personal farewells. From exploring natural burial grounds and green funeral suppliers to explaining modern practices like human composting and water cremation, we’re here to make end-of-life planning clearer and more compassionate. So when we heard that the Law Commission of England and Wales is reviewing how funerals are handled legally, we knew it was big news. Their new project dives into the laws around burial, cremation, and something really exciting: new funerary methods.

Why Do Funeral Laws Need Updating?

Most of the laws about burials and cremations in England and Wales were written in the 1800s and early 1900s. Think about that for a second. The world has changed a lot since then. Cities are bigger, grave space is running out, and people are more environmentally aware than ever.

Traditional burials take up land, and cremation (which is now the most common method) has a significant carbon footprint. There’s a growing interest in greener, more innovative ways to handle our remains. But the current legal framework doesn’t know what to do with these new ideas. That’s where the Law Commission comes in.

What Are These "New Funerary Methods"?

Two of the most talked-about alternatives are human composting and alkaline hydrolysis.

Human Composting (Natural Organic Reduction) This is where the body is placed in a special container with organic materials like straw and wood chips. Over about a month, microbes break everything down into nutrient-rich soil. It’s already legal in a few US states, and it’s a very eco-friendly option.

Alkaline Hydrolysis (Water Cremation) Also called resomation or aquamation, this process uses water and alkaline chemicals to speed up natural decomposition. It uses less energy than flame cremation and doesn’t release harmful emissions. You’re left with a sterile liquid and bones, which can be dried and returned to loved ones just like ashes.

Both methods are more environmentally gentle than current options. But in England and Wales, there’s no clear legal path for offering them yet.

The Questions That Need Answers

The Law Commission is asking some big questions:

• What rules should be in place to make sure new methods are safe and respectful?

• How do we make sure people’s funeral wishes are honoured?

• Can new options fit with different religious and cultural practices?

• How do we talk to the public about these alternatives in a clear, honest way?

This isn’t just about the law. It’s about how society handles one of the most personal, emotional parts of life.

What The Law Commission Plans To Do

The project started in 2024 and will run until 2026. It includes:

• Looking at how burial and cremation work now

• Investigating the legal gaps for new methods

• Talking to experts, the public, religious leaders, funeral directors, and green burial advocates

• Suggesting new laws that would let modern funerary options be offered safely and respectfully

They’ll release a report and a draft bill by spring 2026. That could set the stage for real change in how we say goodbye.

What This Means For You

If you care about what happens to your body after death, now’s a good time to start thinking about your options. Would you want to return to the earth as compost? Would you choose water over fire?

Public engagement is key. The Law Commission wants to hear from people. That means you can have a say in shaping the future of funerals in the UK.

Final Thoughts

At The Farewell Guide, we believe saying goodbye should be as unique as the life lived. Whether it’s a traditional burial, a woodland ceremony, or being turned into a tree, everyone deserves a choice that reflects their values. By offering side-by-side price comparisons for funeral services across the UK, we let people make informed, affordable choices that still honour their loved ones.

This review from the Law Commission is a chance to bring the law up to date with how people really want to say goodbye. And that’s something worth talking about.

To read more about the Law Commission’s project or share your views, visit: https://lawcom.gov.uk/project/new-funerary-methods/

Related Articles:

How to Have and Eco-Friendly Death

Understanding the New Death Certification Process in the UK

Who is Next of Kin? And Other Common Questions Answered