U.S. AQUAMATION MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2025 - 2032)

U.S. Aquamation Market Size and Forecast – 2025-2032

The U.S. Aquamation Market is estimated to be valued at USD 126.1 Mn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 233.3 Mn by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.2% from 2025 to 2032.

Key Takeaways of the U.S. Aquamation Market

• Partitioned aquamation segment is expected to account for 58.5% of the U.S. aquamation market in 2025, driven by its appeal for personalized and respectful end-of-life options.
• Human remains aquamation leads the U.S. aquamation market in 2025 with an estimated 68.7% share, as families increasingly opt for sustainable, gentler alternatives to traditional methods.
• Funeral homes hold an estimated 48.9% market share in 2025, acting as the main link between families and cremation technologies.

Market Overview

Emerging trends in the U.S. aquamation market include advancements in technology that improve the efficiency and environmental benefits of water-based cremation processes. There is a growing preference among consumers for low-emission, biodegradable alternatives, which is driving innovation and expanding the range of aquamation services. Additionally, partnerships between funeral homes and aquatic cremation service providers are enhancing market reach and accessibility, solidifying aquamation’s position as a mainstream option in sustainable funeral practices.

The market is also witnessing a rising focus on carbon credit generation and carbon footprint reduction, as aquamation is viewed as an eco-friendlier alternative to traditional cremation methods. The process of aquamation produces significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint of funeral services. As a result, some providers are now exploring the integration of carbon credits to further promote aquamation as a low-impact, sustainable option in the funeral industry.

Current Events and Its Impact

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Segmental Insights

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Aquamation Market Insights, By Service Type - Partitioned Aquamation Segment Dominates Owing to Increasing Demand for Personalized and Dignified End-Of-Life Services

Partitioned aquamation segment is expected to hold 58.5% share of the U.S. aquamation market in 2025, primarily due to its ability to offer individualized care and respect to families seeking alternatives to traditional cremation or burial. This method involves a dedicated process for each individual, ensuring that the remains are handled separately, which appeals to clients who prioritize privacy and personal connection in the disposition of their loved ones. The growth of this segment is also driven by a broader cultural shift towards environmentally responsible practices, as aquamation is regarded as a more sustainable and less pollutive alternative compared to flame-based cremation.

Aquamation Market Insights, By Application - Human Remains Aquamation Segment Dominates Due to Rising Consumer Awareness and Shifting Cultural Attitudes Toward Eco-Friendly Bereavement Options

Human remains aquamation segment is the leading application, contributing an estimated 68.7% share within the U.S. aquamation market in 2025 as more families explore alternatives to traditional cremation and burial that emphasize sustainability and gentler processes. Increasing consumer education about aquamation’s advantages, including reduced environmental impact, has broadened its appeal. Many families view human remains aquamation not only as a scientifically sound and respectful way to care for the deceased but also as a legacy for future generations that reflects care for the planet.

Aquamation Market Insights, By End User - Funeral Homes Segment Dominates Due to their Central Role in Coordinating End-Of-Life Services and Increasing Adoption of Sustainable Practices

Funeral homes segment is projected to hold 48.9% share of the market in 2025, as they serve as the primary interface between families and cremation technologies. These establishments have been instrumental in driving aquamation adoption by integrating the service into their offerings and educating their clientele about its benefits. Their operational role in managing logistics, paperwork, and compliance positions them uniquely to influence consumer choices at a critical decision-making moment, thereby accelerating the preference for aquamation.

Macro and Micro Factors Impacting the U.S. Aquamation Market Growth

• Environmental Regulations & Sustainability Trends: Increasing environmental concerns and regulatory efforts at both federal and state levels have accelerated the adoption of eco-friendly funeral options. Aquamation (alkaline hydrolysis) uses 90% less energy than traditional cremation, releases no air pollutants or mercury, and generates a substantially lower carbon footprint, aligning well with green policy initiatives and consumer demand for sustainable end-of-life choices.
• Regulatory Landscape: Legal acceptance varies widely across states. As of late 2024, aquamation is legal in 28 U.S. states, including key states like California, Florida, Oregon, and Illinois, but remains restricted elsewhere, leading to regional market variability. Regulatory inconsistencies and permitting challenges remain a significant barrier to national expansion.
• Public Awareness and Education: Adoption rates are still hindered by low public knowledge of aquamation, and misconceptions about the process persist. Increased awareness campaigns in states where aquamation is legal have directly improved demand (e.g., Florida's 7% aquamation cremation share in 2023).
• Infrastructure and Facility Investment: The number of available aquamation facilities is limited, with high initial equipment and facility space requirements. In rural or low-demand areas, the cost of investment and transport limits market penetration. Shared facilities or government incentives could address these hurdles.
• Technological Innovation: Advances in aquamation technology have reduced energy and water consumption, improved fleet operations, and enhanced safety, making the business more attractive for funeral homes.

Market Players, Key Development, and Competitive Intelligence

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Key Developments

• In March 2025, Boomerang Capital, LP., a healthcare-focused lower middle-market private equity firm, announced a strategic growth investment in Bio-Response Solutions, a leading provider of sterilization and tissue digestion capital equipment. This investment aims to support Bio-Response Solutions' continued expansion across its core end markets, including consumer, scientific, and agricultural waste management, by providing strategic resources and capital to advance its environmentally sustainable and innovative technologies.

Top Strategies Followed by U.S. Aquamation Market Players

• Established players in the U.S. aquamation market, such as Bio-Response Solutions and RESPECT by Matthews Environmental, heavily invest in R&D to develop advanced aquamation systems that comply with evolving environmental regulations and deliver superior performance.
  • For instance, Bio-Response Solutions developed patented low-emission systems that meet stringent U.S. EPA guidelines while optimizing energy consumption. These players prioritize technological innovation and product differentiation, integrating automation, digital controls, and eco-efficient processing.

• Mid-level players in the U.S. aquamation market adopt a more cost-conscious approach, targeting price-sensitive consumers who seek a balance between quality and affordability. Their strategies often revolve around delivering more economical products that do not compromise significantly on performance or environmental compliance. To enhance their competitive standing, mid-level companies frequently engage in collaborations that enable them to boost production efficiency, integrate improved technologies, and expand market footprint.
  • For example, AquaGreen Dispositions and Peaceful Pets Aquamation focus on cost-effective and scalable solutions tailored to value-conscious customers, particularly in states with growing awareness about green cremation alternatives. These players offer compact systems that require lower upfront investment, making them attractive for small-to-medium-sized funeral homes.

• Small-scale players focus on carving out niche opportunities within the market by emphasizing specialized features or innovative product offerings targeting specific customer segments. Their strategy hinges on adopting cutting-edge technologies early and catering to unique market needs that larger companies may overlook. These smaller firms often leverage local alliances with startups, regional manufacturers, and service providers to gain market entry and build brand visibility in select geographic areas.

Market Report Scope

U.S. Aquamation Market Report Coverage

U.S. Aquamation Market Dynamics

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U.S. Aquamation Market Driver - Increasing Demand for Environmentally Friendly Cremation Alternatives

The growing environmental consciousness among U.S. consumers has significantly fueled the demand for greener end-of-life options, positioning aquamation as a preferred alternative to traditional cremation and burial methods. Unlike conventional flame-based cremation, aquamation utilizes a water and alkaline solution to accelerate the natural decomposition process, resulting in notably lower emissions of carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants. This method not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with cremation but also eliminates the release of mercury from dental amalgams, addressing increasing public and regulatory concerns over environmental toxicity.

The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) has officially recognized aquamation as a sustainable practice, and states like California, Oregon, and Minnesota have legalized it in response to legislative and public pressure for greener deathcare options.

U.S. Aquamation Market Opportunity - Expansion of Aquamation Services in Underserved Regions

A major growth opportunity within the U.S. aquamation market lies in expanding access to rural and semi‑urban regions, where traditional cremation or burial remains standard due to limited-service availability. Although aquamation (alkaline hydrolysis) is legal in numerous states, actual facility presence is sparse outside metropolitan areas, and awareness among consumers and funeral providers remains low. In Maryland, U.S. local government moved to update zoning regulations in June 2025 to explicitly permit licensed funeral homes and crematories to offer alkaline hydrolysis services (“water cremation”).

Analyst Opinion (Expert Opinion)

• The U.S. aquamation market is gaining momentum as more consumers seek environmentally sustainable alternatives to traditional burial and cremation methods. Companies like Resomation and Aquamation Inc. are leading this shift, as highlighted at the recent National Funeral Directors Association Conference (2023) and the Sustainable Funeral Practices Symposium (2022).
• Presentations emphasized the growing acceptance of aquamation, showcasing case studies where funeral homes successfully integrated this method into their services, appealing particularly to eco-conscious families. Resomation's innovative approach, which uses water and alkaline hydrolysis, has been recognized for its lower carbon footprint and efficiency compared to conventional methods. Moreover, regulatory changes in states like California and Oregon are further legitimizing aquamation, a topic that generated significant discussion at recent industry events.
• As public awareness about the environmental impacts of death care practices rises, the U.S. aquamation market is poised for growth. Companies that prioritize education and demonstrate the benefits of aquamation will likely capture a larger share of this evolving market, positioning themselves as pioneers in sustainable end-of-life solutions.

Market Segmentation

• Service Type Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2020 - 2032)
  • Partitioned Aquamation
  • Communal Aquamation
• Application Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2020 - 2032)
  • Human Remains Aquamation
  • Animal Remains Aquamation
• End User Insights (Revenue, USD Mn, 2020 - 2032)
  • Funeral Homes
  • Crematoriums
  • Veterinary Clinics
  • Others (e.g., pet care services)
• Key Players Insights
  • BONNEY WATSON
  • Resting Waters
  • Ecopassage
  • Endswell
  • White Rose Aqua Cremation
  • Hearts & Halos
  • Petrichor Aquamation
  • GENTLE WATERS AQUAMATION
  • Mueller Memorial, Inc.
  • Bio-Response Solutions

Sources

Primary Research Interviews

• Funeral Home Operations Director – Major U.S. Aquamation Service Provider
• Sustainability & Compliance Manager – Leading Regional Cremation Network
• Technical Director – Aquamation Equipment Manufacturer
• Market Development Manager – National Funeral Industry Association

Stakeholders

• Aquamation Service Providers (funeral homes, crematoria offering water cremation)
• End-use Sectors:
• Funeral Homes & Mortuary Service Chains
• Pet Cremation and Bereavement Services
• Green Burial & Sustainability Certification Bodies
• Regulatory & Certification Agencies:
• State Cemetery & Funeral Bureaus (e.g., California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau)
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• State Departments of Health & Environment
• Distribution and Referral Partners:
• Funeral Planning Networks
• Online Funeral and Cremation Service Directories
• Pet Veterinary Hospitals
• Technology & Equipment Suppliers:
• Aquamation/Alkaline Hydrolysis Equipment Providers
• Water Treatment Technology Integrators

Databases

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Mortality & Disposition Statistics
• National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Statistics
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Funeral Services Sector Data

Magazines

• American Funeral Director – Trends and innovations in water cremation/aquamation
• Funeral Service Insider – Regulatory changes and market updates for aquamation
• Green Burial Council Newsletter – Environmental trends in funeral services
• Cremationist (CANA) – Technical developments and adoption rates for aquamation
• Funeral Business Advisor – Business opportunities and operational best practices in aquamation

Journals

• The Journal of Environmental Health – Studies on emissions, wastewater, and environmental impact of aquamation services
• Omega: Journal of Death and Dying – Consumer acceptance and perception research for non-flame cremation
• Mortuary Management – Equipment, cost, and adoption studies in U.S. funeral homes
• Environmental Science & Technology – Analyses of aquamation process waste stream

Newspapers

• The New York Times – Coverage of regulatory, consumer, and industry trends in water cremation
• USA Today – Public interest stories and legal status updates for aquamation
• Los Angeles Times – Regional spotlights and adoption rates on the U.S. West Coast
• The Washington Post – Feature reporting on green funeral and burial options

Associations

• Cremation Association of North America (CANA)
• National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)
• Green Burial Council
• International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA)
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (for environmental standards)
• State Funeral Directors Associations (California FDA, New York FDA, etc.)

Public Domain Sources

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Funeral Rule guidelines relevant to aquamation services
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Standards for wastewater and emissions for funeral services
• State Health Departments (published lists of legal status and regulations for aquamation by state)

Proprietary Elements

• CMI Data Analytics Tool, Proprietary CMI Existing Repository of information for last 8 years