THANOS
NEW BODY DISPOSITION
TECHNIQUES
EXPLORING AUSTRALIA’S
FUNERAL SECTOR
EDUCATION
IN A LIFE-ENDING PROFESSION
CHAMPIONING WOMEN’S STORIES
112
MAGAZINE
WINTER 2025
The World Organization of Funeral Operatives
17th International
Funeral Exhibition
04/05/06 June 2026
More than 75 years of BEFA FORUM International
More than 25 x FORUM BEFA Regional
100% competence for the funeral branche
More than 230 NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITORS
on approx. 25.000 m²
More than 10.000 VISITORS from more than 40 countries
www.forum-befa.com
info@forum-befa.de
Image fi lm:
Registration forms
Dear FIAT-IFTA Members,
s I write this article, I’m preparing to attend my
national convention and expo in Chicago, Illinois
in just a few days. A year from now, I’ll be welcoming
the world – and especially the members of FIAT-IFTA
– to next year’s Expo and Convention in Charlotte,
North Carolina.
Given the size of our country, NFDA rotates its
convention across different cities and regions. This
allows more members to attend, especially those
who may only be able to leave their business for
a day but still want to experience a large national
expo with excellent educational opportunities. We’ve
found that a decent number of attendees drive to the
meeting rather than fly in from afar.
Please mark your calendars for October 25–28,
2026, if you plan to attend FIAT-IFTA’s next General
Assembly. I hope to see you there next year, and
I’ll share more details in future articles.
One question I’m occasionally asked is about the
regulation of funeral services. Almost every state in
the United States has some form of regulation – some
more than others. Most states also require licensing,
though educational requirements vary widely.
In my opinion, the sole purpose of regulation
should be to protect the public. However, I’ve seen
regulations go overboard. In some states, it seems
the rules are designed more to limit competition than
to safeguard consumers, which can drive up prices
and hurt families.
I currently serve on the regulatory board in my
home state of Ohio. We have the highest educational
requirements for licensing and some of the strongest
consumer protection laws in the country. That said,
I’m not suggesting our model would work everywhere.
Enforcing high educational standards can limit your
pool of potential employees.
Regulation often arises in response to a scandal
that makes headlines. Legislators quickly ask, “Why
did this happen, and what can be done?” That’s exactly
what happened in Colorado. After eliminating their
regulations, a few bad actors created a scandalous
situation, and the state reinstated oversight.
Another challenge with regulation is determining
who oversees and enforces it. Ideally, you want people
who understand the profession – not bureaucrats
unfamiliar with the work we do.
One possible solution is for national funeral
associations to play a role through professional
conduct policies. FIAT-IFTA has adopted such a policy
for its members. My association, NFDA, has one as
well, along with a committee to handle consumer
complaints and mediate solutions. I served as
Chairman of that committee for six years. The biggest
limitation was our lack of authority to shut down bad
actors unlike the authority a government regulatory
board has. One thing I noticed was most consumer
complaints arose from poor communication. The
second was family discord putting the funeral
director in the middle.
Fortunately, most professionals in our field are
good people doing their best to serve families.
Problems are rare. But when they do arise, and
your association isn’t prepared to address them, the
government will step in – and you may not like the
solution they come up with.
William C. Wappner
FIAT-IFTA President
William C. Wappner
FIAT-IFTA President
THANOS MAGAZINE
THANOS magazine, the official magazine of FIAT-IFTA
Editor-in-Chief: Katarzyna Supa, e-mail: fiatifta-magazine@thanos.org
Editorial Office: FIAT-IFTA – The World Organization of Funeral Operatives,
Pascallaan 24, 8218 NJ Lelystad – NL
Design & DTP: PRZECINEK.studio
All materials are copyrighted. Reprinting and use of materials require
permission from the FIAT-IFTA Office. Editors reserve the right to shorten texts
and change the titles of submitted materials. FIAT-IFTA Office is not liable
for the content of advertisements and promotional materials.
Feel invited to create the Thanos Magazine together with us and advertise your products and services: fiatifta-magazine@thanos.org
Photo from the private resources of William C. Wappner
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 112 – WINTER 2025
Let’s welcome new members
of FIAT-IFTA
We are happy to welcome 10 new members of our organization! Since August 2025,
we have been joined by 1 National Member, 2 Active Members and 7 Associate Members.
Please welcome:
National Members:
• Moura Operations Co Ltd. from Mauritius
Active Members:
• Changsha Social Work College from China
• Sereni NV from Belgium
Associate Members:
• Agência Funerária Luís Correia & Correia U. Lda from Portugal
• BRAINBOX – Mementis Zadbamy o Wszystko from Poland
• BRAINBOX – Portal Pozegnaj.pl from Poland
• BRAINBOX – Serwis Usługi Pogrzebowe from Poland
• FuneralCar from South Africa
• Heilongjiang Haohao Farewell Etiquette Eervice Co., Ltd. from China
• Heilongjiang Tianquan Ecological and Cultural Memorial Park Co., Ltd. from China
If you wish to learn more about each member please visit www.thanos.org .
If you wish to expand your network to enhance the global exposure
of your services, apply for FIAT-IFTA Membership by sending an e-mail
at info@thanos.org .
FIAT-IFTA Joined UNESCO
Virtual Celebration
On 15 October, the celebration of UNESCO’s
International Day for the Safeguarding of Intangible
Cultural Heritage 2025 took place virtually. The forum
of UNESCO-accredited ICH organizations in Region III
invited representatives, tradition bearers, observers
and interested communities to exchange knowledge
on the preservation of our intangible cultural heritage.
With 30 people connected to this meeting, various
associations from Region III presented their different
points of view on how to preserve cultural heritage in
each country in the region. FIAT-IFTA was represented
by Virginia Gallardo Secretary of the FIAT-IFTA Funeral
Heritage Committee.
FIAT-IFTA participated and received special mention
because the association is registered with UNESCO
as Region I. We incorporated the importance of
cultural heritage conservation in relation to funerary
issues around the world. Emphasis was placed on
the association’s international presence and the
importance and concern of each country in the
conservation of various rituals, beliefs or activities
that are immersed in and related to death.
The video prepared by Ms Cheng YuanYuan, as chair
of the FIAT-IFTA Funeral Heritage Committee, as part
of the celebration of UNESCO’s International Day
for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage,
was shared with the members of the PCI NGOs in
Region III. We received very positive feedback on the
vision for conserving, preserving, and maintaining
funeral cultures and their diversity around the
world, upholding integrity, and the human spirit.
The session closed with an invitation to continue
sharing projects that strengthen the safeguarding
of Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Participants also
expressed commitment to deepening regional
collaboration ahead of the in-person meeting in
Delhi this December.
4
No. 112 – WINTER 2025 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBERS’ NEWS
UNESCO Day Of Intangible
Cultural Heritage 2025
On the occasion of the UNESCO Day of Intangible
Cultural Heritage, FIAT-IFTA, in collaboration with
PANASEF – Asociación Nacional de Servicios
Funerarios (Spain), proudly celebrated this important
day during the FUNERMOSTRA trade fair in Valencia
on October 16, 2025.
As part of the celebration, FIAT-IFTA officially
launched the Spanish printed edition of the
FIAT-IFTA Funeral Heritage Report, marking another
significant step in promoting the preservation and
appreciation of funeral heritage around the world.
During the event, Ms. Cheng YuanYuan, Chair of the
FIAT-IFTA Funeral Heritage Committee, delivered an
inspiring speech emphasizing the global importance
of safeguarding funeral traditions as a part of
intangible cultural heritage. Mr. Josep Ventura,
PANASEF representative at FIAT-IFTA, also addressed
the audience, speaking on the vital role of funeral
professionals in preserving intangible cultural
heritage.
This gathering united professionals, institutions,
and cultural representatives from across the world
to reaffirm the significance of traditions, rituals, and
funeral practices – diverse cultural expressions that
share a universal purpose: to honour the deceased
and preserve collective memory as a fundamental
part of our shared human heritage.
FIAT-IFTA extends its heartfelt gratitude to PANASEF
for their generous support and coordination
in printing this meaningful publication, and to
FUNERMOSTRA for their invaluable collaboration
and hospitality in hosting this special event.
Foto: Funermostra Press Service
New Repatriation Insurance
for African Diaspora
Homeland International, a FIAT-IFTA Associate
Member, offering repatriation services, has
partnered with Diaspora Insurance to launch the
Homeland International Diaspora Funeral Cash Plan
(HIDFCP). This new insurance product is specifically
designed for the African diaspora, offering affordable
and reliable financial support for repatriation and
funeral expenses worldwide.
Unlike traditional travel insurance and funeral
plans, the HIDFCP guarantees acceptance
without medical checks, provides an immediate
cash payout upon proof of death, and allows
benefits to be received in Pounds, Euros, or
US Dollars. It offers coverage for more than 20
African nationalities living abroad, including
in the UK, EU, Middle East, USA, Canada, and
Australia.
The HIDFCP is authorised and regulated by the UK
Financial Conduct Authority.
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 112 – WINTER 2025
MEMBERS’ NEWS
New ALPAR Board of Directors
Within the framework of the 9th International Funeral
Industry Symposium, organized by ALPAR, on
September 21, 2025, the General Assembly of ALPAR
Members was held, where the election of the ALPAR
Board of Directors for the 2025–2027 term was ratified.
Likewise, the positions of President. Vice President, and
Secretary of the Association were elected for the same
period. The Board of Directors is composed as follows:
• President: Mr. Andrés Aguilar, Guatemala
• Vice President: Mr. Rafael Azevedo Flores, Brazil
• Secretary: Mr. Juan Camilo Tavera, United States
Board Members:
• Andrés Aguilar, Guatemala
• Rafael Azevedo Flores, Brazil
• Juan Camilo Tavera, United States
• Sergi Martínez, Spain
• Juan Pablo Donetch, Chile
• Gisela Dardengo Adissi, Brazil
• Jimena Ceballos, Colombia
• Carlos Roberto Belloso Castro, El Salvador
• Marco Antonio Girón, México
• Nicolás Andrade, Bolivia
Congratulations to our ALPAR colleagues and wishing
you lots of success!
Consejo Directivo Alpar
2025-2027
Anubis celebrates
30 Years of Service
For three decades, Anubis Group Holding has stood
as a bridge between families, cultures, and continents
– guided by one enduring value: humanity. This year,
the company’s 30th anniversary coincides with two
deeply meaningful operations that illustrate the
essence of its mission.
One recent operation took Anubis to the United States,
where the team assisted in the repatriation and
reburial of Eliza Monroe Hay, daughter of
former 5th U.S. President James Monroe.
Originally buried in Paris, Mrs. Monroe
Hay’s remains were exhumed and returned
to her homeland for an official burial
ceremony – an event that moved everyone
involved. This profoundly symbolic
operation, carried out in collaboration
with American authorities and the Monroe family, was
both charitable and humane, honouring a legacy of
transmission, respect, and memory.
On October 29, Anubis was present in Martinique for
the commemoration of the tragic Maracaibo plane
crash, which claimed the lives of 152 Martinicans
twenty years ago. Anubis, alongside Martinican funeral
directors and service teams, had been responsible for
the logistics and repatriation of the victims at the time
– a mission etched into the collective memory of the
island. Two decades later, the presence of Anubis at
the memorial stood as a gesture of continuity,
solidarity, and remembrance.
“Even when our work goes unseen, we know
its impact is profound. Our deepest respect
goes to all funeral professionals who serve
with dignity, empathy, and strength.” says
Dominic Vernhes, CEO of Anubis Group
Holding.
Sortem Expands
into Latin America
Sortem has officially launched its operations in
Mexico, expanding its international presence and
bringing its vision of sustainable funeral innovation
to Latin America. Based in Mexico City and led by
Miguel Serrano, Sortem Mexico aims to strengthen
collaboration with local professionals, offering
training, products, and projects that merge design,
circularity, and
emotional value
within the funeral
i n d u s t r y.
T h e
initiative marks
a new step in
Sortem’s mission
to connect cultures
through knowledge,
innovation, and
respect for memory.
Miguel Serrano,
Sortem Mexico
6
No. 112 – WINTER 2025 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBERS’ NEWS
Dalmatia Needs a Crematorium
Currently, Croatia has two crematoria: one in Zagreb
and a newer one in Osijek. Unfortunately, both are
facing technical difficulties. The Zagreb crematorium,
with its aging furnace, is under construction and it’s
working on low capacity only for people from the
Zagreb area while Osijek has been out of operation
since spring due to chimney problems, and will be fully
open in the next days. Because of this, cremations
from Dalmatia and other parts of Croatia are now
being carried out abroad, most often in Ljubljana,
Slovenia. For funeral homes in the coastal region, this
detour is manageable – around 80 extra kilometres of
travel, still, the additional transportation costs place
a heavy burden on families.
The situation was highlighted in an article by national
media “Slobodna Dalmacija”, where Joško Vuković,
director of “Čempresi,” the municipal company
that manages Šibenik’s cemeteries, explained the
growing demand for cremation: “Ten years ago, we
arranged only five or six cremations per year. Today,
we see that many every month. This morning alone we
transported two deceased from Šibenik to Ljubljana.
Zagreb currently accepts only its own residents.” Vuković
emphasized that the time has come for Dalmatia to
have its own crematorium. A conceptual design for
such a facility in Šibenik has already been prepared,
with plans to proceed to land acquisition and
project documentation. “This would not be just a local
investment, but a regional and even national project,”
he said.
In addition to serving Dalmatian families, the
crematorium in Šibenik could also provide services
for neighbouring countries such as Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania. Transport
costs would drop significantly – for example, it would
be much cheaper for a family from Dubrovnik to
travel to Šibenik rather than to Slovenia.
As cemetery and burial plot prices continue to rise,
cremation is becoming more common throughout
Croatia. The development of a crematorium in
Dalmatia would not only relieve grieving families of
financial strain, but also position Šibenik as a regional
centre for modern funeral services.
MEMBERS’ NEWS
WE TAKE CARE OF EMOTIONS,
WE KEEP MEMORIES
WWW.SORTEM.ES
IG. _SORTEM_
X. SORTEMDELIVERY
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ADVERTISEMENT
Australian Funeral Directors Association Celebrates 90-Years
On 30 August 2025, the Australian
Funeral Directors Association (AFDA)
marked its 90-Year Anniversary with
a landmark national celebration to
honour its proud history and the
members who made it possible while
looking boldly towards the future.
Before reflecting on AFDA’s proud
history, members were invited to look
ahead with the official launch of the
Association’s new brand strategy and
name: Funerals Australia. The event
also featured an inspiring lineup of
speakers who shared insights on
sustainability, innovation, and emerging
trends shaping the future of the funeral
profession in Australia.
The highlight of the weekend’s
celebration was the Gala Ball, held at
Melbourne’s heritage-listed Forum
Theatre. Guests were welcomed by the
organising committee before posing
for photos against the media wall and
exploring a display of AFDA memorabilia
including historical photo albums shared
by members and banners honouring
all 61 National Presidents. Inside, the
grandeur of the Forum set the perfect
scene to celebrate and honour the
Association’s 90-year legacy.
The evening brought together formalities,
live music, and special moments of
reflection, recognition, and connection
with members from across Australia and
colleagues from around the world. The
event was hosted by iconic Australian
voice Denis Walter OAM, setting a
celebratory tone for the evening. Formal
proceedings began with a keynote
address delivered by Immediate Past
President Kelly Scott on behalf of
Past President, Life Member, and Life
Councillor Bernardine Brierty, who was
unable to attend at short notice.
The address was a moving tribute to the
enduring fellowship of the Association
and the extraordinary groundwork laid
by its past members. It reflected on
how the vision and values of those early
pioneers from advancing the role of
women to championing sustainability
or embracing change within the
profession have stood the test of time.
The speech also acknowledged the
contributions of members past and
present and their shared commitment
to continually raising the standards of
care for grieving families.
Guests heard video messages of
congratulations from AFDA’s valued
international colleagues including,
Andrew Malcolm (Funeral Directors
Association of New Zealand), John
Adams (National Association of Funeral
Directors UK), Emerson Luca (FIAT-IFTA)
and Christine Pepper (National Funeral
Directors Association USA). A roving
microphone segment with a range of
voices that have shaped AFDA’s history
from Past Presidents, Life Members
and the partners who have supported
them, to reflections from the national
office, all added to a memorable
evening and a truly fitting celebration
of AFDA’s 90-year journey.
Kelly Scott
AFDA Immediate
Past President
8
No. 112 – WINTER 2025 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBERS’ NEWS
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Australia’s funeral industry is in the midst of a
quiet revolution – one shaped by shifting cultural
values, evolving family dynamics, and a growing
openness to discussing death. What was once seen
as a solemn, religiously anchored ritual is now
transforming into a deeply personal experience
that reflects the stories, beliefs, and identities of
the deceased.
To reflect the shift in the way Australians want to
say goodbye the peak body for the funeral industry,
the Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA)
has rebranded to Funerals Australia. The new
name better represents today’s evolving values
and diversity of choices Australians make when it
comes to farewells.
New research commissioned by Funerals Australia
and conducted by McCrindle Research in 2025
shows the depth of change in how Australians
view funerals today. Australians now see the most
valued elements of a funeral as reflecting the
life and personality of the person who has died,
bringing people together to share memories and
creating a sense of closure and support.
While farewells have changed, the role of the funeral
director remains essential. The research conducted
by McCrindle, also found that Australians care most
about funeral staff upholding ethical standards
(88%), being professionally trained (85%) and being
regulated professionals (73%).
Evolving funeral practices
This year marked a significant milestone for Australia’s
peak funeral body as it celebrated 90-years of service to
the profession and the community. Over nine decades
it has witnessed firsthand several key changes in the
Australian funeral landscape from religious formality
to personal storytelling, from traditional burials to
innovative, eco-conscious alternatives.
Cremation is now the most common choice for
Australian families. The Funeral Sector Services
Report (2023) endorsed by the Australian Competition
and Consumer Commission confirmed that
cremations have steadily overtaken burials, driven
by affordability, flexibility, and changing spiritual
beliefs. Many families now choose to scatter ashes
in meaningful places, preserve remains in custom
urns, or transform them into jewellery or keepsakes,
giving new expression to remembrance.
At the same time, green burials and sustainable
funerals are gaining momentum. Australians are
increasingly seeking biodegradable coffins, natural
cemeteries, and water cremation, reflecting a desire
to align end-of-life choices with environmental values.
The rise of technology has also redefined how
Australians gather and grieve. Livestreaming is now
a standard part of many services, connecting loved
ones across states and continents. More experimental
innovations such as virtual reality memorials and AI-
EVOLVING TRADITIONS
AND EMERGING TRENDS
AUSTRALIAN FUNERAL MARKET
By Funerals Australia (formerly the Australian Funeral Directors Association)
10
No. 112 – WINTER 2025 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBERS’ NEWS
enhanced photo stories are giving families new ways
to share and preserve memories.
Beyond the logistics of funerals, the emotional
experience has evolved. Many Australians now
prefer celebrations of life events filled with music,
storytelling, and humour over solemn ceremonies.
These personalised farewells capture the essence
of the individual rather than conforming to rigid
traditions.
Australians and funeral planning
The 2025 McCrindle research also revealed only one
in three Australians (31%) feel confident planning
a funeral and more than half (54%) are unaware
of resources available to help navigate end-of-life
planning, funerals or grief.
Encouragingly, however, 77% of Australians say
they can comfortably talk about death, particularly
among those who have recently attended a
funeral. This marks a notable cultural shift towards
openness, awareness, and pre-planning. Yet, many
still feel unprepared when the time comes. Clarity,
guidance, and experience are the three most
sought-after qualities in a funeral professional,
with Australians seeking trusted expertise to help
navigate emotional and practical decisions.
The role of Funerals Australia
Amid these changes, Funerals Australia stands as
the national authority on funeral standards leading
the sector with compassion, professionalism, and
innovation.
The rebrand to Funerals Australia is more than just
a name change. It signifies a shift from an inward-
facing industry body to a forward thinking, public-
facing organisation and a renewed commitment to
serve both the profession and the community with
transparency, inclusivity, and care.
As National President Asha Dooley explained: “For
90 years, we have been trusted to guide Australians
through loss with care and professionalism. As Funerals
Australia, we remain dedicated to setting high standards
across the sector, while ensuring funerals reflect the
changing ways Australians wish to say goodbye.”
Upholding standards,
supporting professionals
Funerals Australia members must meet rigorous
Premises, Equipment and Vehicles (PEV) standards
and are bound by a Code of Ethics and Code of
Conduct that ensures respectful, transparent, and
accountable care. Members also complete ongoing
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to stay
current with best practice in safety, legal compliance,
and compassionate care. This framework ensures
that every family engaging a Funerals Australia
member can be confident that their loved one
will be treated with professionalism, integrity, and
respect at every step.
Funerals Australia also provides a unified national
voice to advocate for policy change and consumer
protection addressing challenges such as funeral
price transparency, GST on burial rights, and
environmental sustainability.
Challenges facing the industry
While the profession is adapting to modern
expectations, several challenges remain.
1. Consumer Awareness: More than half of
Australians still feel under-informed about their
options, creating barriers to pre-planning and
decision-making.
2. Regulatory Consistency: Funeral regulations
vary by state, creating complexity for operators
and families.
3. Workforce Development: Attracting and
retaining skilled, compassionate professionals is
crucial as the demand for funeral services grows.
4. Sustainability and Technology: Funeral
businesses are embracing new technologies
and environmentally responsible practices while
balancing cost, tradition, and accessibility.
Looking ahead
As Australia’s population grows and diversifies,
funerals will continue to evolve blending tradition
with technology, culture with community, and
formality with compassion.
Funerals Australia is proud to be at the forefront
of this evolution, supporting its members to
deliver services that meet changing expectations
while maintaining the highest standards of
professionalism.
As Australians embrace openness, creativity, and
inclusivity, the profession under the guidance of
Funerals Australia continues to ensure that every
farewell, no matter how big or small, is grounded
in care, integrity, and respect for all stories, cultures
and traditions.
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 112 – WINTER 2025
11
MEMBERS’ NEWS
THE CRUCIAL ROLE
OF FUNERAL DIRECTORS
IN PRESERVING INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE
By Josep Ventura, PANASEF representative at FIAT-IFTA, Spain
12
No. 112 – WINTER 2025 | THANOS MAGAZINE
COMMITTEE NEWS
October 17th marked the International Day for
Intangible Cultural Heritage, an occasion to reflect
on the essential function that funeral professionals
can play in safeguarding this collective inheritance.
Intangible Cultural Heritage, according to UNESCO,
encompasses the practices, expressions, knowledge,
and skills that communities recognize as part of their
legacy. Funeral directors are custodians of these
traditions, rites, and symbols, and can play a vital role
in maintaining collective identity.
The work of a funeral professional combines technical
skills and empathy with cultural transmission. Funeral
rituals, universal expressions with ancestral origins,
are much more than mere formalities. They are
powerful psychological tools that provide people with
the necessary space and structure to face grief in a
healthy way. These ceremonies reinforce community
bonds and transmit values across generations.
Essential Roles in Preservation
Funeral directors can assume four essential roles in
this preservation task:
• Custodians of Traditions: They possess knowledge
of local customs and understand the evolution of
rituals, maintaining their essential meaning.
• Educators and Mediators: They can explain the
value of ritual gestures and symbols, ensuring their
meaning endures for new generations.
• Institutional Collaborators: They actively
participate in documentation projects with
universities, museums, and cultural associations.
• Agents of Innovation: They integrate
personalization and sustainability into services,
always respecting the symbolic essence of the rite.
The FIAT-IFTA Funeral Heritage Committee works to
document and raise awareness of funeral traditions
recognized as ICH (Intangible Cultural Heritage). Their
work focuses on documenting cases by analysing their
meaning and evolution, identifying traditions at risk of
disappearance, and proposing concrete preservation
actions with the involvement of the sector.
Challenges and Best Practices
Preservation faces considerable challenges, such as
cultural and commercial homogenization (including
the standardization of services and cremation) that
threatens cultural diversity, and secularization,
which leads to the loss of traditional knowledge
due to a lack of generational relay. Furthermore,
restrictive regulations can limit historical ritual
expressions. The new expectations of current
generations, who seek more sustainable and
intimate farewells, demand balancing modernity
with tradition.
To address these challenges, several best practices
are proposed:
• Document: Create digital archives, record
testimonies, and gather images of rituals.
• Participate: Involve the community and
company staff in the recovery of practices
through intergenerational gatherings.
• Educate: Develop programs on funeral heritage
in collaboration with schools and universities.
• Disseminate: Publish materials and organize
exhibitions to raise awareness of cultural value.
• Cooperate: Promote national and international
networks for the exchange of experiences and
research.
Concrete Proposals for the Sector
Concrete proposals have been outlined for the
funeral sector to drive this mission:
• Creation of a Funeral Heritage Archive, a public
repository with records, objects, and testimonies
of traditions.
• Development of Annual Campaigns to collect
photographs, stories, and interviews in local
communities.
• Promotion of International Exchange among
funeral directors to share cultural knowledge.
• Organization of Traveling Exhibitions to
showcase the richness of rituals.
• Use of Immersive Technologies (such as virtual
reality) to recreate traditional ceremonies for
educational purposes.
Funeral directors manage more than the physical
farewell; they preserve the “symbolic soul”
of communities, acting as transmitters of a
collective memory that gives meaning to social
life. Recognizing and honouring the past through
the care of traditions is essential to giving meaning
to the present. It is an acknowledgement of the
importance of the intangible that unites us as
human beings.
Funeral directors manage more
than the physical farewell;
they preserve the “symbolic
soul” of communities, acting
as transmitters of a collective
memory that gives meaning
to social life.
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 112 – WINTER 2025
13
COMMITTEE NEWS
On behalf of the FIAT-IFTA Global Education
Committee, I am proud to launch “A Manifesto
of Visibility and Voice” – a pioneering global
initiative that invites women working in the funeral
profession to share their stories through the
universal language of art. This project is more than
a creative endeavour; it is a call to action, a platform
for advocacy, and a celebration of the vital, yet often
unseen, contributions of women in funeral care.
The value of this project lies in its commitment
to making visible the realities of women’s work
– realities that are frequently quiet, sometimes
overlooked, but always essential. Across cultures
and throughout history, the role of women in
death care has shifted dramatically, reflecting a rich
tapestry of traditions, beliefs, and social change.
Today, women continue to shape the profession,
caring for the dead and supporting the living, yet
their stories are too often left untold.
“A Manifesto of Visibility and Voice” seeks to change
that. By inviting women – regardless of their role,
background, or location to submit visual works such
as photographs, paintings, collages, or short videos,
we are building a creative archive that honours their
experiences. Formal artistic training is not required;
what matters is authentic expression, emotional
CHAMPIONING
WOMEN’S STORIES
IN FUNERAL CARE
By Alison Crake, Chair of FIAT-IFTA Global Education Committee on behalf of
members of the committee
14
No. 112 – WINTER 2025 | THANOS MAGAZINE
COMMITTEE NEWS
content, and the courage to share one’s perspective.
This is a space where every narrative is valued, and
every voice is heard.
The project’s main themes – visibility and voice –
are complemented by powerful supporting ideas
such as compassion, community, tradition, change,
innovation, and recognition, all of which encourage
contributors to share authentic stories that reflect
the diverse realities of women in funeral care.
Each theme encourages women to reflect deeply
on their journeys, illuminating both the challenges
and triumphs that shape their professional and
personal lives. By centring women’s perspectives
in a field that has often been male dominated, we
hope to foster dialogue, spark change, and celebrate
the essential labour women perform every day.
Inclusivity is at the heart of this initiative.
Submissions are open to all women working in the
funeral profession, funeral directors, arrangers,
embalmers, mortuary workers, service operatives,
support staff, and more. We also welcome
contributions from trade associations and corporate
organisations wishing to showcase the voices of the
women they represent. Accessibility is a priority,
and we are working to offer support for those
with limited internet access, language needs, or
alternative submission requirements, ensuring that
everyone can participate with confidence.
Submissions for “A Manifesto of Visibility and
Voice” are now open and will close on 31 March
2026, with each individual able to submit up to three
works. I strongly encourage early submissions, as this
allows our curatorial team time to review, celebrate,
and post your contributions on the Thanos website
ahead of the closing date. To support and inspire
participants, we will also be hosting two webinars
in November – on Wednesday 26th and Thursday
27th November – where you can learn more about
the project, ask questions, and connect with others
from around the world.
I am delighted to advise that we have already
received interest in our project from Belgium,
Hungary, the UK, and the USA! This significant early
interest will assist our aim to create a truly global
understanding of gender dynamics in funeral rituals
and help us break down barriers, as we celebrate
the diversity of women’s experiences. This truly is
your invitation to be seen, to be heard, and to help
shape a more inclusive future for our profession.
It’s time to tell your story. Your voice matters – let it
be part of this global manifesto.
For the full submission guidelines and to register
your interest in the webinars, please contact me
at alison.heritage@thanos.org .
“A Manifesto of Visibility
and Voice” is a pioneering
global initiative that invites
women working in the funeral
profession to share their
stories through the universal
language of art.
By centring women’s
perspectives in a field that has
often been male dominated,
we hope to foster dialogue,
spark change, and celebrate
the essential labour women
perform every day.
Submissions for “A Manifesto
of Visibility and Voice” are
now open and will close on
31 March 2026, with each
individual able to submit
up to three works.
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 112 – WINTER 2025
15
COMMITTEE NEWS
NEW BODY DISPOSITION
TECHNIQUES
BETWEEN INNOVATION, ETHICS, AND REGULATION
By Johan Dexters, FUNEBRA, FIAT-IFTA First Vice President, Belgium
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The way we deal with death is changing. For decades,
burial and cremation have been the only legally
permitted methods of body disposition in many
European countries. But today, increasing attention
is being paid to alternatives that better reflect
modern values such as sustainability, ecological
responsibility, and personal meaning. Two such
alternatives are resomation (alkaline hydrolysis)
and natural organic reduction (known in Dutch as
veraarden or human composting). Both promise a
more environmentally friendly farewell, yet they still
face scientific, legal, and ethical boundaries.
This article outlines the current state of affairs,
drawing on official reports from Belgium, the
Netherlands, and Germany, and analyses what
these innovations might mean for the future of
the funeral sector.
Water Cremation in Flanders:
A Third Way in Body Disposition
On October 20, 2025, the first resomator in Flanders
was installed at the Pontes Crematorium in Antwerp,
Belgium. The pilot project is a collaboration between
KU Leuven, the University of Antwerp, and VITO. It is a
scientifically supervised initiative that does not apply
to standard deaths and only uses bodies donated to
science. The goal is to map out the entire process –
from medical safety to environmental impact, from
ethics to energy consumption. The findings will inform
a regulatory framework that is still under development.
What Exactly Is Being Studied?
Under the guidance of KU Leuven, the University
of Antwerp, and VITO, the project investigates the
following aspects:
• Medical: Tissue breakdown and neutralization
of pathogens.
• Environmental: Chemical composition and
disposability of the residual liquid.
• Technical: Water and energy consumption, and
overall process efficiency.
• Ethical: Respectful treatment of the body and
professional conduct.
• Legal: Drafting a regulatory and normative
framework.
What Exactly is Resomation?
Resomation is a form of body disposition
in which the body is placed in a stainless-steel
chamber filled with heated water and an alkaline
substance (potassium hydroxide). Under high
pressure and at a temperature of 150°C, the soft
tissue dissolves. What remains are bone fragments,
which are then ground into a white powder similar
in appearance to cremated ashes. The remaining
liquid contains salts, sugars, and amino acids. In
Flanders, it is still being studied whether this liquid
can be safely discharged into the sewage system,
needs to be purified, or could be repurposed
through alternatives such as a memorial pond.
Sustainability in theory, but questions
in practice
Foreign studies suggest that resomation could
produce up to seven times less CO2 emissions than
cremation. The process consumes less energy and
also requires less space on-site.
However, many practical questions remain:
• Clothing and Viewing: Can a body still be
traditionally presented for viewing if it is later
to be resomated? What about cases involving
embalming (thanatopraxy)?
• Transport: What changes when no coffin is
required? What new logistics are needed?
• Ceremony: How should a funeral ceremony be
organized in this context?
• Economic Model: What is the impact on income
for funeral directors, coffin suppliers, transport
providers, and ceremony services?
Sector question appears:
“What does a funeral without
a coffin or shroud mean for
the ritual, the experience,
and the entire value chain in
the sector?”
Legal Framework Under Development
At present, resomation is not legally
recognized in Belgium as a valid form of body
Prof. Kristof Van Assche (Health
Law, University of Antwerp) says:
“This test is essential to
properly assess the legal
and social acceptability
of resomation. Only then
can formal recognition be
considered.”
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17
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disposition. However, legislation does allow for
the consideration of new techniques. Currently,
only burial and cremation are legally permitted.
Flemish Minister Hilde Crevits is working on
a regulatory framework, but it will only be
considered after the results of the pilot project
have been thoroughly analysed.
The Belgian Advisory Committee on Bioethics has
stated that resomation should, in principle, be made
possible, provided the process is carried out safely,
respectfully, and in an ecologically sound way.
Bioethics Advisory (2025) says:
“Technically, the procedure
is feasible – but only under
strict conditions and with
clear ethical safeguards.”
A Sector at a crossroads
This pilot project is more than a technical trial.
It reveals just how deeply funeral practices are
interwoven with ritual, logistics, regulation and
emotion. For the sector, this is a pivotal moment
to take a seat at the table.
The introduction of a third method of body
disposition could mean:
• New roles for funeral professionals.
• Adjusted infrastructure in crematoria and
funeral homes.
• Evolving expectations from families.
• And a shift in the economic model of the funeral
sector.
Not a revolution,
but a preparation for the future
With the installation of the resomator, Flanders is
taking an important step in exploring alternative,
more sustainable forms of body disposition. This
is not a revolution, but a careful preparation
for potential change. The coming months will
determine whether resomation is realistic and
acceptable – for policymakers, for society, and
above all, for the professionals who work daily
with death and mourning.
Natural organic reduction:
between idealism and implementation
In recent years, the pursuit of environmentally
friendly burial methods has led to a range of
innovations that challenge the traditional binary
of burial or cremation. In addition to resomation
(alkaline hydrolysis), human composting, often
referred to as veraarden in the Netherlands and
Flanders, is gaining attention as a sustainable
alternative.
The concept is appealing: returning the body
to the earth, without combustion, without
chemicals, and with a minimal ecological
footprint. Yet, recent legal opinions and scientific
reviews reveal that the foundations, scientific,
legal, and ethical, are not yet strong enough to
allow this practice.
What is natural organic reduction?
Veraarden or humusation is a controlled
process in which the body is broken down in
an oxygen-rich environment filled with plant
On October 20, 2025, the first resomator in Flanders was installed at the Pontes Crematorium in
Antwerp, Belgium.
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material. Microorganisms and bacteria from the
soil decompose the body over roughly twelve
months into humus, a nutrient-rich, soil-like
substance. In Belgium, the concept is promoted
as a “gentle, natural metamorphosis,” carried
out in a specially designed area known as a
metamorphosis garden. In theory, the process
yields approximately 1.5 cubic meters of compost
after one year, part of which can be used for
memorial trees or symbolic environmental
projects.
The Dutch advisory: caution required
On October 2, 2025, the Dutch Health Council
published its report “Permissibility of Human
Composting and Alkaline Hydrolysis” (Advisory No.
2025/15). The Council concluded that human
composting is not currently admissible under
the Burial and Cremation Act. The core of the
recommendation: there is insufficient scientific
evidence regarding the safety and sustainability
of the process.
The advisory committee, composed of
microbiologists, ethicists, environmental
scientists, and legal experts in health law
(including Prof. Dr. M.H.N. Schermer, Dr. B.M.H.P.
Mathijssen, Dr. A.N. Spaan, and Prof. Dr. D.
Ruwaard), based its conclusions on an assessment
framework from 2020. This framework evaluates
new body disposition methods according to three
criteria: safety, dignity, and sustainability.
Key findings:
• Safety: There is insufficient certainty that
pathogens, including prions and antibiotic-
resistant bacteria, are completely destroyed.
Because the process is oxygen-rich, some
microorganisms may actually multiply.
• Sustainability: There is a lack of reliable data to
calculate CO2 savings, energy consumption, and
environmental impact.
• Dignity: According to the Council, composting
could potentially be performed in a dignified
manner, provided the process is controlled and
respectful.
The advisory also noted the absence of a uniform
procedural standard. Different providers use
different methods, which undermines scientific
reproducibility.
In contrast, the same Council gave a positive
recommendation for resomation (alkaline
hydrolysis), stating that it does meet the criteria
for safety, dignity, and sustainability.
Germany: Legal rejection and scientific
caution
Since 2024, human composting (marketed as
Reerdigung) has been tested on a limited basis in
Germany, particularly in the state of Schleswig-
Holstein. However, its legal foundation remains
extremely weak. In January 2025, the Ministry of
Social Affairs in Baden-Württemberg concluded
that Reerdigung is not permitted under existing
German funeral law. Moreover, the ministry
warned that even attending a ceremony near
a “compost cocoon” could already be legally
classified as a burial, making it illegal unless a
formal legal recognition is established.
The Bundesverband Deutscher Bestatter also
raised fundamental objections:
• The risk of incomplete breakdown of medications
and toxins.
• The unpredictability of odour formation and soil
contamination.
• The lack of oversight regarding residual
substances.
• The ethical acceptability of a visible decomposition
process.
German experts in environmental engineering
and public health have also stressed that the
temperatures typically reached during composting
(around 55–60°C) are insufficient to reliably
neutralize prions or viral structures, unlike
thermal cremation or chemical hydrolysis.
Belgium: cautious, yet critical
In Belgium, UC Louvain published an extensive
report on humusation in 2020 (Rapport final
humusation 2020). The report described the process
as ecologically promising, but noted that it remains
legally, ethically, and technically immature.
The Health Council (2025) says:
“The safety of human
composting cannot be
guaranteed. There is
insufficient data on
pathogens, residues,
and process standards.
Resomation, on the
other hand, is considered
acceptable, provided it is
properly regulated.”
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The Belgian Advisory Committee on Bioethics
reached a similar conclusion in 2021: humusation
could eventually be acceptable, but only if
scientific certainty can be provided regarding
decomposition, safety, and environmental
impact.
From within the funeral sector, several additional
concerns have been raised:
• What happens to bones or materials that do not
fully decompose?
• How can we ensure the final product contains
no recognizable human remains?
• Who is liable in cases of incomplete
decomposition or soil contamination?
• Where may “metamorphosis gardens” be
established, and what impact might they have
on the surrounding environment and on visitors?
• What guarantees do “compost cocoons” offer in
terms of safety and reliability?
Ethical reflection: dignity vs. nature
From both an anthropological and ethical
standpoint, natural organic reduction
(veraarden) offers a symbolism that resonates
with rising ecological awareness. According to
Dr. Yvon van der Pijl (Utrecht University), the
concept aligns with a sense of natural belonging
and ritual transformation, the body becoming part
of an ecological recovery process.
At the same time, bioethicists like Prof. Maartje
Schermer caution that the idea of a “natural
death” should not be confused with safe or
dignified death care. Once human remains fall
outside regulated systems, there is a real risk
of undermining public trust in the funeral
profession.
Prof. Dr. M.H.N. Schermer
(Erasmus MC) says:
“Dignity cannot be
assumed in a process
that is unpredictable and
unregulated. Ecological
thinking must not come at the
expense of ethical integrity.”
A concept in evolution
Human composting (veraarden) remains a
fascinating and idealistic concept, but for now,
it is still a scientifically unproven practice. The
decision of the Dutch Health Council and the
rejection by German authorities show that the
road to legal recognition will be long. While
resomation is evolving into a scientifically and
technically substantiated form of sustainable body
disposition, human composting remains in an
experimental phase.
The challenges for the coming years are clear:
• Scientific standardization of the process.
• Independent research into public health
implications.
• Legal anchoring and ethical validation.
Until then, human composting remains more of a
philosophical ideal than a practical reality.
Innovation requires more
than intention
Resomation and human composting represent a
new generation of body disposition techniques.
They reflect broader societal shifts, but also
raise fundamental questions. While resomation
is gaining traction through test projects and
evidence-based evaluations, human composting
is still stuck in symbolic thinking without sufficient
proof.
For funeral professionals, policymakers, and
researchers, now is the time to actively invest in
knowledge, protocols, and regulation. Only through
this can innovation go hand in hand with trust,
dignity, and sustainability in end-of-life care.
At the same time, it is crucial that we better share
knowledge and experience across the global
funeral sector. In a field so deeply influenced by
cultural differences and personal beliefs, we must
continue to focus on what unites us: respect for
the deceased and care for the bereaved. Only
through open dialogue and collaboration can we
arrive at well-supported choices, grounded in
facts, not assumptions.
Emerging techniques may indeed hold ecological
promise, but they must also be ethically sound,
legally secure, and socially acceptable. And
that demands more than good intentions: it calls
for shared responsibility, interdisciplinary
exchange, and transparency across the
profession.
Death affects us all. The care surrounding it
deserves our collective commitment.
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