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115
MAGAZINE
3/2026
The World Organization of Funeral Operatives
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Dear FIAT-IFTA Members,
I
am nearing the end of my term as President, and it
has been a wonderful experience. Getting to know
so many of my colleagues from around the world has
been a true highlight of my journey through the chairs
of FIAT-IFTA. Over the past year, I had the opportunity
to travel to several of the largest international expos
that are not held annually, including Tanexpo, BEFA,
and NFE. FIAT-IFTA also had its first booth at the Asia
Funeral Expo in Hong Kong, which was an important
step in expanding our visibility and strengthening our
connections in that region.
The greatest highlight of all this travel was meeting
FIAT-IFTA members in person and having the chance
to talk, listen, and get to know one another better.
These conversations reminded me how valuable our
international network is and how much we can learn
from each other. It seemed that when it rains, it pours,
because most of this travel took place within a six-
week period. I had hoped to attend the FSAC Expo
again, as I did last year, but I needed some rest after
becoming ill during my first three weeks of nonstop
travel. Thankfully, I recovered and was ready to
continue for two more important events.
I was especially glad to have scheduled NFE in
England this year. Being there allowed me to run
the FIAT-IFTA expo booth so that our Executive
Secretary could attend to a close friend who passed
away during the event. Moments like that remind me
that our association is not only about professional
service, education, and representation; it is also about
supporting one another as people.
As I look back over the last eight years on the
Executive Board, I have seen both ups and downs.
However, I believe we have improved as an
organization and are now in an excellent position to
move forward. Although I still have two more years
to serve as Past President, I feel FIAT-IFTA is better
prepared to serve our membership than when I first
joined the board. That progress is the result of many
people working together with commitment, patience,
and a shared belief in the importance of our mission.
Throughout my career in funeral service, I have
always tried to continue gaining knowledge. Even
though my home state of Ohio has some of the most
stringent continuing education requirements, I was
never satisfied with simply meeting the minimum
standards. For about forty years, I have been involved
in association work. It began with committee service,
then continued through district association work, state
association work, and our national association. After
that, I still was not finished. I also served as chair of two
nonprofit organizations in funeral service, the Heritage
Club Foundation and the Funeral Service Foundation.
As the oldest member of the FIAT-IFTA Board, it has
been a privilege to lend my experience and perspective
to help move the organization forward.
My presidency will end at the upcoming General
Assembly in Charlotte, North Carolina, where Johan
Dexters will take the helm of the organization. He is
more than capable of taking on the president’s role,
and I have great confidence in his leadership. In fact,
our entire board is well prepared to guide FIAT-IFTA
into the future. Everyone works as part of a team and
does not bring a private agenda to the table. We all
work together for the better future of FIAT-IFTA. I am
grateful for the trust, friendship, and support I have
received, and I look forward to seeing the association
continue to grow, serve, and lead in the years ahead.
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. 115 – 3/2026
Let’s welcome new members
of FIAT-IFTA
We are happy to welcome 20 new members of our organization!
Since May 2026, we have been joined by 1 National Member,
5 Active Members and 14 Associate Members.
Please welcome:
National Members:
• Agência Funerária São João, Limitada, Angola
Active Members:
• ChinPaoSan Ltd. Company, Taiwan, Province of China
• Gardenia Funerals Pty Ltd, Australia
• Gold System Consultoria e Assessoria de Sistemas Ltda, Brazil
• Morfeas Hellas, Greece
• Serenity Casket & Funerals Pte Limited, Singapore
Associate Members:
• Aftercare Cremation & Burial Service Limited, Canada
• Al Saqr Funeral Services, Egypt
• Bowra & O’Dea Pty Ltd, Australia
• Cemiterios Memorial Vila Ltda, Brazil
• Funeral Care Spain, Spain
• Instituto Protanato De Ciência Mortuária Ltda, Brazil
• La Qua Brothers Funeral Home, Grenada
• Legend Corporation, The Netherlands
• NIVIS Assistance Zrt., Hungary
• O’Neill’s Funeral Directors Ltd, United Kingdom
• Pohřební služba HRANDOP s.r.o., Czech Republic
• Prestige Funeral Services, South Sudan
• Thanatopractor - Marharyta Avramenko, Ukraine
• Vanuatu Funerals Ltd, Vanuatu
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 .
4
No. 115 – 3/2026 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBERS’ NEWS
Belgium adopts national
ethical guidelines for the
funeral profession
July 9, 2026 marks an important milestone for the
Belgian funeral profession. The federal government,
together with the regional authorities and the
representative funeral associations, officially
presented the first national Code of Ethics for
funeral directors.
The guidelines establish a common ethical
framework for the entire profession, centred on
respect for the deceased, transparency towards
bereaved families, integrity, professionalism and
the fundamental right of free choice.
Although the Code is not a disciplinary instrument,
it represents a shared commitment between public
authorities and the funeral sector. It also provides
the foundation upon which the Belgian regions will
further develop their regulatory framework.
An important element of the guidelines is the
recognition of continuous professional education
in accordance with the European Standard EN 15017
– Funeral Services – Requirements, reaffirming that
quality funeral care depends not only on ethical
conduct but also on professional competence and
lifelong learning.
“For the Belgian funeral sector, this is not the end of
a process but the beginning of a new chapter aimed
at strengthening public confidence, promoting high
professional standards and ensuring that every
bereaved family receives the same dignified and
respectful care.” says Johan Dexters, President Royal
Federation of the Belgian Funeral Sector (Funebra)
and 1st Vice President FIAT-IFTA.
This initiative demonstrates that governments
and the funeral profession can work together to
enhance professionalism, transparency and public
trust, values that are shared by our international
funeral community.
Productive Discussions and a Warm Welcome in Düsseldorf
During the first day of BEFA FORUM 2026, the FIAT-IFTA
Board held its Board meeting at the headquarters of
the Bundesverband Deutscher Bestatter e. V. (BDB)
in Düsseldorf, Germany. We were warmly welcomed
by BDB President Ralf Michael, General Manager
Stephan Neuser, and members of the BDB team.
It was a great opportunity to learn more about the
work of BDB, exchange ideas, and discuss topics
important to the future of the funeral profession.
As one of FIAT-IFTA's national members, BDB is an
important part of our international network, helping
to connect funeral professionals and organisations
across borders. We are grateful for the hospitality
shown to the FIAT-IFTA Board and for the open and
engaging discussions throughout the meeting.
Meetings like this remind us of the importance of
sharing experiences, learning from one another,
and working together to support and strengthen
our profession worldwide. Together, we are building
a stronger international funeral profession.
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 115 – 3/2026
MEMBERS’ NEWS
2026 Winners of TANEXPO Awards
The TANEXPO Awards highlight the most outstanding
projects contributing to the ongoing development
of the funeral industry. In 2026 awards were given
in 6 categories: Innovation, Quality & Design, Green
Sustainability, Pet, Tech, Best Stand Experience.
Winners in each category are selected by a jury
composed of international experts and representatives
of trade associations, ensuring an independent and
professional evaluation of submitted initiatives.
Among the winners, as many as three companies were
members of FIAT-IFTA. Warm congratulations to all
award recipients for their remarkable achievements
and well-earned recognition!
INNOVATION category
FACULTATIEVE TECHNOLOGIES
For introducing a digital solution that redefines
the monitoring, management, and technical
support of cremation systems. A decisive step
forward toward a smarter, more efficient, and
more sustainable cremation model.
QUALITY AND DESIGN category
BIEMME SPECIAL CARS
For the excellence with which it combines
aesthetic refinement, construction quality,
material sustainability, and top-level technical
solutions. A consolidated know-how capable of
creating elegant, design-driven models.
GREEN SUSTAINABILITY category
ALTAIR FUNERAL
For the ability to integrate science, sustainability,
and social responsibility; for adopting an
innovative and replicable method; and for the
concrete contribution to accurate information on
cremation emissions.
PET category
LIV’S MEMORIES
For successfully combining technological
innovation, emotional value, and artisanal quality,
offering families a new, dignified, and meaningful
way to preserve the memory of their pets.
TECH category
PBSGEO
For introducing a digital solution that fills a
historical gap, transforming a traditionally
analogue domain into a structured system that
sets a new technological standard in the cemetery
sector.
BEST STAND EXPERIENCE category
STUDIO 3A
For having transformed its exhibit space into a
completely immersive and engaging experience
capable of captivating visitors while combining
professionalism and conviviality.
The international jury of experts included:
• ALPAR – Asociación Gremial Latinoamericana de
Cementerios y Servicios Funerarios, President,
Andrés Aguilar Heck, Guatemala
• ASSOFUNERAL – Associazione italiana Imprese
Funebri, President, Salvatore Salemme, Italy
• EFFS – European Federation of Funeral Services,
Vice President, Luca Tabossi, Italy
• EFI – Eccellenza Funeraria Italiana, President, Ugo
Borghi, Italy
• FADEDSFYA Federación Argentina de Entidades
de Servicio Fúnebre y Afines, Secretary, Edgardo
Maffù, Argentina
• FEDERCOFIT – Federazione Comparto Funerario
Italiano, President, Davide Veronese, Italy
• FENIOF – Federazione Nazionale Imprese Onoranze
Funebri, National Secretary, Alessandro Bosi, Italy
• FIAT-IFTA – The World Organization Of Funeral
Operatives, President, William C. Wappner, United
States
• NFDA – National Funeral Directors Association,
CEO, Christine Pepper, United States
TANEXPO Awards winners and the international jury of experts
during the awards ceremony at TANEXPO 2026
6
No. 115 – 3/2026 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBERS’ NEWS
Digital Transformation
in Cemetery Management
Recognized at TANEXPO 2026
During this year’s TANEXPO 2026, held from May
7–9 in Bologna, Italy, digital solutions for cemetery
management were among the innovations
highlighted by the international funeral industry.
In the TECH category of the TANEXPO Awards
2026, recognition was awarded to FIAT-IFTA Active
Member PBSGEO GmbH, a company specializing in
technological solutions for cemetery administration
and public green space management. The award was
received by Stefan Schumacher, CEO and founder
of PBSGEO, who has been involved for many years
in the development of specialized technological
solutions for cemetery administrations and public
green space management.
The TANEXPO Awards recognize initiatives,
companies, and projects that generate innovation
and impact within the international funeral industry.
In the case of PBSGEO, the jury particularly highlighted
the development of digital solutions aimed at
transforming processes that have historically been
managed in an analogue way, incorporating GIS
tools, web platforms, and mobile applications for
the comprehensive administration of cemeteries.
According to the evaluation presented during
the award ceremony, PBSGEO has contributed to
establishing new technological standards within
the cemetery sector, enabling more efficient,
traceable, and accessible processes for both public
administrations and private operators.
Participation in TANEXPO also represented
an opportunity to strengthen international
knowledge exchange and consolidate new
strategic partnerships. In this context, PBSGEO
continues to expand its international network
of “Solution Partners,” a collaborative model
designed to work jointly with companies and
professionals specialized in areas such as
digitalization, drone surveying, GIS, technical
consulting, local project implementation, and
regional representation. The company seeks
to establish partnerships with organizations
interested in actively participating in the
digital transformation of the funeral sector
across different countries, contributing local
expertise, technical experience, and support
in technological modernization projects.
These collaborations are aimed at technology
companies, consulting firms, and organizations
connected to the funeral industry, cartography,
drones, GIS, territorial management, and specialized
services that share the vision of developing
innovative and sustainable solutions for cemeteries
and public green spaces.
Through this approach, PBSGEO aims to strengthen
an international cooperation network capable of
adapting technological solutions to the specific
needs of each region, promoting modernization
processes that are efficient, sustainable, and aligned
with the current challenges of the sector.
The recognition received at the TANEXPO Awards
2026 reflects not only the growth of digital
transformation within the funeral sector, but
also the importance of creating international
cooperation spaces capable of connecting
technological innovation, efficient management,
and the preservation of funeral culture.
TANEXPO Award 2026 presented to Stefan
Schumacher, CEO and Founder of PBSGEO,
by Alberto Leanza, President and CEO of TANEXPO
MEMBERS’ NEWS
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 115 – 3/2026
ADVERTISEMENT
Funeral Solidarity Knows No Borders
The devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on
24 June 2026 have left communities facing profound
loss and an immense humanitarian challenge. Among
those responding are funeral professionals, whose work
is essential to ensuring the dignified care, recovery, and
identification of those who have lost their lives.
Across the international funeral profession,
organisations, companies, and volunteers have
demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to
supporting their colleagues and the people of
Venezuela. Their actions remind us that, even in times
of crisis, our profession is united by shared values that
transcend national borders.
Among the many initiatives, the humanitarian volunteer
team of Deathcare Embalmingteam Germany e.V.
and the Bundesverband Deutscher Bestatter e.V.
(BDB) travelled to Caracas to assist local authorities and
emergency services. Working alongside Venezuelan
institutions, they provided professional expertise in
the recovery, documentation, and identification of
the deceased, helping to ensure that these sensitive
processes were carried out with professionalism,
dignity, and respect.
In France, the Fédération Nationale du Funéraire (FNF),
with the support of the Syndicat de l'Art Funéraire
(SAF), launched an urgent appeal to the funeral sector.
The response was immediate. Within just a few days,
6,000 mortuary body bags were donated through the
collective efforts of OGF, UDIFE COOPERATIVE, AGH
Anubis Global Help, FUNEPRO, and VELAY CAPITON,
providing essential resources to colleagues working
under exceptionally difficult conditions.
Another remarkable example of professional
solidarity came from ASFUNCAT, the Association of
Catalan Funeral Companies. Through the generosity
of its member companies, ASFUNCAT organised
a humanitarian shipment of approximately 1,125
kilograms of essential supplies, including 2,590 body
shrouds, 10,720 protective gloves, 3,000 face masks,
and 120 protective coveralls to support professionals
engaged in recovery and transfer operations.
These are only some of the many expressions of
solidarity that have emerged from our profession in
recent days. Around the world, funeral organisations
and companies have responded in different ways
– through donations of essential equipment, the
deployment of specialist expertise, logistical support,
and messages of encouragement to colleagues working
tirelessly in the affected areas.
For funeral professionals, humanitarian response
extends beyond logistics and material assistance.
It is about safeguarding human dignity, supporting
families in their darkest moments, and standing beside
colleagues when they need us most.
FIAT-IFTA expresses its sincere gratitude to every
association, company, volunteer, and individual who
has contributed to these efforts. Your commitment
demonstrates the strength of an international
profession built on cooperation, compassion, and
mutual respect.
To our colleagues and the people of Venezuela,
we extend our deepest sympathy and unwavering
solidarity. Our thoughts remain with everyone affected
by this tragedy.
To serve. To support. To respect. These values unite
the global funeral profession – today, tomorrow,
and beyond all borders.
PANASEF updates its Board of Directors
Spain’s National Association of Funeral Services
(PANASEF) has approved changes to its bylaws aimed
at broadening representation on its governing board
and giving a stronger voice to member companies of
all sizes.
Under the revised rules, companies that previously
held two seats on the board will now hold one, allowing
additional member companies to participate in the
association’s leadership. PANASEF said the move reflects
its commitment to a more balanced and representative
governance structure for Spain’s funeral sector.
As a result of the changes, five new members
have joined the governing board: Julio Jiménez
(Mortualba), Francisco Rodríguez (Grupo La Paz),
José Toledano (Emucesa), Carlos Muñoz (Parque
Cementerio de Salamanca) and Francisco Ruiz
(Nereo Hermanos).
The bylaw revision is one of the first initiatives
undertaken by PANASEF’s new board under President
Lorena Sánchez, with the goal of bringing a broader
range of business perspectives into the association’s
leadership.
8
No. 115 – 3/2026 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBERS’ NEWS
PONTES PIONEERS
WITH AQUAMATION
FIRST PILOT PROJECT ON A NEW FUNERAL OPTION
ontes is pioneering with Belgium’s
first aquamation installation. It is a
ground-breaking pilot project carried
out with scientific institutions to assess
whether aquamation can become
a fully-fledged third funeral option
alongside burial and cremation.
Although internationally the term ‘resomation’
is also frequently used, Pontes prefers to use
the term ‘aquamation’ because it more clearly
reflects the nature of the process and is therefore
more accessible.
“Aquamation represents a new step in the evolution
of funeral care,” says Tom Wustenberghs, General
Manager of Pontes. “We want to offer families
a third option. Aquamation can be a gentler
alternative: no fire, no earth, but a serene and
innovative method of saying farewell. Aquamation
is not a replacement for burial or cremation but
a fully-fledged addition. As a pioneer in Belgium,
Pontes aims to lead the way.”
The process behind aquamation is called alkaline
hydrolysis. The body is placed in a sealed cylinder
filled with warm water and potassium hydroxide.
Under high pressure and a temperature of 150
to 160 degrees Celsius, the body breaks down
naturally. After four hours, a porous bone
structure remains which, as in cremation, is
ground into ashes and given to the next of kin.
For families, the way in which they say goodbye
to their loved ones changes little.
Start of a unique pilot project
“The system has been technically tested abroad but
in Flanders we still wish to proceed with caution,”
says Tom Wustenberghs. The delivery of the
installation in Antwerp in October 2025 marked
the beginning of a series of pilot aquamations
in collaboration with researchers and experts
from the Universities of Leuven and Antwerp,
VITO (Flemish Institute for Technological Research),
VMM (Flemish Environmental Organisation) and
Aquafin (Flemish wastewater company). The entire
process is tested and further optimised using
bodies donated to science. The researchers will
document the impact in detail: from medical safety
to the substances that remain afterwards and the
responsible way in which the residual liquid, the
effluent, can be processed.
First test aquamations
yield positive results
The first test aquamations in Pontes’s pilot project
were carried out in the spring of 2026 and have
produced promising results. The University of
Antwerp examined the residual liquid remaining
after aquamation and established that it is readily
biodegradable. Also, no human DNA was detected in
the residual liquid. The pilot project thereby provides
an important initial scientific basis for aquamation
as a potential additional funeral method in Flanders.
The test aquamations took place at Pontes in
Antwerp, under the supervision of experts from
the Scottish company Resomation®, which builds
the aquamation equipment. “These initial results are
important, because they help us provide a scientific basis
for aquamation,” says Tom Wustenberghs. “For us, a
new funeral method is only possible if it can be carried
out correctly, respectfully and responsibly. That is why
we want to carefully examine every part of the process.”
Residual liquid readily biodegradable
An important focus of the pilot project is the composition
and destination of the residual liquid that remains
after aquamation. “The data demonstrate that the
residual liquid is readily biodegradable,” says researcher
One in five people in Flanders
would consider aquamation
if the method were legally
permitted.
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 115 – 3/2026
PROMOTIONAL ARTICLE / MEMBERS’ NEWS
“Professor” Koen Goossens from the University of
Antwerp. “The results show very favourable values. For
several parameters, the measurements are below the
detection limit, indicating excellent biodegradability.”
Aquafin also welcomes the initial results. “The values
from the research look promising,” says R&D Manager
Birgit De Bock. “Based on these initial data, it is safe to
discharge the residual liquid to a wastewater treatment
plant. The wastewater is readily biodegradable. These
first results are also reassuring with a view to the
stricter European wastewater treatment standards,
which will be translated to the Flemish context in the
coming years.”
In addition, no human DNA was detected in the
residual liquid. “As expected, all human DNA is
fully broken down during the aquamation process,”
says Professor Paul Herijgers from the Leuven
University. “We assume this will also be the case in
the next test aquamations.” Wustenberghs adds: “This
is also important from a societal point of view. After
aquamation, only the bone remains are left, which are
given to the bereaved in the form of ashes.”
Further analyses to follow
The initial results are positive but not yet final.
Additional test aquamations have taken place in the
summer. This will enable Pontes and the involved
partners to determine whether the initial positive
findings are confirmed across a broader series
of tests. The report on these test aquamations is
expected in the autumn so that the final scientific
report can be completed later this year.
88% of people in Flanders want freedom
of choice in funerals
Academic research conducted in October 2025 by
the University of Antwerp among 3,275 residents of
Flanders shows openness to aquamation alongside
burial and cremation. Nearly nine in ten people in
Flanders (Belgium) believe they should be free to
choose how they say their final goodbye, whether
through burial, cremation or new forms of funeral
such as aquamation or human composting. One in
five people in Flanders would consider aquamation
if the method were legally permitted. The study
shows that societal support in Flanders for making
such new options available alongside existing forms
of funeral is clearly growing.
The results of the study align with developments
that the funeral sector has observed for some time.
In Flanders, around 65,000 people die each year,
more than 80% of whom are cremated. While burial
was the norm for decades, an increasing number
of Flemish people are opting for cremation. Over
a period of ten years, the share of cremations in
Flanders rose from 63% in 2013 to 80% in 2025.
“The way we say goodbye is changing along with
society”, says Tom Wustenberghs. “Our goal is not
to persuade people to choose aquamation. What we
want is for families to have more options. Aquamation
can be an additional option alongside burial and
cremation, so that everyone can choose the form of
farewell that suits them best.”
Positive attitude but also a need for
information
The University of Antwerp survey shows that 40%
of people in Flanders already have a positive to very
positive attitude towards aquamation, across all ages
and genders. Around one third (34%) are neutral. When
asked whether they would consider aquamation if it
were legally permitted, one in five (18%) state that they
would indeed consider it. At the same time, almost half
of the respondents (48%) indicate they are currently
not sufficiently informed to make a decision.
According to the researchers, this clearly indicates
that in addition to openness there is also a need for
accurate information. “Our study shows there is indeed
a growing level of societal support for aquamation
24% of people in Flanders
are already familiar with
aquamation.
Mr. Tom Wustenberghs,
General Manager Pontes, Belgium
10
No. 115 – 3/2026 | THANOS MAGAZINE
PROMOTIONAL ARTICLE / MEMBERS’ NEWS
in Flanders”, says Professor Sarah Van de Velde,
who is affiliated with the University of Antwerp’s
Department of Sociology. “What stands out is that
there is no principled opposition to aquamation. Any
hesitation that exists is mainly linked to personal
feelings, questions about the ecological or financial
aspects, or how relatives might feel about it. At the
same time, we see a large group of people indicating
they are not sufficiently informed, which shows the
debate is still evolving.” The study shows that currently
24% of people in Flanders are already familiar with
aquamation.
Freedom of choice is key
The study primarily highlights the great importance
the Flemish attach to freedom of choice. Nearly nine
in ten respondents believe residents should be free
to choose between different forms of funeral. Only
a small minority (3%) disagree.
It is precisely this principle that forms the basis for
Pontes. Wustenberghs: “Funerals today are much more
personal than they used to be. What matters most to
people is the personal meaning of the farewell, the
practical convenience for relatives and the bereaved,
and affordability. Tradition and religion are not as
important as they once were. In such a context, it is
logical that the available options are also evolving.”
International trend, Flanders first
With this project, Pontes confirms its pioneering
role on Europe’s continent. Worldwide, aquamation
is gaining ground. In the United States, the method
has meanwhile been approved in more than thirty
states and it is also applied in Canada, Australia, New
Zealand and Ireland. The Netherlands and the United
Kingdom are currently developing a legal framework;
now Pontes is launching the first Belgian pilot project.
This project is a collaboration between Pontes,
KU Leuven, UAntwerpen, VITO, VMM, Aquafin and
FANC and is intended to clarify which conditions
aquamation in Flanders would have to meet. Pontes
hopes, depending on the research results, that a
regulatory framework will be established in which
aquamation can be authorised as a new funeral
option in Flanders.
“The way we say goodbye evolves along with society.
With aquamation we want to develop a future-oriented
funeral option that offers families greater freedom of
choice, with respect for tradition and for the sensitivities
surrounding this topic. It is a new chapter that we
wish to write together with our partners, step by step,”
concludes Wustenberghs.
More information about
aquamation www.pontes.be
About Pontes
Pontes is an Intermunicipal Cooperative Association
(IGS) comprising 55 member cities and municipalities.
As a public and independent partner in the funeral
sector, it provides cremations, funeral ceremonies
and funeral meals. Pontes forms a bridge between
next of kin on the one hand and the funeral sector,
government and society on the other. Freedom
of choice, neutrality and serenity are central to its
mission.
Contact us:
Tom Wustenberghs
General Manager Pontes
T: +32 3 828 95 60
M: tom.wustenberghs@pontes.be
Aquamation
is not a replacement
for burial or cremation
but a fully-fledged addition.
As a pioneer in Belgium,
Pontes aims to lead the way.
Aquamation offers an additional option
within the existing range of funeral services
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 115 – 3/2026
11
PROMOTIONAL ARTICLE / MEMBERS’ NEWS
SEE YOU IN
CHARLOTTE, USA
THE 2026 FIAT-IFTA GLOBAL CONVENTION
25-28 OCTOBER 2026
This October, the global funeral profession will
come together in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA,
for the 18th FIAT-IFTA Global Convention and the
55th I.C.D. Annual Meeting, hosted by the National
Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) in conjunction
with the NFDA International Convention & Expo.
Whether you are a long-standing FIAT-IFTA member
or attending for the first time, this is your opportunity
to reconnect with colleagues from around the
world, exchange ideas, strengthen international
partnerships, and actively contribute to the future
of our federation.
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LET’S MEET
Four days of learning, collaboration and
decision-making
For four inspiring days, Charlotte will become the
meeting place for funeral professionals from across
the globe – where ideas are exchanged, partnerships
are built and the future of our profession takes
shape. The 2026 programme combines strategic
discussions, committee work, education and
networking with access to the world’s largest funeral
industry exhibition.
Highlights include:
• FIAT-IFTA I.C.D. Meeting and General Assembly will
bring members together to debate and vote on key
issues shaping the organization, including important
structural and constitutional matters approved at the
last I.C.D. Meeting in Yokohama, Japan.
• Five FIAT-IFTA committee meetings – Heritage,
Global Education, Embalming, Coffin Standards,
and Sustainability – will serve as working
platforms to advance new projects and address
the most pressing challenges across the funeral
sector. Committees will present updates and offer
engaging and informative sessions. Their sessions
are expected to drive practical outcomes and
strengthen collaboration within specialized fields.
• FIAT-IFTA Gala Evening, including the ceremonial
transfer of the presidential insignia to Johan
Dexters (Belgium), marking a significant leadership
transition within the federation.
• Full access to the NFDA International Convention
& Expo, featuring more than 330 exhibitors, world-
class educational sessions, keynote presentations
and exceptional networking opportunities.
• Optional technical visits to local funeral
businesses, offering valuable insights into funeral
practice in the United States.
Charlotte itself provides an excellent setting for the
convention, combining a welcoming atmosphere,
excellent conference facilities and a vibrant
downtown that is easy to explore during your stay.
For four days, Charlotte will become a hub where
decisions are made, initiatives take shape, and the
future of the profession is actively defined.
We look forward to welcoming you to
Charlotte, USA this October!
Discover
the amazing partners of
the 2026 FIAT-IFTA
Global Convention
in conjunction with
the NFDA International
Convention & Expo
Check out the 2026
FIAT-IFTA Global Convention agenda at
www.thanos.org/events/
fiat-ifta-2026-convention#agenda
ELITE SPONSOR
PLATINUM SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 115 – 3/2026
13
LET’S MEET
Embalming is a profession profoundly influenced
by culture, legislation, education, religion, public
health requirements and local traditions. Although
professionals around the world share the common
objective of preserving and presenting the deceased
with dignity and respect, the methods, regulations
and professional frameworks that support this
practice vary considerably between countries and
regions.
To better understand these differences and
identify common trends, the FIAT-IFTA Embalming
Committee conducted an international survey
among funeral professionals and embalmers.
Following data review and validation, 360 high-
engagement responses were analysed,
representing professionals from the Americas,
Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania. The survey
included 119 participants from the United States
and 241 participants from other regions of the
world, providing one of the broadest international
snapshots of embalming practice undertaken to
date.
Rather than establishing definitive national
statistics, this survey aims to provide an
international perspective of the profession and
to identify both the common elements and the
differences that currently characterize embalming
practices around the world.
More importantly, it reminds us that embalming is
simultaneously a global profession and a deeply
local practice, shaped by the needs, traditions and
values of individual societies.
A profession built on knowledge
and experience
One of the first observations emerging from the
survey is the considerable level of experience
represented among participants.
Across many regions of the world, a large proportion
of respondents fall within the 36–55 age range, while
many professionals report more than twenty years
of practical experience. In the United States, for
example, 46% of participants indicated having more
than 21 years of professional experience.
These findings illustrate the significant body of
practical knowledge that currently supports the
profession internationally. However, they should
be interpreted as a reflection of the profile of the
professionals who participated in the survey rather
than as a complete representation of the embalming
workforce in every country.
GLOBAL SURVEY
ON EMBALMING
PRACTICES 2026
ONE PROFESSION, DIVERSE REALITIES, SHARED VALUES
By FIAT-IFTA Embalming Committee
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The survey also demonstrates increasing diversity
within the profession. Although men continue to
represent the majority of practitioners in many
regions, female participation continues to grow,
reflecting the ongoing evolution of embalming
worldwide.
This combination of experience and diversity
illustrates the dynamic nature of a profession that
continues to adapt to changing social realities.
Professional pathways across the world
One of the most interesting findings of the survey is
the diversity of professional pathways that coexist
around the world. Across North America, Europe,
Asia, Africa, Latin America and Oceania, embalming
has developed within very different historical,
cultural and regulatory environments.
In some regions, the profession is supported by
extensive educational programmes, licensing
systems and well-established professional
associations. In others, access to the profession
depends primarily on specialised vocational training,
employer-based education or practical experience.
These differences should not be interpreted
as inequalities, but rather as evidence of the
profession’s remarkable ability to adapt to local
realities while maintaining high standards of care
and service. Despite these diverse pathways,
professionals around the world share common
objectives: improving education, strengthening
professional recognition and promoting safe,
ethical and high-quality practice.
This combination of diversity and shared objectives
highlights the richness of a profession that operates
in very different contexts while maintaining the
same commitment to service.
Professional associations:
different structures, common objectives
The survey also highlighted significant differences
in the role played by professional associations.
In some countries, professional associations are
central to continuing education, certification,
ethical guidance and advocacy. In other regions,
professional representation is still developing
or remains limited. These differences should
not be interpreted as weaknesses, but rather as
opportunities for international collaboration.
Knowledge exchange between countries at different
stages of professional development can help
strengthen the profession while respecting local
realities. In this context, FIAT-IFTA has a unique
role to play by facilitating dialogue and creating
opportunities for professionals from different
regions to learn from one another.
Regulation: one profession,
multiple legal frameworks
If there is one clear conclusion from the survey,
it is that there is no single regulatory model
for embalming. In some countries, embalming
is governed by licensing requirements, formal
education programmes, inspections and
professional oversight. In others, regulation is
minimal or applies only in specific circumstances,
such as international repatriations.
The responses reveal substantial differences
regarding who may perform embalming procedures,
what qualifications are required and which legal
standards must be met.
Rather than representing a weakness, this diversity
reflects the profession’s ability to adapt to different
cultural traditions, healthcare systems and legal
environments. Professional excellence can be
achieved through different organisational models,
provided that safety, competence and respect for
the deceased remain central principles.
Professional judgement remains
essential
The survey confirms that embalming practice
continues to rely heavily on professional judgement.
Professionals around the world adapt their protocols
according to multiple factors, including:
• the condition of the deceased;
• the cause of death;
• the anticipated time until final disposition;
• environmental conditions;
• transportation requirements;
• ceremonial expectations.
Open-ended responses consistently showed that
professionals tailor their protocols to the specific
circumstances of each case.
This finding demonstrates that, beyond the
products used or the regulatory frameworks in
place, professional expertise remains one of the
fundamental pillars of modern embalming practice.
Professional judgement continues to be essential
in providing safe, appropriate and dignified care.
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International repatriation:
the greatest area of consensus
Among all topics explored in the survey, one
area demonstrated remarkable consistency
across countries and regions: international
repatriation. Professionals from virtually every
region reported that international transportation
requires enhanced preservation procedures,
including higher concentrations of embalming
fluids, additional treatments and preservation
strategies designed to accommodate logistical
delays, climate variations and extended periods
before final disposition.
Whether in North America, Europe, Asia,
Africa, Latin America or Oceania, professionals
share a common understanding: international
transportation usually requires stronger
preservation strategies than domestic funeral
services. This may be considered the clearest
example of global professional consensus within
embalming practice.
Learning from a global profession
One of the most valuable aspects of this survey
has been the participation of professionals from
countries that are rarely represented in international
studies. Although some countries were represented
by only one or two respondents, their contributions
help bring visibility to professional realities
that seldom appear in international research.
Their perspectives enrich our understanding
of how embalming is practised under different
social, cultural and regulatory conditions. These
responses remind us that every professional
perspective contributes to building a more complete
understanding of embalming worldwide.
The diversity represented in this survey should be
considered one of its greatest strengths.
Looking ahead
The Global Survey on Embalming Practices 2026
highlights three key conclusions.
First, there is no single international standard for
embalming. Educational requirements, regulatory
frameworks and preservation protocols continue
to vary significantly between countries.
Second, international repatriation represents the
area of greatest professional consensus, regardless
of region or culture.
Third, there is a clear opportunity to strengthen
international collaboration through the exchange
of knowledge, research, education and professional
experience.
For FIAT-IFTA, this represents a unique opportunity
to continue building bridges between countries
and regions while respecting the cultural and
regulatory differences that make each community
unique.
The Global Survey on Embalming Practices 2026
provides a valuable snapshot of the profession
today. More importantly, it demonstrates that,
although embalmers work within different systems,
regulations and traditions, they share fundamental
values: technical competence, respect for the
deceased and commitment to the families they
serve.
In an increasingly interconnected world, these
shared principles provide the foundation upon
which the future of the profession will continue to
be built.
Ultimately, this survey demonstrates that the
future of embalming will not be built upon
uniformity, but upon collaboration.
The profession’s greatest strength lies in its
ability to bring together different perspectives,
experiences and traditions while maintaining
a shared commitment to dignity, technical
excellence and service to families.
By encouraging dialogue and knowledge
exchange across continents, FIAT-IFTA can
continue to strengthen a truly global professional
community, one that respects local realities
while promoting the common values that unite
embalmers around the world.
The full survey report will be presented during
the FIAT-IFTA International Convention and
Exhibition, to be held in Charlotte, North
Carolina (USA), in October 2026.
Embalming is simultaneously
a global profession
and a deeply local practice,
shaped by the needs,
traditions and values
of individual societies.
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COMMITTEE NEWS
A MANIFESTO OF
VISIBILITY AND VOICE
REFLECTIONS ON THE BEFA FORUM EXHIBITION
IN DÜSSELDORF
By Alison Crake, Chair, FIAT-IFTA Global Education Committee,
Project Lead and Curator, A Manifesto of Visibility and Voice
When work first began on A Manifesto of Visibility
and Voice, the ambition was both simple and
significant: to create a space in which women
working in funeral and death care could be seen,
heard and recognised through their own words,
images and creative expression. We knew that
women across the world were making important
contributions to our profession, often in ways that
were quiet, practical, compassionate and unseen.
What we could not know, at the beginning, was
what women might choose to share when given
the freedom to speak for themselves.
What emerged exceeded every expectation.
The final exhibition brought together
44 contributions from women across 14
countries, each one reflecting a distinct
personal and professional experience. Some
contributions celebrated achievement,
innovation, leadership and vocation. Others
spoke openly of exclusion, invisibility,
misogyny, emotional labour, professional
barriers and the cost of trying to create
change within systems that have not always
made space for women’s voices. That honesty
became one of the project’s greatest strengths.
The Manifesto was never intended to present
a polished or simplified account of women in
funeral service. It was intended to tell the truth,
in all its complexity.
Presented at the BEFA Forum in Düsseldorf, the
exhibition became much more than a display
of individual works. Through photographs,
artworks, films, written reflections and visual
narratives, visitors were invited to encounter
women not simply by job title, organisation
or country, but through lived experience. The
exhibition asked viewers to look more closely
at the people behind the work: how they lead,
care, endure, innovate, remember, advocate
and support others, often while navigating
assumptions about what authority and leadership
should look like in funeral and death care.
As Project Lead and Curator, I felt an immense
sense of pride in seeing the exhibition come
to life. That pride was not only in the quality
and range of the work, although both were
remarkable, but in the courage and trust shown
by the contributors. Women from different
cultures, professions and backgrounds
entrusted us with stories that were deeply
personal. Some were uplifting; others were
uncomfortable. Some carried grief, frustration
or anger. Others carried gratitude, resilience
and hope. Together, they formed a collective
statement that was stronger because it did not
smooth over difference or difficulty.
One of the most moving aspects of the
exhibition was that many contributors
travelled to Düsseldorf and stood alongside
their work. For some, this was the first
opportunity to meet other participants in person.
Conversations began beside the exhibition panels
and continued throughout the Forum. Women
whose professional journeys had unfolded on
different continents recognised shared themes in
one another’s experiences. The exhibition space
became more than a gallery; it became a place
of connection, dialogue and mutual recognition.
That sense of connection mattered because the
catalogue makes clear that women’s experiences
in the profession are not always positive. Several
contributors described working within male-
dominated or patriarchal environments, having
their voices quietened, their ideas questioned
(even stolen), or their contribution minimised.
Others reflected on hidden labour, emotional
strain, lack of acknowledgement, and the
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vulnerability that can accompany speaking
out. These accounts were not incidental to the
project; they were central to it. Visibility and
voice are meaningful only if they allow room for
uncomfortable truths as well as celebration.
At the same time, the exhibition was filled with
leadership, creativity and professional excellence.
The contributors showed women shaping
funeral and death care through education,
design, repatriation, embalming, bereavement
support, legal advocacy, sustainability, social
responsibility, ceremonial work, family business
leadership and many other areas of practice.
What united these varied perspectives was a
shared commitment to dignity, humanity and
care. The Manifesto revealed not a single story of
women in funeral service, but a layered account
of influence, challenge and possibility.
The response has also continued beyond the
exhibition hall. The online catalogue, published
to accompany the project, has become an
ongoing resource for reflection and education.
From 31 May to 25 July 2026, it recorded 857
individual visitors and 24,515 page views, with
visitors viewing an average of 28.6 pages each.
The average reading time was 1 minute and 49
seconds. These figures suggest that visitors are
not simply glancing at the catalogue; they are
spending time with the stories, images and ideas it
contains. For me, those statistics are encouraging
evidence that the Manifesto continues to resonate
beyond Düsseldorf.
Perhaps the achievement of which I am most
proud is that A Manifesto of Visibility and Voice
has started conversations that feel necessary
and overdue. It has allowed women to speak
about purpose and pride, but also about barriers,
exhaustion, resistance and exclusion. It has shown
that creative expression can be a powerful form of
professional testimony, capable of revealing what
conventional reports or statistics might miss. It has
also demonstrated that when women are given
space to speak honestly, the whole profession has
an opportunity to listen, learn and grow.
Looking ahead, the Manifesto should not be
seen as a completed exhibition, but as the
beginning of a continuing international archive
and educational resource. There is potential for
further contributions, future exhibitions, research,
discussion and learning shaped by the experiences
already gathered. My hope is that the project will
continue to inform FIAT-IFTA’s educational work
and encourage wider reflection on representation,
recognition and leadership within funeral and
death care.
The exhibition in Düsseldorf was an important
milestone, but not an endpoint. It showed what
can happen when women’s voices are not merely
invited, but respected; when visibility is understood
not as status, but as recognition; and when
personal truth is allowed to become collective
witness. A Manifesto of Visibility and Voice began as
a project. It now feels like a conversation that has
only just begun.
The final exhibition brought together 44 contributions from women across 14
countries, each one reflecting a distinct personal and professional experience
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 115 – 3/2026
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DIGITAL IMMORTALITY
AND THE FUTURE OF
GRIEF IN THE AGE OF AI
Dr Katarzyna Nowaczyk-Basińska, Assistant Research Professor at the Leverhulme Centre for the Future
of Intelligence and the Cambridge Institute for Technology and Humanity, University of Cambridge
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