responsible & environmentally conscious burial

Patrick Lutz

has been familiar with the industry since his childhood. He studied in the USA, Norway and Germany and wrote his thesis on the technical and economic feasibility of alkaline hydrolysis for pets some time ago. In cooperation with the renowned University of Hohenheim, he has developed the scientific basis and studies for the validation of our aquamation systems for animals.

Jochen Lutz

was born in Schwäbisch Hall in 1972, is married and has three sons. He has been working independently since 2003 as managing partner among others of human as well as pet and horse crematoria. In 2017, the first own cremation facilities were developed and built. Mr. Lutz is also active in various technical committees, including VDI 3891 – Emission Reduction in Human Crematoria.
THE COMPANY

Who we are

Lutz Engineering is a young division of a family-run company with an innovative and future-oriented service for the funeral industry. We, the Lutz family, have been active in the cremation industry for over 18 years and operate human as well as pet and horse crematoria in Germany by ourselves. Therefore, we are familiar with the industry challenges, which is why we already take precautions for the requirements in practice in the development of our systems. We attach great importance to a long-lasting and robust design as well as simple and safe operation for the user. The name Lutz has always stood for trust, reliability and highest quality. Your family Lutz
AQUAMATION

Description

Alternative burial
with future

Significantly lower operating
andmaintenance costs

Zero emissions of harmful
greenhouse gases

90% energy saving
compared to cremation

Aquamation is based on the process of alkaline hydrolysis, the natural process that also takes place during burial in the ground. This is accelerated during aquamationby warm water and minerals. In this way, the body is decomposed into its original components in about 12-18 hours. The bones can then be ground and prepared for urn burial.The liquid left behind is free of pollutants and is returned to the cycle of nature in the USA.
OUR FACILITIES

Advantages and Innovation


Most innovative technology
patent submitted

Only 3 connections required:
Freshwater
Wastewater
Electricity


Internal lift ensures gentle
introduction of the animals

Aquamation Maschine


Customised room concept
as a holistic solution


Compact system with
attractive design


Made in Germany
CE label

The system is made of high-quality V4A stainless steel. The system components are from renowned German manufacturers and have an EU declaration of conformity. The working height of the system in combination with the internal lift allows for a gentle and easy introduction of the animals. This also means that no lifting instrument (such as a crane) is required, which would have to be checked and maintained annually. This is exemplary for all functional instruments of our system; annual maintenance and inspection costs have been minimised. Furthermore, the neutralisation system does not have to be installed separately, but is located directly in the system. All in all, the system is a compact system in which all necessary functions are already included and do not have to be purchased separately and added at the expense of the design.
AQUAMATION

FAQ

Alkaline hydrolysis (aquamation) is a new environmentally friendly alternative to cremation and burial that does not yet exist in Germany. The process of alkaline hydrolysis is essentially an accelerated variant of natural decomposition. In practice, alkaline hydrolysis is often referred to as aquamation or resomation.
In the same way we established the first equine crematorium in Germany in 2017, we are now striving to introduce this new form of burial, aquamation, for pets. The necessary approval procedure has already been initiated in cooperation with the specialist authorities. Aquamation is also a dignified form of burial for pets.
Aquamation is significantly more environmentally friendly compared to cremation as well as any other types of burial. Alkaline hydrolysis saves 90% of energy costs compared to cremation. Furthermore, aquamation does not produce any harmful greenhouse gases. The ashes can be handed over to the family or pet owner after aquamation in the same way as after cremation. However, these ashes are lighter in colour than the ashes of a cremated animal, as they are without the carbon discolouration that occurs during cremation. Alkaline hydrolysis yields on average about 20% more ash than cremation. The ashes from aquamation, like the ashes from cremation, can be used for any type of memorial, such as cremation jewellery, mementos, glass, diamonds, clay memorials, tree urns, etc.. “Do you have any questions about aquamation at dank & treu? We will be happy to help you and look forward to your enquiry.

During aquamation, also known as resomation, the pet’s body is decomposed in a closed basin by natural alkaline hydrolysis, so that only the bones of the pet remain after the process is complete. These are then dried, ground for shipment in an urn and presented to the pet owner. The alkaline treatment solution is made up of 95% water and 5% alkaline liquid. When heated appropriately, this accelerates the natural decomposition process of the animal’s body.The combination of gentle water flow, warm temperature and alkalinity is used to accelerate the natural process of decomposition. The organic body of the animal is thus reduced to its actual building blocks.At the end of the process, no DNA or RNA is left. The sterile process water is released for recycling and the inorganic bone minerals remain. The remaining bones of the pet are then rinsed, dried and placed in the urn, which is then handed over to the pet owner.

All fluids and substances used are safe for the environment. The water-based process uses a solution of 95% water and 5% alkali. These substances used in this process are the same alkalis used in common cosmetic products, body washes, shaving creams and even food preparation. At the end of alkaline hydrolysis, the substances are completely consumed, neutralised and no longer remain in the water solution.The need for water is incredibly low. Our pet aquamation process uses the same amount of water that would be used to bathe a pet. At the end of the process, 99% of the water is returned to wastewater treatment, where it is treated in the same way as other wastewater.With aquamation/resomation, there are no emissions of harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. No fossil fuels are burned in the alkaline hydrolysis process. The process is still very energy efficient – more than 90% energy saving compared to cremation, with 1/10 of the carbon footprint. 

AQUAMATION

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