The Scottish Government laid the Hydrolysis (Scotland) (No. 1) Regulations 2026 and the Hydrolysis (Scotland) (No. 2) Regulations 2026 in the Scottish Parliament on 3 December 2025.
The Regulations will enable hydrolysis to be offered as an option for people interested in alternatives to burial or cremation in Scotland.
If approved by the Scottish Parliament these Regulations will come into force on 2 March 2026.
More information here
The full draft Regulations are now available to view on legislation.gov.uk at:
The Hydrolysis (Scotland) (No. 1) Regulations 2026
The Hydrolysis (Scotland) (No. 2) Regulations 2026
, The ICCM Learning Conference 2026 will be on 29-30th September at Chesford Grange. 2025 was a sell out - register now to be first to hear when tickets go on sale.
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Last evening, an important milestone for our sector was observed with the release of the new Process Guidance Note for Crematoria PG5/2(25).
This updated statutory guidance reflects the significant strides made in environmental standards across the cremation profession, while also recognising the real-life sensitivities and practicalities involved in delivering dignified services for families.
It is also a proud moment for the ICCM. For the first time, the guidance includes considerations relating to the use of auto-shutdown, an area the ICCM has long highlighted for consideration when delivering and implementing suitable, transparent practices within crematoria.
As the Environment Agency begins to support Regulators with the effective and consistent employment of the standards set out in the new guidance, resources can be found below including the Guidance Note, and the Government’s summary response to the consultation.
To read more, please follow these links:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/crematoria-process-guidance-note
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/review-of-technical-guidance-for-crematoriums