The Catalan government is planning to implement more stringent measures for companies operating cremation ovens in the region. The Consellerias de Salut (Health) and Acció Climàtica (Climate Action) are working on a new incineration decree that is expected to be published in 2024.
This decree will establish a set of stricter regulations and controls for cremations of the deceased. The main objective is to reduce pollution and minimize the environmental impacts of this process.
To date, funeral homes in Catalonia have performed cremations with a focus on pollution reduction, but the current regulation is insufficient.
The new decree proposes significant changes in the way cremations are performed. Some of the measures include reducing the amount of clothing used in the process, prohibiting the burning of certain items and implementing stricter controls on cremation ovens.
Strict incineration decree
The general director of Qualitat Ambiental (Environmental Quality), Mireia Boya, stresses the importance of reducing pollution caused by polyester fabrics used in the clothing of the deceased.
It also warns about the negative impact of certain gowns containing acrylic elements. It also points out that belts, shoes, jewelry and costume jewelry should not be burned, as they could contain harmful substances such as lead, mercury or cadmium.
The proposed decree also extends to caskets used in cremations. It establishes that the coffins must not be varnished prior to cremation.
This is because varnishes can release toxic substances during the burning process. Most funeral homes in Catalonia already use ecological coffins that meet these requirements.
Josep M. Mons, president of ASFUNCAT, suggests that even in cases where cremation is not performed, coffins should be ecological to minimize environmental pollution.
The president notes that, after burial, caskets are often burned, raising significant environmental concerns.
Cremation ovens in Catalonia
Catalonia currently has around 60 crematoria, some of which are older and generate more emissions, while other more modern ones use precise filters to reduce particulate emissions as much as possible.
ASFUNCAT, the association of funeral service companies in Catalonia, points out that most furnaces meet current emissions standards. Despite this, they are willing to accept stricter regulations to ensure less cremation contamination.
Spain does not have clear regulations on the destination of ashes. Funeral homes often leave this decision up to the families, who are advised to use biodegradable urns if they wish to bury the ashes in the field or at sea.
