AVBOB has officially launched its third Aquamation facilit
JOHANNESBURG - AVBOB has officially launched its third Aquamation facility, and its first in the Eastern Cape, at the AVBOB Funeral Branch in Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth). As part of AVBOB’s continuing commitment to provide families with meaningful choices and eco-friendly alternatives, this facility combines compassion, dignity and environmental stewardship.
Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, is a water-based process that offers a gentle and sustainable alternative to flame-based cremation. Using a combination of water flow, temperature and alkalinity, the process returns the body to its natural elements without the use of fire or harmful emissions.
The result is a soft, natural transition that leaves behind only sterile bone fragments, which are processed into a fine powder similar to ashes and respectfully returned to the family. The process uses significantly less energy than cremation, emits no greenhouse gases, and has an exceptionally low carbon footprint.
For those who value environmental consciousness, Aquamation represents a dignified way to honour loved ones while caring for the planet.
Why is this launch significant?
The introduction of Aquamation in Gqeberha marks another major step forward for AVBOB as it expands access to sustainable funeral solutions across South Africa. Following the successful installation of Aquamation facilities in Cape Town and Pretoria, the Eastern Cape now celebrates the launch of its first provincial facility of this kind, which brings this groundbreaking service to families across the region.
For Johan de Vos, an AVBOB Funeral Agent in Gqeberha, the new installation represents both professional pride and personal purpose. “I have managed the Port Elizabeth branch since November 2023 after serving at the Uitenhage branch since 2016,” he explains. “I feel very excited and honoured to offer this revolutionary technology in the Eastern Cape. For our branch, it means we will be the first in our region to offer this mindful option for eco-friendly families.”
How does Aquamation compare to cremation and burial?
Aquamation offers several distinct advantages over traditional methods:
- Environmental responsibility: Aquamation uses up to 90% less energy than flame-based cremation and produces no emissions or airborne pollutants.
- Resource efficiency: The process requires a fraction of the water used in an average burial and avoids the need for land space or embalming chemicals.
- Gentle and natural: By using water, Aquamation closely resembles the natural process of decomposition, making it the gentlest possible farewell.
“This launch is an important moment for AVBOB,” says Adriaan Bester, AVBOB Executive: Funeral Products and Services. “We are proud to lead the industry in offering innovative, eco-conscious options that reflect the evolving needs and values of South African families.”
“We understand the value of evolving and moving with the times – over the past century, while embracing progress, we have had to adapt and be agile to the many facets of our business.”
Each AVBOB branch that introduces Aquamation receives specialised training and operational support to ensure the highest standard of care. The process is conducted under strict safety and regulatory guidelines, and every aspect of the service is handled with the professionalism and empathy that AVBOB has upheld for more than a century.
As awareness grows, Aquamation is expected to play an increasingly important role in the future of funeral service in South Africa.
“Our goal is to make sustainable funeral options accessible to all communities,” adds Bester. “We believe that every family should have the freedom to choose a farewell that resonates with their values, both culturally and environmentally.”