Hygeco’s AARDBalm provides an alternative to Formaldehyde

With AARDBalm, Hygeco International – one of the leading suppliers of the funeral industry in Europe – provides an alternative to Formaldehyde. This alternative is desperately needed, as Formaldehyde – used in the funeral industry for the (temporary) preservation of the deceased – is likely to be banned by a new European Directive as a result of Biocide legislation. Intensive R&D and use in practice An extensive period of Research & Development preceded the development of AARDBalm, which was supervised by the English scientist Dr. Kit Barrow. Barrow’s initial studies and tests were carried out nearly ten years ago. The product has undergone constant improvement since then. Moreover, having been involved with the development of the product through extensive testing and trials over the last three years, Dignity Caring Funeral Services (the UK’s single largest funeral service provider), promotes the use of AARDBalm throughout it’s company. Some five thousand deceased have been tended using AARDBalm over the last eighteen months. “Reactions are very positive”, said Patrick De Meyer of Hygeco International. “The results are exactly the same as with Formaldehyde. Our principle is that the deceased is placed on the bier as naturally and hygienically as possible. AARDBalm guarantees outstanding results.” AARDBalm comfortably complies with the guidelines stated in the Biocide legislation, and does not belong to the category known as ‘CMR’ (Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reproductive toxins), which covers substances that are harmful to health. Worldwide rights Hygeco International has worldwide rights to the sale and production of AARDBalm having embarked on a joint venture with AARDBalm, the manufacturer. Not only is Hygeco a leading supplier for the funeral industry with it’s large number of European branches, it is also European market leader and a pioneer in the field of thanatopraxy (temporary preservation of the deceased). In France alone, Hygeco looks after around 40,000 deceased persons each year. ‘The Facultatieve Group’ Hygeco International is a member of ‘the Facultatieve Group’. With operating companies throughout the world, ‘the Facultatieve Group’ has been active (since 1874) in many fields: from automation to (international) funeral transport, from insurance to thanatopraxy and from communication to the development and supply of products and services required by the funeral industry, hospitals and government institutions. ‘The Facultatieve Group’ is global leader in the field of cremation and environmental technology. Since 1913, there are various crematoria and cemeteries within the Group.