More cremations than burials in 2003

For the first time in the history of cremation in the Netherlands, the number of cremations is higher than the number of burials. According to the Dutch Central Statistics Office, a total of 141,082 people died in the Netherlands in 2003, of which 71,815 were cremated. This means that the percentage of cremations rose to 50.9% in 2003 (In 2002: 49.8%). First cremation 90 years ago The history of cremation in the Netherlands dates back to 1874 when the current Royal Dutch Cremation Society 'the Facultatieve' was established. This Society built the first crematorium in the Netherlands in Driehuis (Westerveld) in 1913. This is where the first cremation took place on 1 April 1914; which is precisely 90 years ago next April. " 'The Facultatieve' has always played a pioneering role in this sphere", said President and CEO J.M.H.J. Keizer of ‘the Facultatieve Group' which developed from the Royal Society. "And the Society has continued to commit itself to the advancement of conscious choice between cremation and burial. This certainly doesn't mean that we want everyone to choose cremation. 2003 marked a really special moment in our history when the number of people who opted for cremation exceeded 50% for the first time." Freeze drying Meanwhile, 'the Facultatieve Group' is conducting exhaustive research into the possibilities of a third method of disposing of the dead: freeze drying. A TNS NIPO study (2003) among the Dutch population has shown that, theoretically, half of them would be willing to consider freeze drying. In the freeze drying process (officially lyphilisation), the body is frozen to –180 degrees, after which it is vibrated apart to leave only organic material. "Based on a study initiated a number of years ago, we believe that freeze drying may well be an option in the Netherlands within two to three years", said Mr Keizer.