AARDBalm alternative for Formaldehyde

With AARDBalm, Hygeco International offers an alternative for Formaldehyde. That alternative is desperately needed, as Formaldehyde is likely to be banned under Biocide legislation as a result of new European guidelines. Formaldehyde is used in the funeral industry for the (temporary) preservation of the deceased. Currently, there is a proposal to amend the Burial and Cremation Act. One of the changes entails the legalisation of thanatopraxy – the temporary preservation process – in the Netherlands. Thanatopraxy does not prevent decomposition; the process is merely delayed for a number of days.

Intensive R&D and practical application
AARDBalm – developed under the supervision of the English researcher Dr Kit Barrow – was preceded by a period of intensive Research & Development. Barrow’s initial studies and tests were carried out nearly ten years ago. The product has undergone constant improvement since then. Moreover, AARDBalm is also being used intensively by Dignity Caring Funeral Services, one of the UK’s single largest funeral services providers. 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 Biocide legislation, and does not belong to the category known as ‘CMR’ (Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reproductive toxins). That category covers substances that are harmful to human 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 its large number of European branches, it is also European market leader and pioneer in the field of thanatopraxy (temporary preservation of the deceased). In France alone, Hygeco tends to around 40,000 deceased persons each year.

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