Cremation is a process that uses heat (via fossil fuels) to create temperatures between 1700°F and 2000°F. During the process, all organic material in the body burns away, leaving behind inorganic bones. After 2 to 2.5 hours in the machine, what is left are these skeletal remains. The bones are swept out of the cremation chamber (also called a retort) and processed down to a fine particulate mixture typically called ashes or cremated remains.
If you’re interested in a more detailed explanation of everything happening during the cremation process, our founder Caitlin explains in video form, available to watch here.