Chlorine-Free Body Bags: Why They Matter for Cremation

Many body bags are made from PVC vinyl. PVC contains chlorine, and burning it can produce hydrochloric acid and dioxins. That is why crematories and many hospital morgues ask for chlorine-free body bags when the decedent is going to cremation, so the bag can stay with the body instead of being removed.

What chlorine-free means

A chlorine-free bag is made from polyethylene, usually reinforced with a scrim (woven mesh) or string grid. It contains no PVC. It is lighter than heavy vinyl, but a well-built poly bag is still strong and can be leak resistant or leak proof.

Chlorine-free options

• Adult Chlorine-Free Bag, No Handles: 36 × 94 in., 12 mil, envelope zipper, white or FEMA blue.
• Perimeter Zipper Chlorine-Free Bag, Case of 25: perimeter zipper that opens flat, made in the USA.
• XL Chlorine-Free Bag, 8 Handles: 48 × 98 in. with eight riveted handles for larger decedents.
• Diamond Chlorine-Free Bag, Oversize XL: diamond string-reinforced with heat-sealed, leak-proof seams in blue, white or black.

When PVC is still the right choice

For decomposition, trauma and mass-fatality scenes where puncture resistance comes first, 18 mil supported PVC is still the strongest option. If cremation follows, transfer to a chlorine-free pouch at the funeral home or crematory.

Shop the line

See every model, size and case price on the American Mortuary Equipment body bag page or in the body bags and disaster pouches collection.

More body bag guides: Body bag sizes: child, adult, XL and bariatric · Water recovery body bags for dive and rescue teams · Envelope vs straight vs perimeter zippers · Disaster body bags: 18 mil PVC vs poly · Body bag handles and lifting capacity