'Freeze-drying' alternative to cremation

Swedish biologist Susanne Wiigh-Masak has designed an "ecological" alternative to cremation and burial, involving the freeze-drying of human remains.

Here at home on the Swedish island of Lyr, she explains what inspired her and how "Promession" works.

She also unveils the square coffin in which remains from the process can receive a shallow burial.

The technique has so far only been tested on pigs, but Ms Wiigh-Masak is hopeful commercial facilities will be built soon. The process is billed as a green alternative to cremation, reducing both carbon and mercury emissions.

Watch the full report on Newsnight on Tuesday 30 August 2011 at 22:30 BST on BBC Two, then afterwards on the BBC iPlayer and Newsnight website.