A technique for disposing of bodies by first freeze-drying them before shattering them into dust is to receive ministerial approval as a way of relieving pressure on Scotland's overcrowded cemeteries.

The process, called promession, is claimed to be one of the most environmentally friendly methods of body- disposal as the remains are turned into compost in as little as six months.

A group set up by the Scottish Government to review the law relating to the disposal of human remains has recommended promession be allowed in Scotland, where many cemeteries are now full and closed to new burials.

As well as reducing the demands traditional burials place on land use, promession also avoids some of the environmentally damaging effects of cremations, which account for 70% of all body disposals in the UK. Cremating bodies results in the release of greenhouse gases as well as dangerous mercury emissions from teeth fillings. Scottish crematoria are bound by European targets to reduce their emissions of the chemical by 2012.

As part of the promession process teeth fillings, hip joints and other metal items placed in bodies are safely and cleanly removed before the remains are ultimately disposed of.

The government's burial and cremation review group said in its report: "Although it was acknowledged that these technologies are still in their infancy, the group considered that they, like traditional methods of disposal, should be regulated."

Promession involves freezing the body to -18C and then submerging it in liquid nitrogen at -196C. Sound vibrations then shatter the brittle remains into a powder which is buried in a small biodegradable starch coffin in a shallow grave. It has been tested and refined using pig carcasses.

The first disposal using promession will take place in Sweden this year following the technique's approval, after much public debate, by the Swedish health authorities.

Susanne Wiigh-Maesak, the Swedish biologist who developed the process, said: "Many people find this a very appealing idea. It takes the best from burial and the best from cremation.

"Death does not seem so final, but part of supporting new life.Your body grows through life thanks to plants and promession gives a chance to say thank you' and give something back."

Meanwhile, Fisheries Research Services in Aberdeen is discouraging the families of Scottish seaman from disposing of their remains at sea, as the existing burial ground close to Rockall is threatened by deep sea trawlers.