Co-op Funeralcare will offer the service known as resomation, and also described as water cremation or alkaline hydrolysis, later this year.
The practice consists of the deceased being enclosed in a biodegradable pouch and placed in a container filled with pressurised water and potassium hydroxide, boiled at 160 degrees.
This converts tissue and cells in to a watery solution of micromolecules, with one cycle taking four hours.
Research suggests resomation is a more sustainable option as it does not release toxic gases, air pollutants or polluting fluids.
Cremating a body releases carbon dioxide and toxic gases while burials risk groundwater contamination.
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