Recycling rate at a high level

Extension of 3D printing

Many components in our trains are unique. This means that spare parts need to be available in small quantities to meet requirements. We are increasingly relying on 3D printing in maintenance for this purpose. Over 7,000 (replacement) parts have already been printed by the end of 2018. This number is expected to rise to around 11,000 parts by the end of 2019. 3D printing offers many advantages, such as significantly reduced material usage, reduced transport distances due to lower storage requirements and the fact that our trains spend less time in the workshop. All of these effects contribute to resource conservation and also climate protection.

Microplastic-free soaps on our trains

Microplastic particles in personal care products pose a major ecological problem. Wastewater transports microscopic plastic components to rivers, lakes and seas, where they accumulate. Fish and other living things absorb them with their food, which passes the particles into the food chain. Hand soap has therefore been gradually replaced with microplastic-free alternatives on our trains since the beginning of 2019. The plan is to make microplastic-free products in other areas in the future as well.