On 10-11 February 2026, the 7th Zero Waste Railways (ZWR) Workshop, titled “Circularity Beyond Zero – Going Further Than Sustainability” brought together rail operators, suppliers, and circularity experts for two inspiring days. The event was hosted by nora® by Interface® in Weinheim, Germany, and once again demonstrated how collaboration across the rail value chain is essential in accelerating the transition towards a truly circular rail sector.
A strong start: Interface’s® journey toward a carbon‑negative future
The workshop opened with the screening of Beyond Zero, the documentary on Interface’s pioneering sustainability journey and its drive to become carbon negative by 2040.
The film set the tone for the rest of the event, sparking lively discussions on leadership, long-term commitment, and the tough but necessary shift from “less bad” to regenerative impact. The participants reflected on what it takes to securely embed sustainability into corporate culture and how this mindset can translate to the rail sector.
Day two: Factory insights and circular solutions across the industry
The second day combined hands-on learning with an interesting range of UIC member and supplier presentations.
A guided tour through the nora® factory and inlay centre offered participants a close look at flooring production and installation techniques, including a technical demonstration of how nora’s flooring is laid inside trains – showcasing durability, practicality, and the principles of waste reduction. In addition to the tour, participants were invited to two in‑depth presentations highlighting Interface’s sustainability approach and several concretely implemented projects to this effect. These sessions provided valuable insights into how Interface translates its ambitious climate goals into real-world results.
Circularity in practice: contributions from members and partners
Several fascinating presentations were given by experts:
- Quinty Soede and Frank van Schadewijk, ProRail, detailed how the Environmental Cost Indicator (ECI) combines emissions, resource use, and pollution into a single score. With boundary values challenging contractors to reduce ECI, ProRail successfully pushes more sustainable engineering solutions – from using more wood in station canopies to lowering CO₂ footprints across projects.
- Ilse van Eekeren, Dutch Railways (NS), highlighted NS’ circular design principles, ongoing biomimicry projects for trains, and the broader societal value of rail as evidenced by the Future Proof Index Report from Erasmus University Rotterdam. The findings underscore that NS’s integrated value, financial, social, and environmental, vastly exceeds its financial return, for example through mobility benefits that support social inclusion.
- Dereje Asefa, Bane NOR, presented the company’s corporate circularity strategy, focusing on waste reduction, optimised material use, and the reuse/refurbishment of overstock materials, supported by digital tools. Their work illustrates how infrastructure managers can embed circularity on a large scale.
- Katie Pallatt Taylor and Niels Kleusberg, Gen Phoenix, shared their approach to mechanical leather recycling, turning waste into high‑quality, circular materials. Their innovations demonstrate how recycling can contribute both to decarbonisation and to reducing the environmental impact of interiors used across the transport sector.
- Bart Meijnen and Martin Leibrandt, Pallet Control Tower (PCT), addressed the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), in force since February 2025. The regulation mandates recyclable packaging by 2030 and strict waste‑reduction targets of 15% by 2040 – posing a big challenge for logistics and rail freight. PCT’s digital pooling platform for Returnable Transport Items (RTIs), developed in partnership with the Rail Cargo Group, enables compliance of rail freight companies and positions rail as a competitive, truly “green” transport solution.
The workshop concluded with an engaging breakout session using the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) Sustainability Maturity Tool, moderated by Samuel Jones, RSSB and Circular Economy Sector Chair. Participants assessed circularity maturity levels, identified barriers across the rail ecosystem, and discussed actionable steps toward regenerative practices. The exercise encouraged cooperative learning and helped pinpoint where collective progress is most needed.
We would like to extend a big thank you to all of the participants!
A warm thank you also goes to nora® by Interface® for their outstanding hospitality and to all members, suppliers, and experts whose openness and contributions shaped two days of fascinating dialogue.
The event highlighted how the rail sector can achieve transformative circularity when collaboration, innovation, and a shared drive come together with a commitment to enhancing environmental benefits.