At Rail Europe Solutions, we have long been working to develop our reinforced concrete sleepers to reduce their carbon footprint. We have spent more time discussing concrete mixes than communicating about them. Today, we would like to share our progress with you. #NOGREENWASHING
As pioneers in the use of CEM II cement for our sleepers, we are continuing this work with one unwavering requirement: reducing emissions while maintaining the expected performance.
For sleepers intended for the SNCF and Infrabel networks
We are reworking the concrete mix, particularly the binders, to reduce the amount of cement, the main contributor to emissions in our mix. Together with our supplier, we are investigating its partial replacement with ground blast-furnace slag.
Our goal: to reduce the CO₂ emissions associated with our concrete mix by 15% compared with the current formulation.
To date, our in-house laboratory has carried out tests on concrete cubes and sleepers:
- with a reduced cement content;
- with a reduced cement content and the addition of a supplementary binder.
The results meet the requirements of the SNCF and Infrabel specifications for the properties measured during these tests. This represents tangible progress in a programme that still needs to lead to the approval of the sleepers.
The final results of this work on sleepers intended for the SNCF and Infrabel networks are expected during 2027.
For private tracks and industrial customers
We offer optimised solutions combining a reduced cement content with steel with a lower carbon footprint.
What comes next?
In the longer term, we are investigating the incorporation of recycled concrete into our sleepers. At the same time, we are continuing our work on recycling them at the end of their service life to improve material circularity.
These initial results reflect sustained development work and a long-term commitment. At InnoTrans, we will be happy to discuss concrete mixes, performance, measurement methods and opportunities for further emissions reductions with you.
📍 Meet us in Berlin, hall 25, stand 110.
#RailEuropeSolutions #InnoTrans2026 #Rail #Decarbonisation #Concrete #CircularEconomy