12/08/2025
♻️ Railways Driving the Circular Economy
Railways are helping shape a circular economy—transforming yesterday’s trains into sustainable and stylish new products. In 2024, Netherlands Railways (NS) upcycled more than 71 tonnes of retired train materials into items such as bags, jewellery, and homeware.
From everyday objects and merchandising to art pieces and even living spaces, old railway materials are being given new life. This is made possible through partnerships with businesses, designers, and even charities and non-profit organisations.
💡 Real-World Examples of Railway Upcycling 💡
🇺🇸 Amtrak | Transformed hundreds of Acela Express leather seat covers into designer bags and backpacks, keeping waste out of landfills and supporting social causes.
🇬🇧 Transport for London - London Underground | In 2023, designer Jeffrey Miller, during his Masters at Central Saint Martins, created the “From the Underground” art project - a collection of tiles made from the waste of the LU for the LU itself:
▪️ London clay (from tunnel excavations) formed the tile body
▪️ Iron oxide dust (from train wheel friction) was used as the pigment for the glaze
▪️Tile moulds came from H&E Smith, which refurbishes London Underground tiles
🇳🇱 Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) | A mix of creativity and material reuse resulted in a diverse portfolio of products, extending the useful life of once-discarded components. These are sold in Upcycle Shops at major stations and through auctions.
Railway Materials ➡️Upcycled Products
▪️Train seat upholstery ➡️ Sneakers, espadrilles, bags, pencil cases, laptop/tablet sleeves, toiletry bags, meditation cushions
▪️ Yellow information boards ➡️ Notebooks, trays, games, lamps
▪️ Train floors ➡️ Table tennis tables, speakers, chairs, phone booths
▪️Windows, benches, and steps ➡️ Tables, stools, swings
▪️Bike tyres ➡️ Bags, waist bags (f***y packs)
These are powerful reminders that circular thinking in transport isn’t just about recycling—it’s about reimagining materials, reducing waste, and creating lasting value.
📷 (C) NS; Jeffrey Stephen Miller; Tom Mannion; People for Urban Progress