Turning old into new

When it comes to resource conservation, Deutsche Bahn AG considers its entire value chain — from procurement through operational use to disposal. The Group’s goal is to use key production assets and products — as well as the resources they contain — in a sustainable manner and to preserve them for as long as possible. For example, through various upcycling projects, DB gives old products and used materials a second life. Together with selected partners, these are reprocessed into new products.

Bags made from used banners and upholstery scraps

For example, an internal DB service provider specializing in media and communications technology turns old construction site and advertising banners into pencil cases, laptop bags, and shopping bags. And the DB workshop in Wittenberge produces bags from scraps of upholstery materials, such as the seat covers from regional trains and ICE trains. DB employees transform these familiar patterns into items such as protective cases for smartphones and tablets, as well as bicycle bags.

DIY upcycling

Even discarded pieces of the red tarps from DB Cargo railcars are used for upcycling. At various events, such as trade shows and other gatherings, visitors can make their own keychains and other products from them.

Tarpaulins from DB Cargo freight cars are upcycled into new keychains.

From plastic waste to seat covers

In the DB Lounges, about one-third of the sofa covers in the premium areas are made from Oceanic fabric by Camira. In this upcycling project, plastic waste from the world’s oceans is woven into new yarn. According to the manufacturer, Oceanic consists of 100 percent post-consumer recycled polyester, including 50 percent SEAQUAL yarn. According to the manufacturer, the amount of recycled material used per meter is equivalent to about 26 plastic bottles. The fabric is certified under STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX.

The seat covers of the DB Lounge sofa is made entirely from recycled plastic.

Upcycling products at bahnshop.de

In collaboration with Berlin-based designer Daniel Kroh, Deutsche Bahn AG has upcycled some of its old corporate apparel. Pieces of old shirts and vests have been transformed into various garments, such as a baseball cap. In addition, accessories such as a glasses case and a sleep mask are part of the upcycling collection available on bahnshop.de. All products are individually crafted. The cases, for example, are sewn from old pants and skirts.