Actions (E5-2)
We aim to reduce our need for new materials and keep materials in the value chain for as long as possible. Our most important actions for ensuring the more sustainable use of resources are presented below.
Reprocessing of track ballast
A key element for a more circular economy in DB Group is the ongoing reprocessing of track ballast as part of the renewal and maintenance of our rail network in Germany. Worn track ballast is cleaned, processed and prepared for reuse in the rail network either on a mobile basis directly at the construction site or at a dedicated site. This not only significantly reduces the amount of new ballast required, but also the associated greenhouse gas emissions caused by extraction and transport. If the worn track ballast is unsuitable for reuse, it is instead used as chippings or crushed sand in road construction. In 2025, about 1.6 million t (previous year: 1.2 million t) of track ballast were treated on site using mobile ballast cleaning, in which ballast is picked up, screened, cleaned and returned directly to the track. The increase in processing volumes can be attributed to the higher level of construction activities. About half of this, 0.8 million t (previous year: 0.6 million t), was returned directly to the rail network.
Reconditioning of old concrete ties
Another important contribution to resource preservation is the continuous reconditioning of old concrete ties for reuse in our rail network in Germany, where permitted. This action reduces the consumption of primary resources as well as the amount of waste we produce. Ties that are no longer suitable for reuse are returned to the recycling cycle via certified disposal companies and are then reused for a different purpose, for example as building materials in road or path construction. In 2025, about 200,000 reconditioned concrete ties were reused in the track network (previous year: about 240,000 reconditioned ties).
Rail steel
In the area of rail steel, resource preservation is driven by two central approaches:
- On the one hand, old rails that can still be used are continuously reconditioned and reused in our rail network in Germany.
- On the other hand, the procurement of low-emission steel is becoming increasingly important. Rails that are no longer usable are sent for recycling. We reached an important milestone in 2025 with the conclusion of a supply contract for about 1,000 t of low-emission rails. These were reinstalled over a route length of about 22 km. This new low-emission steel is produced from old rails and other scrap using the electric arc process. This eliminates up to 100 % of primary raw materials (e.g. iron ore) and reduces CO₂e emissions by up to 70 %. With about 1,000 t of low-emission steel produced, the CO₂e savings amount to about 1,800 t. We are continuously working on the necessary conditions for the widespread use of low-emission steel.
Expansion of partnerships
In order to promote recycled and recyclable products, DB Group is strengthening cooperation through partnerships and participation in various exchange formats. For example, DB Group is actively involved in national and international associations and committees such as the Federal Association of German Industry (Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie; BDI), the International Union of Railways (UIC) and the German Center for Rail Traffic Research (Deutsches Zentrum für Schienenverkehrsforschung; DZSF) on the topic of the circular economy. At the DZSF, for example, the “Environmentally friendly concrete construction” project is expected to run until 2026. It aims to identify and assess raw materials for concrete construction in the rail sector, evaluate the impact on existing concrete technology and regulatory approaches and assess the feasibility of future projects, taking climate protection targets into account. With the Future Initiative for Rail Construction (Zukunftsinitiative Bahnbau; ZIB), we want to contribute to strengthening climate and resource protection in rail construction. Together with planners, construction associations and the rail construction industry, we are working on suitable solutions in the “Green Planning, Construction and Operation” cluster. Further information on current developments from the ZIB can be found under Actions (E1-3).
Action plans 2026
The aforementioned actions will continue in 2026 as described.