Circular dismantling of trains
NS is committed to 100% circular trains. Train parts are valuable and deserve a new life, even after more than 40 years of loyal service. This helps prevent waste and keeps raw materials in circulation for longer.
Modernisation
Since 1977, the ICMm train type (Intercity Materieel gemoderniseerd) has operated across the Netherlands for interregional travel. In 2005, we modernised these trains. Now, over 46 years later, we are gradually phasing them out of service. This process will continue until 2030.
We start by replacing the oldest trains, mainly those with damage that is no longer economically repairable or that have technically reached the end of their lifespan. Some of these trains are already out of service. This will not affect travellers or the timetable. We temporarily replace these trains with VIRMm trains.
Reuse
We dismantle the ICMm trains as sustainably and circularly as possible. All parts are carefully removed, a process known as ‘harvesting’. This gives them a second life in new products. By keeping materials in circulation, we save large amounts of waste and reduce CO₂ emissions.
New products
Our goal is for all trains to have a new life. If selling a whole train is not possible, we offer the interior parts to be made into new products. Examples include seats, train windows, upholstery, coat hooks, luggage racks and even public address speakers.
We already have great examples: table tennis tables made from train floors, bins repurposed as plant pots, and bags crafted from old train seat upholstery.
Would you like to see which interior parts NS gives a new purpose?