The European railway sector is on a path to decarbonization, but sustainability goes beyond energy efficiency—it’s also about reducing raw material consumption. The Eco-Sustainable Advanced Material for Railway Applications (ESAMRA) project addresses this challenge by developing a novel, eco-friendly material for railway sleepers using waste from the mining sector.

With support from the INGENIOUS consortium through the INGENIOUS Innovation Grant, Spanish SMEs ECOCASTULUM, S.L. and PIZARRAS MATACOUTA, S.A. have successfully advanced alkali-activation technology to create a high-performance, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative to conventional railway materials.

Key Achievements

✅ Eco-Sustainable Materials – Developed an innovative material using mining waste, reducing environmental impact.
✅ Lower Carbon Footprint – Contributes to EU decarbonization goals by minimizing raw material extraction.
✅ Cost-Effective & High-Performance – Meets railway industry standards at a lower price than traditional railway sleepers.
✅ Circular Economy Synergies – Promotes resource efficiency and waste valorization for sustainable railway infrastructure.

Impact & Future Prospects

With Europe aiming to double high-speed rail by 2030, ESAMRA offers a scalable and sustainable solution for future railway expansion. By reducing costs, enhancing performance, and promoting circular economy principles, this project is paving the way for a greener railway sector.

📽️ Watch the results video here: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7302605393480863744 

📢 More INGENIOUS-supported success stories are coming soon—stay tuned!