UIC is extremely pleased to invite you to the 7th Zero waste Railways workshop.
For the first time, UIC will be partnering with the supplier nora by Interface, a company specialized in premium rubber flooring solutions. Well known for pioneering in circular economy, beyond zero and biomimicry practices, nora by Interface will offer participants an immersive experience of practical application of circular economy.
Titled “Circularity beyond zero: Going Further Than Sustainability”, this instalment of UIC Zero Waste workshop series ambitions to explore circularity projects that not only reduce impact but generate positive environmental effects within the rail sector.
Draft program:
Day 1 - 17 November
Inspiration from Interface’s “All in” approach
On Monday , Interface will share on their journey to achieving ‘zero’ impact and ‘net positive ecological footprint’ with a screening of their film “Beyond Zero”. A short introductory discussion will follow to prepare for discussions on day 2.
Day 2 – 18 November
On Tuesday, the second day of the event will begin with an introduction by nora by Interface, presenting their approach to innovation and circularity, including a focus on their services for the transportation sector. This opening will be followed by a guided tour of the factory and the inlay center, offering a firsthand look at the production process. The visit will showcase how Interface’s “All in” circular economy strategy can inspire practical, circular design solutions for the rail sector, with measurable environmental benefits.
The following workshop session is designed to encourage interaction and collaboration, exploring the potential of circular products across various rail sector categories and identifying opportunities for broader implementation. Best practices will be promoted through insights from circular economy experts in both the rail supply industry and other sectors, with a particular emphasis on experiences involving circular, bio-based materials, biomimicry, nature-based innovations.
Experts will share examples of successful circular initiatives. Additionally, the workshop will shed light on emerging technologies and explore how data and artificial intelligence can support ‘beyond zero’ circular applications in rail, i.e. that not only reduce impact but generate positive environmental effects.
To add a hands-on element, the afternoon will include a 30-minute break featuring a technical demonstration by nora by Interface on how to install flooring in a train.
We welcome submissions covering these topics for the rail sector, from:
• Environmental specialists, circular economy experts and sustainability consultants from the whole value chain of rail
• Railway company sustainability officers and experts in circular economy, eco-design, bio-based materials, biomimicry, nature-based innovations
• Data scientists and analytics professionals in circular economy
• Academic researchers in sustainable transportation and in circular economy
• Policy experts and regulatory specialists
• Industry associations and NGOs
Submission Guidelines
Please submit your interest by providing the title and a short description of the proposed presentation, and if you want, a brief speaker intro.
Submissions will be evaluated based on relevance for the intended workshop.
Important information
• In-person workshop
• Location & Date: 17-18 Nov., Weinheim, Germany
• Duration of Presentations: around 20 minutes plus Q&A
• Language: English
• Submission Deadline: Submit your proposals by 20 October 2025.
Registration
Book you seat early as places are limited.
Click here to register
Our host and sponsor
The UIC is committed to advancing railway sustainability through knowledge sharing and collaboration. We look forward to your valuable contributions to this important industry discussion on how circular economy can contribute to environmental responsibility in the railway sector.