LNER has lifted the lid on its work to turn recycled rubbish into practical products with a special visit. It welcomed Andrew Pakes MP for Peterborough, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Dr Nik Johnson, and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Anna Smith, to its recycling and 3D printing hub based at Peterborough Station.
After a tour of the facility, the visitors saw firsthand how LNER is turning waste collected from its trains and stations into plastic products which are used within the business.
Rubbish is collected and brought into the hub and hand sorted by a dedicated team, who ensure every item is managed responsibly. Plastic waste is separated and handed over to an on-site team from Automedi, who use cutting-edge technology to turn the waste plastic into filament, which is then used in 3D printing. Automedi was a finalist in the innovation programme, Future Labs, in 2023.
Using state-of-the-art 3D printers, the team creates items which are then put to use. Since November 2024 over a tonne of waste plastic has been turned into usable products through this process, avoiding nearly seven tonnes of CO2 emissions. One example is a plug-drainer which has been customed designed for use in an Azuma train kitchen.
Speaking about the innovative use of waste plastic, Olivia Richardson, Environmental Partnerships Manager for LNER, said: “At LNER we are always looking for new ways to minimise waste, so this idea from Automedi fitted our ambitions perfectly. The fact that we have created a time saving solution for our onboard teams, by producing a bespoke drainer from waste plastic, highlights the possibilities of this project and just some of the work we are doing as a responsible business.”
Andrew Pakes MP, who represents Peterborough, said: “It’s brilliant to see a facility like this on the doorstep in Peterborough. Too often we don’t think about where our recycling ends up, so it is great seeing staff working hard to sort waste, producing filament which can be used in 3D printing. We’re keen to see more innovative ideas like this, and I hope this is the start of some great partnerships in Peterborough and across the railway network.”
Dr Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said: “I’m blown away by the innovation LNER has shown in developing this recycling hub and by the passion and dedication of the people who work here. It’s an ambitious project and an example of the circular economy in action. The Combined Authority is fully supportive of these kinds of projects and are keen to see more.”
Robin Gisby, Chief Executive Operator at DFTO, said: “DFTO and our train operators are committed to finding innovative ways to drive further sustainability improvements. Rail is already one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport, and through initiatives like the LNER recycling and 3D printing hub, we are making rail even greener.”
Image credits: LNER
