Civils and stations

Eurostar celebrates 25th birthday with first plastics-free train

Today (14 Nov) is the 25^th anniversary of the Eurostar train, the high-speed service linking the south of England with France, Belgium and the Netherlands. The service has carried over 200 million passengers since its launch in 1994.

To celebrate the quarter of a century, Eurostar has committed to a number of environmental measures including the running of the first plastic-free train, heading for Paris today.

Another initiative is the promise to plant a tree for every train service across its routes from 1 Jan 2020. Working with the Woodland Trust, ReforestAction and Trees for All, 20,000 extra trees will be planted by this collaboration every year.

Eurostar’s existing environmental programme Tread Lightly, has championed the environment since it’s launch in 2007, during which time they have seen a 43% reduction in their carbon footprint.

These new measures aim to build on this programme and further establish Eurostar as the most sustainable choice for short-haul European travel, as each Eurostar journey emits up to 90% less greenhouse gas emissions than the equivalent flight.

Today’s plastic free train to Paris will feature wooden cutlery, recyclable cans on water, glass wine bottles, alternative paper-based coffee cups and environmentally friendly food packaging.

In recognition of its decision to serve sustainable, responsibly sourced food on board, Eurostar has now been awarded the highest rating of three stars from the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA), having held a two-star rating since 2012. 

Mike Cooper, CEO, Eurostar, said:

“Over the last twenty-five years, we have led the way in cross-Channel high speed rail, revolutionising the links between the UK and mainland Europe. We have always had a strong sense of responsibility for the environment but as the demand for sustainable travel becomes increasingly critical, we believe we can raise the bar. With our environmental ambitions and our tree planting programme we are providing an attractive, eco-friendly alternative to the airlines.”

Other environmental measures include using 90% recycled water to wash the trains and sending less than 1% of waste from their UK offices, stations and depots to landfill.

The Eurostar platforms at St Pancras International have been transformed into woodland scenes to celebrate 25 years and their newest commitments to our planet.