ArcelorMittal Poland’s Dąbrowa Górnicza plant has been supplying rails to the Swedish transport administration (Trafikverket) since 2022. Over time, this collaboration has strengthened our commercial relationship, and so it was no surprise that Trafikverket turned to ArcelorMittal for its innovative rail recycling project to transform used rails into new ones.
While the infinite recyclability of steel is well known, Trafikverket’s engagement in circularity is shifting the traditional linear business model. Thanks to ArcelorMittal’s dedication and expertise, Trafikverket is now demonstrating that even the most well-travelled rails can be brought back to life.
Tapas Rajderkar, chief marketing officer (CMO), ArcelorMittal Europe – Long Products, said: “This project is a powerful example of how circularity and innovation can go hand in hand. By transforming used rails into new ones for the same network, we’re redefining the future of sustainable infrastructure. I am truly grateful to Trafikverket for its confidence in our capability to support its innovative project.”
Fredrik Svensson, business development purchasing and logistics manager at Trafikverket, said: “It is very important that we reduce our environmental footprint as much as possible, and one way is to close the loop with rails that have reached the end of their lives by bringing them back to their original performance. It is also important that we support our suppliers in moving towards more sustainable production methods, such as electric arc furnaces driven by renewable electricity sources. Our used rails will, in time, play a big role as high-value raw materials, helping us to secure our supply of new green rails.”
The first 1,000 tonnes of dismantled rails arrived at Dąbrowa in July 2025, and another 1,500 tonnes are en route. “Dismantled rails are sent to Hallstahammar, where they are cut into smaller sections and loaded onto trains. They are then transported to Ystad, and from there they travel to Poland by ferry,”explains Witold Hickiewicz, logistics project manager at ArcelorMittal Poland.
Collaborative recycling efforts
This collaborative recycling effort is more than just logistics – it is a prime example of the circular economy in motion. The initiative, launched by Trafikverket, also includes several other partners besides ArcelorMittal Recycling Poland and ArcelorMittal Europe – Long Products, and redefines what it means to move forward together.
Maciej Graczyk, head of purchasing responsible for rail logistics at ArcelorMittal Poland, said: “We are more than happy to collaborate in this pilot with Trafikverket, thanks to which we not only deliver our rails to Sweden, but also gain a very valuable raw material.”
This project is a proof to how industry and a railway administration can work together to meet sustainability goals. By turning used rails into a resource and removing national boundaries from the recycling chain, ArcelorMittal and its partners are redefining supply chain efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Marek Bednarek, Rails & Special Sections area sales manager, said: “It’s incredibly rewarding to support a customer who shares our vision for sustainability. By creating a circular system on rail production and reuse, we’re not just delivering steel – we’re delivering long-term value and trust.”
As rail transport continues to grow as a sustainable alternative to road and air travel, the demand for long-lasting, environmentally responsible rail solutions will only increase. With recycling efforts like this, ArcelorMittal is not only meeting that demand – it is helping to shape the future of mobility.
https://www.trafikverket.se/
https://rails.arcelormittal.com/
