Railroad Industry Solutions

The railroad industry makes advances toward a more sustainable infrastructure with Sumitomo Corporation’s strategic investment in Evertrak, a U.S.-based manufacturer of composite railroad ties. Through its subsidiary, Sumitomo Corporation of Americas, this investment aims to support environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional wood ties in North America.

In regions "with high decay rates, such as the southeastern United States, elevated temperatures and humidity accelerate the deterioration of wood railroad ties, leading to increased maintenance costs and environmental concerns." To address such challenges, the industry is increasingly adopting composite railroad ties as a sustainable solution.

Manufactured from "recycled plastics and fiberglass, composite ties offer enhanced durability, lower environmental impact, and long-term cost efficiency." Additionally, they are fully recyclable at the end of their lifecycle, further contributing to the development of sustainable infrastructure in the railroad sector.

Image Credit: Evertrak