Eurostar announces first plastic-free train

For its 25th anniversary, Eurostar have announced they will be running their first plastic-free train.

As a mark of its commitment to eco-responsible travel, Eurostar is today running its first ever plastic-free train between London and Paris. This service, from which single-use plastics have been eliminated, is a demonstration of Eurostar’s environmental ambitions for its on-board experience.

The train will feature new wooden cutlery, recyclable cans of water, glass wine bottles, alternative paper-based coffee cups and environmentally friendly packaging for food served to customers.

Mike Cooper, CEO at 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.”

Eurostar sells sustainably sourced food on all trains, they have now been awarded the highest rating of three stars from the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA), having held a two star rating since 2012. 

In addition to this, from January 1st 2020, Eurostar has pledged to plant a tree for every train service that it operates across its routes.

Working in partnership with the Woodland Trust, ReforestAction and Trees for All, 20,000 additional trees will be planted every year in woodlands across Eurostar’s markets of the UK, France, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Darren Moorcroft, Chief Executive at Woodland Trust, said: “To meet the Government’s target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 there needs to be at least a threefold increase in the amount of trees going in the ground. Eurostar’s commitment to plant in celebration of its 25th birthday is a welcome one. The amount of trees being planted through this partnership will sequest around a thousand tonnes of CO2 over their lifetime. “

Photograph: Tony May