Posts tagged 'Trends'

A warehouse with stacked boxes and shelves; a pallet jack in the foreground
August 26, 2026
4 min read

Spare Parts Strategy: Why “Buying in Bulk” Is No Longer the Way to Go

Overflowing warehouses, tied-up capital, and outdated spare parts? Why “buying in bulk” is no longer the best strategy in modern spare parts logistics—and what flexible solutions are available today to ensure greater efficiency and availability. Read the blog post now.

A modern tram travels through a city centre featuring historic buildings, cobbled streets and a church in the background.
July 22, 2026
7 min read

Modernisation vs replacement of trams

Modernisation or replacement of trams? This comparison highlights the key advantages and disadvantages of both strategies – from investment costs and the availability of spare parts to sustainability and long-term cost-effectiveness.

A person inspects a 3D printer with a torch through an opening whilst it is in operation, focusing on the technical components
April 22, 2026
3 min read

3D printing for the rail sector by DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung GmbH

DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung GmbH’s 3D printing service offers companies, for the first time, certified and field-proven access to additive manufacturing. On railauction.plus, innovative 3D printing services are provided, ranging from component analysis to on-demand production – including for obsolete, rare or urgently needed spare parts. Manufacturing in accordance with the DIN EN ISO/ASTM 52920 standard, combined with the use of railway-approved materials, enables a flexible, cost-effective and reliable supply of spare parts. Benefits: rapid availability, reduced storage costs, digital provision and targeted support throughout the entire supply chain. Find out more now!

Gelber U-Bahn-Zug fährt in eine U-Bahn-Station ein
April 1, 2026
4 min read

Underground, suburban rail and trams – How rail transport operators can benefit from railauction.plus

Find out how railauction.plus is making urban rail transport more efficient, sustainable and interconnected. The digital marketplace opens up new opportunities for metro, suburban rail and tram operators in terms of procurement, reuse and international trade. Read the full blog post now and discover the specific benefits!

A glass sphere featuring a plant motif and a sustainability symbol on a moss-covered background, with flowing lines and a blurred natural scene in the background.
March 18, 2026
4 min read

EU Circular Economy Act – What does this mean for used railway parts and components?

The Circular Economy Act aims to strengthen the circular economy in Europe, reduce waste, promote the use of secondary raw materials, and drive more sustainable production and consumption patterns. For the rail industry, the law could open up new opportunities in the spare parts market through targeted reuse, lifecycle management, and improved documentation of used components. Learn more in this blog post.

Freight train with colorful containers on tracks in daylight
March 11, 2026
3 min read

Rail freight transport on the rise: How sustainability is changing the industry

Sustainability is becoming the norm in retail and logistics—and rail is increasingly coming into focus. New EU regulations, rising ESG requirements, and the climate benefits of rail are making sustainable transport solutions a key success factor in the industry. Find out how companies can benefit now!

A person sits in front of a computer and works with a digital platform for managing spare parts, which displays statistics, orders, and analyses on the screen
February 18, 2026
3 min read

When Supply Chains Reach Their Limits: Digital Production in Rail

Supply chains in the rail sector are under increasing pressure—especially for spare parts and small series. Digital production platforms such as Replique enable components to be manufactured flexibly, efficiently, and in compliance with standards. In this blog post, learn how the rail industry is benefiting from modern manufacturing solutions and breaking new ground in ensuring availability and reliability.

Old, rusty railroad car covered with green vines and moss
February 11, 2026
5 min read

Upcycling in the rail industry

Upcycling in the rail industry creates new value from discarded materials such as seat covers, uniforms, or entire vehicles. Innovative solutions promote sustainability, efficient use of resources, and a functioning circular economy—from individual projects to strategic tasks. Read more about this in this blog post.

Freight train on rails with illuminated digital data patterns symbolizes digitalization and modern technology in rail transport
January 29, 2026
6 min read

Blockchain in the spare parts trade – vision or imminent reality?

Blockchain technology could revolutionize the spare parts trade in the rail industry: it enables seamless tracking, greater transparency, and automated processes in complex supply chains. However, data protection, a lack of standards, and high costs have so far hindered widespread implementation—despite its great potential. Its use therefore remains more of a vision at present—but initial pilot projects show what could be possible in the future.

Stacked, partly rusty, steel railroad tracks for track construction and railway infrastructure
January 21, 2026
5 min read

Raw Materials in Rail: How Railway Components Are Recycled

The European rail industry is facing new challenges: valuable materials such as rails, sleepers, and overhead lines are increasingly being reused in line with the circular economy before they are recycled. Digital marketplaces are opening up new ways to market used rail parts and are helping to use resources more efficiently. This promotes sustainable business practices and supports the industry in implementing current environmental and recycling requirements.