Rail Cargo Group Expands Circular Logistics Partnership with Befesa
- Jul 2
- 1 min read
ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) has strengthened its partnership with recycling specialist Befesa by introducing a multimodal circular logistics solution that transports aluminium production residues from Sweden to Germany by rail while making efficient use of return journeys. The initiative reduces road transport, improves resource efficiency, and supports more sustainable industrial supply chains.
The logistics operation begins in Älmhult, Sweden, where MOBILER containers are loaded with salt slag, a by-product of aluminium production, before being transported by rail to Befesa's recycling facilities in Hannover and Lünen, Germany. The end-to-end solution combines rail and road transport, allowing deliveries even to sites without direct rail access.
A key feature of the project is its circular logistics model. Around one-third of the containers are reloaded with REKAL salt for the return journey, significantly reducing empty runs and improving equipment utilization. RCG uses its MOBILER wagons and containers to seamlessly transfer cargo between rail and road, creating a flexible and efficient transport chain.
According to Rail Cargo Group, the solution replaces approximately 600 truck journeys carrying salt slag and another 240 truck journeys transporting REKAL salt every year. By shifting these flows to rail, the partnership lowers road congestion and emissions while demonstrating how multimodal transport can support circular economy principles in heavy industry.
RCG manages around 90% of the entire logistics chain for Befesa, including rail transport, multimodal equipment, and end-to-end coordination. The company says the project highlights the growing role of integrated rail logistics in helping industrial customers achieve greater efficiency, sustainability, and supply chain reliability.
Image source: railcargo.com
