For 25 years, Eurostar unveils new environmental commitments

New initiatives to strengthen its Green Travel Environmental Program
The first plastic-free train to celebrate its 25th anniversary
The commitment "a tree for each train"

Since its creation, Eurostar, the high-speed rail service linking continental Europe to the United Kingdom, has added environmental benefits and encouraged the shift to more sustainable modes of transport.
Through its Green Travel Environmental Program, set up in 2007, Eurostar has reduced its carbon footprint by more than 40% 1 and is now celebrating its 25th anniversary with ambitious new commitments, further strengthening its most important transportation position. sustainable for short-haul travel in Europe.

The environmental benefits of the high-speed train are considerable: each Eurostar trip emits up to 90% 2 less greenhouse gases than the equivalent of a short-haul flight.
Over the past 25 years, Eurostar has transported more than 200 million passengers.

Train without plastic

To mark its commitment to an eco-friendly trip, Eurostar will be rolling out today its first non-plastic train between London and Paris.
This service, which disposable plastics have been eliminated, is proof that Eurostar wants to go further in its environmental commitments, particularly through the experience on board.

The train from London to Paris (10h24) and Paris to London (16h13) will unveil the new equipment without plastic: new wooden cutlery, recyclable water cans, glass wine bottles, coffee cups made from paper and all green packaging.
In the Buffet Bar, a new restaurant offering will be offered by the British chain Benugo.

Third star at the Sustainable Restaurant Association

After winning two stars in 2012, Eurostar was awarded the highest rating, a third star, by the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA), the UK's association for accelerating social and ecological change within the the horeca sector, in recognition of its commitment to serving sustainable and responsible food on board its trains.
This award requires a very high level of commitment, including seasonal, fair trade or organic, non-airlifted ingredients from producers with significant environmental and welfare standards.
 
A tree planted for each train 

In order to reinforce its commitment to the environment and to encourage consumers to choose the train rather than the airplane, Eurostar undertook, from 1 January 2020, to plant a tree for each rail service operated on its lines.
By supporting Woodland Trust, Reforest'Action and Trees for All, 20,000 trees will be planted every year in the forests of the countries in which Eurostar is present: in the United Kingdom, France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
From the beginning of next year, customers traveling with Eurostar will be able to actively support the reforestation of forests in Europe by choosing the high-speed train.

Mike Cooper, CEO of Eurostar says:

"Over the past 25 years, we have opened the way to the cross-Channel high-speed train, thus revolutionizing the links between continental Europe and the United Kingdom.
We have always had a strong sense of responsibility for the environment, and as the demand for sustainable transportation becomes ever more important, we want to go even further.
Through our environmental ambitions and our tree planting program, we offer an even more attractive and environmentally friendly alternative to airlines. "

Raymond Blanc, culinary director of Eurostar's Business Premier class highlights:

"Working with Eurostar shows that it is possible to offer quality and sustainable cuisine, even on board a high-speed train.
The new three-star rating awarded by the Sustainable Restaurant Association is recognition of Eurostar's efforts to ensure that guests enjoy delicious food while respecting the environment. "

Stéphane Hallaire, Reforest'Action DG says:

"Forests are a place of well-being, a biodiversity reserve and a great carbon sink.
Reforest'Action's mission is to restore degraded forests and create new and diverse forests.
We have chosen to do this with companies that are part of a positive approach to the environment and Eurostar is clearly part of these companies.
That's why we are particularly happy to be able to work with them. "