The future of rail interiors: speeding transit into a new era
At SEKISUI, we are committed to shaping the future of mobility through materials that enable smarter, more sustainable rail interiors. Our group company SEKISUI KYDEX partnered with German design consultancy neomind on Hamburg’s IdeenzugUrban S‑Bahn concept, a forward-looking interior that showcases how the right materials and collaboration can accelerate innovation.
A vision for the future of rail travel and a concept built to inspire decision makers
IdeenzugUrban was created to help operators, engineers, and specifiers look beyond traditional specifications and explore new options for future fleets.
Hamburg’s IdeenzugUrban S-Bahn concept sets a new benchmark for rail interiors and offers a vision of what modern rail travel can become: personalized, sustainable, and innovative. Designed to inspire decision-makers, it encourages thinking beyond traditional specifications and embracing new ideas for future fleets.
By combining cutting-edge materials, bold aesthetics, and sustainable solutions, the concept delivers a passenger experience that feels modern, connected, and ready for the future.
The role of SEKISUI KYDEX
SEKISUI KYDEX contributed by providing KYDEX® 2210LT, a European rail-grade thermoplastic that is lightweight, durable, and 100% recyclable. This material meets strict safety standards while enabling designers to create complex shapes without compromising strength or aesthetics.
A key innovation was the use of Infused Imaging™ Technology, which embeds graphics and patterns directly into the thermoplastic sheet. This eliminates secondary processes like painting or decals, improving durability and reducing the risk of peeling or chipping. It also allows for custom branding and woodgrain finishes that traditional materials cannot easily achieve.
Collaboration and speed
What typically takes months was achieved in weeks thanks to close collaboration between neomind and SEKISUI KYDEX. The appLab™ team optimized sheet layouts to minimize waste and used high-precision CNC routing for intricate parts, ensuring perfect alignment of logos and patterns.
Redefining what’s possible in rail interiors
This project demonstrates how early collaboration with material partners can transform design processes, making them faster, more sustainable, and more adaptable. It’s a clear example of how SEKISUI companies help shape the future of mobility by combining innovation, sustainability, and efficiency.
For the rail industry, this means lighter and stronger components, simpler production, and materials that meet strict safety standards while being fully recyclable. With technologies like Infused Imaging™ and recyclable thermoplastics, designers can add custom patterns and branding directly into the material, creating interiors that are durable, attractive, and ready for the demands of modern rail travel.
By setting this example, the IdeenzugUrban project proves that collaboration and advanced materials can redefine passenger experience and help operators meet sustainability goals while reducing lifecycle costs.
This partnership was recognised with RedCabin’s “Collaboration of the Year” award.
