SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) and CompPair Technologies have entered a collaboration to drive the performance and sustainability of key components on the ICN train fleet, focusing on durability, cost-efficiency, and reduced maintenance.
The joint project targets the front parts of locomotives, specifically the cowcatchers which are prone to external damage such as impact. These parts are currently responsible for frequent maintenance interventions and replacement resources.
By introducing CompPair’s innovative regenerative composite technology, the partnership aims to demonstrate a significant reduction in maintenance operations and extend the service life of affected parts. This solution enables in-situ repairs, allowing damaged composite components to be healed in minutes, thus reducing downtime and improving cost-efficiency.
“Our goal is to showcase how advanced materials can make a tangible economic and ecological difference in the daily operations of the rail industry,” said Amaël Cohades, CEO of CompPair. “We’re proud to contribute to SBB driving innovation for more durable and sustainable transport.”
The project builds on a shared ambition between SBB and CompPair to lead the way in sustainable innovation within the rail sector. As part of this collaboration, CompPair’s HealTech™ technology will be integrated into the refit programme of the ICN train fleet beginning in 2025, through existing SBB suppliers. This strategic move ensures seamless adoption within the current maintenance ecosystem, while introducing a significant step forward in reducing operational costs and environmental impact.
The cowcatcher of the ICN trains – exposed to frequent impacts and traditionally requiring regular replacement – has been selected as the first component to benefit from CompPair’s solution. By replacing standard composite parts with repairable ones, maintenance teams will be able to heal damage directly on the part, reducing downtime and avoiding costly replacements. This not only improves operational efficiency but also supports SBB’s long-term sustainability goals.
“With this collaboration, we are taking a concrete step toward reducing material waste and maintenance costs while increasing the service life of key components,” said Pascal Vock, Head of Research and Innovation at SBB. “CompPair’s solution offers an exciting opportunity to combine operational efficiency with responsible resource management.”
By enabling longer lifetimes for train components and significantly reducing the frequency and cost of repairs, SBB is positioning itself at the forefront of a more durable and environmentally responsible rail industry. This partnership marks a key milestone in proving the business case for next-generation repairable composites, with future opportunities for broader implementation across the entire fleet.
About CompPair
Founded in 2020, CompPair is a Swiss company providing composite semi products to build structures with ultra-fast repair capacities. As a 360° solution provider, CompPair offers various composite products with the HealTech™ technology, ensuring a full range of options to build the next generation of composite parts.
About SBB
SBB is the primary national railway company of Switzerland, responsible for both passenger and freight transport. SBB operates a vast network of over 3,000 kilometres of railway lines, with 9,000 passenger trains running daily.
