ÖBB Rail Cargo Group receives ‘Gold’ in EvoVadis sustainability rating

(Vienna, 18 November, 2025) – The international EcoVadis rating once again confirms that ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) is among the world's leading companies in terms of sustainability – and even ranks among the very best in the railway industry. With the gold status, which RCG has now now achieved for the fifth consecutive time, EcoVadis recognises the comprehensive sustainability commitment of Europe's leading rail logistics company. This means that ÖBB Rail Cargo Group continues to rank among the top five per cent of all companies assessed worldwide and among the top one per cent within the railway industry.

ÖBB Rail Cargo Group CEO Clemens Först is delighted with the award: ‘The fact that we have achieved Gold status for the fifth time and are among the top 1% in the rail industry shows that our sustainability measures are not just lip service. We clearly stand out in the market as a truly sustainable player, and EcoVadis has confirmed this once again. I therefore see the rating as a clear incentive to continue on our path – with full transparency and responsibility.’

Outstanding performance in ‘sustainable procurement’ and ‘ethics’
ÖBB Rail Cargo Group performed particularly well in the areas of ethics and sustainable procurement. In the area of sustainable procurement, RCG improved from the top five per cent to the top one per cent – thanks in part to the introduction of a new Code of Conduct for suppliers that sets clear standards on environmental and human rights issues. Significant progress was also made in the area of ethics: new whistleblowing software ensures greater transparency and strengthens employee protection.

Targeted climate measures
In environmental category, the TÜV-examined environmental award for transport emission reporting was highlighted: this reporting provides RCG customers with transparent information on the CO₂ emissions of their transports. Initiatives promoting diversity, equality and inclusion, as well as the use of recycled materials, underline RCG's holistic approach to sustainability. In addition, the Carbon Scorecard once again rated its climate management at the second-highest level: “Advanced”. Contributing factors included the offsetting of residual emissions at the Vienna Freudenau and Lenzing warehouse sites. Direct emissions (e.g. those from the vehicle fleet) and indirect emissions (e.g. from purchased energy and operational waste) are recorded at the warehouse sites in order to continuously reduce them. Climate Partner-certified climate protection projects are financially supported to offset unavoidable residual emissions.



Rail Cargo Group: the freight transport division of the ÖBB 
As a leading rail logistics provider in Europe, we are shaping the industry.  365 days a year – 24 hours a day. Across Europe and beyond into Asia. With our presence in 18 countries – and our own traction in 13 of them – we connect people, businesses and markets from the first to the last mile. It’s  thanks to our 6,014 logistics professionals that 418,114 trains a year, respectively 1,150 a day, reach their destinations safe and sound. With our efficient end-to-end logistics services, we transport 79,9 million net tonnes of freight each year.