Alstom and Stilfold deepen their collaboration to rethink steel train structures with origami
After a successful pilot project, Alstom and Swedish start-up Stilfold are shifting gears—from test to scale. In the next phase, the collaboration expands to bring Stilfold’s origami-inspired curve-bending into more train components and load-bearing steel structures, aiming to cut weight, reduce the climate footprint, and simplify manufacturing without compromising strength.
Alstom, global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, is strengthening its collaboration with Swedish tech company Stilfold after a successfully completed pilot project. The partners will now move from proof to broader application—evaluating how Stilfold’s origami method can be deployed across additional train components and structural elements.
Stilfold’s technology forms steel sheet through a controlled bending and folding process—an origami-like approach engineered for industrial production. The result: new design freedom in steel, with the potential to reduce material use, cut climate impact and simplify manufacturing.
“The pilot confirmed that Stilfold is a highly promising technology with relevance across multiple train components. We are now deepening our collaboration to identify solutions that can be both more sustainable and more cost-effective,” said Ganesh Chandramouli, Head of Innovation, Strategy and Product Portfolio at Alstom Sweden.
Compared to conventional manufacturing, Stilfold-based structures can use less raw material and reduce downstream processing. Fewer operations—such as welding—can mean lower energy consumption and a smaller environmental footprint. At the same time, the geometry created through folding can increase stiffness and strength, enabling lighter structures without compromising performance.
“This is the kind of industrial validation Stilfold was built for. Moving with Alstom from pilot to broader application is a strong signal that our technology can redefine how steel components are designed and produced,” said Jonas Nyvang, co-founder and CEO of Stilfold.
In the next phase, Stilfold and Alstom will review additional use cases and identify the components where the technology delivers the highest impact—such as weight reduction, simplified manufacturing, and reduced climate impact.
For further information, please contact:
Jonas Nyvang, CEO, STILFOLD
Email: jonas.nyvang@stilfold.com
Phone: +46 70-766 30 22
About STILFOLD
STILFOLD is a Swedish innovation company specializing in design and technology inspired by origami. With a foundation in green manufacturing and optimized material usage, STILFOLD leads the way in sustainable and cost-effective production methods.
