Athletes to sleep on cardboard beds at Paris Olympics; Why this is a bigger statement on sustainability than avoiding intimacy

As the world’s elite athletes arrive in Paris for the 2024 Olympic Games, an unexpected aspect of their accommodations has captured global attention. Social media is abuzz with videos of competitors testing the durability of their seemingly fragile beds in the Olympic Village.

In a move to promote sustainability, organisers have confirmed that these beds are constructed entirely from cardboard. This eco-friendly initiative, dubbed the ‘no-sex’ bed was first implemented at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. It was a part of their plans to discourage intimacy among athletes, and is part of a larger effort to make the Paris Games the most environmentally conscious in Olympic history.

The innovative approach to athlete housing has sparked both curiosity and admiration, highlighting the Games’ commitment to sustainability without compromising on comfort or functionality.

 

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Despite their paper-based construction, these beds are far from flimsy. Designed by Japanese company Airweave, the official bedding supporter of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, these cardboard structures are surprisingly sturdy. 

Motokuni Takaoka, founder and president of Airweave, told reporters, “We designed this cardboard bed so that three or four people can jump on it. Because after getting a medal, people become very happy.” 

Each bed can withstand up to 250 kilograms (550 pounds) and comes with a customisable modular mattress system, allowing athletes to adjust the firmness to their preferences.

Commenting on the same, Dilip Kumar Rai, environmentalist, Rinchenpong, Sikkim, says, “Cardboard beds are great for the planet compared to their traditional counterparts. The production of cardboard beds requires significantly less energy and resources than metal or wooden beds. This translates to a smaller carbon footprint and a lighter environmental impact.”

Unlike metal or wooden beds that often end up in landfills, he adds, cardboard beds are fully recyclable. After the games, they can be broken down and turned into new products, minimising waste.

The Paris 2024 cardboard beds are made in France, reducing the need for long-distance transportation and further lowering their environmental impact. “Cardboard beds also use considerably less material overall compared to traditional beds. This minimises the demand for resource-intensive materials like metal and wood,” Rai notes.

 

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How do cardboard beds contribute to the overall sustainability goals of the Paris 2024 Olympics?

The cardboard beds are a cornerstone of the Paris 2024 Olympics’ ambitious sustainability goals. By choosing these eco-friendly beds, Rai says, “the organisers are sending a powerful message to the world.”

“The Olympics is a global stage, and using cardboard beds demonstrates that even large-scale events can prioritise sustainability without sacrificing functionality. This choice encourages other organisations and individuals to rethink their own practices and adopt eco-friendly alternatives. It sets a new standard for sustainable practices in international events,” he explains.

The design of the cardboard beds is a testament to innovation in sustainability. (Source: YouTube/Olympics)

Balancing sustainability with the need for durability and comfort

The design of the cardboard beds is a testament to innovation in sustainability. In terms of durability Rai says that these beds are “surprisingly strong, designed to withstand the weight of athletes and their rigorous activities.” The cardboard frame is reinforced with sturdy inserts for added support.

Rai adds, “The mattresses are made of modular components that can be flipped to adjust firmness, ensuring a good night’s sleep for athletes with varying preferences. Cardboard is a lightweight material, making the beds easy to assemble, disassemble, and transport. This simplifies logistics and further reduces the environmental impact of the games.”

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