The 16,000 cardboard beds from the upcoming Paris 2024 Summer Games have embarked on a new journey towards sustainability and legacy. Tony Estanguet, President of the Games, announced that these innovative beds have been removed from the Olympic Village to be repurposed, aligning with Paris 2024’s dual vision.
“From the beginning, Paris 2024 had a double vision,” Estanguet told reporters. “To have a spectacular Games but also a responsible Games, and all our partners were involved in those two ambitions.”
Emphasizing the focus on legacy and sustainability, he added, “We tried to imagine how much we can guarantee and provide a second life for all the equipment used for Paris 2024.”
Originally introduced at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, the concept of cardboard beds was pioneered by Japanese mattress brand Airweave, the official bedding supporter. They continued their eco-friendly initiative by bringing these beds to Paris for the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics.
“We designed these cardboard beds so that they can support up to three or four people jumping, because after winning a medal, people are very happy,” said Motokuni Takaoka, founder and president of Airweave.
Chie Fujii, Logistics Manager of Airweave’s Paris 2024 Project, highlighted the future plans for the beds. “We will donate to a diverse group of organizations in France,” she said. “And yes, the mattress is totally washable. No bed bugs! Which will make it easy to facilitate the second life.”
This initiative reflects a growing trend toward sustainability in large-scale events, aiming to reduce waste and promote environmental responsibility. By providing a second life for the cardboard beds, Paris 2024 is not only minimizing its ecological footprint but also supporting local communities across France.
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Cardboard beds of Paris Olympic Village shipped away for second life
cgtn.com
