Recently it was announced that the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games will provide athletes with recycled cardboard beds during the competition. The beds are 2.20 meters in length and will be able to support 200kg. After the games have concluded, the mattresses will then be turned into recycled plastics.
The cardboard beds were showcased on January 9th, where a display was set up that depicts the apartments that will house athletes during the games. The athlete apartments are located at Tokyo Bay and will be sold after the Olympics have concluded. The former athlete apartments will be listed at approximately $46 million.
Through the cardboard beds, it is clear that sustainability is being highlighted as an important theme for the 2020 Olympic games.
Athlete-Focused Cardboard Beds
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics Will Provide Athletes with Sustainable Beds
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Beds - Disruptive innovation opportunity: The demand for sustainable bed solutions is likely to increase, creating opportunities for eco-friendly bed manufacturers.
2. Recycled Plastics - Disruptive innovation opportunity: The recycling industry can explore new ways to repurpose mattresses and turn them into recycled plastics, reducing waste and promoting circular economy.
3. Sustainability in Sports - Disruptive innovation opportunity: The sports industry can focus on implementing sustainable practices and products, aligning with the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly initiatives in sports events and equipment.
Industry Implications
1. Bed Manufacturing - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Bed manufacturers can capitalize on the shift towards sustainability by developing eco-friendly bed solutions, such as using recycled or renewable materials.
2. Recycling - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Recycling companies can explore partnerships with mattress manufacturers or sports events to efficiently recycle used mattresses and turn them into new products.
3. Sports Events and Equipment - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Sports organizations and equipment manufacturers can incorporate sustainable practices and materials into their offerings, catering to the growing demand for environmentally friendly options.