DS Smith, an international paper company and leading provider of sustainable, fibre-based packaging solutions, has achieved a new world record for sailing in a corrugated cardboard boat inspired by a catamaran design. The record-breaking attempt took place at the biennial ‘Blue Ribbon of the Weser’ sailing event on the River Weser in Minden, Germany.
The innovative vessel measured approximately 12m in length x 3m in width. A crew of 23 DS Smith employees paddled the boat over a distance of 250m, surpassing the minimum requirement of 20 people on board to qualify for world record status.
The team also contributed to the event by hosting boat-building workshops, sharing expertise on designing and constructing watercraft using corrugated cardboard. The boat was built using a double wall of corrugated cardboard made from Kraftliner paper, known for its strength and durability. The outer layer consisted mainly of virgin wood fibres or recycled pulp, offering high tear resistance and temporary water resistance.
Falk Höbel, site manager at DS Smith Minden, said: “At DS Smith we specialise in developing and producing innovative, sustainable packaging solutions made from fibre-based and sustainable materials, including corrugated cardboard. Constructing such a large boat based on a catamaran design was a fantastic experience, and a challenge for us as a team, but we succeeded.”
Fluted structure“The corrugated cardboard material we used is incredibly strong and lightweight with a fluted structure. It was perfect for bearing the weight of multiple people — even on the water; and of course, we are thrilled that we set a completely new world record as a result of our efforts and teamwork, determination, and perseverance.”
The attempt was documented and submitted to the Rekord-Institut für Deutschland (RID), Germany’s official record-certifying body, for validation shortly after the event. The Blue Ribbon of the Weser, founded in 1951, is a major water sports and cultural festival that attracts thousands of athletes from around the world, including canoeists, rowers, swimmers, dragon boat teams, and triathletes. This year, several teams experimented with corrugated cardboard structures, but DS Smith’s creation is considered the longest corrugated cardboard boat of its kind.
Through its purpose of ‘Redefining Packaging for a Changing World’ and its sustainability strategy, DS Smith continues to lead the transition to a circular economy, delivering innovative fibre-based packaging solutions worldwide.