DS Smith is an international paper company and world leader in the provision of sustainable packaging solutions. They took part in the December 2025 Blue Ribbon of the Weser Boat Event in Germany. It won the World Record for the most crewed corrugated cardboard boat, paddling it 250m down the River Weser. The boat carried 23 people, surpassing the record by three. The record emphasises the durability and strength of sustainable packaging solutions.

Blue Ribbon of the Weser

The Blue Ribbon Sailing event is a major water sports and cultural festival held on the River Weser every two years. It began in 1951 and showcases the abilities of thousands of people around the world in disciplines as diverse as canoeing, swimming, triathlon, sailing and dragon boating. The programme combines competitive support with a strong culture of fun and diverting expectations. In the 2025 event several sailing teams experimented with corrugated cardboard structures.

However DS Smith truly stood out with potentially the longest corrugated cardboard boat of its kind. The sustainable, fibre based design measured 12 metres long and 3 metres wide. The 23 person crew paddled a total of 250m, beating the world record for most crewed corrugated cardboard boat. DS Smith provided further support for the event by hosting design workshops for others participating in corrugated cardboard structures.

Sustainable Boat Construction

The boat design was fibre based with a double wall of corrugated cardboard comprised of Kraftliner paper. Wood fibres and recycled pulp made up the outer paperboard layer. Kraftliner paper is strong, durable and highly resistant to tearing. It is suitable for heavy duty applications and can be given waterproof properties for set periods of time. The boat design was strong enough to hold 23 people, 3 more than necessary to beat the world record. The team submitted the attempt to the Rekord-Institut für Deutschland where it was formally validated.

Falk Höbel, Site Manager at DS Smith Sustainable Packaging, said: ‘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. 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’.

Transition to a Circular Economy

DS Smith is a leading global provider of sustainable packaging solutions. The excellent performance of the corrugated cardboard boat showcases the strength and durability of fibre based packaging. DS Smith uses their Redefining Packaging for a Changing World Programme to implement sustainable strategy across the business. Their entry in the race highlights a commitment to increasing awareness of fibre based packaging as a strong competitor to less sustainable options. The company continues to be a key player in the transition to a circular economy and delivering innovative sustainable packaging solutions.

Sustainable Packaging Solutions

DS Smith participated in the Blue Ribbon Weser event, and smashed the world record for the most crewed corrugated cardboard boat. The event showcases the strength and durability of fibre based packaging solutions. The company is a key player in the transition to a circular economy and implementing sustainable strategy throughout the business.