Upcycled Wheelchair Ramps
Spartannash's Bags to Boards Initiative is Innovative and Creative
Kalin Ned — May 2, 2025
SpartanNash has demonstrated an innovative approach to corporate social responsibility through its 'Bags to Boards' initiative, which creatively addresses both environmental sustainability and accessibility needs for military veterans.
SpartanNash's Bags to Boards program establishes a closed-loop system where plastic bags collected at the company's retail locations are transformed into durable composite materials used to construct wheelchair ramps for veterans' homes. The initiative represents a meaningful intersection of ecological consciousness and community service, with each ramp repurposing approximately 157,500 plastic items that might otherwise contribute to landfill waste.
In order to bring the Bags to Boards program to fruition, SpartanNash has partnered with material manufacturer Trex and nonprofit Home Repair Services. By expanding the program beyond its initial West Michigan focus, the company shows a commitment to scaling the initiative's positive impact across more communities.
