New initiative turns event graphics into sleeping bags for the homeless

The first rollout of a charitable project has begun, which repurposes used event graphics into a waterproof sleeping solution for those experiencing homelessness or rough sleeping.

The project is a collaboration between graphics specialist Moss UK, experiential marketing agency, Spiro, and non-profits Sheltersuit UK and Street Pastors UK, aiming to combine sustainability with community impact.

As part of the collaboration, Sheltersuit UK crafts old event graphics provided by Moss and Spiro into a ‘Shelterbag’ – a portable, weather-resistant sleeping solution designed for those sleeping on the streets.

Last Friday (July 25^th), Street Pastors UK delivered the first Shelterbag to a person rough sleeping in Warwickshire.

On its website, Sheltersuit UK says that its work is a response to the continually increasing number of people living unsheltered in the UK.

Describing what it provides to the homeless, Sheltersuit UK says: “We provide multifunctional products that offer immediate shelter to people who need it most.

“These products are not meant to be a replacement for finding a home, but a supplement to when there is no other choice.”

The initiative is part of Spiro’s ‘Graphics for Good’ initiative, which aims to turn event waste into products that can create social impact.

In partnership with Sheltersuit UK, Moss, and electric racing championship, Formula E, Spiro aims to build a scalable model, with the company inviting “the entire events industry to join us in repurposing graphics for good.”

Speaking about the initiative on LinkedIn, Paul Ormsby, head of safety and sustainability at Spiro, says: “This is just the beginning.

“As an industry, we have the power – and responsibility – to make a real difference in our communities. This is more than a project – it’s a culture change. Let’s start the conversation."

Organisations that would like to be involved have been encouraged to reach out to one of the partners of the scheme, in order to find out more information and pledge their support.