In a recent editorial published by the Post and Courier – Land Trusts and governments can always use more partners. Businesses can help. –  Atlantic Packaging was recognized as a standout example of how private businesses can play a meaningful role in land conservation efforts across South Carolina.

The editorial spotlighted the successful protection of the Barry Tract, a 67-acre parcel along the Ashley River in Dorchester County, made possible through a coalition of public and private partners. Among the contributors was Atlantic Packaging, which provided $200,000 — half toward the land purchase and half to cover interest and carrying costs — helping to secure the property from development.

President Wes Carter described the initiative as a “voluntary mitigation offset,” aligning the company’s national footprint with its conservation values. The Barry Tract’s proximity to Atlantic’s Summerville facility made it a natural fit. This contribution builds on Atlantic’s previous conservation work, including support for a 62,000-acre forest easement managed by the S.C. Forestry Commission.

The editorial praised Carter’s vision and called on other business leaders to follow Atlantic’s example: “The word is legacy,” Carter said. “It’s a real chance to establish a legacy. I hope other businesses consider their legacy, beyond profit optimization.”

The Post and Courier emphasized that attracting more private-sector support not only enables more conservation deals but also sends a powerful, nonpartisan message to elected officials about the importance of protecting South Carolina’s natural heritage.

Atlantic Packaging is proud to be part of this movement, demonstrating that business can be a force for good, and that legacy is built not just in profits, but in the landscapes we preserve for future generations.

The Great Simplification Podcast – Episode 186 with Wes Carter

In this episode of The Great Simplification, host Nate Hagens sits down with Wes Carter, President of Atlantic Packaging and founder of A New Earth Project, to explore the intersection of packaging, sustainability, and spiritual transformation.

The Packaging Crisis and a Call to Stewardship

Wes Carter opens with a powerful reflection: packaging is not just a technical necessity, it’s a symbol of our values. He discusses how the current state of packaging reflects a throwaway culture that signals a disregard for nature and life. Transitioning to sustainable packaging, he says, is not only a practical solution to the waste crisis but also a spiritual shift toward valuing life and the natural world.

Atlantic Packaging’s Evolution

As the third-generation leader of Atlantic Packaging, Wes shares his journey from a more traditional business mindset to becoming a champion of sustainability. A pivotal moment came during a surfing trip in Southeast Asia, where he witnessed severe plastic pollution that he recognized as coming from the industrial supply chain. This experience sparked a deeper inquiry into the role of packaging in this waste crisis and led to an evolution in Atlantic’s values and approach.

Innovation and Responsibility

Wes emphasizes that while plastic has been optimized for cost and convenience, it has come at a significant environmental cost. He advocates for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, which shifts the burden of packaging disposal from taxpayers to producers. He also highlights Atlantic’s efforts to scale nature-based alternatives like seaweed-based films and compostable coolers made from upcycled food waste.

The Role of Government and Industry

The conversation touches on the need for government incentives to support sustainable transitions, such as tax credits for new packaging equipment and investments in recycling infrastructure. Wes believes that industry must lead the way, supported by policy and consumer demand.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead 20 years, Wes envisions a world where e-commerce packaging is minimal, recyclable, and made from ethically sourced materials. Food packaging, he hopes, will be fully compostable, integrating seamlessly into home composting systems. He sees this future as achievable through a combination of consumer demand, industry innovation, and government support.

Advice for the Next Generation

To young people, Wes offers three guiding principles: use your voice, follow your passion, and prioritize health. He encourages them to challenge societal norms and pursue careers that align with their values and bring joy.

A Healthier, More Collaborative Future for Packaging: Atlantic’s Wes Carter Featured in The Cool Down

We’re proud to share that Atlantic Packaging president and founder of A New Earth Project, Wes Carter, was recently featured in a feature by The Cool Down spotlighting a pivotal conversation on the future of sustainable packaging. The article, titled “Candy powerhouse Mars set to rethink strategy for its popular products: ‘It’s a healthier, more collaborative model for industry,’” captures a moment of industry-wide momentum, and Atlantic is at the heart of it.

At the recent Rethinking Materials Summit, Wes joined Eric Klingenberg, material science lead at Mars, and Adrian Horotan of Safer Made to discuss how scientific diligence, regulatory frameworks, and cross-sector collaboration are reshaping the packaging landscape. As Wes put it, “It’s a healthier, more collaborative model for industry.”

This isn’t just a soundbite, it’s a call to action. At Atlantic, we believe that solving the plastic pollution crisis requires more than innovation. It demands partnership, transparency, and a shared commitment to human and environmental health. That’s why we’re proud to work alongside brands like Mars that are embracing long-term, research-based solutions over short-term fixes.

The article also highlights the importance of avoiding “regrettable substitutions”or quick packaging changes that may solve one problem but create others. Instead, the conversation emphasized the need for materials that are safe for food, sustainable for the planet, and backed by science. This aligns with Atlantic’s own approach: rigorous testing, honest storytelling, and a relentless pursuit of better.

We’re honored to be part of this movement and grateful to The Cool Down for amplifying this message.

Let’s keep pushing forward, together.

What happens when a packaging company puts purpose at the center of its business model? In the latest episode of the Purpose 360 podcast, Wes Carter shares how Atlantic Packaging is proving that sustainability and profitability aren’t mutually exclusive, in fact they’re mutually reinforcing.

The Case for Purpose-Driven Business

In the episode, Wes dives into the philosophy that has shaped Atlantic’s evolution: that profit should serve purpose—not the other way around. This mindset is the foundation of our work at Atlantic and the guiding principles of A New Earth Project.

As Wes puts it, “We exist for purpose. Profit supports purpose.” It’s a simple but powerful idea that’s driving real change across our operations, partnerships, and the broader packaging ecosystem.

Building a Brand That Transcends Packaging

The conversation also explores how Atlantic is building a brand that customers want to integrate with their own—because it reflects values they believe in. From our Wellness Program and Conservation Efforts to our investment in sustainable innovation, every aspect of our business is aligned with a deeper mission: to create a healthier planet and a more ethical supply chain.

This isn’t just about doing good—it’s about doing smart business. As Wes notes, sustainability drives innovation, boosts employee morale, and positions Atlantic ahead of regulatory shifts. It’s a competitive advantage rooted in authenticity.

Join the Movement

We’re proud to be leading the way in sustainable packaging, but we know we can’t do it alone. That’s why we’re inviting our partners, customers, and peers to join us in this movement. Whether it’s through collaboration, certification, or storytelling, there are countless ways to align your brand with purpose – and profit.

As Wes says, “Our ultimate intention is to create a purpose-driven brand so compelling that our customers want to integrate it with their own. That’s how we change the world.”

Finding Common Ground on Conservation: A Call for Bipartisanship

In a recent op-ed piece for The Post and Courier, Wes Carter, President of Atlantic Packaging, sheds light on a hopeful paradox amidst the intense political divisions of our time. While citizens may be deeply divided on some issues, there is a significant consensus on others that have managed to escape partisan framing. One such unifying issue is conservation.

Wes emphasizes that when the term “environment” is associated with climate change, it often leads to a divide between Democrats and Republicans. Democrats are seen as the party of climate action, while Republicans may default to an anti-environmental stance, even if they personally hold conservationist values. This political trap overlooks the fact that a vast majority of Americans are concerned about toxic chemicals, plastic pollution, and threats to drinking water. With over 175 million outdoor enthusiasts in the country, the issue of conservation resonates strongly across the political spectrum.

Historically, the Republican Party was the original champion of the environment. Prominent Republicans like Theodore Roosevelt and Richard Nixon played pivotal roles in the conservation movement and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency. Today, there is no “pro-litter” constituency; no one wants microplastics in their blood or forever chemicals in their food. This presents an opportunity for a new bipartisanship focused on policies that benefit both the environment and American business.

One such policy is the modernization of our country’s waste management system. Currently, the United States recycles only half of its aluminum, a third of its glass, and a mere 8% of its plastic. This inefficiency costs us billions of dollars annually and fails to meet the tremendous economic demand for clean, high-quality recycled materials. Advanced robotics and AI can revolutionize waste recovery facilities, while next-generation materials can reduce the waste stream at its source. With the right tax incentives and investments, American manufacturing ingenuity can be unleashed to create jobs, reduce dependence on virgin resources, and position the United States as a leader in the transition to a circular economy.

Wes’s op-ed illustrates that a smarter approach to conservation aligns with core conservative values such as stewardship, efficiency, and economic opportunity. By recognizing that waste is detrimental to business, health, and the environment, both parties can work together to implement pragmatic solutions with broad public support. This cooperation can set a precedent for addressing other pressing environmental and health challenges, rekindling bipartisanship in service to public health, the environment, and American business.

At Atlantic Packaging, we are committed to supporting sustainability and conservation in all our areas of influence. As a major provider of sustainable packaging solutions, we understand the critical role of protecting our environment for future generations. We invite you to join us in this important conversation and work together towards a sustainable future.

At Atlantic Packaging, we take immense pride in our 80-year legacy as a family-owned, privately held company in the packaging industry. As one of the largest family-owned companies in this space, we are constantly seeking innovative solutions to support our growth, performance, and sustainability goals. Our collaboration with BW Converting has been a significant milestone in this journey, and we are thrilled to share a customer testimonial that highlights the impact of this partnership.

When our owners tasked us with finding a new piece of equipment for innovative flexible packaging capabilities, the Fusion C press from BW Converting caught our attention with its compact nature and efficient footprint, fitting seamlessly into our plant while meeting all our manufacturing needs.

BW Converting proved to be an exceptional partner throughout the process. They kept us updated with regular pictures, meetings, and conference calls, ensuring that our needs were met and any questions were promptly addressed. Since installing the Fusion C press, our company has ventured into new markets, reinvigorating our sales force with a whole new line of products. 

Our experience with the first Fusion C press led us to expand our capabilities further. We installed a second BW Converting press, the 59-inch Fusion, which features a Gravier outboard station for applying cold seal and heat seal adhesives or barrier coatings. This addition has opened up even more market opportunities, particularly in the realm of sustainability. The 59-inch press allows us to transition customers from film overwraps to paper overwraps, positioning us at the forefront of sustainable technology.

Our experience with BW Converting has been nothing short of exceptional. We have also installed a BW press in our Dominican Republic facility, where it has performed beautifully, receiving great support. 

We are proud to work with BW Converting, a valuable partner in matching us with the best flexographic printing solutions to support our growth, performance, and sustainability goals. Together, we are driving innovation and excellence in the packaging industry.

At Atlantic Packaging, we believe that integrating nature into our workspaces is essential for the well-being and productivity of our employees. Our recent feature in Forbes, Employers Giving Workplaces Greater Exposure to Nature, highlights our innovative approach to creating healthier and more engaging work environments.

The Canopy Report Insights
The Arbor Day Foundation’s 2024 edition of The Canopy Report underscores the importance of trees and green spaces in American lives. According to the report, 88% of people regularly engage in activities near trees and green spaces, leading to higher mental and physical health scores. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, place a high value on nature, reflecting a growing trend among employers to incorporate natural elements into workplace design.

Wellbeing in the Worplace
Aligned with these findings, Atlantic Packaging’s approach of “Healthy People, Healthy Planet” is alive in our workplaces, aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of our 2,000 employees across more than 12 locations nationwide. Here are some of the key initiatives we have implemented:

• Green Spaces: We have incorporated green spaces with native plants where employees can decompress and rejuvenate
• Xeriscape Certification: We are working towards a Xeriscape certification, focusing on outdoor landscaping with drought-resistant native plants
• Nature Murals: We have adorned our warehouses and other locations lacking natural light with murals depicting nature

Industry Trends
The feature in Forbes also highlights the broader industry trend of employers integrating nature into workplace design to attract and retain employees. This trend is in line with the growth of the U.S. corporate wellness market, which was valued at $11.3 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $16.2 billion by 2029.

Atlantic Packaging is proud to be at the forefront of incorporating nature into our workspaces. By creating environments that promote mental and physical well-being, we are not only enhancing the lives of our employees but also contributing to a healthier planet.

Read the full Forbes article here.

We are  proud to be chosen as the winners of the 2025 Palmetto Workforce Vitality Award recognizing organizations championing health and wellness in the workplace. Atlantic Packaging president and founder of A New Earth Project, Wes Carter, was in attendance at the SC Resiliency Conference in Greenville, SC in April 2025 to be presented with this honor.

The Workforce Vitality Award was first introduced at the inaugural SC Resilience Conference in 2024. This award celebrates organizations that go above and beyond in fostering a culture of health and well-being among employees. Criteria include:

 > Initiatives that support physical, mental, and financial wellness

 > Efforts that encourage employee engagement in community service and volunteerism

The award highlights a holistic approach to workforce vitality, both within the organization and in the broader community.

At Atlantic Packaging and A New Earth Project, we have a vision for Healthy People, Healthy Planet, recognizing the fundamental connection between human wellbeing and planetary health.  Our committment to wellness in the workplace is a core pillar of our approach.

Our Wellness Program was launched in 2012 and has evolved to encompass all aspects of our wellbeing, with Guiding Principles that include connection, nourishment, purpose, and movement. Through strategic planning and communications, and with a diverse offering of resources, tools, and incentives, our Wellness Program has become embedded in our company culture.

A New Earth Project was officially launched in 2022 and has grown to become the guiding force by which we make all decisions. A New Earth Project today is a movement grounded in our deep commitment to the health and well-being of future generations, ensuring that the materials we use today support a cleaner, more regenerative tomorrow.

We are proud to be recognized by this deciding group of individuals and organizations dedicated to wellbeing by encouraging and incentivizing people to get outdoors so they gain an appreciation and begin to actively do their part to protect the outdoors. We are so aligned in our vision in this way and we are grateful for this recognition.

Congratulations to the leadership at Atlantic Packaging and A New Earth Project, and to all employees and associates of Atlantic who embody this philosophy and approach to make this a reality every day ❤️ 🌎 ⭐️

We are so proud to be chosen for the 2025 NC Culture of Wellbeing Award by the NC Business Coalition on Health! This statewide award recognizes the best employer wellness programs in North Carolina.

Programs are evaluated across five main components for this award. We have been building and evolving our Wellness Program over a decade and are thrilled to see how our strategies align with each of these well-researched and established components.

Culture, Foundation and Policies – this includes senior leadership involvement and support as well as how well the program is embedded in company culture.

Progam Offerings, Tools, and Incentives – this includes resources corresponding to our Guiding Principles (Pillars/Dimensions of Health), and resources we make available onsite, via telephonic, and digital (online) programs, as well as rewards for participating and engaging.

Strategic Planning / Communications – this is evaluated according to the goals and objectives we set out aligned with our multi-year strategy, and the channels of communication we maintain to make sure all employees are engaged.

Reporting Metrics & Evaluation – a great plan is not complete without a means of evaluation and measurement of engagement to ensure the program resonates with the employee base.

Innovation – this recognition is also awarded based on our unique and innovative approach to wellbeing and the different aspects of our program.

Congratulations to Becca Schusler, our Wellness Program Director, and her amazing team of supporters throughout the company on being chosen for this award for 2025. Congratulations also to the leadership team at Atlantic for having the vision for such a robust program. 

We also want to thank the employees of Atlantic Packaging for embracing this program for so many years. The engagement from everyone is inspiring and is truly the engine of the entire program. Thank you and congratulations!!

Paperform: A Sustainable Alternative to Single-Use Plastic Blister Packs

We are thrilled about the launch of our innovative Paperform, a sustainable alternative to traditional single-use plastic blister packs. This groundbreaking product was recently showcased at PACK EXPO Southeast, where it gained attention and praise from industry leaders and attendees alike.

Embracing Sustainability with Paperform

As part of the broader paperization trend, Paperform represents excting progress in our commitment to sustainability. Unlike conventional blister packs that rely on thermoformed plastic trays with cardstock backing, Paperform is made from renewable paperboard. This fiber-based composition not only reduces environmental impact but also ensures that the packaging can be curbside recyclable, making it an eco-friendly choice for both brands and consumers.

A Highlight at PACK EXPO Southeast

The excitement around Paperform was palpable at PACK EXPO Southeast. Our team was proud to demonstrate how this innovative packaging solution can seamlessly replace traditional plastic blister packs without compromising on quality or functionality. The versatility of Paperform allows for custom printing and structural options, enabling brands to create vibrant, high-quality packaging that stands out on the shelves.

Early Adopters Leading the Way

Several leading brands have already embraced Paperform, recognizing its potential to revolutionize packaging.  These early adopters highlight the ease with which businesses can transition to Paperform, thanks to its compatibility with existing blister packaging machinery.

A Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability

At Atlantic Packaging, we believe that innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. Our Paperform blister packs are a testament to this belief, offering a practical and environmentally responsible alternative to single-use plastic packaging. We are excited to continue leading the way in sustainable packaging solutions and look forward to seeing more brands join us on this journey.

Read about this innovation in Packaging World here.