We are proud to announce that Trey Thompson, Director of Information Security at Atlantic Packaging, has been honored as a winner of the prestigious NC Tech Next Tech Awards 2025. This award recognizes outstanding individuals who are making significant contributions to the tech industry in North Carolina.

About the NC Tech Next Tech Awards
The NC Tech Next Tech Awards, in partnership with Business North Carolina, celebrate North Carolina’s rising tech stars. These awards honor exceptional performers who go the extra mile, build products, grow revenue, support operations, and manage projects that propel businesses forward.

Trey’s Achievements
Trey Thompson has been a cornerstone of Atlantic Packaging’s information security efforts. His drive to learn and innovate has been instrumental in enhancing our security posture. Trey’s expertise spans across domains including cybersecurity and 6-Suite O365+ environments. His ability to learn new skills and bring his team along on this journey has made a significant impact on our organization.

Lynn Barbee, CIO of Atlantic Packaging, nominated Trey for this award, highlighting Trey’s exceptional dedication and insatiable drive to learn. He described Trey as a “workhorse” who doesn’t hesitate to take on new challenges, whether it’s mastering network security or leading his team to new heights.

Celebrating Success
The 2025 Class of Winners was celebrated during the NEXT TECH Awards Celebration on May 14 at the Durham Convention Center and will be profiled in the June issue of Business North Carolina. This recognition is a testament to Trey’s hard work, dedication, and the positive impact he has made at Atlantic Packaging and in the broader tech community. It’s also a testament to the quality and exceptional standards of Atlantic’s IT Department and the employees who work tirelessly to support our organization.

Congratulations, Trey!

Atlantic Packaging’s Wes Carter Gives Keynote at Dig South Tech Summit

We’re excited about Wes Carter, President of Atlantic Packaging and founder of A New Earth Project, being the keynote speaker at the Dig South Tech Summit in Charleston, SC. This event brings together the brightest minds in technology, business, and innovation to discuss the future of the industry.

A Visionary Leader in Sustainable Packaging

Wes Carter has been a driving force behind Atlantic Packaging’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Under his leadership, Atlantic has launched groundbreaking initiatives such as A New Earth Project, which aims to eliminate plastic pollution and accelerate regenerative innovation. This project reflects Atlantic’s core values of integrity, sustainability, and a deep care for future generations.

Keynote Address: Purpose, Trust, and the Future of Capitalism

In his keynote address, Wes Carter delves into the theme of Purpose, Trust, and the Future of Capitalism. He explores how businesses can redefine their purpose to serve the greater good, build trust with stakeholders, and create a sustainable future. Drawing on Atlantic Packaging’s extraordinary history of innovation and leadership, Wes shares insights on how companies can align their brand, business, and purpose with a duty of care for future generations.

What a great opportunity to explore new ideas, forge meaningful connections, and work towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.

We’ll share video from the event soon. And be sure to reach out to us to further connect about any of these ideas 💡

Join Us at Pack Expo Southeast in Atlanta, March 10-12!

We are thrilled to announce that we will be participating in Pack Expo Southeast, taking place in Atlanta from March 10-12. We’re excited to share with you the progress we’re making in the area of innovation and sustainability in the packaging industry.

New Earth Approved in Action

Visit our booth to see and interact with New Earth Approved products and get a peek at new innovations in sustainable packaging. We will be highlighting some of our most exciting products, including FibreStrap, Canopy Wrap, Fishbone, Ranpak Protective Packaging, Cruz Foam, Sway Seaweed Packaging, and new recyclable paper coatings. These products represent our dedication to creating sustainable packaging solutions that are both innovative and scalable.

We are proud to support A New Earth Project as a global brand, with Atlantic leading the way in innovative, scalable sustainable packaging products. We’re working to create a more sustainable future for our planet.

We invite you to visit our booth at Pack Expo Southeast Booth #937 to learn more about our products and our mission. We look forward to seeing you there!

Here’s a reference guide to get an idea of how we can help you transition to more sustainable packaging! Come see us to learn more!

We’re thrilled to announce that Wes Carter, President of Atlantic Packaging, is featured in Charleston Business Magazine’s January issue as one of the 50 Most Influential Business Leaders in Charleston, South Carolina, for 2024!

A Significant Achievement

This prestigious recognition highlights Wes’ impactful leadership and commitment to sustainability through Atlantic Packaging and A New Earth Project, our initiative to create a more sustainable future and rid the world’s oceans, lakes, and rivers of plastic pollution.

A Leader in Sustainability

As a third-generation leader at Atlantic and founder of A New Earth Project, Wes has spearheaded efforts to improve the conservation of ecosystems around the globe and transition brands away from environmentally problematic packaging, supporting a more circular economy.

His work extends beyond Atlantic through his roles on the boards of The Conservation Alliance, WildAid, and the California SB-54 Packaging Producer Responsibility Advisory Board.

The Big Picture

Charleston Business Magazine’s 50 Most Influential list honors leaders across business, education, arts, and nonprofit sectors who are making a lasting impact in the Lowcountry.

Wes’ inclusion underscores his dedication to sustainability and innovation, not only for Atlantic but for the entire region.

Read More

Find Wes Carter’s feature on Page 88 of Charleston Business Magazine’s January issue and join us in celebrating this remarkable achievement.

Reflecting on 2024 at Atlantic Packaging: A Year of Growth, Connection, and Celebration

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to look back at everything we’ve accomplished together. From expanding our facilities to strengthening our commitment to innovation and sustainability, this year has been nothing short of transformative.

None of it would be possible without the incredible dedication of our team and the trust of our customers and partners.

To mark this special season, we gathered for our annual Oyster Roast and holiday parties at each of our facilities, a tradition that captures the spirit of connection and gratitude that defines our journey. Together, we watched this Year in Review video and reflected on the year behind us and the future before us.

Highlights from 2024

• Sustainable Impact: We focused on sustainable packaging solutions to help more businesses make the switch to sustainable practices

• Community Connections: We built stronger relationships with our partners and customers through meaningful collaborations and event

• Growth Milestones: Thanks to your support, we continued to expand our capabilities with new equipment and new expertise, reaching new heights while growing our reach and our mission to make a positive impact

Looking Ahead

As we look toward 2025, we’re excited to continue our growth and finding new ways to serve you, our community, and the planet.

Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s make the new year even brighter together! #WeDoThisTogether

As the holiday season approaches, we reflect on the spirit of giving and the impact we can make on our community. This year, we invite you to join us in supporting the Rusty Carter Scholarship Fund at Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) — a cause close to our hearts.

Why the Rusty Carter Scholarship Fund Matters

Established by Atlantic employees and senior managers in honor of Rusty Carter, this scholarship fund is dedicated to empowering hard-working students at CFCC. These students are striving to create better opportunities for themselves, their families, and their communities through education.

Your contributions directly support their dreams, helping them access resources and opportunities that can transform their futures. As the CFCC Foundation reminds us, “The effects of your gift last a lifetime.”

How You Can Help

Making a donation is simple, and every gift counts. Here’s how you can contribute:

• Donate Online: Visit the CFCC Foundation’s donation page: cfcc.edu/foundation/give
• Gift Designation: Choose “Other” and list “Atlantic Packaging” in the comment section.
• Deadline: Please make your donation by Dec. 17, 2024.

See the Impact

The difference you make goes beyond financial assistance — it’s an investment in the future. In this CFCC Foundation video, you can learn more about the college and how your support helps students achieve their goals.

Thank You for Your Support

We are deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed to the Rusty Carter Scholarship Fund, this year or in previous years. Your generosity not only helps students realize their potential but also strengthens our shared community. Together, we are making an enduring impact.

This holiday season, let’s continue the tradition of giving back. Your support changes lives and ensures that the dreams of CFCC students become a reality.

Make your donation today, and make a difference!

We are proudly supporting the largest conservation easement project in South Carolina history, dedicating over 62,000 acres of the Pee Dee Basin to permanent protection.

The $50 million grant, administered by the U.S. Forest Legacy Program and supported by Atlantic Packaging, the Open Space Institute, the South Carolina Forestry Commission, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and the South Carolina Office of Resilience, aims to balance sustainable forestry, recreation, and environmental resilience for generations to come.

Why It Matters

This historic project addresses the urgent need for conservation amid South Carolina’s rapid population growth. Protecting these vast lands, equivalent to three times the size of Hilton Head Island, ensures clean water, flood mitigation, wildlife habitat preservation, and a boost to South Carolina’s timber economy.

Atlantic provided the funding for the newly created Pee Dee Initiative Stewardship Fund, which will ensure that South Carolina Forestry Commission has the financial resources necessary to uphold its duties under the perpetual easement.

Forests in Marion, Williamsburg, and Georgetown counties will remain active timberlands under conservation easements, preserving their economic role while opening 7,500 acres for public recreation. Visitors can look forward to new Wildlife Management Areas and expanded access to Wee Tee State Forest, where hiking, hunting, and fishing will be available.

Atlantic Packaging President Wes Carter’s Thoughts

“At Atlantic Packaging we are deeply committed to supporting sustainability and conservation in all of our areas of influence,” says Wes Carter. “As a major provider of fiber-based packaging, much derived from timber products, we understand the critical role of protecting working forests not only for the national economy, but moreover, for the paramount environmental benefits healthy forests provide all life. Investing in this project was a natural fit for our company, and we congratulate everyone involved in this tremendously important work.”

Economic & Environmental Impact

South Carolina’s forestry industry contributes $23 billion to the state economy, supporting over 100,000 jobs. This initiative fortifies the Pee Dee region’s “wood basket” by preserving essential timber resources that supply $116 million in annual timber value and sustain more than 900 local jobs. The protected lands will also serve as flood buffers and provide habitats for 115 plant and animal species, including the Atlantic and Shortnose sturgeon, rare mussels, and crayfish.

A Lasting Legacy

With the efforts of our collaborators on this project, Atlantic is proud to help ensure a vibrant, resilient landscape that honors South Carolina’s natural beauty while advancing responsible land stewardship.

This conservation milestone exemplifies Atlantic’s commitment to sustainability, reinforcing our mission to protect the landscapes that support our communities and future generations.

We’re excited to share our 2023-2024 Healthy People, Healthy Planet Report with you!

Over the last three years, we’ve released a Sustainability Report that highlights the Sustainability Program’s initiatives, goals, and progress of Atlantic and A New Earth Project.  

It has become clear that our journey toward environmental sustainability is closely tied to health: planetary health of course, but also our health as humans. The oceans, lakes, and rivers we fight to keep clean are the same waters that sustain us. Our search for new and better materials for packaging has just as much to do with protecting human health as it does protecting the environment. 

For that reason, as we roll out our 2023-2024 report, we’re excited to expand it from being just a sustainability report to our first Healthy People, Healthy Planet Report. It covers environmental sustainability alongside our ever-growing Wellness Program that has become a cornerstone of our culture. It also covers the critical intersection of sustainability, wellness, and the initiatives we’re taking to weave these principles together.  

“Whether it be our own personal health, the health of our communities and businesses, or the health of our shared, natural ecosystems, we know that health must be holistically cultivated to create a more beautiful thriving world for all life,” says Atlantic Packaging President Wes Carter. “Because of this understanding, we have established health as the throughline by which we make all decisions at Atlantic. It only made sense to weave together our sustainability and wellness initiatives into a comprehensive report through this first Healthy People, Healthy Planet report.” 

In the sustainability section, the report brings an expanded overview of our sustainable packaging offering, alongside new customer success stories and a feature on our new product, FibreStrap. It also includes updates on our closed-loop system for stretch film and details about Atlantic’s inclusion on CDP’s A List for environmental transparency and performance on climate change. 

The wellness section provides a brand-new overview of how we’ve integrated health and wellness into our operations and culture. A special section on “healthy people, healthy planet” highlights the areas we’ve worked on together to further both planetary and human health.  

Atlantic is excited to share this report with our customers, suppliers, and partners as we continue to be lead in health and well-being across the supply chain. 

Atlantic Packaging president and A New Earth Project founder Wes Carter has been appointed to the board of directors for WildAid, a global conservation organization focused on protecting wildlife and critical habitats.

Why It Matters: Wes’ appointment aligns with Atlantic Packaging’s sustainability goals, as he brings a passion for environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility to WildAid’s mission.

Driving Conservation

Wes has long been an advocate for wilderness conservation as part of corporate sustainability. His leadership at Atlantic Packaging and A New Earth Project has centered on developing sustainable packaging solutions to combat plastic pollution in oceans, lakes, and rivers.

What He’s Saying: “There is no greater privilege than to support, protect, and steward healthy life in wild, natural places,” says Wes. “At Atlantic, we believe wilderness conservation should be a fundamental component to any corporate sustainability strategy. WildAid has a remarkable mission and track record of protecting the most vulnerable, diverse natural environments and apex species all around the world. Aligning our values of A New Earth Project with the mission of WildAid is the perfect integration of inspiration and action. I’m thrilled to serve on the board and hopefully inspire more companies and brands to embrace conservation and make the investments to support the health of our one, beautiful home, this planet Earth.”

WildAid’s Mission

WildAid is known for its work in reducing the global consumption of wildlife products and protecting vulnerable ecosystems. Their efforts span continents, driven by communications campaigns that reach millions worldwide. WildAid’s focus includes combating climate change and illegal wildlife trade while preserving marine environments.

The Big Picture: “Building on the honor of recently receiving the prestigious Earthshot Prize for our marine protection work, WildAid aims to expand from 100 to 250 priority marine areas, bringing effective management of fisheries and vulnerable wildlife and habitats while securing livelihoods for coastal communities,” says John Baker, WildAid president and chief program officer. “Our oceans are also severely impacted by climate change, and WildAid is using communications campaigns to inspire actions that reduce climate impacts and protect wildlife from illegal trade. Our board plays a vital role in helping us advance our mission by sharing their experience, energy, and business acumen in keeping us focused on impact and cost-effective strategies.”

Looking Ahead

Wes’ experience and commitment to sustainability will help WildAid grow its impact globally. He hopes to encourage more businesses to integrate conservation into their strategies while continuing to drive sustainable solutions through A New Earth Project.

What’s Next: As Wes steps into his new role, Atlantic Packaging looks forward to this collaboration and the positive impact it will have on global conservation efforts.