Atlantic Packaging is proud to announce the launch of New Earth Ventures (NEV), a dedicated innovation and investment arm designed to accelerate the future of packaging and supply chain technology.
Why New Earth Ventures?
Packaging is at a crossroads. Today, nearly half of global plastic waste comes from packaging, making it one of the most urgent challenges for brands, regulators, and consumers alike. As AI and machine learning reshape industry workflows and sustainability pressures intensify, the need for next-generation solutions has never been greater.
NEV is Atlantic Packaging’s answer to this challenge. It represents our commitment to backing visionary founders and breakthrough technologies that will transform packaging.
For 80 years, Atlantic Packaging has grown by listening to the people we serve. Today, our customers are doing more than just buying products, they are providing us with the roadmap of what they need to succeed in a changing world. NEV is our commitment to following that roadmap and building the solutions our partners are asking for.
What Sets NEV Apart?
NEV’s investment strategy is built on three pillars:
- Packaging Intelligence: AI and software that design, model, and optimize packaging while taking into consideration regulations and markets.
- Supply Chain Optimization: Software and automation that reduce cost, waste, and complexity in physical logistics.
- Next-Generation Materials: New materials derived from biology, waste streams, or novel manufacturing that can scale quickly through existing supply chains.
By innovating for our customers – and alongside them – we ensure that every investment we make solves a tangible problem in the modern supply chain. In leveraging Atlantic Packaging’s 80-year legacy and deep relationships across Fortune 1000 enterprises, NEV offers startups not just capital, but access to industry expertise, operational infrastructure, and a clear path to market.
Leadership & Partnerships
NEV is led by Managing Partner Matt Saunders, a seasoned investor with a proven track record in alternative packaging materials and sustainability. Our model is built on the extensive resources of Atlantic Packaging to drive innovation for both our founders and our customers. NEV launches with strategic support from the Minderoo Foundation and Hula Fund, bringing credibility and global reach to accelerate breakthrough solutions at scale.
Early Portfolio Highlights
NEV’s first investments include:
- Forest Packaging: AI-powered packaging intelligence and sourcing engine.
- Specright: Specification Data Management™ for packaging.
- Sway: Seaweed-based plastic packaging alternatives.
These startups exemplify NEV’s commitment to scaling products and services from initial development to widespread adoption, all while following the roadmap laid out for us by our customers.
The Road Ahead
NEV aims to make 4–5 investments per year, targeting Series Seed and Series A companies at the forefront of innovation. As Wes Carter, President of Atlantic Packaging and General Partner of NEV, puts it:
“We launched New Earth Ventures because packaging is one of the most essential and overlooked opportunities in the global economy. Brands are under real pressure right now — costs are up, supply chains are uncertain, and the impact of packaging on the global environment is accelerating. We’re backing founders solving those problems today, with better processes, smarter technology, and materials that enable a cleaner world.”
Learn More
For more information about New Earth Ventures and investment opportunities, visit www.nev.vc or contact NEV@gasthalter.com.