PODCAST: Atlantic Packaging President Wes Carter and the relaunch of this podcast!

Episode Title: Legacy, Leadership, and the New Earth Project with Wes Carter

Guest: Wes Carter, President of Atlantic Packaging & Founder of A New Earth Project

Summary

In this special relaunch episode, host Cory Connors welcomes Wes Carter, President of Atlantic Packaging and founder of A New Earth Project. Wes shares his personal journey, the history of Atlantic Packaging, and the powerful legacy of his grandfather, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Horace Carter, whose courageous stand for civil rights shaped the company’s values. The conversation explores why sustainable packaging is now at the heart of Atlantic’s mission and how the New Earth Project is driving industry change.

Key Topics Discussed

• Wes Carter’s background and family legacy in Tabor City, North Carolina
• The story of Horace Carter, the Tabor City Tribune, and the fight for civil rights
• Atlantic Packaging’s evolution from a local newspaper to a national packaging leader
• The impact of automation, efficiency, and sustainability on packaging
• The founding and vision of A New Earth Project
• How outdoor experiences and environmental awareness inspired Wes’s advocacy
• The role of consumer demand in driving sustainable change
• Atlantic’s health and wellness programs and commitment to employee well-being
• The launch of New Earth Ventures and investment in nature-based materials
• Advice for brands and packaging professionals: serving the greater good and building a legacy

Resources Mentioned

• A New Earth Project YouTube channel (including Journey to a New Earth and The Editor and the Dragon documentary narrated by Morgan Freeman)
• Atlantic Packaging’s Solution Center in Charlotte, NC
• New Earth Ventures and sustainable packaging technologies (seaweed, mycelium, hemp)
• Sponsors: SpecRight, Cruz Foam, Fishbone

Contact

Listeners can connect with Wes Carter on LinkedIn (Wes Carter Atlantic) and Instagram (@WesMCarter). Follow A New Earth Project on Instagram for updates and stories. For more information about Atlantic Packaging and the New Earth Project, visit their respective websites and social channels.

Closing Thoughts

Cory and Wes reflect on the importance of legacy, sustainability, and collective action in the packaging industry. They encourage listeners—brands, packaging companies, and consumers—to work together for a healthier, more harmonious future. Tune in next week for an inspiring conversation with Sydney Munoz, Sustainability Manager at Goodwill International.

Thank you for tuning in to the Sustainable Packaging Podcast with Cory Connors!

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