Earth911 Podcast: Atlantic Packaging’s Wes Carter on Making Commerce Sustainable

Wes Carter, president of Atlantic Packaging, a Wilmington, N.C.-based maker of sustainable boxes, shipping solutions, recyclable mailers, and six-pack carriers, explains the complex supply chains that feed our lifestyle. Atlantic Packaging is working to reduce its environmental impact and waste at every step between a manufacturer and the home. Listen to this wide-ranging conversation to hear how the adoption of sustainable sources of fiber in packaging and six-pack rings make these traditional sources of landfilled waste biodegrade in months instead of the centuries plastic takes.

We also discuss simplifying the range of materials used in packaging and extended producer responsibility programs. Improvements in recycling collection and the growing use of “right-sized” packaging can eliminate much of the waste created by home deliveries. Wes also shares Atlantic Packaging’s analysis of how plastic films are used in the supply chain. He suggests that films reduce the need for paper and other packaging. Building on Wes’ passion for surfing, the company is recently launched the A New Earth Project, a video series designed to help end ocean plastic pollution, with a global community of surfers and environmentalists. You can learn more about Atlantic Packaging at atlanticpkg.com.