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Wes Carter: A Beacon of Sustainability in Business

Wes Carter, the President of Atlantic Packaging and the visionary behind A New Earth Project, has been honored as the 2025 Individual of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) South Carolina Lowcountry Chapter. This prestigious award was conferred at an awards reception held on November 4, which coincided with National Philanthropy Day. Through his innovative leadership and commitment to environmental conservation, Carter exemplifies how corporate responsibility can coexist with philanthropy to effect meaningful change.

The AFP Lowcountry Chapter recognizes individuals each year who exhibit extraordinary generosity and civic responsibility, further strengthening their local communities. Wes Carter joins an esteemed group of leaders this year, distinguished for his unique business strategies and steadfast commitment to the environment. His efforts illustrate that sustainability and philanthropy are not mutually exclusive but can, in fact, be complementary.

"National Philanthropy Day celebrates individuals whose generosity strengthens our communities," remarked Taryn Mason, President of the AFP South Carolina Lowcountry Chapter. "Wes Carter's leadership in conservation and sustainability reflects the spirit of this day and shows how philanthropy can inspire lasting change."

Carter's commitment to the environment is deeply integrated into the mission of Atlantic Packaging. Under his guidance, the company has embraced an innovative conservation strategy known as "voluntary mitigation offset." This proactive model encourages businesses to acknowledge their environmental footprint, prompting them to invest in natural ecosystem protection and restoration. By doing so, Atlantic Packaging aims to align corporate responsibility with a genuine commitment to environmental stewardship.

Carter's vision of voluntary mitigation offset involves initiatives aimed at preserving forests, wetlands, and biodiversity corridors, thus balancing the impact of business activities on the planet. "Industry creates the largest environmental footprint on the planet, and with that comes responsibility," Carter stated. "At Atlantic, we are choosing to act voluntarily to balance that impact. Conservation and sustainability are two sides of the same coin."

Carter’s ambition does not merely reside within corporate walls. He has been pivotal in rallying other businesses to adopt similar sustainable practices, believing that collective action can yield substantial benefits for both the environment and the community. Emphasizing collaboration across sectors, he advocates for a united front in tackling ecological challenges, showcasing how businesses can lead the charge toward a more sustainable future.

Atlantic Packaging, founded nearly 80 years ago, has established itself as a leader in end-of-line packaging systems, materials, and converted paperboard solutions across North and Central America. With a deep commitment to responsible business practices, the company champions innovative solutions that facilitate a transition towards sustainable packaging.

For Carter, this recognition is not just personal; it symbolizes a larger movement—a shift of consciousness within the business world that champions ecological conservation as a shared corporate responsibility. The A New Earth Project, Atlantic's communication platform, seeks to connect stakeholders in the global packaging supply chain with a message that emphasizes business's vital role in serving both life and the planet. Initially conceived to mitigate plastic pollution in waterbodies, the project has now expanded into a broader framework for sustainability, addressing the imperative of creating systems that cater to future generations.

As Wes Carter takes his place among notable leaders in the community, his work demonstrates a growing recognition that sustainability is not merely an obligation but an opportunity for businesses. By reflecting on their environmental impact and taking proactive measures, companies can not only fortify their brand but also foster a legacy that future generations will be proud to inherit. This award is a testament to the transformative power of leadership grounded in a commitment to environmental stewardship, highlighting the incredible potential for positive change when businesses choose to act responsibly.