Chris Benchetler x Grateful Dead
Case Study: Packaging as Canvas
THE ARTIST
Meet Chris Benchetler
A pro skier for decades, Chris brings the same fearless creativity to his work on canvas and behind the camera as he does on the slopes.
His distinctive artwork has spanned Atomic, Smartwool, Dakine, and many other iconic outdoor brands. More recently, he's taken to film, launching immersive pieces that merge art, nature, and music — the many worlds he slides between.
Everything Chris creates carries the same unmistakable energy: raw, authentic, alive.
THE PROJECT
The Grateful Dead 60th Anniversary Collection
The Grateful Dead chose Chris to design their 60th Anniversary logo, and as an official GD licensee he also developed his own merchandise capsule to celebrate this honor.
Drawing from six decades of timeless music and culture, Chris created a collection that honors the Dead's legacy while incorporating his signature style.
Understanding that every touchpoint plays a role in the overall experience, Chris sought packaging that could transform every bag into part of the story. Working with A New Earth Project, he found Sway.
“I had the honor of creating the Grateful Dead’s 60th anniversary logo, and this merch collection became my first opportunity to carry that legacy forward through design. To know that this artwork will live on forever – and to see it protected in sustainable packaging – means everything to me.”
- CHRIS BENCHETLER, ARTIST & ATHLETE
Primary Motivators
Honor a legacy while pointing toward a more sustainable future
Customizable printing capabilities and compatibility with nontoxic inks
Find a truly unique material that could reflect the creativity within this project
THE PACKAGE
Sway Polybags
Made with seaweed as a key ingredient: this regenerative marine crop grows abundantly without land, fresh water, or fertilizers
Circular end-of-life, designed to compost in home and industrial settings (certification pending)
Printed at Atlantic Packaging's in-house facilities
Customized with Chris Benchetler's original artwork
Released in celebration of the Grateful Dead's 60th anniversary year
Artwork Printed by Atlantic Packaging
Chris's artwork was printed on Sway Polybags by Atlantic Packaging, whose state-of-the-art facilities in North Carolina ensured every package met the highest quality print standards. It's amazing to see our packaging running through their equipment at the speed and scale of traditional plastics!
“There’s always something sacred about a first adopter. Nothing brings me more joy than knowing Chris, with his artistry and vision, was the first to take this step with us.”
- WES CARTER, PRESIDENT OF ATLANTIC PACKAGING
View the Collection
Thank you to A New Earth Project + Atlantic Packaging for bringing this project to life!
Curious to try seaweed packaging with your brand? Their team is ready to support you at every step of the way.
