Elmwood has brought in Ian Schofield as Non-Executive Director, to work with clients on issues surrounding sustainability.
He joins the Leeds agency from Iceland Foods, where he was in charge of having entirely plastic-free packaging by 2023.
Now an independent consultant, Schofield is regarded as one of the country’s leading experts in the field of packaging reuse and recycling.
“With many of the leading UK retailers pledging to make step changes in the fight against climate change, we are about to witness a long overdue but seismic change for the packaging industry and for brand owners alike as they have to find new materials to package their goods to remain on shelf in the next decade,” he explained.
“This has huge implications for anyone in the ready meal industry packaging their product with plastic trays or in the drinks industry in plastic bottles. And it isn’t just plastics but brands using laminated card or metallic inks are also under the microscope.”
“I am delighted to join Elmwood to help them guide clients in this hugely important field. I have always admired their forward thing approach to brand building.”
Last week, Tesco announced that it would ban any brands which used excessive packing, to reduce plastic waste. This was part of the firm’s wider “Remove, Reduce, Reuse & Recycle” plan.
“Ian is one of the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable people in our industry. After all these years as both client, competitor and friend it feels somewhat ‘meant to be’ that he is now helping us be the best we can be in helping us help our clients embrace the challenges ahead,” added Elmwood’s Chairman, Jonathan Sands OBE.
“These are challenges that cannot be underestimated and Ian’s insights are extremely valuable – indeed fundamental to the future existence of many, if not most, brands. With this appointment, we are ensuring we can guide our clients through the substantial disruption that is taking hold in retail and packaging.”
Schofield began his career at the Co-operative in Manchester, before joining Iceland in 1984 as Head of Packaging and Technical. He was later a Director for Storm Brands and Sun Branding Solutions which included Parker Williams and then returned to Iceland in 2013 as Own Label Manager, reporting directly to the Managing Director.
