Elmwood appoints Ian Schofield as its sustainability advisor.
We have appointed Ian Schofield as a Non-Executive Director to help advise clients as well as to guide its own sustainability agenda.
Previously at Iceland Foods, where he led the charge of targeting plastic-free packaging by 2023 and now an independent consultant, Schofield is seen as one of the UK’s leading experts in the field of packaging reuse and recycling, in particular, regularly advising MEPs and as a regular commentator in the media.
Commenting on the challenges facing design companies and their need to up-skill in this area, Schofield said: “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.
“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-thinking approach to brand building.”
Elmwood’s chairman, Jonathan Sands OBE, commented, “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.
“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.”
About Ian Schofield
Starting as a Packaging Technologist/Engineer in the retailer Co-operative Wholesale Society (CO-OP) in Manchester working in 100 manufacturing facilities on cans, glass, plastics, paper and board, before moving into buying and marketing. Went to Head up Packaging and Technical in the retailer Iceland in 1984 and started the Iceland brand. Moved to the other side selling packaging and putting in product launch systems into major brands and retailers selling services into Danone, Estee Lauder, Kraft, Safeway, Wal Mart, Heinz to name a few. This included running design, artwork and pre-press companies. He was a Director for Storm Brands and Sun Branding Solutions which included Parker Williams.
Moved back to the retailer Iceland (1000 stores and sell in 42 countries) in 2013 to head packaging and process as the Own Label Manager reporting into the Managing Director. In Jan 2018 launched on TV the first retailer to go plastic-free by 2023. Ian has used Digital Printing extensively and is known for his massive love for Packaging and Printing.
After 6 epic years at Iceland now semi-retired (trying to improve his golf handicap) and running a consultancy and enjoying non-exec board roles providing various services from Digital print to sustainability.
Ian is a Fellow of the Packaging Society as part of the Institute of Mining, Minerals and Materials.
For more information, please contact Wander Bruijel