His move followed seven years working for the retailer where he was responsible for the expansion of its customer waste collection network and prioritising waste materials. Prior to his time at Sainsbury, he spent 11 years at Valpak in a number of senior roles.
Skidmore’s new role as head of consulting will see him focus on Valpak’s data offering to make its packaging knowledge more accessible to producers, including manufacturers and retailers.
‘Time of great transition’
Commenting on his return to Valpak, Skidmore said: “We are living in a time of great transition and robust data is more important than ever. It really is an exciting time to be involved in packaging.
“Change is coming and, with the right figures in place, we have the chance to make the right changes, resonate, and bring the public along on the journey.”
Valpak also announced the appointment of Ben Richardson as its new head of procurement. He joined the business from sister company Helistrat.
Compliance and data management
One of the largest environmental compliance schemes in the UK, Valpak works with more than 4,000 businesses – including companies in the food and drink sector – to manage recycling services, accreditation under environmental schemes and data management services.
In 2016, it launched its Data Insight Platform, which allowed businesses to scrutinise their supply chains and monitor areas such as sustainability in packaging, or to ensure that corporate social responsibility goals such as the Modern-Day Slavery Act are met.
Meanwhile, earlier this month, British plant-based firm The Meatless Farm Company has appointed Dr Peter Hynes as its new head of research and development to build on the company’s innovation in vegan mince, burgers and sausages.