In each issue, FlexPack VOICE® interviews an industry leader. In this edition, we talk to Amanda Ciccone, North America sales director for the flexible films market at Dow and a board member of the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA).
Ciccone points out that Dow is one of the world’s leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility, and consumer applications. The global breadth of the company—along with its asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions, and commitment to sustainability—enables Dow to achieve profitable growth and helps deliver a sustainable future, she adds.
She is part of Dow’s packaging and specialty plastics business that offers a portfolio of differentiated solutions across various markets, including infrastructure and mobility.
“My current role is sales director for the flexible films markets,” she says. “My team works across many markets, including food and specialty packaging, industrial and consumer packaging, and health and hygiene, to help customers with their polyethylene and high-pressure copolymer resin needs.”
The demand for lighter-weight and high-performance materials is driven by on-the-go lifestyles, while consumers and regulations push for circular and low-emissions solutions, Ciccone says.
“My team helps our customers meet these challenges,” she adds.
Ciccone earned a degree in chemical engineering from Penn State University and has held various positions since graduation. Ciccone rejoined Dow in May 2023 after spending about 12 years with the company early in her career. Her career also has included positions at Shell and Ecolab. In 2015, she attended the executive leadership for women program at Michigan State University, according to her LinkedIn profile.
With nearly 20 years in this industry, Ciccone suggests that one key to success is continuous learning.
“The industry is evolving rapidly as we respond to challenges and opportunities related to regulatory changes, addressing sustainability concerns, and meeting the high standards for packaging,” Ciccone says.
“Staying up to date with the latest technologies and trends allows there to be longevity in a career. Our industry is at the forefront of innovation, especially with the growing emphasis on sustainability as companies seek new materials and methods to reduce environmental impact.
“This means a career in our industry offers making a positive difference.”
Here is a closer look at Ciccone’s career in the flexible packing industry.
FlexPack VOICE®: Is there a particular experience that stands out in your career, good or bad, or both?
Amanda Ciccone: I spent six years in my first role as an account manager for Dow, which, in hindsight, was incredibly beneficial. It allowed me to build a solid knowledge base and establish a strong network, ultimately proving to be a positive experience.
While it can be tempting to rush through experiences, developing expertise in a specific area makes you a valuable asset to your team and organization. Although my customer-facing role remained the same, I had the opportunity to take on various projects that enabled me to learn new skills and demonstrate my versatility to the organization. I often draw on this experience when working with my team to find ways to enhance their skills and ensure their roles remain both challenging and rewarding.
FPV: Who were your mentors, and why were they important?
AC: Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have had several mentors and coaches who have significantly impacted my professional growth. One of the most valuable ways they supported me was by recognizing the potential in me that I had not seen in myself.
They challenged my thoughts and approaches to problems, ultimately boosting my confidence in my abilities. As I transitioned into leadership roles, these mentors were instrumental in guiding me from being an individual contributor to a leader, providing advice and guidance whenever I needed it. As I advanced in my career and began mentoring others, I discovered that my mentees often offered fresh perspectives that helped me continue to learn and challenge myself.
FPV: What would you tell someone who is thinking about a career in the industry if they were to ask for your advice?
AC: The industry is dynamic, with shifts in consumer preferences and regulatory changes driving constant evolution. Someone who stays curious and enjoys continuous learning will thrive here.
The focus on sustainability brings significant opportunities, with an increased emphasis on environmental impact and understanding sustainable practices and materials. As companies seek to reduce their carbon footprint, expertise in this area can set you apart.
As you pursue your career, be open to trying new things. You might discover a passion you never knew you had.
FPV: Anything you would like to say about your family?
AC: My husband Brian and I are blessed with two wonderful children, Roman, who is 5 years old, and Capri, who is 3 years old. As a family, we share a deep passion for traveling and exploring new places. Whether it’s a weekend getaway to a nearby town or an adventurous trip to a far-off destination, we cherish the time we spend together discovering new cultures, trying different cuisines, and creating lasting memories.