Spotlight On: Natalia Ciosk, Sales Director – Poland, Czech, Slovakia and Baltics at FOLBB

Your path into the industry

• Can you please introduce yourself and tell us about your current role?

My name is Natalia Ciosk and I am based in Poland. I have been working in paper and packaging industry since 1999. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to take on a wide range of roles in product management and sales management in different companies like Smurfit Westrock, Prowell, Papyrus, MM Board & Paper, which has given me a solid understanding of the business. Since October 2025, I’ve been working at FOLBB as Sales Director for Poland, Czech, Slovakia and Baltics.

• What initially sparked your interest in the sustainable packaging and cartonboard industry?

In every role I’ve had, there have been opportunities to grow, take on new responsibilities and explore different parts of the market. That naturally led me towards sustainability, which is now such an important part of what we do.

• What has been the most significant milestone or experience that has shaped your career to date?

Early on, having a mentor who shared their knowledge and believed in me made a big difference to my career. It showed me how important it is to support others as well, especially the younger generations starting out in the industry.

• Were there any specific challenges or turning points that you feel were pivotal in your professional journey?

This industry has gone through a lot of change since I joined over 25 years ago, from innovation to automation and shifting consumer and brand owner demands. There are always cycles of ups and downs, but each phase always brings something new to learn.

• How has the industry changed since you first started, and what excites you most about its future?

When I started in 1999, corrugated packaging with flexo printing was the standard. If you compare that to what we see today in terms of technology and expertise, the progress has been huge. At FOLBB, we’re especially focused on plastic substitution – barrier boards and other cartonboard solutions. It’s an area that’s growing quickly, and where we can really support customers with tailored solutions.

Daily impact

• What does a typical day in your current role look like?

There’s a lot of planning, negotiations, and reviewing results. I also spend a lot of time setting up trails, meeting customers – both in person and online – and working closely with my colleagues based at our mills. Teamwork is really important for success at FOLBB!

• Can you describe a specific project or initiative you’ve worked on recently that you found particularly exciting or innovative?

I really find great having new opportunities, discussing with customers new solutions, then it means collaboration with mills, production- and product experts, Technical Customer Service colleagues. I think developing new project is exciting. Here, in FOLBB, we have wide range of specialties like barrier boards or safe oven boards which are enjoying great interest because this is how the consumer market is changing and looking for.

I enjoy working with customers and developing new solutions to meet their needs. It usually involves close cooperation with production teams, product experts and technical colleagues across the business. We’re seeing strong interest in areas like barrier boards and oven-safe boards, which reflect changing consumer needs.

• How does your work directly contribute to the sustainable and environmental benefits of cartonboard packaging?

It’s a core part of what we do. At FOLBB, we produce virgin fibre cartonboard in a responsible and efficient way, helping reduce the use of plastics in packaging.

• What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their career in this industry?

It’s a really interesting industry with lots of opportunities. Stay curious, ask questions and be open to learning. Systems like dual education – combining theory with hands-on experience –can be a great way to get started. Be willing to learn from others, each experience counts!

• What is the one reason why you are proud to work in the carton and carton board industry?

The people – strong partnerships, a collaborative approach, and a lot of technical knowledge. I’m still learning from customers all the time.

Beyond your role

• What’s a skill or hobby you have outside of work that has surprisingly helped you in your role?

I’m interested in forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, which comes from Japan. It’s about spending time in nature and its positive effect on wellbeing. It may sound unusual given the industry I work in, but I really believe in the value of forests. I’m currently completing postgraduate studies in forest therapy and would like to share that knowledge more in the future.

• What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

I often ask myself, “why not?” Things change quickly – in business and in life – so it helps to stay open-minded and curious, and to always take opportunities when they come.

• If you could have any other job in packaging for a day, what would it be and why?

I’d be a Packaging Supply Chain Manager, working with end users to optimise the process from materials and design through to production and logistics – and making sure everything meets sustainability goals and regulations like PPWR.

• What is the one thing you wish more people knew about the carton and cartonboard industry?

Paper and cartonboard have some of the highest recycling rates of any packaging material. There’s also a misconception that the industry destroys forests, which isn’t true – it relies on renewable resources and plays an important role in sustainable packaging.