Supriya Chougule

Transforming a Legacy Business into an Industry Leader

Supriya Chougule

CEO

Perfect Packaging Industries

At just 25, Supriya Chougule envisioned establishing her own innovative packaging company in London. However, life had other plans. Called back to her hometown, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, she took the reins of her family’s 36-year-old business, Perfect Packaging Industries, a decision that marked the beginning of a transformative journey. Armed with an IT engineering degree from Kolhapur and a master’s from London, Supriya initially had no intention of returning. But when faced with the responsibility of sustaining her father’s legacy, she embraced the challenge head-on. Transitioning into a traditional family business was no small feat, but Supriya’s leadership brought a fresh perspective, blending deep-rooted values with cutting-edge innovation. Her first two years were spent understanding the business’ intricate operations and earning the trust of employees, some of whom had been with the company for over 30 years. Their insights became instrumental as she navigated the complexities of a legacy business. But Supriya didn’t stop at tradition; she had a vision for the future. Frequent travels to China and global exhibitions enabled her to bring advanced machinery and sustainable packaging solutions to the forefront.Under her leadership, Perfect Packaging Industries has evolved into a forward-thinking enterprise, catering to global markets and multinational corporations. Supriya’s drive for excellence is fueled by her passion for the industry, stating,

“Running my family business isn’t just a job— it’s my purpose. I find immense joy in creating impact and contributing to society.”

Today, Supriya is not just preserving a legacy but reshaping it. With her bold vision and relentless pursuit of innovation, she is leading Perfect Packaging Industries to new heights, positioning it as a leader in the competitive packaging industry while inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs. What’s her plan for Perfect Packaging? Let us ask her.

What innovative strategies have you introduced to your business?

I introduced sustainable packaging solutions for industries like pharmaceuticals and dairy, making us a one-stop shop for clients’ needs. This streamlined their supply chain and built stronger relationships. I also invested in advanced machinery from China, boosting our production capacity and quality. With a focus on automation, we aim to produce 2 lakh boxes daily, reaching a monthly capacity of 1,500 metric tons, solidifying our reputation as a reliable partner for large-scale orders.

How do you build lasting relationships with customers and suppliers?

Building lasting relationships starts with transparency and trust. I personally connect with customers through follow-ups, calls, and visits to understand their needs and ensure our packaging supports their goals. For suppliers, consistency is key. Many have partnered with us for over 25 years, trusting our commitment to timely payments and unwavering quality standards.By avoiding shortcuts that compromise specifications and maintaining open communication, we create strong, reliable partnerships. This approach ensures mutual growth and long-term collaboration with both customers and suppliers.

What key achievements or milestones are you most proud of?

A key achievement I’m proud of is reaching our highest revenue last year, alongside a strong conversion rate. Our operational efficiency improved, and customer satisfaction with timely deliveries soared. These milestones validate our team’s efforts and reinforce our growth potential.

What are your plans for the next five years, and how will you achieve them?

In the next five years, I plan to expand into contract packaging for the pharmaceutical industry, providing end-to-end solutions from packaging to distribution. I also aim to establish a pharmaceutical company to create a complementary revenue stream. To achieve this, I’m collaborating with industry mentors to refine my strategy. Additionally, I’m scaling our operations by setting up a fully automated plant in Pune, which will boost our capacity and efficiency, driving sustainable growth.

What are your strengths and weaknesses, and how do they shape your leadership?

My greatest strength is networking—a value deeply rooted in me by my parents. Building meaningful relationships with customers, employees, and colleagues drives collaboration and trust, essential for achieving my father’s vision for the company. On the flip side, I sometimes trust too easily, which has its challenges. However, recognising this has helped me grow as a leader, blending optimism with prudence while nurturing a culture of connection and shared success.

As a young CEO, what challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?

As a young, female CEO in a traditionally maledominated industry, I initially faced doubts about my leadership. Many questioned my decisions, but I turned skepticism into opportunity. By driving growth through innovative technologies and fostering a culture of empowerment, I earned trust and results. I promoted team members to leadership roles, demonstrating that success thrives through collaboration. Over time, my consistent achievements and focus on collective growth not only proved my capabilities but also earned the respect and support of my entire team.

What, in your opinion, defines a great leader?

A great leader drives success while empowering others and contributing to society. In my company, I’ve implemented a succession program to nurture future leaders, giving employees at all levels opportunities to grow. Leadership is about fostering an inclusive culture where every team member feels valued and motivated. By creating leaders within the organisation, I not only benefit the company but also promote personal growth for each individual.