Aaum Paper Products’ Ekta Chandan honoured with the Hidden Gem award

Ekta Chandan, founder of Bengaluru-based Aaum Paper Products, was recognised at the Mumbai Mudrak Sangh’s (MMS) Roundtable Conference 2025. She was one of two Hidden Gems awardees, becoming the first female recipient of the award. The event was held at the Cinnamon Grand in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from 10 to 12 July.

“I’m grateful to MMS for identifying me as a Hidden Gem,” Ekta Chandan stated. “I’m not very actively connected to industry associations, yet to be spotted and encouraged like this—feels truly special.”

Business development
Aaum Paper Products was registered in January 2020 and began operations in October 2020. Chandan secured a loan against property and a business loan to fund the venture.

Chandan established a connection with an individual in the European paper industry in 2019, which led to sourcing machinery. The machinery arrived in July 2020.

Shortly after, Flipkart contacted Aaum Paper Products regarding a shift to paper mailer bags. Flipkart subsequently booked 80% of Aaum's capacity. Chandan then expanded operations to include Amazon as a client. By late 2021, Aaum Paper Products had four European machines. The company currently operates 16 machines, with three more planned.

Focus on sustainability
Chandan stated, “The name Aaum itself is symbolic. It’s a spiritual sound believed to heal, and we want to heal the world through sustainable packaging.” Aaum Paper Products is certified by the Indian government’s sustainability council, having progressed from bronze to silver certification. The company aims for gold and platinum certifications.

Challenges and outlook
Chandan noted that trust-building was a hurdle as a first-generation entrepreneur and a woman. She stated, “Aaum is my child…my baby… and a mother never gives up on her child. I will never give up Aaum.” She also remarked, “It’s okay to be wrong; failure is not the end of life.”

Regarding advice for new entrepreneurs in the print and packaging industry, Chandan recommended patience. Her daily objective is to add value, stating, “What value can I add today?” She also said, “We are perpetually indebted to Mother Nature.”