Transforming Futures: The Jaipuria Family Legacy

MR ASHOK JAIPURIA: ARCHITECT OF INDUSTRIAL INNOVATION

Mr Ashok Jaipuria’s journey is rooted in the values of entrepreneurship and nation-building. Born into the renowned Jaipuria business family of Kanpur, he inherited both a legacy of enterprise and a deep sense of social responsibility. His father, Late Shri Sitaram Jaipuria, was a pioneering industrialist and parliamentarian, and Mr Jaipuria has carried forward this legacy with distinction.

In 1981, Mr Jaipuria identified a transformative opportunity in the Indian packaging sector. At a time when the industry relied on conventional materials, he introduced BOPP (biaxially-oriented polypropylene) films to India, commissioning the nation’s first BOPP plant in Aurangabad. This bold move not only modernized Indian packaging but also set new benchmarks for product quality, shelf life, and sustainability.

Over four decades, Mr Jaipuria has steered Cosmo First into a diversified global conglomerate, exporting to over 100 countries and leading the world in thermal lamination films. The company’s evolution from commodity films to high-margin specialty films, and its expansion into specialty chemicals, rigid packaging, and digital-first pet care (Zigly), are a testament to his forward-thinking leadership and ability to anticipate market trends

LEADERSHIP FOR A CHANGING WORLD

Mr Jaipuria’s leadership style has evolved with the company. From a founder-driven approach, he has championed a culture of empowerment, agility, and accountability, enabling Cosmo First’s professional management to thrive in a dynamic global marketplace. The company’s strong focus on analytics, rapid decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration has ensured resilience and sustained growth.

A hallmark of his leadership is a deep commitment to sustainability. Cosmo First is a pioneer in adopting renewable energy, with nearly half of its largest plant’s energy needs met through green sources. The company’s R&D initiatives focus on recyclable, high-barrier films and pulp-free synthetic paper, supporting the circular economy and reducing environmental impact.

Mr Jaipuria’s influence extends beyond business. As Founder Trustee of the Cosmo Foundation, he has championed education, healthcare, and environmental initiatives, impacting over 750,000 lives. His roles on the Boards of the Public Health Foundation of India, IITs, and other institutions reflect his dedication to nation-building and knowledge-sharing.

MRS YAMINI JAIPURIA: CHAMPIONING PURPOSEFUL SOCIAL CHANGE

If Mr Jaipuria is the architect of Cosmo First’s industrial transformation, Mrs Yamini Jaipuria is the driving force behind its social and cultural renaissance. With a master’s in International Relations from the London School of Economics and an MBA from the American College in London, Mrs Jaipuria brings global perspective and expertise honed over nearly two decades as Vice President, Human Resources at GE across Europe, Asia, and India.

Since joining Cosmo First as Corporate Advisor in 2020, and now as Whole Time Director (Corporate Strategy, ESG & CSR), Mrs Jaipuria has been pivotal in making the company future-ready. Her strategic vision encompasses ESG, social media, employer branding, and diversity and inclusion. She is a passionate advocate for nurturing the next generation of leaders and embedding a culture of innovation and empathy across the organization.

As Managing Trustee of the Cosmo Foundation and Zigly Foundation, Mrs Jaipuria has led transformative initiatives in education, women’s empowerment, and environmental sustainability. Her programs support over 13,500 rural students annually, promote digital literacy, and empower women through soft skills and driving courses. Under her leadership, the foundation has planted tens of thousands of saplings, established urban forests, and created biodiversity hubs, contributing to ecosystem rejuvenation.

Mrs Jaipuria’s pioneering work in pet care through Zigly and the Zigly Foundation has addressed issues of pet abandonment and animal welfare, while also creating professional opportunities for women in the sector. Her leadership has been recognized with numerous awards, including The Economic Times ET 2GOOD4GOOD Award, the Fortune Women’s Leadership Award, and national honors for CSR and sustainability.

INNOVATION AT THE CORE

At Cosmo First, innovation is not just a value—it is a way of life. The company’s state-of-the-art Innovation Centre, staffed by a team of over 30 researchers, drives breakthroughs in specialty films, sustainable packaging, and advanced materials. Products like TeploR—a recyclable, high-heat-resistant BOPP film—exemplify Cosmo First’s commitment to developing solutions that meet the evolving needs of global brands while supporting environmental stewardship.

The company’s focus on specialty films, which now constitute 70% of its portfolio, has enabled higher margins, resilience, and leadership in niche applications. Cosmo First’s investments in new verticals such as specialty chemicals, rigid packaging, and D2C pet care reflect a deliberate strategy to broaden revenue streams and future-proof the business.

PURPOSE BEYOND PROFIT

The Jaipuria legacy is defined by a belief that business success and social good go hand in hand. Cosmo First’s sustainability initiatives include large-scale adoption of renewable energy, development of recyclable mono-material films, and resource-efficient manufacturing processes. The Cosmo Foundation’s work in education, women’s empowerment, and environmental conservation has touched hundreds of thousands of lives, creating lasting impact at the grassroots level.

Mrs Jaipuria’s focus on gender parity and inclusion is evident in programs like ‘Umeed Ki Kiran’ and ‘Nari Ki Savari’, which empower rural girls and women with skills and confidence. Her leadership in agroforestry and urban biodiversity projects demonstrates a commitment to building a greener, more sustainable future.

LOOKING AHEAD: A LEGACY OF NATION-BUILDING

As Cosmo First enters its next decade, Mr Jaipuria and Mrs Jaipuria remain steadfast in their vision: to be the first choice for stakeholders, to pioneer industry-first solutions, and to create sustainable, positive change in communities. Their journey is a powerful reminder that open minds and innovative thought are the engines of progress—capable of transforming not just companies, but the very fabric of society.

Cosmo First, under the stewardship of Mr Ashok Jaipuria and Mrs Yamini Jaipuria, exemplifies the power of open ideas—ideas that build nations, empower people, and shape a brighter, more inclusive future.

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