It began not with ambition, but with curiosity the quiet kind that watches machines closely, asks why a film behaves the way it does, and refuses to stop learning at the end of a shift. Early on, every parameter change, every trial run, and even every customer complaint became a lesson, slowly shaping a mindset rooted in observation, humility, and continuous improvement. Guidance came from many directions: from generous mentors at work, and from a steady, thoughtful voice at home a partner whose clarity and calm often revealed answers long before experience did.
A defining turn came in 1985, when an unexpected opportunity opened the door to the Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology (CIPET). Accepting a Post Graduate Diploma in Plastics Testing & Quality Control was not a calculated career move, but it proved to be the moment that quietly set the course for the next four decades. What followed was a rich and fulfilling journey through the plastics and packaging industry one built on learning, responsibility, and gratitude rather than titles or rewards.
That journey belongs to Atul Baijal, a professional shaped as much by machines and materials as by people and principles. Today, his desire to share knowledge freely is not driven by obligation, but by appreciation for an industry that gave him purpose, for leaders who trusted him, and for a life that taught him that giving back is simply a natural continuation of learning forward.
From shop-floor learning to industry-wide impact
When the Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology (CIPET) offered Atul a seat for a Post Graduate Diploma in Plastics Testing & Quality Control in 1985, he could not have foreseen that it would define the next four decades of his professional life. The programme provided a strong technical grounding in polymer science, testing methodologies and quality systems, while opening doors to India’s rapidly emerging plastics and packaging industry.
In March 1986, during campus interviews at CIPET, he was selected as a Technical Trainee by Cosmo Films Limited, then a young and ambitious BOPP film manufacturer. With limited formal literature available on the BOPP process, the shop floor became his real classroom. He learned to observe machines closely, ask relentless questions and correlate every process parameter with film behaviour an approach that shaped his lifelong habit of treating every shift, trial and customer complaint as a learning opportunity. He joined Cosmo Films in August 1986, coinciding with his 21st birthday, marking his entry into both adulthood and industry. His rapid exposure across functions led to his 18-month training programme being shortened to six months, giving him a holistic view of plant operations.
Within three years, he was entrusted with heading the Quality Control function, a role that strengthened his technical depth, decision-making and communication skills while teaching him to view quality issues as systemic rather than isolated problems.
In 1991, seeking a more customer-facing role, he joined Gujarat Propack Limited through Technical Services. Direct interaction with converters, brand owners and end users deepened his understanding of real-world application challenges. He later took on Quality Assurance responsibilities and became the company’s first Management Representative for ISO 9002 implementation, gaining deep insight into systems thinking and cross-functional integration. His progression continued through roles as Chief Technical Manager and eventually head of Sales Coordination and pan-India sales, where his technical background became a key commercial differentiator.
After a brief stint at Jindal Films, he joined Positive Packaging, leading the metallising division as a profit centre head and driving a near 300% increase in profitability. He later doubled sales in the Flexible Division and went on to head Purchase and Supply Chain, managing group-wide sourcing. Following Huhtamaki’s acquisition of Positive Packaging, he served as Strategic Buying Head for India and Global Buyer for Aluminium Foil, gaining extensive international exposure.
His broad cross-functional experience enabled him to successfully lead greenfield and transformation projects, including setting up a flexible packaging division for TCPL Packaging and later transforming Ecoplast Limited into a speciality films-focused organisation, delivering multi-fold profitability growth.
Today, he leads an organisation focused on Surface Protection Films, Adhesive Films and Speciality Films, delivering customised, high-performance solutions across construction, automotive, electronics and advanced packaging sectors.
Principles shaping a career of trust, learning and long-term success
Looking back, three personal qualities have contributed most to the success he has achieved over the years. The first is hard work, grounded in honesty and sincerity. In an industry where machines operate around the clock and customers have little tolerance for delays, he learned early that there is no substitute for putting in the hours, being available when needed, and taking complete ownership of outcomes.
The second quality is the willingness to learn from everyone and to unlearn when necessary. Some of his most valuable lessons came not from boardrooms, but from operators, helpers, mechanics and junior colleagues who often spotted practical issues and patterns that senior managers could overlook. Equally important was the ability to let go of outdated assumptions, which helped him stay relevant as technologies advanced and markets evolved.
The third defining trait has been a consistent focus on goals. At every stage of his career, he worked with clearly defined short-, medium- and long-term objectives. These goals guided daily decisions, encouraged measurement of progress and demanded honest self-review whenever results did not meet expectations.
Both as an individual and as a professional, one of his core aims has been to create an environment that encourages learning and commitment at all levels, without compromising ethical values. While technical excellence and financial success matter, he has always believed they must be built on integrity. Transparency in dealing with customers, suppliers and colleagues has therefore been non-negotiable. Such a culture may seem slower in the short term, but it fosters deep trust, resilience and long-term sustainability—ensuring that success is not only achieved, but earned and respected.
Resilient through Challenges and Innovation
Today, his professional focus spans three core product segments: Surface Protection Films, Adhesive Films and Speciality Films. Surface Protection Films play a critical role across industries such as construction, automotive, electronics and consumer goods, safeguarding high-value surfaces from damage during manufacturing, transportation and installation. Adhesive Films support demanding applications where bonding performance and consistency are essential, while Speciality Films are engineered for customised, high-performance requirements that go beyond standard packaging solutions.
The most challenging phase of his career came during the Covid-19 pandemic. Like many manufacturing leaders, he faced the difficult task of keeping operations running while prioritising the health and safety of employees. It was a constant balancing act implementing rigorous safety protocols, managing absenteeism, navigating severe supply chain disruptions and still ensuring that customer commitments and financial obligations were met. These months required not only operational agility but also emotional resilience, clear decision-making and transparent communication with teams, customers and suppliers. More than anything, the experience reinforced the importance of empathy, trust and collective responsibility in leadership.
Through every high and low, he has remained guided by a simple but unwavering mantra: never compromise on values, and practise transparency in everything you do. He believes that values are not truly tested when times are smooth, but when pressure is intense during crises, tough negotiations or moments when shortcuts seem tempting. Choosing principle over convenience in such moments may be difficult, but it consistently builds credibility, unity and long-term success, allowing both people and organisations to grow together.
Mentorship, Inspiration, and Giving Back
Atul considers himself fortunate to have worked under exceptional leaders throughout his career. These mentors not only entrusted him with challenging responsibilities but also provided guidance and support during critical transitions. Their belief in his abilities played a pivotal role in shaping both his professional and personal growth. From their examples, Atul learned that true leadership is as much about enabling others as it is about delivering results a principle that continues to influence the way he leads his own teams.
In his personal life, Atul draws immense inspiration from his wife, whose maturity, clarity, and calmness have consistently guided him through key decisions. Whether navigating career changes, taking on new challenges, or managing complex situations, her perspective has helped him look beyond immediate concerns and consider the bigger picture. Having such a grounded and supportive partner has been a blessing that often goes unacknowledged in professional narratives.
Looking ahead, Atul’s aspirations are centered less on titles or positions and more on contribution. He hopes to give back to the plastics and packaging industry, which has provided him a rich and fulfilling career, by sharing his knowledge and experience without expectation. Teaching is a particular area of interest for him; he aspires to deliver lectures at educational institutions focused on plastics and packaging, engage with young students, answer their questions, and inspire them to explore the industry with curiosity, responsibility, and a sense of purpose.
Lifelong Learning, Empowered Teams, and Leadership that Transforms
To aspiring leaders and young professionals, Atul offers two key pieces of advice. First, maintain a clear goal plan short, medium, and long term as goals act as a compass, guiding decisions about which opportunities to pursue, which to decline, and how to prioritise time and energy. Goals also provide a framework for periodic review and course correction. Second, surround yourself with team members who are more qualified and capable than you. Rather than feeling threatened by talent, Atul believes in creating an environment where individuals can work freely, feel a sense of belonging, and know that their contributions truly matter. According to him, building such empowered teams accelerates both personal growth and organisational success.
Over the years, the organisations Atul has been associated with have earned several prestigious accolades, including WorldStar, AsiaStar, and IFCA Awards.
If there is one overarching theme connecting the various chapters of his career from the shop floor of Cosmo Films to leadership roles at Gujarat Propack, Positive Packaging, Huhtamaki, TCPL, and Ecoplast it is the conviction that learning never stops. Technologies evolve, markets shift, and business models face disruption, but the willingness to learn, unlearn, and relearn remains the most valuable asset. When combined with hard work, ethical conduct, clear goals, supportive mentors, and committed teams, this mindset has the power to transform not just careers, but entire organisations and, in its own way, even an industry.
