CEO Insights India

She was sitting back with a coffee in hand, the kind of moment that feels timeless. The warmth of the cup matched the calm confidence in her demeanor. Devakshi Chandra, a visionary in the plastic industry, exuded the kind of leadership that’s both grounded and forward-thinking. As a woman in an industry that’s often seen as rigid and traditional, Devakshi’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. But for her, each challenge has been a stepping stone, fuelling a deep passion for driving sustainable change in a world that urgently needs it. Today, as the Managing Director of Nanofil Technologies, she’s not just leading a company, but is also shaping a future where sustainability and leadership go hand in hand, proving that change doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful.

A finance graduate from Babson College (U.S.) and holding an MBA from the prestigious University of Oxford (UK), Devakshi comes with a diverse professional background, where she initially began her career with EY and later ventured into investment banking. However, the real turning point came when she transitioned into her family’s FIBC (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container) manufacturing business. Although her role started with overseeing finances, her deep curiosity and natural leadership skills drew her to the production floor. This shift gave her firsthand insights into the complexities of operations and supply chain management, shaping her perspective on the importance of aligning theoretical knowledge with practical execution.

Over time, Devakshi expanded her responsibilities and today, she leads Nanofil Technologies with a clear vision, which is to drive change and positively impact the environment. She’s particularly motivated by the opportunity to contribute to sustainability efforts and create lasting, positive impacts not only for her company but for the planet as a whole. Devakshi’s leadership exemplifies the balance between innovation, operational excellence, and people management, which are qualities that have allowed her to guide Nanofil Technologies into a future where both business success and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.

Under her guidance, Nanofil Technologies continues to be at the forefront of sustainability and operational innovation within the plastics sector, with Devakshi’s dedication to cleaner and greener solutions setting the tone for the company’s longterm vision.

In a recent interaction with CEO Insights, Devakshi shared more insights on Nanofil Technologies, her career, leadership style, and

many other interesting aspects. Below are a few key excerpts from the exclusive interview.

Tell us about your approach towards sustainability and the methodologies you have adopted for a sustainable future.
At Nanofil Technologies, we recognize that plastics are integral to modern life, and our focus is on making them more sustainable. We are committed to embracing the circular economy, prioritizing the use of Post-Industrial Recycling (PIR) and Post-Consumer Recycling (PCR) raw materials in our processes.

Additionally, we are actively exploring the adoption of bioplastics as part of our long-term sustainability strategy. By leveraging these approaches, we aim to reduce waste, lower environmental impact, and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future for the plastics industry. Our goal is to lead the way in creating eco-friendly solutions while maintaining operational efficiency and innovation.

What does technology leadership mean in today’s complex, high-demand technology ecosystem? As a leader, how do you contribute to this?
In today’s dynamic and demanding tech environment, technology leadership goes beyond simply overseeing systems like ERP and MES, it’s about driving continuous innovation across the entire production process. As a leader, I aim to create meaningful change by focusing on key initiatives, namely investing in energy-efficient machinery that increases productivity, reduces costs, and minimizes environmental impact.

We also harness the power of real-time data and predictive analytics to make quicker, more informed decisions that optimize production and reduce downtime. Most importantly, we stay flexible, constantly adapting to new technologies and trends to ensure we remain at the forefront of the industry. This approach helps us not just meet current challenges but also proactively prepare for the future.

How would you describe your team? As a leader, what qualities do you look for in new candidates?
At Nanofil Technologies, our people are our biggest strength. We look for individuals who have a natural talent for problem-solving. Our team is a diverse mix of seasoned industry experts, who bring invaluable experience,

and young professionals, who bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm. What unites us is a common goal, which is to become a leading sustainable polymer compounder, committed to using a high percentage of PIR and PCR materials, while consistently delivering top-notch products to our customers. As a leader, I prioritize attitude, a keen willingness to learn, and a passion for creating meaningful change when hiring. These qualities are fundamental in building a forward-thinking and impactful team.

What is the future destination you are heading towards?
In the short term, we are focused on establishing two new factories this year, one dedicated to polymer compounding and the other a fully integrated PCR to-compounding facility. Looking further ahead, our long-term goal is to expand our capabilities and deepen our commitment to sustainability. We plan to integrate more eco-friendly practices throughout our operations while scaling production to meet increasing demand. By doing so, we aim to solidify our position as a leader in the sustainable polymer industry, driving innovation and setting new standards for both environmental responsibility and operational excellence.

In light of your strong experience within the industry, what advice would you give to budding industry leaders?
My advice is simple, which is ‘pursue your dreams with determination and resilience’. The speed and quality of your decision-making will be crucial, and while challenges are inevitable, trust in yourself, because you will overcome them. Stay focused and adaptable, as every setback is an opportunity to grow. One of my favorite quotes by Lewis Carroll sums it up perfectly, ‘In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take, the relationships we were afraid to have, and the decisions we waited too long to make’. So, take those risks, build those connections, and make decisions confidently, because hesitation often leads to missed opportunities.

Devakshi Chandra, Managing Director, Nanofil Techno- logies
Devakshi spearheads the company’s focus on sustainability and innovation within the polymer compounding sector. Driven by a deep passion for creating a more sustainable future, she leads initiatives that prioritize biopolymers and eco-friendly materials. Devakshi earned a BBA from Babson College in the U.S. and an MBA from Oxford University in UK, bringing a strong academic foundation to her leadership role.

•Favorite Hobbies: Working-out, Skiing and Reading
•Favorite Book:‘The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching’ by Thich Nhat Hanh
•Favorite Travel Destinations: Bhutan and Zermatt (Switzerland)
•Favorite Cuisine: Italian