HOW PAANI TURNED SETBACKS INTO A GLOBAL WELLNESS MOVEMENT

Every brand has a beginning. For PAANI, it started with a simple question during the pandemic: “Why copper, mum?” That moment of curiosity sparked a journey that would take three years of trial, error, and relentless determination before the first handcrafted copper bottles launched in 2023.
But the road wasn’t smooth. In fact, the founders now openly share that their very first prototype was nowhere near what PAANI products are today.
The Early Days: Prototypes That Weren’t Quite Right
In 2020, PAANI’s idea was born. Inspired by Ayurveda and the timeless tradition of storing water in copper, the vision was to create a modern wellness brand rooted in ancient wisdom.
But early attempts didn’t match the dream:
- Copper that wasn’t pure enough
- Finishes that didn’t hold up
- Quality that fell short of their vision
Each wrong sample felt like a setback. Money was spent. Time was lost. And frustration ran high.
Learning Through “Failing Forward”
Yet, those failures became the best teachers. Every flawed sample revealed what not to accept. Every supplier that didn’t meet expectations pushed the founders to find better partners. Each delay added determination to get the product right.
In entrepreneurship, as in wellness, the path isn’t always straight. PAANI’s journey reflects the principle of failing forward: setbacks are not the end, but the process itself.
The Breakthrough: Launching PAANI in 2023
By the time PAANI launched in 2023, every detail had been reimagined:
- 99.9%+ pure copper, lab-tested to ensure safety and antibacterial properties
- Protective lacquer coating on the exterior to preserve beauty
- Handcrafted designs by artisans in India, passed down through generations
- Modern grip sleeves for practicality and style
The result was a product that wasn’t just a water bottle, but a daily ritual — fresh, pure hydration rooted in tradition and elevated for modern life.
More Than Copper: A Story of Resilience
Today, when the founders hold a PAANI Copper Bottle, they don’t just see polished copper. They see resilience. Craftsmanship. And the lessons of every wrong turn along the way.
Without those first mistakes, there would be no PAANI®. Failing forward wasn’t just part of the process — it was the process.
A Wellness Brand With Purpose
Since launching, PAANI has grown into a global wellness brand — inspiring thousands to rethink hydration and embrace mindful rituals. From features in The Guardian, Mens Health, BBC Asian Network to selling out at John Lewis, PAANI is proof that ancient wisdom still holds power in a modern world.
And it all started with a prototype that wasn’t quite right.
FAQs
1) When did PAANI launch?
PAANI officially launched on 28th February 2023, after nearly three years of research and development.
2) Who are the founders of PAANI?
PAANI was founded by Milan and Junaid, two childhood friends from Leicester, United Kingdom.
3) What inspired the start of PAANI?
The idea was born during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Milan asked his mum why their family always used copper for storing water. That question sparked research into copper’s ancient use and proven antibacterial properties, leading to the birth of PAANI.
4) Why copper?
Copper has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years for its natural purifying qualities. Modern science confirms the copper sourced from PAANI has the ability to eliminate harmful bacteria, making it a sustainable and wellness-driven alternative to single-use plastics and ordinary bottles.
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