‘PEOPLE OFTEN THINK I LOVE WASTE, THE TRUTH IS – I HATE IT SO MUCH THAT I WANT IT TO END AT ITS GENERATION POINT.’

Shubhi Sachan, founder of the Material Library of India, is a materials expert. She holds a bachelor’s degree in textiles and a master’s degree in Material Futures from Central Saint Martin’s in London, U.K. Shubhi has initiated several thought-provoking projects, including PUNĀH, Cancelled Plans, Life of a Bullet, Traditional Futures, and Landless, which tackle various challenges posed by climate change and environmental sustainability. Before this, she worked as a surface designer for renowned brands like Givenchy, Balmain, Alexander McQueen, and Ralph Lauren.

Shubhi embarked on her sustainability journey after spending six years in the fashion/textile industry, where she recognized the disparity between material manufacturing and the presentation of finished products. This disconnect troubled her, prompting her to focus on repurposing post-industrial and agricultural waste. Her current work aims to propose alternative uses for materials and challenge the conventional waste disposal methods, advocating against landfill or incineration.

Shubhi’s contributions have garnered recognition from the Italian Fashion Council in 2023 under the Climate Action Category and from the Ministry of Textiles for her impact on textile waste in India. She has also presented at the G20 summit during India’s presidency. Additionally, Shubhi was a TEDx Speaker in 2018, a Lexus Design Award Finalist in 2018, and a recipient of the CII Green Co. Best Practices Award in 2016. She has been invited to showcase her work at prestigious platforms such as Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai (2017), Ambiente Talents at Messe Frankfurt (2017), London Design Week (2014-2016), Dutch Design Week (2015 & 2020), and the Roche Bobois Student Design Competition in Paris (2013).