Early Life: Finding Direction Beyond Convention

Shubhi Sachan’s journey begins in Lucknow, where she often felt like a misfit in traditional academic systems. At a time when careers were largely limited to engineering or medicine, she chose design, an unconventional path in early 2000s India. This decision wasn’t just about career choice; it was about finding a space where creativity and individuality could thrive.

Breaking Into the Global Design World

After pursuing textile design, Shubhi entered the professional world working with leading fashion houses and large manufacturers. From designing for global markets to collaborating with skilled artisans, she experienced both scale and craftsmanship. However, behind the glamour, she witnessed inefficiencies, waste, and a relentless pursuit of perfection that often overlooked sustainability.

The Turning Point: When the Bubble Burst

A defining moment came when a highly detailed garment, created over months by multiple artisans, was rejected within minutes. This incident exposed the fragility and wastefulness embedded in the system. It pushed Shubhi to question the larger impact of her work and the industry itself.

A Shift Towards Sustainability

Driven by the need for change, she pursued sustainability studies at Central Saint Martins, London. Here, her ideas began to take a structured form. She started exploring how materials could be reimagined, reused, and better understood, laying the foundation for her future venture.

Building the Material Library of India (MLI)

In 2017, Shubhi founded the Material Library of India, a research-driven think tank focused on materials, waste, and circular systems. MLI collaborates with corporations, government bodies, and institutions to transform industrial waste into usable resources and develop sustainable material solutions.

Material Literacy: Educating for Impact

One of MLI’s key initiatives is “Material Literacy”, an educational framework designed to help people understand materials in everyday life. From plastics and textiles to food, water, and cosmetics, the goal is to make individuals more aware of what they consume and its long-term impact.

Rethinking Sustainability: Beyond Recycling

Shubhi challenges the common belief that recycling is the ultimate solution. She highlights concepts like downcycling and promotes regenerative materials, those that naturally return to the environment without harm. Her approach emphasizes mindful consumption over reactive solutions.

Challenges: Awareness vs Action

Despite growing awareness around sustainability, Shubhi points out a critical gap, people know what’s wrong but often don’t act on it. Changing habits and mindsets remains one of the biggest challenges in driving real impact.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Shubhi aims to scale material literacy through education systems and technology. Her vision is to make sustainability a fundamental part of learning and decision-making, enabling long-term systemic change.

Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Her advice is rooted in experience: stay persistent, be authentic, and take responsibility for the problems you notice. True innovation begins when you choose to act rather than wait.

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An insightful conversation on sustainability, innovation, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
Watch the full episode to explore how materials can shape the future of business and life.