What began as a childhood memory of mistaking a landfill for a hillock inspired Kanika Ahuja to innovate in sustainability. Her brand Lifaffa, founded in 2017, upcycles single-use plastic into vibrant fabrics for bags and wallets, crossing Rs 1 crore in revenue and creating valuable opportunities for women artisans along the way.
- Transforms plastic bags into colorful, durable fabrics
- Supports 300+ women artisans and waste workers
- Featured at Lakme Fashion Week, driven Rs 1 crore revenue
What happened
Kanika Ahuja’s inspiration to work with plastic waste began with a childhood misperception that a landfill was a small hill. This early experience planted the seed for her commitment to circularity and sustainability. After gaining experience in engineering, business, and market research, Kanika joined Conserve India in 2016, where she sought to rethink the organization’s role beyond traditional recycling efforts.
In 2017, Kanika launched Lifaffa, a social enterprise that developed a unique process to convert single-use plastic bags into new, colorful fabric. This fabric is then crafted into accessories like bags, wallets, and sleeves by artisans. Lifaffa quickly gained recognition, including an invitation to Lakme Fashion Week, and has grown to upcycle around 12 tonnes of plastic annually while generating over Rs 1 crore in revenue.
Why it feels good
Lifaffa’s work extends beyond material innovation—it empowers a network of 200 waste workers and over 300 women artisans, many of whom come from marginalized backgrounds. The brand’s collaboration with Afghan refugee women skilled in traditional crafts highlights its social impact and inclusivity. Each product represents a meaningful step toward sustainable livelihoods and community empowerment.
Additionally, Lifaffa challenges perceptions around using waste materials in fashion. By transforming single-use plastic into attractive, durable products, the brand promotes environmental awareness and encourages consumers to rethink waste as a valuable resource. This shift contributes positively to the growing sustainable fashion movement in India and beyond.
What to enjoy or watch next
Lifaffa’s story invites us to appreciate the beauty and possibility that can arise from repurposing materials often discarded as waste. As awareness around circular fashion grows, brands like Lifaffa pave the way for more eco-conscious consumption and production practices. Following their journey offers inspiration for anyone interested in sustainability, design, and social enterprise.
For those eager to support sustainable fashion, exploring Lifaffa’s unique range of accessories is a meaningful choice. Watch for new collections and collaborations that continue to innovate with plastic waste and showcase the talents of artisans. Lifaffa’s presence at events like Lakme Fashion Week signals a bright future for fashion that prioritizes both style and planet.