Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast

54. Sachets - the true cost of convenience

34 snips
Aug 7, 2025
Discover the shocking scale of sachet use worldwide, with a staggering 855 billion produced annually. Delve into the environmental implications of these tiny packaging marvels and their cultural roots in India. The hosts tackle the debate of convenience versus sustainability, exploring whether sachets are truly worth the cost. Plus, enjoy quirky discussions about the recyclability of Play-Doh and how a young boy's litter collection project inspires community action. Tune in for laughs and valuable insights into the recycling world!
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INSIGHT

Sachets' Massive Global Impact

  • Sachets contribute massively to global plastic waste with 855 billion used yearly worldwide.
  • Unilever alone sells about 1,700 sachets every second globally, enough to wrap the world a hundred times each year.
INSIGHT

Sachets' Origin in India Poverty Context

  • Sachets were invented in India by Chini Krishnan to help people in poverty afford daily product portions.
  • They started as a way to serve liquid products in small, affordable amounts for daily wage earners.
INSIGHT

Plastic Surge Transformed Indian Culture

  • Plastic use in India rose rapidly from 0.7 kg in 1990 to 2 kg in 1997 amid a shift in consumer culture.
  • This rise reflects western consumerism replacing traditional reuse and recycling practices.
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