Hidden in plain sight – using a scoping review to reveal the neglected sachet economy crisis

Abstract

Single-portion, multilayer sachets are a popular packaging format for food, home and self-care products in low-income countries. Sachet waste is non-recyclable, and visibly litters land, freshwater and ocean environments, particularly in South East Asian countries described as having a ‘sachet economy’. As annual global sachet sales exceed one trillion units, we ask whether low levels of research on sachets and the sachet economy could contribute to misinformation about environmental and socioeconomic damage and a lack of policy action to reduce sachet use. Based on the PRISMA-ScR method, our scoping review included novel comparative analyses of multiple exclusion screenings and development of a waste hierarchy for literature analysis to reveal how information available to stakeholders changes as criteria are tightened. We found little empirical research, with knowledge gaps often addressed by institutions and NGOs, particularly regarding alternatives to the sachet economy at the top of the waste hierarchy. Policymakers and consumers in the Philippines and Indonesia were the most common target audience and geographical context. A high proportion of grey literature and inconsistent terminology may introduce the potential for bias and reduced impact. Our research highlights the urgency of further research into social and environmental impacts of the sachet lifecycle and alternatives such as refill. As sachet use rises and spreads globally, we assert that without robust research and practical guidance for decision makers, environmental and socioeconomic consequences of sachet use will continue to grow in South East Asia and spread quickly to other low-income economies, hidden in plain sight.