Aug. 6, 2025

54. Sachets - the true cost of convenience

54. Sachets - the true cost of convenience
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54. Sachets - the true cost of convenience

In the UK, sachets might seem like a small, insignificant problem but across the world, they're anything but. In countries like India, sachets are the primary packaging for a wide range of everyday products. Globally, an estimated 855 billion are used every year. This week, we delve into the surprising history of the sachet, how it became a major contributor to global plastic waste, and whether there’s any case to be made in its defence. Plus, is Play-Doh rubbish or not, what should we do when we encounter bad recycling labelling, and why do Robbie's ice cubes taste of chicken soup?

In the UK, sachets might seem like a small, insignificant problem but across the world, they're anything but. In countries like India, sachets are the primary packaging for a wide range of everyday products. Globally, an estimated 855 billion are used every year. This week, we delve into the surprising history of the sachet, how it became a major contributor to global plastic waste, and whether there’s any case to be made in its defence. Plus, is Play-Doh rubbish or not, what should we do when we encounter bad recycling labelling, and why do Robbie's ice cubes taste of chicken soup?

Join hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth as they delve into the world of recycling, hopefully having fun along the way. One thing is for sure, they will talk absolute rubbish from start to finish.

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Timestamps:
Sachets - 2:31
Additions and corrections - 29:42
Rubbish or Not: Play-Doh - 36:17
Rubbish News - 39:44
What should we do when we encounter bad recycling labelling? - 44:20
Residual Rubbish - 47:15

Cover image: Bloomberg via Getty Images

 

Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL