Water sachet

Water sachets or Sachet water is a common form of selling pre-filtered or sanitized water in plastic, heat sealed bags in parts of the global south, and are especially popular in Africa.^[1] Water sachets are cheaper to produce than plastic bottles, and easier to transport.^[2] In some countries, water vendors refer to sachet water as "pure water".^[3][4][5]

High demand, and poor collection of waste from consumers, has resulted in significant plastic pollution and waste from sachets throughout the West Africa.^[1][3] Accumulation of sachets frequently causes blocked stormwater drainage, and other issues.^[3] Some countries, such as Senegal, have banned disposable sachets.^[1]

Because sachets are frequently filled in small and often unregulated facilities, inadequate sanitary conditions can occasionally result in disease or contamination.^[6][2] However, in countries like Ghana consumers still prefer that access over other forms of venders, with a perception of lower risk.^[2] This form of water distribution provides vital access to water in communities that otherwise wouldn't have it. However, some scholars have identified this method of distribution as having potential human rights and social justice issues, limiting the right to water and sanitation.^[2][7]