Sachet

A sachet is a small sealed pouch or packet that contains a substance intended to be released gradually, typically by infusion, diffusion, or evaporation. Sachets can be made from paper, fabric, or a permeable film and are designed to hold loose material while allowing the contents to interact with their surroundings.

The term derives from the French sachet, meaning “little bag.” Historically, sachets were simple bags of herbs or powders carried or concealed for various purposes. In contemporary use, sachets are common in food and drink (for flavoring or infusing), fragrance (for scented drawers and closets), cosmetics and personal care, and moisture control (desiccant sachets in packaging).

Uses and examples include tea sachets, which enclose crushed tea leaves for infusion in hot water; spice sachets, which hold whole spices to flavor soups and stocks; and fragrant sachets containing dried lavender, citrus peel, or cloves placed in linen closets or luggage. In packaging, desiccant sachets—often containing silica gel or clay—are included to control humidity, while not intended for consumption.

Materials and design vary by purpose. Tea and food sachets may use filter paper or food-grade membranes; fragrance sachets may use cotton, silk, or nonwoven fabrics; some sachets employ heat-sealed or stitched edges. Packaging sachets sometimes incorporate foil or plastic layers to improve barrier properties.

Environmental considerations include the sustainability of the materials and end-of-life disposal. Many single-use sachets contribute to waste, though compostable or reusable options are increasingly available.