sachê

Sachê is a small sealed packet or pouch designed to hold a single serving of a product, typically dry or semi‑liquid, for convenient dispensing without measuring. It is commonly used in food and beverage packaging, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Sachets can be made from laminated paper, foil, plastic, or multilayer materials, and they may be tear-open, perforated, or resealable depending on their purpose.

Etymology and usage: the term derives from the French word sachet, meaning a small bag or pocket. In Portuguese, especially in Brazil and Portugal, sachê refers to single‑serving packets such as sugar sachets, instant coffee sachets, tea bags (chá em sachê), sauces, condiments, or cosmetic sachets. The word has cognates in several languages, reflecting the widespread packaging format.

Common applications: in beverages, sachets store tea, instant coffee, or flavored drink mixes; in food service they provide portions of sugar, salt, creamers, or sauces; in cosmetics, sachets may contain single‑use samples of creams, powders, or lotions; and in pharmaceuticals, powdered medicines or charcoal tablets are sometimes packaged in sachets for dose control and hygiene.

Packaging and environmental considerations: sachets are valued for portion control and portability, but their often multilayer plastic or foil construction can complicate recycling. This has encouraged development of alternative materials and compostable sachets in some markets, as well as consumer guidance on disposal.

See also: sachet (general term), tea bag, single-serve packaging.