EXPLAINER-Plastic sachets: As big brands cashed in, a waste crisis spiraled

While commonly associated with ketchup or cosmetic samples in wealthy countries, sachets are widely used in emerging markets to sell inexpensive micro-portions of everyday products, from laundry detergent to seasoning and snacks.

Tiny plastic packets known as sachets have allowed companies to tap millions of low-income customers in the developing world but also unleashed a global pollution crisis.

A Reuters investigation has found that London-listed Unilever plc ULVR.L, a pioneer in selling sachets, has privately fought to derail bans on the problematic packaging despite saying publicly it wants to "get rid of" them.