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Comprehensive Study of Plastic Packaging Litter (Sachet and Non-Sachet) in Coastal Ecosystem: Case Study Sendang Biru and Kampung Baru Beach, Malang, Indonesia
Summary
Researchers studying two Indonesian beaches found that small, single-use plastic sachets (like the packets used for shampoo, coffee, or seasoning) littered the coastline more than regular plastic packaging, and most of it was already broken or torn apart. As these sachets break down further, they can turn into microplastics that enter the ocean food chain—meaning the seafood many people eat may carry tiny plastic particles linked to this everyday packaging waste. This research highlights why reducing sachet packaging could be an important step in cutting down plastic pollution before it reaches our plates.
Abstract Sachet plastic packaging is multilayer and single-use packaging, while non-sachet plastic packaging is mostly single-layer and can generally be used more than once. Both types contribute substantially to marine debris but have received limited attention in waste management. Therefore, this study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the characteristics of sachet and non-sachet waste (length, weight, condition, function, degradation level, and abundance) at Sendang Biru and Kampung Baru Beaches, Malang, East Java. Samples were collected from the foreshore area using quadrat transects of 54×5 m at Sendang Biru and 25×5 m at Kampung Baru, adjusted to the length of each beach coastline and tidal influence. Sampling was conducted three times at each site. The collected samples were cleaned, measured in length (<5 cm, 5–10 cm, 10–15 cm, 15–20 cm, >20 cm), weighed (<5 g, 5–10 g, >10 g), and categorized by physical condition (intact, torn, folded, burned), function (food, beverage, cosmetics, household cleaning, health, other), and degradation level (fresh, light, moderate, heavy). Abundance was calculated based on the number of sachet and non-sachet items per square meter. A total of 341 items were recorded, 205 at Sendang Biru (84 non-sachets, 121 sachets) and 136 at Kampung Baru (41 non-sachets, 95 sachets). The length of samples varied across categories, while weight was largely dominated by items <5 gr at each beach. More than 60% of sachet and non-sachet plastics were non-intact, while food packaging dominated in both categories (>40%) at each beach. Notably, weathering levels was found varied, fresh sachets were most common at Kampung Baru (57%), whereas heavily weathered non-sachets were highest at Sendang Biru (17%). In terms of abundance, sachets were more prevalent (0.76 items/m 2 at Kampung Baru; 0.45 items/m 2 at Sendang Biru) compared to non-sachets (<0.35 items/m 2 ). Overall, plastic packaging was identified as the main contributor to coastal plastic waste, closely linked to fishing, trade at fish landing sites, and tourism activities. These findings highlight the significant role of sachet packaging in coastal pollution and provide baseline information to support sustainable beach management strategies in Sendang Biru and Kampung Baru.