Why it matters. Why it’s growing. Why your brand should care.

As the beauty industry pushes toward more circular practices, mono-material packaging is quickly becoming one of the most impactful and practical shifts brands can make.

At ICONS, we’ve expanded our mono-material packaging portfolio across nearly every category. From recyclable IML tubes and PP lipsticks to mono-material pumps and compacts, we’re helping brands design for a cleaner, simpler future.

Here’s what makes mono-material packaging worth your attention and how it could fit into your next beauty launch.

What Is Mono-Material Packaging?

Most traditional beauty packaging is comprised of several parts and each individual part may be a different type of material (such as a jar with a metal outer cap, plastic inner cap, and a different plastic material for the base) making it difficult and often impossible to recycle without disassembling.

Mono-material packaging uses only one type of material. The most common mono material packaging materials are:

• PP
• PE
• PET
  
• Aluminum
• Paper

Because there’s no need to separate parts, mono-material packaging:

• Is easier to recycle curbside
• Sorts efficiently at recycling facilities
• Helps reduce landfill waste

Why Mono-Material Matters to Brands and Consumers

Mono-material packaging makes sustainability simpler and more visible.
For brands, it supports clearer environmental claims for recyclable packaging and aligns with growing regulatory demands. For consumers, it offers a straightforward, feel-good choice they can trust.

Key advantages:

✔ Easier to recycle, with no disassembly required

✔ Supports transparent, credible sustainability messaging

✔ Reinforces consumer trust through clarity and simplicity

✔ Helps meet retailer and regional packaging recycling standards

✔ Streamlines design and material sourcing

In short: mono-material makes it easier for everyone to recycle.

Where You’ll Find It at ICONS

We offer mono-material beauty packaging across nearly every format, all fully customizable to your brand’s needs. Our portfolio includes:

• Mono-PP IML (In-Mold Label) Tubes
  Fully recyclable, made in our ICONS America North Carolina HQ factory, or Asia, with seamless 360° luxury finish and decoration options.
• Pansticks, Lipsticks & Pencils
  Available in refillable, top fill and bottom fill optionsdesigned with recyclability in mind.
• Pots, Jars, & Bottles
  Lightweight, durable, and available in a wide range of shapes and sizes.
• Airless & Dip-Tube Mono PP Pumps
  Metal free mechanisms, mono material and  designed for recyclability and  premium performance.
• Aluminum & Paper-Based Options
  Mono-material doesn’t mean plastic-only. We offer sleek, recyclable mono material packaging options in aluminum and FSC-certified paper.

PCR + Mono-Material = Smarter Sustainability

Many of our mono-material packs can also incorporate post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, giving brands the option to further reduce their environmental footprint.

Ask us about:

• PCR integration in various packs, tube sleeves, caps, etc.
• Color matching, in-mold emboss or debossed deco, and printing for mono-material formats

Our team works with you to design packaging that’s sustainable and brand-true because simplifying materials doesn’t need to mean compromising on shelf appeal.

Ready to Choose Mono-Material?

Whether you’re launching a new skincare line, redesigning an existing hero product, or looking to meet global packaging requirements, mono-material is a smart place to start.

At ICONS, we combine technical insight, design expertise, and sustainability to help you build iconic packaging with less waste.

Reach out to info@ics-world.com to explore our mono-material options or start your next project.