We have been featured in Beauty Packaging’s Oct/Nov Issue! Featuring our contribution to their article ‘Mono-materials Answer the Call for ‘Recycle-Ready’, where our  VP of Sales & Business Development, Tara Stein, talks about our ICONS|ICS Mono-material Packaging collection, one of our fastest growing product categories at ICONS|ICS.

Sustainability has and continues to be an integral part of our daily practices at ICONS|ICS. We work closely with brands and manufacturers to develop sustainable packaging material solutions not only for new launches but also to update existing products to mono-material options. We offer a wide range of mono-material jars, bottles, tubes, pan sticks, pencils, compacts, palettes, and rollerballs made of either PP, PET or PE. We focus specifically on these materials because of their ability to be globally recycled.   

Mono–material packaging can bring a host of benefits in addition to being easy to recycle. For example, the design of our 1-piece mono–material PE flip top tubes reduces injection cycle time as well as the assembly process, which in turn cuts energy consumption. It is also made with less plastic compared to traditional tubes and is a more cost-effective option. 

Traditional packaging was often designed with multi-materials to meet performance or formulation compatibility requirements since the combination of different properties in different materials can provide optimal results. At ICONS|ICS, our mono material packaging options are designed not only to meet aesthetic and sustainability targets but also to achieve function and performance requirements. Utilizing the same resin for all injected parts also helps to achieve color consistency over the entire component.  

One of our most popular mono-material concepts are our propel/repel components. The main types being pan sticks, lipsticks, and lip balms. We worked with several global and indie skincare and cosmetic brands to develop PP mono-material pan sticks in a variety of sizes as well as PP and PET mono-material lipsticks and lip balms.

Recyclability has long remained a challenge for duo end pencils with built-in applicators since these traditionally contain multiple materials. However, our ICONS|ICS Mono-Material PP Slim Retractable Brow Pencil with Removable Applicator makes recycling easy – simply remove the applicator and pop the rest in the recycling bin. Designed with functionality and sustainability in mind, the barrel, inner mechanisms and caps are all 100% PP. Available in a variety of brush, comb and sponge applicator styles.

Our ICONS|ICS Mono-Material PP Jars with flip top lids are available in fill sizes ranging from 50ml to 250ml. They’re super convenient and allow for single-handed use – just pop up the flip-top cap to use the formulation and push down to close. Once all used up, you can recycle the whole jar – zero waste. 

We have seen a huge shift in plastic material and recyclability awareness in the last few years. Packaging recyclability is now a must, and this can be a challenge when consumers have limited access to recycling facilities or less advanced recycling facilities. Mono–material packaging in PP, PET and PE are ideal solutions as they can be easily recycled.  Not only are we creating custom mono-material items, but at ICONS|ICS we are also transforming existing stock tools into mono-material options.  For more options and information, please contact us.

Beauty Packaging is the premier global media source dedicated to the cosmetic, fragrance and personal care packaging industry, providing in depth coverage throughout the year on leading beauty companies, beauty news, beauty trends and exhibitions. See our feature below and find the link here!