The Importance of Mono-material Packaging for Sustainable Brands
- Norse Packaging
- Sep 16, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 17, 2025
This guide is here to help you cut through the noise. Understand what qualifies as mono-material.
Imagine you're the founder of a small, eco-conscious cosmetics brand. Your formulas are clean. Your ingredients are ethically sourced. Your customers care deeply about sustainability. But when it comes to packaging—where ideals meet reality—the choices suddenly feel murky. You want something that aligns with your values. You want something that won’t end up in a landfill or confuse recyclers. You keep hearing about “mono-materials,” but what does that actually mean? More importantly, how do you know if the packaging you're choosing is truly sustainable?
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Understanding Mono-material Packaging
Choosing mono-material packaging is crucial for brands aiming to be sustainable. Here are some key points to consider:
Use one plastic type across all components.
Avoid metallic decorations, laminates, and mixed materials.
Request documentation from suppliers on material composition and recyclability.
Ensure compatibility with local recycling systems.
Understanding the differences between plastic types and their impact on recyclability empowers brands to make informed decisions that genuinely reduce environmental impact.
What Is Mono-material?
Mono-material refers to packaging made entirely from a single material type. This applies not only to the main container but also to components like caps, pumps, labels, and adhesives. When all parts are made from the same material—such as polypropylene (PP)—the packaging can be processed as a single unit in recycling systems. This simplifies sorting and increases the likelihood of actual recycling, rather than disposal as mixed waste.
Regulatory Guidelines: How Much Is Allowed?
According to the EU’s upcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), packaging may still be classified as mono-material even if it contains small amounts of other materials—provided they do not hinder recycling.
The threshold is:
At least 95% of the total weight must consist of a single material type. Remaining components must not significantly affect sorting or recyclability. This allows for minor technical elements—such as a small metal spring in a pump—if they account for less than 5% of the total weight and do not interfere with recycling processes. We often see that the spring 304SS* is often used.
Decorative elements, labels, and adhesives must also be evaluated. If they prevent the packaging from being processed in standard recycling streams, it no longer qualifies as mono-material.
304SS spring is a corrosion-resistant, high-strength stainless steel component used in airless cosmetic packaging pumps. It ensures consistent dispensing performance. It resists degradation from active ingredients. It maintains product integrity over time—ideal for premium skincare formulations.*
What Is Not Mono-material?
Packaging composed of multiple plastic types or combinations of plastic and metal does not qualify as mono-material—even if it appears unified. Here are some examples:
Plastic bottles with metallic decorations or laminated labels.
Pumps containing metal springs and mixed plastic components.
Tubes with PE sleeves and PP caps.
PET bottles with PP pumps.
Even small elements like adhesives, pigments, and label substrates can render packaging non-recyclable.
Differences Between Plastic Types: PP, PE, and PET
Not all plastics are created equal. Using one plastic type is not the same as using one plastic category. Here's a breakdown of the most common plastics in cosmetic packaging:
PP – The Mono-material Champion
PP is the most suitable plastic for mono-material packaging. It can be molded into both rigid and semi-flexible components. It is widely used for bottles, pumps, and closures. PP is highly recyclable in European systems. It enables full packaging systems to be made from a single material.
PE – Flexible but Limited
PE is common in flexible packaging like tubes and pouches. It is recyclable but less suitable for rigid components such as pumps and caps. As a result, PE tubes often come with PP caps—breaking the mono-material principle.
PET – Popular but Often Mixed
PET is favored for its clarity and strength, especially in bottles. While recyclable, PET is frequently combined with labels, adhesives, and decorative elements that are not PET. This complicates recycling and disqualifies it as mono-material.
We have heard some concerns about importing PET products and want to clarify. Importing raw materials (granulat, flakes, and preforms) affects manufacturers and is subject to duties. Starting from 6.6% to 24.2% according to the anti-dumping act. This does not affect the import of finished cosmetic packaging such as bottles and jars. So if you import, make sure to use the correct customs code.
When Is Packaging Truly Sustainable?
Mono-material is a strong step toward sustainability, but it is not sufficient on its own. For cosmetic packaging to be considered sustainable, it should:
Be made from a single material type.
Be recyclable in practice, not just in theory.
Avoid decorations and components that hinder recycling.
Ideally include post-consumer recycled content (PCR).
Be designed for reuse or refill.
Local recycling infrastructure also matters. Packaging that is recyclable in one country may be unsuitable in another. Make sure you check what applies where you live.
Conclusion
Choosing the right packaging is essential for any eco-conscious brand. Mono-material packaging is a significant step toward sustainability. It simplifies recycling and reduces waste. By understanding the materials and their impact, we can make choices that benefit our planet.
© Norse Packaging
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