LG Household & Health Care and LG Chem have jointly developed a new large-capacity refill pouch made from a single material, polyethylene (PE). This mono-material design aims to improve recycling rates and simplify waste separation compared to traditional multi-layer pouches.
The companies claim their new pouch overcomes previous durability issues associated with single-material formats. It now offers industrial-grade strength suitable for up to 2-litre refill products. This is achieved using LG Chem’s ultra-thin ‘Unikuble’ film technology, which measures just 14 micrometres thick but maintains the performance of composite materials.
Mono-material packaging can earn an “excellent” recyclability rating, a significant improvement over the “fair” grade often given to mixed-material alternatives. LG H&H first introduced PE mono-material refill packaging for household goods in Korea during 2023. The company plans to expand its use across more product lines as part of its ESG strategy.
This development addresses a growing industry need for scalable, recyclable packaging that protects products effectively. For salon and beauty businesses, this highlights a tangible step towards more sustainable operations, particularly for brands offering larger format refill options. The challenge now lies in the widespread adoption and consumer understanding of these new materials.
