What is a Paper Cup? Types of Paper Cups Explained in Detail

What is a paper cup?

A paper cup is a disposable container made of food-grade paperboard coated with a waterproof lining such as PE, PLA, or wax. Thanks to this coating, paper cups can safely hold hot or cold beverages without leaking.

Today, paper cups are widely used in coffee shops, bubble tea stores, offices, hospitals, events, and take-away services. They are a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to plastic cups.

Key benefits of paper cups

• Eco-friendly: biodegradable, especially PLA-coated cups.

• Safe & hygienic: made from food-grade paper.

• Convenient: disposable, no cleaning needed.

• Variety: available in many sizes and designs.

• Branding: easy to print logos for marketing.

Types of paper cups

1. By wall layers

• Single Wall Cup: one layer of paper with coating, for water, soda, iced coffee.

• Double Wall Cup: two layers, better insulation, used for hot coffee and tea.

• Ripple Wall Cup: with ripple texture, prevents heat transfer, premium insulation.

2. By coating material

• PE-coated paper cup: most common, affordable, waterproof.

• PLA-coated paper cup: biodegradable, eco-friendly.

• Wax-coated paper cup: mainly for cold drinks.

3. By usage

• Hot cups: thicker walls, with lids for hot beverages.

• Cold cups: thinner, suitable for soda, juice, smoothies, bubble tea.

• Ice cream cups: wide mouth, bowl-like design.

• Soup/noodle paper bowls: heavy-duty, heat-resistant.

4. By capacity

• Small (3oz – 6oz / 90 – 180ml): sample drinks, medicine, espresso.

• Medium (7oz – 12oz / 200 – 350ml): coffee, tea, bubble tea medium size.

• Large (14oz – 22oz / 400 – 650ml): soft drinks, bubble tea large, take-away.

Practical applications of paper cups

• Coffee & bubble tea shops

• Restaurants & fast food chains

• Supermarkets & shopping malls

• Offices, hospitals & conferences

• Events & tourism services

Where to buy paper cups?

If you are looking for a reliable supplier, check out:

• PaperGco:https://papergco.com/

• Explore more: https://papergco.com/coc-giay.html

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are paper cups recyclable?
Some PE-coated cups are difficult to recycle, but PLA-coated and wax-coated cups are more biodegradable.

Can paper cups hold hot drinks?
Yes, but it is recommended to use double-wall or ripple cups for better insulation.

What is the most popular cup size?
Between 8oz and 12oz, ideal for coffee and medium bubble tea.

Which is more eco-friendly: paper cups or plastic cups?
PLA paper cups are more eco-friendly as they decompose faster than plastic.