Is The Use Of Plastic Cups Environmentally Friendly? Which Cups Are Best?
If you own a beverage business or are thinking of starting one, you are in the right place to learn about disposable cups. Every beverage business needs disposable cups to sell its products, and choosing the right ones can make a huge difference in your marketing, sales, brand image, profit margins, and overall business.
But how do you go about choosing the right types of plastic cups? Let’s find out with our guide to choosing the best disposable cups for a beverage business.
Disposable Cup Sizes
Choosing the right cup size is perhaps the easiest decision you can make in this process. You can easily base your choice on factors like the type of beverage, your serving size, profit margins, etc.
Here is a list of common cup sizes and the typical beverages they are used for:
- 4oz (118ml): Espresso shots
- 8oz (237ml): Regular-sized coffees
- 10oz (295ml): Regular-sized soft drinks or medium-sized coffees
- 12oz (355ml): Regular-sized soft drinks or medium-sized coffees
- 16oz (473ml): Medium-sized soft drinks or large-sized coffees
- 20oz (591ml): Large-sized soft drinks
- 24oz (710ml): Extra-large sized soft drinks
- 32oz (946ml): Supersized soft drinks
Types of Plastic Cups and Other Disposable Cups
When choosing disposable cups, you want the right type of cup. This depends on the type and temperature of the beverages you want to serve:
- Plain Plastic Cups: For cold drinks
- Premium PP Injection Cups: Higher quality plastic, custom-printable cups for cold drinks
- Single Wall Cold Cups: Thin paper sheet cups for cold drinks
- Single Wall Hot Cups: Thick paper sheet cups for hot drinks
- Double Wall Hot Cups: Double-layer thick paper sheet cups for hot drinks
- Air Pocket Hot Cups: Premium, double-layer with sealed, corrugated layer of air pockets for hot drinks
These are the most common types, but there are combinations of these types available in the market, for example, the double-air pocket paper coffee cups. The more layers of insulation you have from air pockets, the longer your beverage stays warm, without your customers’ hands getting too hot.
Premium disposable coffee cups like air pocket options can also help you cut the need for cup sleeves. Of course, you should never serve warm beverages in plain plastic or premium PP injection cups.
The materials used to make a disposable cup are important because they dictate the quality and sustainability of your cups. Here are some popular options, starting with the least eco-friendly options to the most.
Recyclable
These are the most common types of materials for disposable cups, like the plastic and paper cups we see at stores and parties. They are the least sustainable and eco-friendly option. Quality plastic disposable cups are more durable and expensive than other options.
Post-Consumer Recycled Content
Disposable cups are made from once-recycled materials, including plastic materials. Many modern standard cups use such materials as they are fairly durable and less expensive.
Degradable
These disposable cups can be broken down into eco-friendly elements by chemical intervention. They often use paper materials, which makes them quite sustainable, but not the most durable.
Compostable
These materials compost and decay easily without leaving any harmful elements. They are mostly made from compostable paper, which means they are highly sustainable, but not very durable.
Biodegradable
This is the most sustainable and eco-friendly material for disposable cups as it can naturally break down into harmless elements. Disposable cups made from this material are typically known as “green” cups.
Consider this guide when you are choosing disposable cups for your beverage business, and you should have no trouble purchasing the right ones. But what if you want to use these types of cups strictly for cold beverages? Then what?
Disposable Cups for Hot Drinks
Disposable cups for hot drinks are a convenient choice for busy cafes, outdoor events, and on-the-go consumers. These cups are designed to ensure your customers enjoy their steaming beverages safely and comfortably. Opt for double-walled cups to insulate the drink, keeping it piping hot while protecting hands from burns. Look for lids that securely seal to prevent spills and maintain the desired temperature. Additionally, eco-conscious options, like biodegradable or compostable materials, help reduce environmental impact. Choose the right size to accommodate various serving portions, from espresso shots to large lattes. Prioritizing quality and sustainability ensures a satisfying, responsible hot beverage experience.
A Guide to Choosing the Right Cup for Your Cold Beverages
There’s a huge difference between cups that hold cold versus hot beverages. From their materials to size, everything is different based on why they are used.
It’s one of the most asked questions by our clients, and we thought to clear all trouble once and for all.
Look for Sustainable and Disposable Cups
A biodegradable cup decomposes and is broken naturally by microorganisms such as fungi or bacteria. These cups are made up of natural and eco-friendly materials and don’t cause environmental damage. You must always look for environmentally friendly cups that are easily disposable to reduce your plastic footprint.
Find the Right Type of Cup
You can find many cup options in the market, such as single-walled hot, single-walled cold, double-walled cold, or air pocket insulated. You need to buy single-walled cold for cold beverages. It’s the thinnest cup among all and is particularly used for serving iced tea, soft drinks, etc.
We have a large variety of single-walled cold cups available on our website. Check out our store to order custom print ice cream cups, cold drink cups, and more. You can also get customized paper products from the world’s best manufacturers. Just tell us your requirements, and we will source it for you. We never compromise on quality, so feel free to tell us what you need!
Shop Cold Drink Cups Now!
Looking for affordable and disposable cold drink cups? Shop paper cups online from our store and serve the soft drinks at your restaurant while staying eco-friendly. We also sell custom-printed disposable utensils, custom-printed food packaging, custom-printed food boxes, and more.
We’re here to assist our customers in reducing their carbon footprint. If you need any help with choosing the highest quality paper cup, then contact our representatives today. Visit our website to order!