The Truth About Disposable Coffee Cups

In our modern society, people drink coffee as routinely as they drink beverages. According to statistics, the average American drinks at least one cup of coffee every day. So let’s start our topic today, disposable coffee cups. Choosing disposable coffee cups is not only convenient and hygienic, but we also need to choose the right cup, because the price of convenience and hygiene cannot damage the environment.

What are Disposable Coffee Cups?

Disposable coffee cups are single use cups designed for serving coffee and beverages. They are typically made from paper, plastic, Foam, PLA, and plant fiber pulp. Normally, these cups come with lids to prevent spills and keep the coffee temperature. They are widely used in coffee shops, fast food restaurants, convenience stores, and hotels, suitable for on-the-go consumption.

There are many disposable coffee cups made from different materials in the market, here we will talk about the 5 most common types of throw away coffee cups.

Sugarcane Cups

Sugarcane cups are one of the widely used disposable coffee cups, which combine the features of durability and eco friendly. They are made from plant fiber, such as bagasse, which is not only biodegradable but also compostable.

The Advantages of Sugarcane Cups

• Eco Friendly: Bagasse cups are famous because of their biodegradable and compostable features. The other 4 types have the potential risk of harm to the environment and take decades to decompose or their degradation conditions are limited.
• Sustainable: Sugarcane cups use the byproduct of sugarcane, this reduces the waste and the harm caused by burning.
• Reduce Carbon Footprint: Producing bagasse cups needs less energy and uses agricultural waste, compared to the production of plastic and traditional paper cups.
• Non-Toxic: Sugarcane cups do not contain any chemicals or toxins, so there is nothing will leach into the coffee or beverages.
• Versatility and Durability: The cups made from bagasse fiber are durable, and they are suitable for both cold and hot drinks, making them a versatile option for various types of drinks.
• Microwave Safe: You can use the sugarcane cups in the microwave, and you can reheat your beverages.
• Positive Consumer Perception: Nowadays, consumers are very aware of environmental protection. So, if you use sugarcane cups in your shops, they will have a very good impression of your brands.

The Disadvantages of Sugarcane Cups

• Moisture Resistance: Sugarcane cups may not be as moisture-resistant as plastic cups. So, they are not suitable for storing beverages for an extended period of time.
• Cost: The cost of bagasse cups is higher than plastic cups and paper cups, although it can effectively reduce waste disposal costs and environmental pollution problems.

PLA Cups

PLA cups are also one of the widely used disposable coffee cups in coffee shops or beverage shops. This cup is mainly made from cornstarch, sugarcane, or sugar beet, through biological fermentation and chemical polymerization processes, PLA is finally produced and then used to make disposable cups.

The Advantages of PLA Cups

• Biodegradable and Compostable: PLA cups can break down in industrial composting facilities, this could reduce the environmental impact compared to the traditional plastic cups.
• Reduce Carbon Footprint: The production of PLA cups generates fewer greenhouse gases than the production of petroleum-based plastics.
• Non-Toxic: PLA cups also do not release any chemicals into your coffee or beverage, since they are plant-based products and safe for users and the environment.
• Versatility: PLA cups can be used for both hot and cold drinks, they can be customized into various sizes and shapes.
• Transparency: The appearance of PLA cups is clear or slightly translucent, this usually brings visual enjoyment to consumers.

The Disadvantages of PLA Cups

• Limited Composting Conditions: PLA cups require industrial composting facilities to break down properly. You cannot decompose them in home compost bins or landfill conditions. So, if your country, your state, or your city does not have such facilities, the environmental benefits are not fully realized.
• Cost: The cost of PLA cups is higher than the traditional plastic cups, these costs are either passed on to merchants or consumers.
• Consumer Confusion: Consumers can not well recognize the material of the cup as PLA, they may think this is plastic, so they may throw away these cups casually, reducing their environmental effectiveness.

Foam Cups

Foam cups, commonly known as Styrofoam cups, are disposable cups made from expanded polystyrene (EPS). They have excellent insulating properties and can keep the temperature of hot beverages or cold beverages for a longer period. These cups are widely used in coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, etc.

The Advantages of Foam Cups

• Excellent Insulation: Foam cups can keep the temperature of hot beverages and cold beverages longer than other disposable coffee cups.
• Lightweight: The foam cups are more lightweight than most disposable cups.
• Cost Effective: Foam cups are cheaper than most alternatives.
• Durability: These cups are resistant to cracking and breaking.

The Disadvantages of Foam Cups

• Non-Biodegradable: Foam cups are made from expanded polystyrene (EPS), which is not biodegradable. They can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, contributing to long-term pollution.
• Recycling Challenges: Foam cups are difficult to recycle. Many recycling facilities do not want to recycle the foam material, since the processing cost is very high. So, this will result in most foam cups ending up in landfills.
• Environmental Pollution: Foam cups can break down into smaller pieces called microplastics, They will flow into the ocean, and harm wildlife and ecosystems.
• Health Concerns: Using foam cups for hot beverages will leach the styrene into drinks.
• Legislative Restrictions: Many regions have implemented bans or restrictions on the use of foam cups, limiting their availability and use.

Paper Coffee Cups

Paper coffee cups are disposable cups that are used to serve coffee, tea, and other drinks. They are made primarily from paperboard, which is often coated with a thin layer of plastic or wax to prevent the liquid from soaking through the paper.

The Advantages of Paper Coffee Cups

• Convenience: Paper coffee cups are lightweight and easy to handle, making them ideal for on-the-go consumption.
• Environmental Perception: Paper coffee cups are more eco-friendly than plastic or foam cups.
• Consumer Safety: Compared to plastic or foam cups, consumers are more likely to accept paper material.

The Disadvantages of Paper Coffee Cups

• Plastic Coating: Most paper coffee cups have a plastic or wax coating to prevent leaks and enhance durability.
• Recycling Challenges: Due to the plastic or wax coating inside the paper coffee cups, they can not be processed by standard recycling facilities, so this results large number of these cups ending up in landfills.
• Insulation Limitations: If using paper coffee cups to hold hot beverages, the insulation is not as good as foam cups.
• Cost: The cost of paper cups is normally higher than plastic and foam cups.
• Leakage: The paper coffee cups are not as strong as other disposable coffee cups, so they have the potential risk of leakage.

Plastic Coffee Cups

Plastic coffee cups are disposable cups made from various types of plastic, the most commonly used 2 materials are polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). They are widely used in coffee shops, fast food restaurants, and milk tea shops to serve both hot and cold beverages.

The Advantages of Plastic Coffee Cups

• Durability: Plastic cups are highly durable and resistant to cracking or breaking this is why they are always widely used.
• Lightweight: Plastic cups are lightweight, they are easy to handle and transport.
• Cost-Effective: Plastic drinking cups are always cheap to produce, so they are a good choice for businesses.
• Versatility: Plastic cups can be in different shapes, sizes, and designs, suitable for suitable for a wide range of beverages.
• Clear Appearance: Plastic coffee cups are always clear and allow consumers to see the contents of the beverages.
• Leak-Resistance: Plastic cups are typically well-sealed and resistant to leaks, so they are always safe to handle.

The Disadvantages of Plastic Coffee Cups

• Environmental Impact: Plastic cups are made from petroleum-based materials, so their production and disposal have significant environmental impacts.
• Non-Biodegradable: Plastic cups can take hundreds of years to decompose, this is a long-term pollution to our environment.
• Recycling Challenges: Although some plastic cups are technically recyclable, low recycling rates and contamination issues make them end up in landfills, instead of being recycled.
• Health Concerns: If you are drinking hot beverages with plastic cups, some plastics can leach harmful chemicals into beverages, which are potential health risks to consumers.
• Legislative Restrictions: Due to the environmental pollution caused by plastic, some regions have banned single-use plastics.

You may also interested in more about food grade plastic packaging material.

The Commonly Used Disposable Coffee Cup Sizes

The size of disposable coffee cups with lids can be customized according to specific needs. This may depend on the different drinking habits of people in different countries or different coffee brands that offer various serving sizes.

2 oz Disposable Coffee Cups

2 oz disposable coffee cups are usually made for espresso, this size is very suitable for busy consumers who want a quick caffeine boost or customers who want to savor the rich flavor of espresso.

8 oz Coffee Cups with Lids

The 8 oz coffee cups with lids are the preferred choice for a standard coffee serving, balancing the quantity and quality. This coffee cup size is very suitable for customers who want a moderate caffeine kick to start their day or as a gentle mid-afternoon lift.

12 oz Disposable Coffee Cups with Lids

The 12 oz coffee cup is perfect for people who want more coffee than a regular cup but don’t want a really big one. This size is suitable for long breakfasts, brunches, or work sessions, and is widely used in the restaurant.

16 oz Coffee Cups with Lids

16 oz coffee cup is very suitable for coffee lovers or caffeine enthusiasts, who need such large coffee to get through a long day, such as the freelancers and students who spend a whole day in the cafes. The coffee for those who choose the 16 oz option does not mean only drinks, but also an essential part of their daily life.

Types of Disposable Coffee Cup Lids

Not all coffee or drinks use the same cup lids, they can be customized according to the different drinks. Here we will talk about the 4 most common types of disposable coffee cup lids.

Flat Lids with Drinking Holes

Flat lids are the basic design. These lids fit snugly on top of the cup and have a small hole for sipping. Some improvements on the flat lid include raising the drinking hole area to better fit the lips and adding tiny vents to balance the pressure inside the cup. This simple yet effective design is the best choice for commuting office workers.

Dome Lids

Dome Lids are designed to accommodate the toppings you need to put on the coffee or beverages, such as whipped cream, foam, ice cream, and nuts. They provide extra headspace, made from clear plastic to allow consumers to see the toppings and beverages inside the cup.

Reclosable Lids

The reclosable lids with hinged mechanisms are very convenient and safe for consumers who always go out or taste their drink gradually and want to keep the coffee warm. The hinged mechanism allows them to open and close the drinking hole freely, meeting the diverse demands of modern consumers.

Heat Plug Lids

Heat plug lids are also another excellent design for keeping the coffee warm for a long period. The lids have a plug that can closely fit into the sip hole to keep the coffee or beverages warm. This design is suitable for someone who wants to drink a cup of coffee over a longer period of time.

What do We Need to Consider When Purchasing Disposable Coffee Cups?

Although disposable coffee cups are single-use products, choosing the proper or qualified one is also very important. Let’s take a look at the factors you need to pay attention to:

Size of Disposable Coffee Cups and Lids

No matter what kind of drinking business you are operating, you need to choose the disposable coffee cup size and adaptable lid that fit for practical use.

Durability of Cup Materials

The durability of the cup material is also very important. You need to choose the qualified throw away coffee cups or before bulk purchasing, you need to ask your supplier to provide some samples to you. The durability means the cup needs to have good insulation and be well-sealed to prevent any leaks.

Eco Friendly

The single-use drink cups have caused serious environmental issues, so when we choose these cups, we need to find eco-friendly material, we pretty much recommend the bagasse cups, which we think are the best disposable coffee cups, they are biodegradable and compostable, no any harmful chemicals to the environment.

Design

Design of the disposable cups is important for coffee shops or some other drinking brands who want to promote their shops and brands. You can buy bulk disposable coffee cups from manufacturers and ask them to make your own design on your cups.

Lid Security

The spill-proof lid is important to prevent spills, no matter if you are holding the cups and walking the road, or putting the coffee cups in your car, the coffee will not spill. The lids should also withstand the heat of coffee with any deformation, deformed lids will compromise the seal and cause leakage.

You may also interested in:

Eco friendly cup carriers selection guide

Cardboard Coffee Cup Sleeves

Currently, there are 2 commonly used types of cardboard coffee cup sleeves in the market, let us see what they are.

Universal Corrugated Coffee Sleeves

The corrugated coffee sleeves are the general type and suitable for most drinking shops and restaurants. They are made from several layers of paperboard and usually they have a corrugated middle layer, which could add strength to the sleeve. Especially for hot beverages, this is a very good sleeve to protect your consumer’s hand from hot beverage temperatures.

Embossed Coffee Sleeves

Embossed coffee sleeves, normally smooth and designed with complicated patterns or the brand’s logo on them. If you want to promote your drink brands, your logo, or reinforce your brand image in front of customers, the embossed coffee sleeves will be your choice.

Find the Best Disposable Coffee Cups Manufacturer

All the products produced by Eco March are focused on environmental protection concepts, the disposable coffee cups are one of our products that is biodegradable and compostable, contact us to get wholesale price TODAY!

The related articles:

Eco friendly cup carriers selection guide

Types pros of disposable cups

All you need to know about paper straws