The debate between choosing paper cups or plastic cups has been ongoing. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. At XiangGe, with 10 years of experience in the packaging industry, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the differences between the two, helping you select the most suitable cup.
Last updated: January 2026 | Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
This article will guide you
- Why are brands preferring paper cups?
- What are the benefits of using paper cups?
- What are the disadvantages of paper cups?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of plastic cups?
- Which cup is best for your business?
- The advantages of custom paper cups from XiangGe Package
Why are brands preferring paper cups?
Many brands are increasingly choosing paper cups that are FSC certified and made from biodegradable materials, offering an environmentally friendly solution. You can print your logo and brand information on them, turning them into mobile advertisements, increasing brand exposure, and complying with regulatory requirements while demonstrating your company’s social responsibility.
They are easy to stack and transport, making them suitable for single-use scenarios in coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, offices, trade shows, and other events.
Paper cup benefits
- Quick decomposition
One of the most significant advantages of paper cups is their natural biodegradability. Paper cups decompose in landfills within three months, while plastic cups take decades to decompose, which helps showcase your business’s environmentally friendly image.
- Heat Insulation
Paper cups are suitable for hot beverages such as coffee or tea, especially double-walled paper cups, which utilize an air layer as an insulating medium, keeping your customers’ hands comfortable and preventing burns, while also maintaining the beverage temperature.
- Printable for Branding
Paper cups have a large surface area on their outer wall, allowing for high-definition printing of your logo, slogans, and designs, providing your business with secondary exposure and promotion.
Paper cup drawbacks
- Paper cups may contain a plastic lining, which affects recycling
Traditional paper cups contain a PE (polyethylene) lining, which is difficult to separate and recycle. Especially when exposed to hot liquids, the PE coating may release microplastic particles and other toxic chemicals, affecting drinking safety, and potentially harming your users’ health with long-term use.
Plastic cup advantages
- Inexpensive
The manufacturing process for disposable plastic cups is mature, requiring fewer raw materials, resulting in a low unit price. This makes them suitable for large-scale use, and many catering businesses choose plastic cups to reduce costs.
- Ideal for Cold Drinks
Plastic cups are more suitable for holding cold drinks: water, soda, and iced beverages. Unlike paper cups, plastic cups are resistant to low temperatures and do not decompose when exposed to cold and wet environments. PET cups are strong and resistant to deformation, and do not easily break even if dropped.
Plastic cup drawbacks
Non-Biodegradable
Disposable plastic cups degrade very slowly in nature, often taking decades to centuries to decompose. Most of them end up as fragments in the soil, causing marine and soil pollution, which indirectly harms ecosystems and the food chain.- Policy and economic limitations
Many EU countries have implemented “plastic bans.” Since 2020, France has banned single-use plastic tableware, including knives, forks, spoons, and plates, leading many catering businesses to switch to alternative products. Learn the comprehensive overview of global policies related to the “plastic ban”.
Which cup is best for your business?
There’s no single best option when it comes to choosing cups. It requires a comprehensive assessment based on your specific business, procurement budget, and brand positioning. Below are suggestions for three common types of businesses:
- Restaurants and cafes
If your business serves hot beverages, paper cups are an ideal choice because they offer good insulation, are easy to print with your brand logo, and align with the trend of reducing plastic waste to minimize environmental pollution.
- Retail businesses
Street-side salad shops or ice cream parlors often prefer plastic cups. They are durable, resistant to low temperatures, and inexpensive, helping you reduce procurement costs.
- Takeout and delivery
In the takeaway industry, both paper and plastic cups can be used. Plastic cups are suitable for cold drinks, while paper cups are better suited for hot beverages.
XiangGe paper cups' uses and customization advantages
At XiangGe Package, we offer high-quality paper cups for various uses. Our paper cups are made from FSC-certified paper, ensuring environmentally friendly and biodegradable materials.
We specialize in custom paper cups, providing high-definition personalized printing tailored to each client’s brand positioning, making every paper cup a powerful marketing tool. Whether you’re a coffee shop looking to enhance your brand image or a food delivery service seeking eco-friendly packaging, our paper cups can be customized to meet your needs.
Advantages of Choosing XiangGe Paper Cups:
- Custom paper cups for branding
- Supports small batch orders
- Competitive pricing with bulk orders
2025 trends in packaging and sustainability
As people become more aware of sustainable development, companies are increasingly adopting environmentally friendly packaging solutions. Paper cups, being biodegradable and compostable, meet a wide range of uses. Personalized custom printing is also an effective way to promote brands.
Latest developments:
- Eco-friendly materials: Biodegradable paper cups made from plant-based materials are becoming common.
- Customization: Companies prefer custom-printed paper cups to enhance their brand image.
- Sustainability: Paper cups are one way for companies to demonstrate their social responsibility.
FAQs
Q1: Are paper cups lined with plastic?
Yes, many paper cups are lined with a thin layer of plastic (polyethylene) to make them waterproof and oil-resistant, but this affects their biodegradability and recyclability.
Q2: Are paper cups better for the environment than plastic cups?
Generally, paper cups are considered more environmentally friendly than plastic cups because the former are biodegradable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, paper cups are better for the environment, especially when made from eco-friendly materials. However, they do come with some challenges, such as plastic linings and higher costs. Plastic cups may be more affordable and durable but contribute to long-term pollution. When deciding which type of cup to use, consider the type of beverage, cost, and environmental impact.
Actionable advice: If you’re aiming for sustainability, opt for paper cups that are biodegradable or compostable. For cold drinks and durability, plastic cups may be the better option.
About XiangGe Package
XiangGe Package is a leading provider of custom packaging solutions, specializing in eco-friendly paper cups and high-quality materials. With years of experience, we offer tailored designs to match your brand’s needs. Our cups are perfect for businesses looking to combine sustainability with style.
Contact us today for expert packaging advice and custom solutions!
Last updated: January 2026
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