Disposable paper cups are the most commonly used, but many people don’t know what they are made of. XiangGe specializes in producing hot and cold paper cups. Today, we’ll guide you through a comprehensive understanding of their internal structure, from the cardboard material and layers to the inner lining, so you can choose the best paper cup.
Last updated: January 2026 | Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
This article will guide you
- What are the basic components of paper cups?
- What is the paperboard used for paper cups?
- What type of lining is used in paper cups?
- What are the sleeves made of in paper cups?
- What are the printing inks used for paper cups?
- What are most used paper cup lids?
- How to choose the best paper cups for you?
What are the basic components of paper cups?
The paper cup consists of a body, a base, a rolled rim, and a sealing coating, making it waterproof, oil-proof, and structurally stable.
The body is formed by rolling fan-shaped pieces of paper to create a cylindrical cup body for holding your beverage.
The base is formed by heat-pressing a circular piece of paper onto the cup body, a process that prevents leaks.
The rim is finished with a curved, rolled edge, eliminating burrs and allowing your customers to drink easily.
These 3 components are essential to the paper cup, forming a blank. Combined with accessories (lining, sleeve, printing), you can complete the production of your personalized paper cup.
What is the paperboard used for paper cups?
Cardboard is the most important material for paper cups, supporting the entire cup’s shape. It is made from wood pulp and can be divided into different types depending on the intended use of the paper cup.
White cardstock cup
White cardboard is mainly made of bleached chemical wood pulp, with a smooth and glossy surface, suitable for printing your brand logo. The commonly used thickness is 250g/m², and it is often used for holding hot drinks.
Kraft paper
Kraft paper, made from coniferous wood, is unbleached, has a natural color, is environmentally friendly, and is sturdy. It is commonly used for holding cold drinks and coffee.
Coated paper
Coated paper has a layer of material coated on top of the base paper: PE or PLA, food grade, used for waterproofing and oil resistance, so that the paper cup remains sturdy and does not deform after being filled with beverages.
What type of lining is used in paper cups?
Coated paper has a layer of material coated on top of the base paper: PE or PLA, food grade, used for waterproofing and oil resistance, so that the paper cup remains sturdy and does not deform after being filled with beverages, and prevents leakage.
PE lining
The PE liner is a thin layer of polyethylene (PE), a food-grade plastic, attached to the surface of the paper cup. It is resistant to acids and alkalis. We use a coating process to evenly cover the entire paper cup, achieving a thickness of 10–20 μm. We can produce single-sided and double-sided PE coatings for you, suitable for both cold and hot drinks.
However, before recycling, the plastic needs to be separated as it cannot biodegrade naturally.
PLA lining
PLA paper cups are made from renewable plant materials such as cornstarch and sugarcane. They are biodegradable and compostable, with a water-based coating, and are an upgrade from PE liners. They can withstand temperatures up to 70°C and can hold both hot and cold drinks. They compost to produce CO2 and water, leaving no plastic residue and are environmentally friendly. Starbucks and Luckin Coffee frequently use PLA paper cups.
What are the sleeves made of in paper cups?
The cup sleeve is made of corrugated cardboard, which provides insulation so that your customers won’t burn their hands when drinking hot beverages, and also keeps cup warm.
Single sleeve
Our single sleeves are mostly made of E-flute or F-flute corrugated paper, providing basic insulation and heat protection. They are corrugated and 0.8-1.2mm thick.
Double sleeve
Our double-wall sleeve is made of double-layer corrugated paper with an air gap in between, and is 1.5~3mm thick, providing better insulation than a single layer. It’s suitable for hot drinks, and we can design and print your brand logo free of charge.
What are the printing inks used for paper cups?
We help you print beverage logos and text using inks. Below are the two most commonly used inks.
Water-based ink
Water-based inks are environmentally friendly inks using water as a solvent. They are odorless, non-toxic, and comply with DFA and RoHS standards. They are commonly used for PE and PLA liners, and you can use them with confidence.
UV ink
UV inks dry quickly after being exposed to ultraviolet light for 3-5 seconds. They are colorfast, wear-resistant, produce fast results, have bright colors, are environmentally friendly, and are suitable for high-end printing, but are expensive.
What are most used paper cup lids?
Paper cup lids are used to securely cover cups and, when used with straws, provide convenience for your users. Flat lids and cross-shaped lids are the most common types; they are lightweight and offer a good seal.
Plastic lid
Plastic lids are the most commonly used type of paper cup lid. They come in two types: PP and PET. They are heat-resistant up to 100℃, have good toughness, and are not easily deformed, making them suitable for coffee cups and milk tea cups. The most common sizes are 73mm, 80mm, and 90mm.
Paper lid
Many brands choose paper lids, made of bamboo fiber/flocked paper, which can withstand high temperatures up to 90℃. They are commonly used for 80mm/90mm cups, with a thickness of 1.5~2mm. They are compostable and environmentally friendly.
How to choose the best paper cups for you?
You need to consider the type of beverage, environmental friendliness, and heat insulation. Below are some specific suggestions:
Hot Coffee: We recommend choosing white cardboard cups with double-walled PE or PLA linings, heat-resistant up to 100℃. We recommend 8-12oz paper cups (240-350ml).
Cold Beverages: We recommend choosing single-layer PE kraft paper or cold drink-specific cups with plastic/paper cross-shaped lids. We recommend 12-16oz paper cups (350-500ml).
For better environmental protection and safety, you should prioritize PLA-lined or water-based coated paper cups. Water-based ink printing prevents the transfer of raw materials from the paper cup to your beverage.
A coffee shop in Shenzhen switched to biodegradable PLA cups. The owner took on the additional price increase, but it aligned with the brand’s sustainability goals, thereby attracting more environmentally conscious customers and increasing monthly sales by 20%.
To learn more about the latest developments in sustainable packaging, please learn about our eco-friendly paper cups.
Latest developments and trends in the paper cup industry in 2025
The paper cup industry is poised for rapid growth, with the global market size reaching US$11.5-14.1 billion by 2025. It is projected to exceed US$16-21 billion by 2032-2034, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 4-5%.
PE linings are gradually being replaced by PLA biodegradable coatings and water-based barrier agents, achieving a market share of over 30% and meeting EU and Asia-Pacific environmental requirements.
Latest developments at a glance:
- PLA Coating: More and more brands are choosing PLA paper cups.
- Recyclable: Many catering brands are actively seeking biodegradable and recyclable paper cups to reduce environmental pollution.
- Compostable: Compostable paper cups are popular with hotels as an alternative to disposable cups.
FAQs
Q1: What are coffee paper cups made of?
Most coffee paper cups are made of food-grade white cardboard with a PE or PLA waterproof coating on the inner wall. They are printable and usually come with an 80/90mm plastic or paper lid.
Q2: What are paper coffee cup lids made of?
Most paper coffee cup lids are made of food-grade plastics such as PET or PP, heat-resistant to 100-140℃, and commonly used in coffee chain stores. Coffee cups are mainly 8-16oz in capacity, and we recommend buying lids with an 80-90mm diameter.
Q3: Can paper cups be recycled?
This depends on the paper cup lining. PE paper cups cannot be directly recycled; specialized equipment is needed to separate the plastic, and they can only be considered ordinary waste. PLA-coated cups require industrial composting facilities.
Conclusion
The main materials of paper cups are cardboard, inner lining coating, and printing ink. When choosing a paper cup, consider your beverage type and environmental requirements. Thick cardboard and strong coatings are recommended for hot drinks, while lighter materials can be used for cold drinks. PLA coating and recyclable materials are increasingly becoming the preferred choice for paper cups.
About XiangGe Package
XiangGe Package focuses on providing innovative and sustainable packaging solutions. Our paper cups are made with high-quality materials and are committed to environmentally friendly design. Our products meet the highest industry standards, ensuring you not only experience superior products, but also start to custom paper cups today.
Last updated: January 2026
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