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Coffee shops and beverage stalls face this choice constantly: paper cups or plastic (PP/PET) cups. The answer depends heavily on the menu — hot and iced drinks have different needs.
In short: paper cups flex across hot and cold, while plastic cups win on showing off layered iced drinks.
| Criteria | Paper Cup | Plastic Cup |
|---|---|---|
| Hot drinks | Safe and comfortable to hold — built for hot coffee and tea | Generally not for hot drinks — PET cannot take high temperatures |
| Iced drinks | Safe — the leakproof lining resists condensation | Very common — clear walls show off the drink |
| Seeing the drink | Opaque | Clear — layered iced coffee and toppings are visible |
| Branding | Custom print across the whole cup surface | Usually sticker labels; direct printing needs large volumes |
| SEALPAK sizes | 8oz (±240 ml) and 12oz (±355 ml) | — |
| Brand impression | Warm, artisan, eco-conscious | Fresh and modern for iced menus |
| Recyclability | Paper-based and recyclable | Depends on plastic type and local facilities |
| Regulatory direction | Aligned with single-use-plastic reduction | Several regions are starting to restrict single-use plastics |
If your shop serves both hot and iced drinks, paper cups are the most efficient choice — one stock for the whole menu, with a full branding surface. SEALPAK paper cups come in 8oz and 12oz, plain with no minimum order in packs of 50 pcs, or custom printed from 1,000 pcs.
FAQ
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Yes. SEALPAK paper cups have a leakproof lining that resists condensation from iced drinks. For iced coffee with ice cubes, the 12oz (±355 ml) size is the common choice.
PET is not designed for high temperatures — it can deform when filled with hot liquid. For hot drinks, use paper cups, which are built for hot coffee and tea.
Custom printed paper cups start at 1,000 pcs with a typical lead time of 14–21 working days after artwork approval. Plain paper cups have no minimum order — packs of 50 pcs.
Still Deciding?
Tell us your menu and volumes — the SEALPAK team will help you pick the right packaging. We respond within 24 hours on WhatsApp.