From practical to purposeful, disposable cups come in many styles, sizes, and colors. Whether you're looking for ways for your restaurant to go green or just trying to find the cup that fits your needs, the wide variety of options available can make it difficult to choose. In this guide, we'll investigate the different types of disposable cups and what sets them apart.
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Plastic cups lend themselves to a wide range of applications. Whether you're looking for a dependable vessel for serving smoothies or a versatile cup to fit an extensive drink menu, these cups are an excellent addition to your workplace. Some of the most common types of disposable plastic cups are as follows:
Compostable plastic cups represent a green and eco-friendly option for your business. Our 100% compostable cold cups are made of PLA corn plastic and offer complete product visibility for enhanced marketability. These cups feature rolled rims and come in several different shapes and sizes. Each cup is temperature tolerant from 40 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing you to serve a wide range of drinks.
Available in both solic color and clear designs, polystyrene cups are made from a high-impact material that is sturdy, shatterproof, and flexible. These cups feature smooth rolled rims and come in several different styles, sizes, and shapes, allowing you to choose the cup that best fits your preferences. They're built to withstand your most popular party games and are the most popular type of plastic cup in party settings. Like most disposable plastic cups, polystyrene cups are only designed for use with cold beverages.
These cups offer a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic cups. Typically made from post-consumer recycled content, eco-friendly plastic cups allow you to serve your signature drinks while embracing an environmentally-conscious mindset. Available in several different styles, these cups lend themselves to a wide range of beverages.
For a high-class option with the convenience of disposability, turn to hard wall plastic cups. These cups have rigid walls that make them break- and shatter-resistant, giving them a heavy-duty feel. From festive colorful tumblers to crystal clear plain cups, hard plastic cups are ideal for upscale occasions where traditional glassware isn't feasible. These cups look like china or fine-cut crystal, yet cost a fraction of the price and none of the clean-up.
Featuring a medium wall construction, heavy-duty flexible cups offer increased flexibility while remaining crack-resistant. PET plastic cups are crack-resistant and are crystal-clear for an upscale look. PET plastic cups are available in many different shapes, sizes, and styles. It's important to note that these cups can only be used with cold beverages, limiting your service options. Polystyrene cups are also available in several different colors, making them a perfect choice for parties and catered events.
An economical option for everyday beverage service, thin wall cups are made of durable polypropylene material for a lower cost alternative to PET clear plastic cups. These cups are crack-resistant and feature a translucent appearance, with some even featuring a tapered design. Thin wall cups are perfect for serving water, soda, and various other refreshments in an office building or high-volume fast food venue.
Featuring tight-sealing lids and hard plastic styles, kids cups and concession cups alike are designed to last while preventing drips and spills. These cups come in a variety of bold patterns, and range in size from a standard 12 oz. to a large 64 oz. Often referred to as "souvenir cups", kids cups and concession cups can be reused, though they are designed for one-time use by restaurant and concession stand operators.
Paper cups come in both hot and cold varieties. They are designed with insulation and durability in mind, providing you with a dependable option when it comes to serving your signature drinks. These alternatives to plastic cups can be used in several different settings, including coffee shops, concession stands, and even convenience stores. Continue reading to learn more about disposable paper cups and the benefits they offer.
Made with up to 100% renewable resources, sustainable cups give you and your customers added peace of mind when using disposables. These cups are available in compostable paper styles, double-sided poly paper styles, and paper-lined styles with thick PLA shells. Many of these cups can be found in both hot and cold designs, allowing you to serve beverages as you see fit. These cups allow you to conveniently serve guests while adopting sustainable practices.
Air pocket insulated cups are designed to keep hot beverages warm without burning patrons' hands. This eliminates the need to "double cup" and reduces the need for coffee sleeves and other protective products. These cups feature an inner sheet and an outer sheet, separated by a layer of air for added insulating properties. Common examples of these types of cups include ripple cups and double wall cups.
Featuring a polymer coating for added insulation, poly-coated cups are great for serving hot or cold beverages alike! These cups may have a single or double poly-coating, with each additional layer offering additional rigidity. This lining also keeps liquids inside the cup and protects the outside of the cup from weakening due to condensation or "sweating." Unlike wax-coated cups, poly-coated cups pose no risk of wax buildup in your cup dispensers. They also come in a wide range of colors and sizes, and many feature tightly rolled rims for worry-free, leak-proof drinking.
Made using FDA-approved recycled materials, post-consumer cups represent an eco-friendly addition to your selection of cups. They help to decrease the demand for new paper while providing your guests with a convenient and dependable cup. Many post-consumer cups are designed for use with both hot and cold liquids, giving you flexibility while serving your customers.
Similar to poly-coated paper, wax-coated paper offers extra rigidity and protection from leaks and absorption. They also feature an added layer of insulation, helping to keep beverages warm. These cups are available in a variety of patterns and sizes, and like poly-coated cups, many feature tightly rolled rims for worry-free, leak-proof drinking. Wax-coated paper cups are primarily designed for use with cold beverages, making them ideal when serving sodas, iced tea, lemonade, milkshakes, and more.
Foam cups offer superior insulation, making it easy to keep beverages warm. They are often used to serve coffee, hot chocolate, and other hot beverages. They feature lightweight, stackable designs, allowing you to make the most of your workspace. To learn more about foam cups and the features they offer, continue reading below.
Disposable foam cups offer a sturdy alternative to paper and plastic cups. Featuring a one-piece molded construction with a distinctive pedestal, traditional foam cups feature the durability you need with all the insulation you want. They can also be found at a lower price point, saving your establishment money while keeping guests satisfied. You'll also have the option to choose from cups featuring a traditional white style, printed patterns, and even designer styles. Some foam cups can even be customized, allowing you to create a cup that matches your company's branding.
Innovative Dart Fusion cups take convenience one step further by using ThermoThin cores. ThermoThin cores keep the cup's sidewalls cool to the touch, eliminating the need for "double cupping" or cup sleeves while providing excellent insulation for your hot or cold beverages. Fusion cups are available in several sleek and stylish designs, all with the look and feel of paper cups and the insulation of foam.
If you're shopping for eco-friendly disposables, several different factors can influence your decision. It's important to stay informed on what these terms mean and how they affect your cups. Below, we've outlined some of the most common eco-friendly terms associated with disposable cups:
In addition to the various eco-friendly features, manufacturers use several different materials and coatings to improve the performance of their disposable cups. Below, we'll investigate some of the most common materials used and what benefits they offer:
Cup accessories complete your drink service and give your customers the most convenient experience possible. These accessories come in a variety of different forms, and we've listed the most common types below.
In some cases, you can customize your disposable cups to fit your company's branding. When executed correctly, this can be an efficient marketing technique. You'll be able to add a personal touch to your disposables, increasing the visibility of your business and improving your beverage service.