Green beverage packaging: 12 oz PLA paper cup is the first choice
2025 年 5 月 26 日
As global environmental awareness continues to rise, people have put forward higher requirements for the environmental friendliness of disposable consumer goods. Especially in areas with frequent consumption such as coffee, milk tea, and beverages, traditional plastic cups are gradually being replaced by more sustainable and degradable alternatives due to their long-term pollution problems to the environment. Among them, “12 Oz Biodegradable Disposable Paper Coffee Cups with PLA Lined” has become the first choice of more and more environmentally friendly brands, coffee shops, beverage chains and overseas buyers.
As a Chinese foreign trade factory focusing on bagasse products, we have long been committed to the research and development and production of various environmentally friendly pulp molded products, including paper cups, plant fiber trays, food containers, etc. We are well aware that finding a balance between environmental protection and performance is the key to whether disposable paper cups can truly replace plastic cups. In particular, the 12-ounce paper cup is the most widely used specification on the market. It is not only suitable for hot drinks such as American coffee and latte, but also for cold drinks such as iced coffee or juice drinks. Therefore, in this article, we will combine our manufacturing experience to introduce in detail the advantages, raw materials, degradability, and FAQs of this environmentally friendly paper cup, and help you understand why this product is so popular.
First, let's talk about what "PLA Lined" is.
The inner wall of traditional paper cups is generally coated with PE (polyethylene) to prevent leakage, but PE is a plastic component extracted from petroleum, which is non-degradable and releases harmful gases after incineration. PLA is a bioplastic derived from plant materials such as corn starch and sugarcane, and its full name is polylactic acid. It not only has good waterproof and oil-proof properties, but also can be completely degraded under industrial composting conditions, without burdening the environment. In other words, the PLA coated on the inner layer of our 12-ounce paper cup is an environmentally friendly and practical anti-seepage solution that can ensure that hot drinks do not leak without sacrificing environmental protection.
Secondly, the main part of this paper cup – the raw material of paper, is not ordinary paper. We use FSC-certified sustainable forestry wood pulp paper and combine it with sugarcane bagasse fiber. This paper greatly reduces the dependence on wood while retaining the stiffness and thermal insulation properties of the paper cup. Sugarcane bagasse is agricultural waste after sugar production and is a renewable resource. After being processed by our independently developed molded pulp technology, it is transformed into safe, non-toxic, and heat-resistant food-grade paper. Therefore, behind every paper cup is the efficient use of resources and friendly feedback to the environment.
When many customers first come into contact with this PLA coated paper cup, one of the most concerned questions is “Can it really degrade? How long does it take? Will it start to soften during use?” The answer is yes: in commercial composting facilities, this type of paper cup can be completely degraded into carbon dioxide, water and biomass within 90 to 180 days. At the same time, in daily use, this cup performs stably and will not soften or leak even when holding hot drinks above 90°C. We conduct strict heat sealing tests and liquid retention tests before leaving the factory to ensure that every exported paper cup meets the high standards of the European and American markets.
Let’s talk about why 12 ounces is a “golden capacity”. In the North American, European and Australian markets, this specification has almost become the standard cup size in coffee shops. Compared with 8 ounces, 12 ounces is more suitable for drinks that require milk, such as latte and cappuccino, but it is not as bulky and inconvenient to carry as 16 ounces. At the same time, our paper cup design is ergonomic, with a straight cup body, a smooth and rounded mouth, and a comfortable grip. It is paired with a biodegradable lid made of PLA (sugarcane pulp mold lid is also available), giving consumers a good experience in both vision and touch.
In addition to being environmentally friendly and practical, we also provide highly customized services in the appearance design of paper cups. Customers can customize color printing patterns, logos, QR codes and other content according to brand image and event theme. We use soybean ink, which is environmentally friendly and non-toxic and does not affect the biodegradability of the product. Whether it is a unified VI style for a chain brand or a small batch trial order for a start-up coffee brand, we can provide flexible printing solutions.
We often encounter customers asking about the packaging method and transportation cost of this product. Usually, 500 paper cups are packed in a box, and the outer box is a five-layer reinforced corrugated box, which is suitable for ocean transportation and multiple handling. Since the product can be stacked, we also support customers to customize space-saving packaging solutions to reduce transportation costs. In addition, we support a variety of trade terms such as FOB, CIF, DDP, etc. to meet customers’ logistics needs around the world.
Currently, the European and American markets are actively promoting the ban on disposable plastics, and more and more brands are beginning to transform to environmentally friendly packaging solutions such as PLA paper cups and plant fiber products. This trend is not only driven by regulations, but also reflects the awakening of consumers’ environmental awareness. We are fortunate to be a part of the supply chain and participate in this green transformation, and we feel a great responsibility. We also welcome more international brands, distributors, and cross-border platform customers to cooperate with us to jointly promote the popularization of environmentally friendly paper cups in the global market.
In terms of after-sales service, we provide one-stop service from proofing, quality inspection, customs declaration, export to after-sales support to help customers quickly implement environmentally friendly packaging solutions. We have many years of foreign trade experience and are familiar with market regulations and standards in Europe, America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and other regions. Our products have passed multiple certifications such as BPI, OK Compost, FDA, SGS, etc., ensuring smooth customs clearance.
Las empresas de alimentos precocinados pueden adoptar la solución de “recubrimiento calentable en microondas + revestimiento a prueba de fugas” para resolver el persistente problema de la deformación de las cajas de plástico al exponerlas al calor.
If you are looking for a paper cup that is environmentally friendly, beautiful and functional, “12 Oz Biodegradable Disposable Paper Coffee Cups with PLA Lined” is undoubtedly a trustworthy choice. We are not only a manufacturer, but also hope to become your long-term partner in environmentally friendly packaging.
