PP Vs PET Choosing Plastic Cups for Beverage Businesses

For beverage shop owners and entrepreneurs, an often-overlooked yet critical business decision lies in selecting the right disposable cups. The choice between polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) cups can significantly impact customer experience, brand perception, and operational costs.

PP Cups: The Cost-Effective Workhorse

Polypropylene cups currently dominate the beverage industry as the most widely used disposable option. Their primary advantage lies in affordability, with current market prices averaging $60 per 1,000 16-oz cups—significantly cheaper than PET alternatives.

Beyond cost savings, PP cups offer several functional benefits:

• Heat resistance: Withstands temperatures up to 120°C, making them ideal for hot beverages like coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.
• Odor resistance: Prevents flavor transfer between different drinks, preserving taste integrity.
• Recyclability: Aligns with growing environmental consciousness among consumers.

However, PP cups have notable limitations:

• Lower clarity compared to PET, potentially diminishing visual appeal of colorful drinks
• Softer texture that may convey lower quality perception
• Requires specific PP-compatible sealing films for optimal leak prevention

PET Cups: The Premium Choice

Polyethylene terephthalate cups represent the premium segment of disposable drinkware, favored by high-end establishments for their superior aesthetics and durability.

Key advantages include:

• Crystal clarity: Showcases beverage colors and layers effectively, enhancing visual appeal
• Structural integrity: More resistant to deformation and breakage
• Premium feel: Stiffer construction conveys higher quality perception

PET cups come with trade-offs:

• Higher price point increases operational costs
• Lower heat tolerance (maximum 80°C) limits suitability for hot drinks

Sealing System Considerations

Proper sealing requires matching equipment to cup specifications:

• Standard PP cups typically use 95mm diameter sealing machines
• PET cups generally require 98mm sealing equipment
• Universal sealers accommodate both sizes for operations using mixed cup types

Material compatibility remains crucial—PP cups demand PP sealing films, while PET cups require PET-compatible films to prevent leakage.

Strategic Selection Criteria

Business owners should consider multiple factors when choosing between cup materials:

• Primary beverage temperature (hot vs. cold offerings)
• Target market positioning (value vs. premium segments)
• Branding requirements (custom printing capabilities)
• Environmental commitments (recycling infrastructure availability)

For cost-conscious operations focusing on hot beverages, PP cups typically offer the most practical solution. Establishments emphasizing premium cold drinks and elevated brand image may find PET cups justify their higher expense through enhanced customer perception.

Initial selection proves particularly critical for new businesses, as switching cup types later often requires additional equipment investments and operational adjustments.