In this branded paper cups comparison, you can see the differences between many types of custom printed paper cups, as well as customized plastic cups.
Have a look at how different branded paper cups compare, also, toward custom printed PET plastic cups. You will find which bespoke printed paper cups fit best your needs or usage scenario based on their thermal insulation, print colour saturation, or price. At the bottom of this custom paper cups comparison, you will find shortcuts to respective products from each type.
CUP TYPE
SW – Single Wall Paper Cups
DW – Sleeve Double Wall Paper Cups
TW – Thermal Double Wall Paper Cups
PET/rPET/PLA – Plastic Cups
Picture
Description
SW – single wall branded paper cup made of a single layer of paper – has the lowest thermal insulation. It features a nice print in a semi-matte finish. The colours are much less saturated than in the case of other cups. This is a typical cup for water or juice, primarily used in water dispensers. It is the cheapest cup as well as out of all cups most significant quantity packs on one euro pallet, so these cups are also the most economical to transport.
DW – custom printed single wall paper cup made of a double layer of paper glued together – average thermal insulation. Very well looking glossy print, vivid colours, picture-like quality. The most popular cup used for advertising or marketing campaigns, sometimes also used for coffee to go. They might get stuck together due to their rigid walls. Customers appreciate its rigid walls and outstanding price-quality ratio.
TW – customized double wall paer cup made of a double layer of paper which is the best way to insulate heat – between two sheets of paper, there is about 1-2 mm thick air pocket. At the bottom, it has about 12 mm high unprinted white “foot”. High-quality glossy print, vivid colours, picture-like quality. Typical cup for takeaway coffee. These cups are valued for their high quality and best thermal insulation among those who prise their customers’ satisfaction the most.
PET/rPET/PLA – bespoke printed clear plastic cup. Printing options depend on the quantity ordered. rPET is high-quality recycled plastic. It is the most transparent, clear, and it has the smoothest surface. It is also the most rigid plastic used in cups. Mostly used by bars and fitness studios for lemonade, shake, and fresh juice, to show what is inside the cup, and its content is not too hot.
Applications
Companies – cups for water dispensers, juice.
Advertising – product sampling, events, picnics.
Advertising – trade fairs, conferences, product sampling.
Cafe, bakery, bar, hotel, pastry – coffee, tea.
Bar, fitness – lemonade, smoothie, fresh juice, shake, latte, beer.
Max beverage temperature
95 ⁰C
95 ⁰C
95 ⁰C
60 ⁰C
Material layers
One layer of PE/PLA/water-based coated paper.
Two layers of PE/PLA/water-based coated paper are glued together.
Two layers of PE/PLA/water-based coated paper, with an air pocket in between them.
One layer of PET, PLA, or rPET plastic, which is PET from recycling.
Thermal insulation
Delivery cost
Price
Products shortcuts
Check the other Products offered by RainbowCups
In addition to custom printed paper cups, RainbowCups also offers custom-printed portioned sugar, eco-friendly fibre lids for paper cups, and wooden coffee stirrers as well as other accessories. All of these products can be printed with your brand’s colours and logos, providing a complete, eco-friendly solution for your business. We can also take over the graphic design of your individualised paper cups as we got quite experienced with it so far. You just tell us what you dream about, and we will take care to make it true.
Continue reading this ultimate expert guide on How to Choose, Order and Design Custom Printed Paper Cups
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of cup for hot beverages?
The TW – Thermal Double Wall Paper Cups provide the best thermal insulation, making them ideal for hot beverages.
Which cup is the most economical to transport?
The SW – Single Wall Paper Cups are the most economical to transport due to their significant quantity packs on one euro pallet.
What is the maximum beverage temperature for plastic cups?
The PET/rPET/PLA – Plastic Cups can be used for beverages with a maximum temperature of 60°C.
What type of cup is commonly used for advertising and marketing?
The DW – Sleeve Double Wall Paper Cups are the most popular choice for advertising and marketing campaigns due to their glossy print and vivid colours.
Which cup type offers the highest print quality?
Both the DW and TW cups provide high-quality glossy print with vivid colours and picture-like quality.
What applications are suitable for PET plastic cups?
PET/rPET/PLA – Plastic Cups are suitable for bars and fitness studios, mainly for serving lemonade, smoothies, fresh juice, shakes, and beer.
What distinguishes rPET plastic cups from other plastic cups?
rPET is made from high-quality recycled plastic and is the most transparent and smoothest, suitable for showing the cup's contents.
What type of cup should I use for water dispensers?
The SW – Single Wall Paper Cups are typically used for water or juice in water dispensers.
