📄 Paperboard & Liners
The industry standard for hot & cold beverage service. Multi-wall construction with internal moisture barriers ensures leak resistance and thermal insulation.
Base Material
320–400 gsm SSB/FBB
Internal Liner
PE (0.8–1.2 mil) or PLA
Temp Range
-5°C to 95°C
Printing
Full-color flexo/digital
Best For: Coffee shops, tea houses, smoothie bars. PE-coated is standard for hot beverages; PLA-coated enables commercial composting.
♻️ PLA (Polylactic Acid)
A bio-based thermoplastic derived from corn starch or sugarcane. Crystallized (cPLA) variants offer improved heat resistance for lids and sleeves.
Heat Deflection
Up to 60°C (cPLA: 80°C)
Decomposition
90–180 days (industrial)
Barrier
Good moisture, low gas
Regulatory
FDA 21 CFR 177.1560
Note: Requires 58°C+ and high humidity to compost. Not suitable for home compost bins. Excellent clarity and crisp print surface.
🧊 PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
High-clarity plastic widely used for cold beverage service. Recyclable (#1) with excellent shatter resistance and long-term clarity retention.
Temp Range
-40°C to 70°C
Wall Thickness
0.5–1.0 mm
Barrier
Excellent O₂ & moisture
Lid Compatibility
Dome, flat, sliding
Best For: Retail beverage counters, festivals, and branded cold drink programs. Pairs with bamboo or PP lids for a premium feel.
🔁 Polypropylene (PP)
Heat-resistant, durable plastic ideal for reusable cups and high-temp lids. Dishwasher and microwave safe. Recyclable (#5).
Melt Point
160–170°C
Safe Temp
Up to 120°C
Barrier
Moderate moisture, low O₂
Lifespan
100+ cycles (standard)
Best For: Office pantries, corporate gifting, travel mugs, and high-heat lid applications. Accepts pad printing and screen printing well.
📦 Polystyrene (PS)
Rigid, cost-effective thermoplastic often used for clamshells and high-clarity cold cups. Not compostable but widely recyclable in specialized streams.
Temp Range
-30°C to 85°C
Wall Thickness
0.3–0.8 mm
Barrier
Poor moisture, high O₂
Cost Profile
Lowest in class
Note: Check local regulations before ordering. Many municipalities restrict expanded PS. Crystal PS offers glass-like clarity for premium cold service.
🌾 Molded Fiber / Bagasse
Renewable plant-fiber containers made from sugarcane bagasse, bamboo, or wheat straw. Naturally grease-resistant and commercially compostable.
Temp Range
Freezer safe to 120°C
Decomposition
40–90 days (compost)
Strength
High rigidity, moisture-resistant
Printing
Screen print / emboss
Best For: Eco-forward restaurants, meal kits, and sustainable retail packaging. Pairs with compostable lids or bamboo covers.
📊 Quick Comparison Matrix
| Material | Temp Range | Barrier | Eco Rating | Best Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paperboard (PE) | -5°C to 95°C | Excellent | ★★★☆☆ | Hot/Cold Beverages |
| Paperboard (PLA) | -5°C to 90°C | Excellent | ★★★★☆ | Compostable Hot/Cold |
| PLA | -20°C to 60°C | Good | ★★★★★ | Lids, Sleeves, Cold Cups |
| PET | -40°C to 70°C | Excellent | ★★★★☆ | Iced Drinks, Smoothies |
| PP | -20°C to 120°C | Moderate | ★★★☆☆ | Reusable, Hot Lids |
| PS | -30°C to 85°C | Poor | ★★☆☆☆ | Clamshells, Budget Cold |
| Bagasse | -20°C to 120°C | Good | ★★★★★ | Bowls, Salads, Retail |
Technical FAQ
It means the internal moisture barrier is made from polylactic acid instead of polyethylene (PE). PLA-coated paperboard enables the entire cup to be processed in commercial composting facilities, whereas PE-coated cups require specialized recycling streams to separate the plastic liner.
Yes. Every material we supply meets FDA 21 CFR food-contact standards and EU Regulation 10/2011 for plastic materials. Certificates of Compliance (COC) and migration test reports are available upon request.
Absolutely. We offer flexographic and digital printing on PLA, bagasse, and PLA-coated paperboard using soy-based or water-based inks that do not interfere with compostability certifications (ASTM D6400 / EN 13432).
Industrial compostable materials require controlled environments (58–60°C, high humidity, microbial activity) to break down within 90–180 days. Home compostable variants degrade at ambient temperatures but take longer (6–12 months) and are less common in rigid packaging. All our PLA and bagasse products are certified for industrial composting.
Need Help Specifying the Right Material?
Our material engineers review your temperature requirements, sustainability goals, and print specs to recommend the optimal solution. Bulk pricing & free samples available.