📋 Contents
01 — Paper & Board Materials
Our paper cups and bowls are manufactured from food-grade SBS (Stone Coat Board), SSB (Solid Bleached Board), and kraft paper substrates sourced from FSC-certified mills. Each grade is selected for specific strength, formation temperature, and cost-performance balance.
SBS — Stone Coat Board
Premium white paperboard
- Grammage 220–350 gsm
- Burst Strength ≥ 400 kPa
- Brightness ≥ 90 ISO
- Forming Temp Up to 215 °C
- Use Hot cups 8–20 oz
SSB — Solid Bleached Board
Multi-layer bleached board
- Grammage 240–400 gsm
- Burst Strength ≥ 450 kPa
- Brightness ≥ 92 ISO
- Forming Temp Up to 220 °C
- Use Hot cups, soup bowls
Kraft Paperboard
Brown / recycled content option
- Grammage 180–320 gsm
- Burst Strength ≥ 350 kPa
- Brightness N/A (natural)
- Forming Temp Up to 205 °C
- Use Eco cups, sleeves
Detailed Paper Substrate Specifications
| Property | SBS (250 gsm) | SSB (320 gsm) | Kraft (250 gsm) | Recycled SSB (300 gsm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basis Weight (gsm) | 250 ± 10 | 320 ± 12 | 250 ± 10 | 300 ± 12 |
| Thickness (μm) | 240–260 | 300–330 | 220–250 | 290–320 |
| Burst Strength (kPa) | ≥ 420 | ≥ 500 | ≥ 370 | ≥ 440 |
| Surface Smoothness (s) | ≤ 20 | ≤ 18 | ≤ 30 | ≤ 22 |
| Brightness (ISO) | ≥ 90 | ≥ 92 | N/A | ≥ 85 |
| Maximum Forming Temp | 215 °C | 220 °C | 205 °C | 210 °C |
| Fiber Type | 100% Virgin | 100% Virgin | Virgin / Recycled | ≥ 60% Recycled |
| FSC Certified | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
📌 Note on Grammage Selection
Higher grammage paperboard provides better insulation and rigidity for hot beverages above 85 °C. For cold cups, a lower grammage (180–220 gsm) is typically sufficient and more cost-effective. Contact us for help selecting the right substrate for your product.
02 — Inner Liner Coatings
The inner liner coating provides the liquid barrier that keeps your beverage from leaking through the paperboard wall. Cup Source offers three coating types optimized for different applications, temperature ranges, and sustainability requirements.
Coating Specification Table
| Property | PE (Standard) | PE (Hot-Grade) | PLA (Bio-based) | Water-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material Type | Polyethylene (HDPE/LDPE) | High-density PE | Poly-lactic acid | Aqueous dispersion |
| Coating Weight | 14–20 g/m² | 18–24 g/m² | 10–12 g/m² | 12–16 g/m² |
| Max Hot Temp | 95 °C | 100 °C | 93 °C | 70 °C |
| Cold Beverage OK | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Limited |
| Compostable | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Industrial | ✅ Home / Industrial |
| Recyclable with Paper | ❌ Difficult | ❌ Difficult | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Food Contact Grade | FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 | FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 | EU 10/2011 | FDA / EU approved |
| Barrier Performance | Excellent | Excellent | Very Good | Good |
⚠️ Important — PLA Temperature Limit
PLA coating begins to soften at temperatures above 93 °C (200 °F). For beverages served near boiling (e.g., specialty teas), we recommend PE hot-grade coating instead. PLA is ideal for coffee (75–90 °C) and most hot beverages.
03 — Plastic & PET Materials
Our cold cup and clear cup ranges utilize crystal-clear PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) and PP (Polypropylene) materials, providing durability, clarity, and chemical resistance for iced beverages, smoothies, and cold drinks.
PET (Crystal Clear)
Cold cup standard material
- Resin Type GRI-G25 (food grade)
- Thickness 0.4–0.7 mm
- Clarity Crystal clear, 91%+
- Heat Distort 70 °C
- Recyclable ♳ #1 PET
- BPA Free ✅
PP (Polypropylene)
Heat-resistant option
- Resin Type Food-grade homopolymer
- Thickness 0.3–0.5 mm
- Clarity Translucent / Clear
- Heat Distort 120 °C
- Recyclable ♷ #5 PP
- BPA Free ✅
CPET (Crystallized PET)
Bakery / heat-resistant
- Resin Type CPET food-grade
- Thickness 0.15–0.35 mm
- Clarity Semi-transparent
- Heat Resist 220 °C (oven)
- Freezer OK -20 °C ✅
- BPA Free ✅
Cold Cup Material Comparison
| Property | PET (Clear Cup) | PP (Clear Cup) | AS (Polystyrene) | PCR-PET (Recycled) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarity | Crystal (91%+) | Translucent | Crystal (92%) | Natural amber |
| Max Hot Temp | 70 °C | 120 °C | 70 °C | 70 °C |
| Min Cold Temp | -20 °C | -20 °C | -20 °C | -20 °C |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| BPA Free | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Check grade | ✅ Yes |
| Recycled Content | 0% | 0% | 0% | ≥ 25% PCR |
| Shatterproof | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Brittle | ✅ Yes |
04 — Lids & Film Materials
Lids and films are engineered to pair with our cup substrates for optimal seal performance, microwave safety, and stackability. All lid materials are food-contact approved.
| Product | Material | Thickness | Temp Range | Vented | Microwave |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dome Lid (PP) | PP | 0.25 mm | -20 to 120 °C | ✅ Optional | ✅ Yes |
| Flat Lid (PP) | PP | 0.20 mm | -20 to 120 °C | ❌ | ✅ Yes |
| Sip Lid (PP) | PP | 0.22 mm | -20 to 120 °C | ✅ Built-in | ⚠️ Remove lid |
| Clear Film (PBOC) | Paper-based film | 0.06 mm | -20 to 90 °C | ❌ | ✅ Yes |
| PVDC Film | PVDC-coated paper | 0.08 mm | -20 to 110 °C | ❌ | ✅ Yes |
| Eco Film (PLA) | PLA-based | 0.07 mm | -20 to 60 °C | ❌ | ⚠️ Not recom. |
| PET Cold Cup Lid | PET | 0.15 mm | -20 to 70 °C | ❌ | ❌ No |
✅ PBOC Film — Eco Alternative
Our PBOC (Paper-Based Occluding Coating) film is a fully compostable alternative to traditional plastic film. It provides moisture resistance comparable to PVDC while being compatible with home composting. Ideal for businesses targeting plastic-free packaging.
05 — Eco-Friendly & Compostable Materials
Cup Source's sustainability line includes fully compostable cups, bowls, and accessories made from certified biobased materials. All eco products meet relevant international compostability standards.
Bagasse Fiber
Sugarcane bagasse pulp
- Source Sugarcane by-product
- Compostable ✅ Home & Industrial
- Heat Resist Up to 120 °C
- Oil / Grease Resistant
- Decomposition 60–90 days
Wood Pulp Molding
FSC-certified wood fiber
- Source FSC-certified wood pulp
- Compostable ✅ Home & Industrial
- Heat Resist Up to 110 °C
- Oil / Grease Resistant
- Decomposition 45–75 days
PLA Blend Paper
Paper + PLA liner combo
- Source Kraft paper + PLA
- Compostable ✅ Industrial
- Heat Resist Up to 93 °C
- Recyclable With paper stream
- Decomposition 180 days (industrial)
Compostability Standards & Certifications
| Standard | Region | Key Requirement | Cup Source Products |
|---|---|---|---|
| EN 13432 | Europe | Industrial composting within 180 days, disintegration ≤ 12 weeks | PLA-coated cups, PBOC films, Bagasse bowls |
| ASTM D6400 | North America | Industrial composting, no toxic residue, biodegradation ≥ 90% | PLA-coated cups, PLA lids, PBOC films |
| ASTM D6868 | North America | Films only — biodegradation and disintegration criteria | PLA films, PBOC films |
| OK Compost HOME | Europe (TÜV Austria) | Home compostable within 1 year at ambient temperature | Bagasse bowls, Wood pulp bowls, PBOC films |
| AS 4736 | Australia / NZ | Australian compostability standard (equivalent to EN 13432) | Full eco product line |
| BPI Certified | USA | Biodegradable Products Institute — commercial composting | PLA-coated cups, PLA lids |
06 — Structural & Thermal Specifications
Performance data for cup walls, insulation properties, and structural integrity under temperature stress. These specs ensure your cups perform reliably in real-world serving conditions.
Hot Cup Wall Insulation Performance
| Cup Type | Wall Config. | Paper GSM | Inside Temp (°C) | Outside Temp (°C) | Touch-Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Wall | 1 wall | 220–250 | 85 | 45–55 | ⚠️ With sleeve |
| Double-Wall | 2 walls (air gap) | 280–320 | 85 | 30–40 | ✅ Yes |
| Triple-Wall | 3 walls (dual air gap) | 350–400 | 85 | 25–32 | ✅ Yes |
| Thermoformed | Waffle-pattern | 300–350 | 85 | 28–35 | ✅ Yes |
Structural Strength Testing
| Test | Standard | Minimum Result | Our Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ring Crush Strength | ISO 12192 | ≥ 300 N | 380–420 N |
| Burst Test | ISO 2758 | ≥ 400 kPa | 480–550 kPa |
| Water Vapour Transmission | ISO 2528 | ≤ 20 g/m²/24h | 8–12 g/m²/24h |
| Seal Peel Strength | ASTM D903 | ≥ 3.0 N/15mm | 4.5–5.2 N/15mm |
| Hot Water Leak Test (1h @ 90°C) | Internal Spec | Zero leaks | 100% Pass |
| Drop Test (1m onto concrete) | ASTM D5276 | No cracks or splits | 100% Pass |
Size & Tolerance Reference
| Nominal Size | Capacity (ml) | Top Diameter (mm) | Bottom Diameter (mm) | Height (mm) | Tolerance (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 oz | 177 ml | 76 ± 0.5 | 48 ± 0.5 | 78 ± 1 | ± 1.0 |
| 8 oz | 237 ml | 81 ± 0.5 | 52 ± 0.5 | 86 ± 1 | ± 1.0 |
| 10 oz | 296 ml | 88 ± 0.5 | 56 ± 0.5 | 96 ± 1 | ± 1.0 |
| 12 oz | 355 ml | 92 ± 0.5 | 58 ± 0.5 | 108 ± 1 | ± 1.5 |
| 16 oz | 473 ml | 98 ± 0.5 | 60 ± 0.5 | 125 ± 1 | ± 1.5 |
| 20 oz | 591 ml | 103 ± 0.5 | 62 ± 0.5 | 138 ± 1 | ± 1.5 |
| 24 oz | 710 ml | 110 ± 0.5 | 65 ± 0.5 | 148 ± 1 | ± 2.0 |
07 — Food Contact & Regulatory Compliance
Every Cup Source product meets or exceeds the regulatory requirements for food contact materials in all major markets. Below is a summary of the applicable regulations and our compliance status.
| Regulation | Region | Scope | Compliance |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 | United States | Polyethylene film for food contact | Compliant |
| FDA 21 CFR 176.170 | United States | Adhesives in food packaging | Compliant |
| EU Regulation 10/2011 | European Union | Plastic materials (incl. PLA) | Compliant |
| EU Framework Regulation 1935/2004 | European Union | General food contact materials | Compliant |
| GB 4806.7-2016 | China | Paper & cardboard for food contact | Compliant |
| CFIA Regulations | Canada | Food packaging materials | Compliant |
| FSC Chain of Custody | Global | Sustainable forestry certification | Certified (FSC C123456) |
| ISO 9001:2015 | Global | Quality management systems | Certified |
| ISO 14001:2015 | Global | Environmental management | Certified |
FSC Certified
Responsible forestry for all paper-based products
BPI Certified
Commercially compostable products (US)
OK Compost
TÜV Austria certified compostability
ISO 9001:2015
Quality management certification
ISO 14001:2015
Environmental management system
FDA Compliant
All food-contact regulations met
📥 Download Datasheets
Full technical datasheets (PDF) for each product line are available upon request. Contact our sales team at specs@cupsource.com or request through our quote form, and we'll send the complete material specification documents within 24 hours.