Paper cups are a popular choice of disposable tableware due to their texture, insulation and high customisation potential, but it is important to distinguish between cups for cold and hot drinks. Although cold and hot drink paper cups may appear similar at first glance, they differ significantly in design, materials and functionality. Each is tailored to handle the specific physical and chemical demands of the beverage it contains. It is essential for cafés, restaurants and event organisers to understand these differences in order to ensure customer comfort, beverage safety and cost efficiency.
The main difference lies in the type of coating applied to the inside of the cup. Cold-drink paper cups are designed to hold beverages such as iced coffee, soft drinks or smoothies, which create external condensation. To prevent the paper from weakening or becoming saturated, these cups are coated with a thin layer of polyethylene (PE) or bioplastic that acts as a moisture barrier. This coating effectively prevents leaks and maintains the cup’s structural integrity when in contact with cold liquids or ice. The outer surface is usually single-walled as heat insulation is not required for cold drinks.
Paper cups for hot drinks, on the other hand, are designed to withstand temperatures of between 60°C and 95°C. The key concerns for such beverages, like coffee, tea or hot chocolate, are heat transfer and user safety. To address this, hot drink cups often feature thicker paper or a double-wall construction with an air gap between the two layers of paper to create insulation. This design minimises heat conduction, enabling users to comfortably hold the cup without burning their hands. Some models also have a corrugated or textured outer surface to further enhance grip and insulation.
The interior lining of hot drink cups must resist moisture and the softening effect of heat. While polyethylene coatings are still widely used, manufacturers are increasingly applying PLA (polylactic acid) or water-based barrier coatings, which provide similar resistance and are more environmentally compatible. These coatings must maintain adhesion and impermeability even when the temperature of the beverage approaches boiling point, which cold-drink coatings are not designed to withstand.
Another distinction concerns lid compatibility and shape. Cold-drink cups often have flat plastic lids that can accommodate straws and promote airflow to prevent splashing. In contrast, hot-drink cups use domed or sip-through lids made from heat-resistant plastic or biopolymer. These lids are designed to retain heat and allow safe sipping on the go.
From a sustainability perspective, hot-drink cups are more challenging to recycle due to their heavier coatings and multi-layer construction. In contrast, single-wall cold-drink cups may have simpler recycling pathways if the necessary facilities are in place.
In summary, cold-drink paper cups prioritise moisture resistance and lightness, while hot-drink cups focus on heat insulation, durability and safety. Both designs reflect distinct engineering solutions adapted to the thermal and physical demands of the beverages they contain.