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Complete Guide to Different Types of Paper Cup Rolls: PE, PLA, Water-Based, Wax, and Uncoated

Views: 0     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2025-08-28      Origin: Site

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When choosing the right paper cup roll, it's important to understand the differences in coating types, performance, cost, and environmental impact. Each type of paper roll has unique features that determine how well it holds liquids, withstands heat, and meets sustainability goals.

KINDEAL PAPER offers a wide range of paper cup rolls, including PE coated, PLA coated, water-based coated, uncoated paper. They also provide custom coatings for food packaging solutions.

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Types of Paper Cup Rolls

1. PE Coated Paper

PE (polyethylene) coated paper is the most common choice for food and beverage packaging. A thin layer of polyethylene makes the paper waterproof, grease-resistant, and durable. These cups can safely hold both hot and cold drinks.

KINDEAL PAPER supplies single-side and double-side PE coated rolls, with options for weight, size, and logo printing. The production process includes lamination, printing, and die-cutting. PE coated paper cup rolls are cost-effective and suitable for large-scale production.

Best for:Hot and cold drinks in coffee shops, restaurants, and takeaway services.

 

2. PLA Coated Paper

PLA (polylactic acid) is a plant-based, biodegradable polymer that offers a sustainable alternative to plastic. PLA coated paper cups are compostable under industrial composting conditions, complying with standards such as EN13432 and ASTM D6400.

They are suitable for both hot and cold beverages, but prolonged use above 55–60°C (131–140°F) may cause softening. In practice, most PLA cups are recommended for drinks below 60°C, and they are not suitable for boiling liquids. KINDEAL PAPER offers customizable PLA coated rolls for weight, size, and design, compatible with flexo and offset printing.

Best for:Businesses seeking eco-friendly, compostable packaging that meets environmental regulations.

 

3. Uncoated Paper

Uncoated paper rolls do not have a plastic or plant-based lining, Such as Clay coated paper or GCU/GC2 food grade packaging board, They are best suited for packaging dry food, baked goods, and snacks that don't require waterproofing.

Although uncoated paper cup rolls are cheaper, they lack the strength and moisture resistance of coated paper.

Best for:Basic, cost-effective packaging for dry food.

 

4. Water-Based Coated Paper

Water-based coatings use natural materials (such as starch, cellulose, and minerals) or eco-friendly synthetic polymers to create a compostable, recyclable barrier. Unlike PE, water-based coatings are easier to recycle and can also be composted.

Water-based coated paper cup rolls are increasingly popular as they balance performance and sustainability, making them an excellent choice for companies with strong green initiatives.

Best for:Suitable for most hot and cold beverages, though performance depends on coating formulation.

 

Functions of Coatings

Each coating type provides unique protective features:

  • PE coating:Strong waterproof and grease barrier, high durability.

  • PLA coating:Good moisture resistance, compostable under industrial conditions.

  • Water-based coating:Balanced performance with superior recyclability.

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Performance Comparison

Water Resistance

  • PE coated rolls: Excellent waterproofing.

  • PLA coated rolls: Good for both hot and cold drinks, but less stable at higher temperatures.

  • Water-based coating: Reliable waterproofing, though dependent on formulation.


Heat Resistance

  • PE coated cups: Generally safe from -18°C up to ~70–80°C (158–176°F); short-term tolerance up to ~85°C.

  • PLA coated cups: Recommended for use below 55–60°C (131–140°F); not suitable for boiling liquids.

  • Water-based coated cups: Suitable for most hot and cold drinks; performance varies with coating.


Durability

  • PE coated: Strong, flexible, ideal for high-volume food service.

  • PLA coated: Strong but heat-sensitive, eco-friendly.

  • Water-based: Durable and recyclable.

  • Uncoated: Less durable, best for dry goods.

 

Environmental Impact

Recyclability

  • PE coated paper: Difficult to recycle due to plastic lining.

  • PLA coated paper: Not recyclable in standard systems; requires industrial composting.

  • Water-based coated and uncoated papers: Easiest to recycle.


Compostability

  • PLA coated cups: Compostable in industrial composting facilities.

  • Uncoated paper: Decomposes naturally and can often be composted at home if free from heavy ink, coatings, or chemical additives.

  • PE coated cups: Not compostable.


Biodegradability

  • Uncoated paper: Decomposes quickly in soil.

  • Water-based coating: Breaks down faster than plastics.

  • PLA: Biodegrades only under controlled composting conditions.

  • PE: Non-biodegradable, persistent in landfills.

 

Cost Comparison

  • PE coated rolls: Lowest cost, widely available, suitable for bulk production.

  • PLA coated rolls: Higher cost due to plant-based materials and extra processing. Prices may decrease as demand grows.

  • Uncoated rolls: Lowest-cost option, but limited to dry foods and non-liquid applications.

  • Water-based coated rolls: Moderate to high cost, but excellent for sustainability goals.

Value Consideration: Choosing the right paper cup roll depends not only on cost but also on performance, compliance with environmental regulations, and brand image.

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Applications

Hot Drinks

  • Double-wall or ripple PE coated cups provide strong insulation.

  • PLA and water-based coatings are good eco-friendly alternatives, but PLA should not be used for boiling liquids.


Cold Drinks

  • Double PE coated cups are best for preventing condensation.

  • PLA and water-based coated cups are sustainable choices for cold beverages.


Food Packaging

  • PE or PLA coated bowls and cups can hold soups, salads, and greasy foods.

  • Uncoated paper works well for dry snacks and bakery products.

 

Choosing the Right Paper Cup Roll

When selecting a paper cup roll, consider:

  • Sustainability goals: PLA and water-based coatings align with eco-friendly policies.

  • Budget: PE coated rolls are the most cost-effective, while eco-friendly options cost more.

  • Regulations: Many regions now require compostable or recyclable packaging. Certifications such as FDA, BRC, BPI, and DIN CERTCO ensure compliance.

  • Branding: Custom printing enhances visibility and customer experience.

 

Final Thoughts

PE coated rolls remain the most cost-effective and widely used. However, PLA and water-based coated paper cup rolls are gaining popularity as businesses prioritize sustainability.

By partnering with reliable suppliers like KINDEAL PAPER, you can choose the right paper cup roll to balance cost, performance, and environmental responsibility.


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台州市康迪纸品股份有限公司
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