Popular Types of Plastic Cups Explained

Plastic cups are widely used in everyday life due to their convenience, variety, and versatility. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used types, how they differ, and what each is best suited for.

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

• Clear and sturdy

• Ideal for cold beverages like iced tea, juice, or soda

• Excellent moisture and gas barrier

• 100% recyclable (rPET can be food-grade if processed properly)

  
  

PP (Polypropylene)

• Heat-resistant up to ~100–101 °C

• Flexible, durable, and chemical-resistant

• Suitable for both hot and cold beverages

• PP plastic cups can be frozen at temperatures as low as -20 °C

• Commonly used in coffee shops and food services

• Available from certified pp cup manufacturers in various sizes (12–26 oz)

  
  

PS (Polystyrene)

• Lightweight and cost-effective

• Transparent and rigid, but less heat-resistant

• Best for cold drinks and disposable use

  
  

PLA (Polylactic Acid - Bio-Plastic)

• Made from renewable plant-based sources

• Biodegradable under industrial composting conditions

• Suitable for eco-conscious brands

Advantages and Considerations

Benefits

• Lightweight and convenient

• Affordable, especially for bulk use

• Can be customized with branding (logos, colors, patterns)

• PP (polypropylene) is suitable for sealing cup lids as it is heat-resistant and helps reduce lid costs, making it an ideal choice for the rapidly growing bubble tea business.

  
  

Cautions

• Avoid PET and PS with hot beverages due to low heat resistance

• Recycled plastics must be food-safe certified

• Limit reuse to avoid contamination

  
  

Common Cup Sizes

• 12 oz, 16 oz, 22 oz, 24 oz, 26 oz

• Suitable for bubble tea, coffee, soft drinks, smoothies

GOCO GLOBAL – Thailand’s Trusted Manufacturer of High-Quality PP Plastic Cups

GOCO GLOBAL proudly produces GOCO PP High-Performance Plastic Cups, designed and manufactured to meet international safety and quality standards. As a leading pp cup manufacturer in Thailand, we use high-grade polypropylene (PP) materials to ensure our cups are safe, durable, and suitable for both hot and cold beverages.