Article Quick Facts
Why PET Is Not an Option for Hot Drinks
PET cold cups are designed for beverages up to about 60°C and will deform or crack with hot liquids. For any hot service — hot milk tea, americano, hot chocolate — you need either injection-molded PP cups (heat tolerant up to about 100°C) or insulated paper cups. Choosing the wrong material is the single most common hot-drink packaging mistake.
Hot-Drink Cup Options Compared
Verified options for hot beverage service from our PP and paper lines.
| Cup Type | Caliber / Size | Heat Tolerance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Injection PP round | 90 / 95 mm | Up to ~100°C | Hot milk tea, premium hot drinks |
| Injection PP square | 92 mm | Up to ~100°C | Branded hot specialty drinks |
| Double-wall paper | 8-20 oz | Hot, insulated | Coffee to-go, no sleeve needed |
| Ripple-wall paper | 4-20 oz | Hot, premium grip | Specialty coffee, artisan feel |
PP Cups: Rigid and Reusable-Feel
Injection PP cups hold shape when filled with hot drinks and resist cracking during transport. They are available in 90, 92 (square) and 95mm calibers, in clear and frosted finishes, and are sealing-machine ready with PP film. This makes them the go-to for tea chains serving both hot and cold from one cup format.
Insulated Paper: Double vs Ripple Wall
Double-wall paper cups add an air gap that keeps hands comfortable without a separate sleeve, available 8-20oz. Ripple-wall cups use an embossed outer layer for premium grip and a craft look, available 4-20oz. Both suit hot coffee; choose PE or PLA/water-based coating to match your destination market regulations.
Article FAQs
Injection PP cups handle both hot (up to ~100°C) and cold service, making them a flexible single-format choice. PET remains cold-only.
No. The double-wall construction adds an insulating air gap, so a separate cardboard sleeve is usually unnecessary.
PP gives a rigid, reusable feel and works with sealing machines; insulated paper offers a classic coffee-to-go format and eco-coating options. The best choice depends on your brand and market.