Do you know what a paper cup with a handle is? Is the handle truly necessary? Is it wise for your coffee business to use these particular paper cups? Before making a decision, have a closer look at these cups on our blog today!
General Informations of Paper Cup with Handle
What is Paper Cup with Handle?
A paper cup with a handle is a disposable cup made of paper that has a handle. Paper cups with handles are widely used for hot beverages like coffee and tea because the handle protects the user's hands from the heat. They are also sometimes used for cold beverages such as sodas and juices.
Common shapes of handles
When it comes to shape of handles of paper cups, here are the regular shapes:
- C shape: a simple, curved handle
- U shape: a slightly wide variation of the C shape
- Loop shape: a closed loop of paper, idea for smaller cups.
- Double loop shape: a variation of the loop shape.
Why Paper Cup need Handle?
Paper cups with handles serve a number of key functions:
- Safety and Comfort: The main purpose of paper cup handles is to shield users' hands from the heat of hot liquids. Holding a hot cup without a handle could result in burns or pain. The handle serves as a barrier, preventing direct contact with the cup's heated surface.
- Economics and Use: Handles improve the comfort and ease of cup holding, particularly for large or bulky drinks. Better control and stability are provided by a suitable grip, which lowers the possibility of spills or unintentional drops.
- Appearance and Marketing: A paper cup's handles can enhance its overall aesthetic appeal by adding a touch of refinement and style. Moreover, they can be used for branding and marketing, with handles printed with unique patterns or logos.
- Versatility and functionality: Handles allow paper cups to be used for more than just hot beverages. In addition, they offer an appealing feel and stop condensation from running down the edges of cold liquids. Furthermore, handles make cups more stable when they are set down, which lowers the risk that they will topple over.
- Ease of Use and Recycling: Handles make paper cups more user-friendly, especially for people with impairments or limited hand dexterity. By offering a specific spot to hold the cup without coming into contact with the main body, which might pollute the recycling stream, they also simplify the recycling process.
Is Paper Cup with Handle Popular?
For both home and business use, paper cups with handles are a common option. Compared to cups without handles, they have various advantages and are more cost-effective and practical. Here are some facts that show how popular paper cups with handles are:
- Paper cups with handles are also widely used in Europe, where they are expected to have a market share of over 60%.
- In the United States, paper cups with handles are estimated to account for over 70% of all paper cups sold.
What are Paper Cups with Handle Made of?
Like the other paper cups, paper cups with handles are made from paper board. Paperboard, a type of heavy-duty paper created from numerous layers of paper fibers, is the primary material used to make paper cups. The paperboard gives the cup stability, strength, and stiffness, allowing it to retain both hot and cold liquids. Paperboard is used in several grades; single-ply paperboard is thinner and less robust than double- or triple-ply paperboard.
A paper cup's handle is often composed of the same material as the cup itself, which is a paperboard. There are several ways to join the handle to the cup: adhesive, heat sealing, or crimping. To support the weight of the cup and its contents, the handle needs to be both easy to grip and robust and long-lasting.
Paper cups are coated or lined with a waterproof substance to stop leaks and protect the paper from absorbing liquids. Many materials, such as the following, can be used to create this coating or lining:
- Polyethylene (PE): Because of its affordability, excellent water resistance, and heat tolerance, PE is a popular material to line paper cups.
- Polypropylene (PP): PP is an additional popular lining material that has superior heat resistance while still having qualities similar to PE. It is frequently utilized for cups meant to hold hot liquids.
- Bioplastic: An environmentally responsible substitute for conventional plastic linings, bioplastic linings are created from renewable plant-based ingredients.
- Wax: Single-wall paper cups usually have wax linings installed, which offer a quick and low-cost means of stopping leaks.
Common sizes of paper cup with handle
Here is the table showing common sizes of paper cups with handle and their uses:
Size |
Volume (ml) |
Common use |
4 oz |
120 |
Espresso shots, small cappuccinos |
8 oz |
240 |
Coffee, tea |
12 oz |
355 |
Large coffees, teas, hot chocolate |
16 oz |
473 |
Iced coffees, sodas |
20 oz |
591 |
Venti-sized coffees at Starbucks |
How Are Paper Cups with Handle Different from the Regular Paper Cups?
There are several ways in which paper cups with handles differ from ordinary paper cups:
- Handles: Paper cups with handles are easier to hold and drink from because the handle is fixed to the side of the cup. This helps to keep the user's hand from burning when drinking hot beverages.
- Size: Compared to ordinary paper cups, paper cups with handles are usually smaller. This is a result of the handle covering a portion of the cup's interior. But there are also some large paper cups available that have handles.
- Price: Compared to ordinary paper cups, paper cups with handles are usually more costly. This is a result of their increased manufacturing difficulty.
- Use: Hot beverages including coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are frequently served in paper cups with handles. They can be utilized for cold beverages like iced tea and soda. You can use regular paper cups for both hot and cold beverages.
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between paper cups with handles and regular paper cups:
Feature |
Paper cups with handles |
Regular paper cups |
Handles |
Yes |
No |
Size |
Typically smaller |
Typically larger |
Cost |
More expensive |
Less expensive |
Use |
Often used for hot drinks |
Can be used for both hot and cold drinks |
Where to Buy Paper Cup with Handle in Canada?
In Canada, a wide range of retailers carry paper cups with handles, such as online retailers, grocery stores, convenience stores, party supply shops, and eatery supply stores. For example: Amazon, Walmart, Uline, Loblaws, …
Eco-friendly Cups Alternative to Paper Cup with Handle When Using with Hot Drinks
Paper cups with handles come in many different forms and are a great option for a variety of beverages. However, there is a great deal of different disposable paper cup alternatives available that can still guarantee performance, security, and compatibility for hot beverages.
Here are some ideas from Kimecopak:
- Single-wall Paper Cups: These cups come in a variety of sizes that are appropriate for a wide range of beverages and are composed of sturdy, one-layer paper board. This is a cost-effective option for convenience stores and coffee coffee shops. Using extra sleeves is another option to improve the client experience.
- Double-walled paper cups: These strong cups are composed of two layers of paper, which ensures customer safety and prevents hand burns. This kind of cup is eco-friendly and has a lovely kraft color. There are numerous solutions available to meet the requirements of your business.
FAQs of Paper Cup with Handle
Is Paper Cup with handle Durable?
The durability of a paper cup with a handle depends on several factors, including the quality of the paperboard, the thickness of the lining, and the method of manufacturing. However, in general, paper cups with handles are considered to be more durable than regular paper cups.
Can I microwave paper cups with handles?
No, paper cups with handles are not microwave safe. The heat from the microwave can cause the cup to melt or deform. If you need to heat a beverage in a paper cup, use a microwave-safe mug or cup instead.
Are paper cups with handles recyclable?
Some paper cups with handles are recyclable, but not all. The recyclability of a paper cup depends on the materials used to make it. Check with your local recycling program to see if they accept paper cups with handles.