Disposable Paper Cups Market Size, Share, and Analysis, By Wall Type (Single-Wall, Double-Wall, and Others), By Application (Tea & Coffee, Chilled Food & Beverages, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Food Service Outlets and Food Retail [Supermarket/Hypermarket, Online, Grocery Stores, and Others]), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

A disposable cup is a type of disposable tableware usually enclosed with plastic or wax to prevent liquid from leaking and soaking through the cup. These cups are available in a variety of material options, including paper, plastic, and foam. They are manufactured using renewable resources and follow a very simplified process employing food-grade raw materials. Furthermore, disposable paper cups are non-toxic and ideal for servings at various occasions/events such as parties, functions, marriages, and other events. Disposable paper cups are gaining widespread popularity as they reduce exposure to food-borne diseases. Additionally, the shapes and designs on these paper cups are usually attractive and positively influence consumers' buying decisions. Manufacturers can customize disposable cups as per their preference to attract shoppers’ attention and increase their brand awareness.

Disposable paper cups degrade instantly without causing harm to the environment and recycle into new paper. On the contrary, disposable plastic cups take years to decompose and cause significant environmental damage. Even the burning of paper cups does not cause as much air pollution as compared to plastic cups. Upon burning, plastic emits toxic gases, unlike paper, which is made using water and tree pulp. Disposable paper cups are adequately safe and hygienic to use, as they are used for one-time use and thus reduce the risk of contamination. The ban on plastic in several countries is contributing significantly to market growth.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Global Disposable Paper Cups Market

In 2020, several governments imposed lockdowns across countries to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, which started in 2019. During the lockdown months, paper products were viewed as essential by consumers across countries due to the higher demand for hygienic products as many consumers stockpiled numerous paper goods such as toilet paper and disposable utensils in preparedness for quarantine. Generally, the paper industry relies on a constant supply of recycled waste papers. Following the COVID-19 outbreak, the collection of recyclable materials stopped due to rising material costs. Rising demand for paper products, most notably in Asia, is one of the major factors increasing raw material costs. China has resumed its industrial production and is gradually recovering from the COVID-19 outbreak. In this regard, the demand for raw materials is rising significantly in China, which can cause raw material shortages worldwide in the near term.

Key Insights

The report will cover the following key insights:

• Overall analysis of the global disposable paper cups market


• Factors that will assist the global disposable paper cups market growth in the coming years


• Comprehensive information on the factors that will affect the growth of disposable paper cups vendors


• Impact of COVID-19 on the global disposable paper cups market


• Recent trends & development of the global disposable paper cups and cutlery industry.


• Comprehensive analysis of the global disposable paper cups market segments based on wall type, application, distribution channel, and region.

Analysis by Wall Type

The single-wall segment holds the largest global disposable paper cups market share. Single-wall cups are the most commonly used cups for tea or coffee as they feature high-quality food-grade paper. They are more economically viable than double-wall cups and are easily available at offline stores, thereby increasing the product demand for single-wall paper cups. Furthermore, the manufacturing of single-wall cups consumes less energy and paper. The lower weight and more compact carton size of a single-wall cup reduce transport-related emissions.

Analysis by Application

The tea & coffee segment accounts for the largest market share. Tea consumption has increased rapidly, primarily due to the traditional importance of tea in emerging countries, including China and India. Furthermore, numerous health benefits associated with tea, including antioxidant effects and low caffeine content are the major factors favoring the market growth. According to the Tea & Coffee Trade Journal, global tea production increased at 4.7% to 5.89 million tonnes in 2018, driven by China’s massively expanded tea output, which nearly doubled since 2009, reaching 2.61 million tonnes (approximately 44% of the global tea market). The consumption of tea & coffee is anticipated to gain traction in the coming years backed by increasing consumer demand, most notably in Asia Pacific, particularly among those with higher incomes. Additionally, the introduction of new products and flavorings such as premium tea and herbal tea is expected to increase consumer interest in tea.

Analysis by Distribution Channel

The food retail segment holds the largest market share. Food retail includes a wide range of products and helps customers to choose products based on their preferred brand. Food retail channels usually offer products to customers at a lower price than foodservice outlets. Furthermore, the closure of cafés, restaurants, food courts, and lounges amid the COVID-19 pandemic has encouraged consumers to purchase products from food retail channels, which, in turn, is increasing the growth of food retail channels worldwide.

Regional Analysis

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Asia Pacific holds the largest share in the market. Rapid urbanization and increased consumption of tea & coffee are increasing the demand for disposable paper cups. According to the Tea Board, an Indian state agency, India consumed 89.24% of its tea manufactured in FY21. India’s tea consumption increased 2% to 1,145 million kg (mkg), compared with 1,116 mkg in FY20. Rising consumers’ awareness regarding hygiene and sanitation is the most significant factor contributing to the demand for disposable cups. Moreover, the Indian government formulated the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021 intended to restrict the use of numerous single-use plastic products and reduce plastic pollution in the country. The amendment will be implemented from July 2022 and is likely to favor market expansion in the foreseeable future.

Key Players Covered

The report includes key players such as Huhtamaku, Dart Container Corporation, Reynolds Consumer Products, Graphic Packaging International, LLC, Seda Group, Inc, Eco-products, Inc., Origami, Stanpac Inc., YesPac, and Lollicup USA Inc.

Segmentation

Key Industry Developments

• May 2021: HS Manufacturing Group (HSMG), a U.S.-based company specializing in plant-based barrier coatings formulations, introduced Protēan CupKOTE, a paper cup barrier material designed to replace the plastic linings used in paper cups. The product is available for licensing to manufacturers, converters, and brand owners outside the U.S.


• August 2021: Chobani, a U.S.-based food company specializing in strained yogurt, announced the launch of paper cups as an alternative to plastic cups for its yogurt products to reduce plastic usage. The paper cup features 80% paperboard, which is 100% organic and renewable.