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The trend of using paper cups is gradually replacing the disadvantages of cups made of traditional materials such as plastic cups, glass cups, ceramic cups, porcelain cups, etc.

Paper cups can be easily carried anywhere from the office, classroom, bus stations, hospitals or construction sites, etc. without worrying about breakage, spillage or dust getting in.

Paper cups are a widely used disposable packaging in the F&B industry, for coffee, milk tea, soft drinks, soups, etc. In Ho Chi Minh City, many types of paper cups are available: classified by size (small, medium, large), by finish (plain white or brown kraft), and by use (hot drinks vs. cold drinks).

• Small cups (around 3–7oz) are often used for on-site servings or sample purposes.
• Medium sizes (8–12oz) for take-away drinks.
• Large sizes (16–22oz) for smoothies, bubble tea, juices, ice cream, etc. Cups may include plastic or paper lids, and are easily printable with logos or designs.

1. Industry trends

If plastic cups and glass cups only have one function, which is to serve food and drinks, paper cups have more value. In particular, brand promotion is the value that helps paper to be preferred.

Paper cups allow customers to request any symbolic image with a message that has its own meaning so that everyone who uses it will know and remember it every time they see that image anywhere else. This small PR career is actually quite a subtle substance and has brought many benefits to some big brands that are beneficial to the world today.

The paper cup industry in Vietnam is growing rapidly. According to VIEPA, domestic consumption of paper cups reached about 4.2 billion units in 2022, with an annual growth rate of 20–25%. This trend is expected to continue through 2025, driven by increasing demand and supportive government policies for eco-friendly packaging.

A strong “green” consumption trend means consumers prefer recyclable or biodegradable alternatives to plastic.

Consequently, disposable paper cups (as plastic cup substitutes) are increasingly popular in cafes, restaurants, and events. Moreover, many brands use cups as mobile advertising – printing logos and designs on cups to boost brand visibility and appeal.

2. Product specifications and character

Paper cups are made of pure food-grade paperboard (PO) – usually unbleached pulp paper safe for food. The board is typically thick (around 250–300gsm) to give the cup rigidity. Cups are coated inside (and sometimes outside) with moisture barriers: either polyethylene (PE) or bio-based polylactic acid (PLA) film.

Hot drink cups often have one PE coating; cold drink cups or larger cups have two coatings to prevent leaking and maintain strength. For example, a 12oz (360ml) kraft cup might use 280gsm board with ~18g/m² PE coating and weighs about 15–19g. Double-wall cups trap air between layers for insulation, acting like a thermos layer to keep drinks hot.

Reputable manufacturers typically use 100% pure PO paperboard for safety.

3. Raw materials

The main raw material for paper cups is food-grade paperboard (PO) made from natural wood pulp or sugarcane bagasse, processed without bleaching chemicals. This paper is off-white and meets food safety standards. It is then laminated with a thin layer of PE (polyethylene) or PLA (a corn-based bioplastic) for water resistance. PLA liners are increasingly used to replace conventional PE, improving biodegradability. Other components include safe adhesive for bonding seams, and eco-friendly inks (e.g. soy-based) for printing. Cup lids (if any) are usually made of PP or PE plastic, or paperboard in some designs.

4. Sizes

Common paper cup sizes are measured in ounces (1 oz ≈ 30 ml). Hot-drink cups are usually around 3–12oz (90–360 ml).

• 7oz (210ml) cup has about 85×75×48 mm dimensions.
• 12oz (360ml) cup is ~109×90×60 mm.
• 16oz (500ml) ~127×90×60 mm.
• 22oz (680ml) ~165×90×60 mm.

Cold-drink cups are larger, typically 12–24oz; 16oz (500ml) and 22oz (680ml) are especially common. For example, 16oz cups hold ~500ml and 22oz hold ~680ml. In practice, small cups (≈3–4oz) are often used for samples, medium cups (7–12oz) for take-away coffee, and large cups (16–22oz) for bubble tea, smoothies, or juices.

5. Processing

The process of processing paper cups and cups includes the following main steps: selecting raw materials, coating with waterproof film (PE or PLA), printing designs or logos, cutting paper to size, shaping the cup, checking the quality and finally packaging the product. The purpose is to create paper cups that are sturdy, waterproof and safe to use with hot and cold drinks.

Main steps in the process:

• Selecting raw materials: Choose the right type of cupstock paper, ensuring the quality and safety of the product.
• Coating with waterproof film: The paper is coated with one or more layers of Polyethylene (PE) or PLA film to create stiffness, waterproofness and insulation, preventing drinks from seeping out.
• Printing: Using offset and flexo printing technology to print brand logos and patterns on the paper surface in a sharp, colorfast manner.
• Cutting: After printing, the paper is cut into molds of suitable sizes for each type of cup.
• Forming: The cut paper sheets are automatically pressed and bent into the shape of the cup by machines.
• Quality control: Paper cups are inspected to ensure they meet standards for tightness, durability and food safety.
• Classification and packaging: Quality cups are carefully classified and packaged for storage and transportation.

6. Manufacturing/printing methods

Modern paper cup factories typically use flexographic printing (or similar high-speed methods) to apply multi-color designs onto the coated paper roll, before cutting and forming the cups.

Screen Printing Method

• Process: The design is printed directly onto the paper cup using a silk screen.
• Advantages: Suitable for small quantities and for bright, standout colors.
• Disadvantages: More expensive compared to other printing methods.

Offset Printing Method

• Process: The design is first printed onto a film, then transferred to a rubber plate, and finally printed onto the paper cup.
• Advantages: Lower cost compared to screen printing.
• Disadvantages: Colors are less vivid than screen printing and may fade if low-quality ink is used.

Flexo Printing Method

• Process: The design is printed onto a flexo plate and then directly printed onto the paper cup.
• Advantages: Produces sharp, durable images, suitable for large quantities.
• Disadvantages: Higher cost compared to other methods.

Using offset and flexo printing technology to print brand logos and patterns on the paper surface in a sharp, colorfast manner. Basic or plain cups often use simpler screen-printing or basic offset methods.

Throughout, manufacturers follow food-safety standards (e.g. ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, HACCP) for materials and inks.

7. Production lead time

Lead time depends on order size and design complexity. Each paper cup order typically takes about 15–20 working days to complete – from finalizing the design, printing, to packing and shipping. This can be longer for complex designs or very large batches. Local producers in Ho Chi Minh City usually coordinate schedules with clients in advance, especially for custom printed cups since artwork setup and printing plates are needed.

8. Price and MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)

Prices vary widely based on size, material, coating layers, printing, and order quantity. For example, one supplier lists a plain 12oz white cup at about 541 VND each (ex. VAT) – the actual price can be lower for bulk orders. A 12oz kraft cup (≈15g) has a similar ballpark price.

Custom-printed cups have higher MOQ: many factories require at least a few thousand units for logo printing.

Some printers advertise that they can start printing from as low as 1,000 cups for a one-color logo print. In general, more colors or added lids increase the MOQ and per-unit cost.

9. How to choose suitable options

Hot paper cups / Cold paper cups

To choose the right cup, consider the drink type (hot vs. cold), usage context, and brand image.

For hot beverages, use well-insulated cups (double-wall or air-gap design) to keep drinks warm and protect the hand. For cold drinks, cups coated on both sides will prevent leaks and condensation. Pick a size matching typical serving volume: small (4–7oz) for samples or quick uses, medium (8–12oz) for coffee, and large (16–22oz) for bubble tea, smoothies, etc..

If branding is important, choose cups suitable for clear logo printing; otherwise plain white or kraft options are fine. Kraft cups give a rustic, eco-friendly look, while white cups (or colored) make logos stand out.

Also ensure the supplier uses 100% PO board for food safety and has proper quality certificates. Ultimately, the cup choice depends on your specific needs and budget.

10. Design trends

Current design trends for paper cups lean toward clean, minimalist yet striking styles. The classic look is a plain white cup with a bold logo front-and-center, giving a refined, universal appeal (as seen in Starbucks or Phúc Long cups).

Minimalist designs are in vogue: cups with only simple graphics or 1–2 muted color tones, often targeting young urban consumers. At the same time, many brands favor more playful or artsy prints – adding slogans, quotes, or quirky illustrations to catch the eye.

Seasonal or campaign-driven “cup art” is also popular: for instance, brands like Starbucks release special holiday cups (e.g. Christmas red with snowflakes, Lunar New Year cherry blossoms) to enhance customer engagement.

In summary, trendy paper cup designs combine modern minimalism with distinctive brand or thematic elements.

11. Where to buy paper cups?

With the increasing demand of consumers, there are now many large and small paper cup suppliers for customers to choose from. However, not all units provide quality products. Therefore, you need to be a smart consumer. Find yourself an address that sells high quality paper cups:

• You should prioritize choosing a place to buy paper cups that both have ready-made products and can also order custom designs.
• Prioritize choosing a manufacturer with a clear brand. Attractive promotion policy when customers order in large quantities.
• Choose a unit with a commitment to product quality.

12. Summary

Paper cups and pulp in Ho Chi Minh City have many types and diverse applications. Consumer demand is increasing thanks to the trend of environmental protection and graphic text. Buyers need to consider the type of enzyme (hot/cold), size, material and design requirements to choose the most suitable solution, while suppliers focus on improving quality, meeting printing requirements and optimizing product manufacturing processes. Paper cups in Ho Chi Minh City are not only essential consumer products but also a powerful marketing tool for F&B businesses.