The Global Paper Cups Market size is expected to reach $13.8 billion by 2030, rising at a market growth of 3.8% CAGR during the forecast period. In the year 2022, the market attained a volume of 1350.6 million units experiencing a growth of 4.0% (2019-2022).
The growing trend of on-the-go consumption, particularly in busy urban areas, fueled the demand for these cups in the Asia-Pacific region. Thus, the region would account for nearly 33% of the total market share by 2030. The convenience offered by paper cups aligns with the fast-paced lifestyles of consumers who prefer takeaway and delivery services. The region witnessed a significant expansion of the food service sector, including quick-service restaurants, cafes, and street food vendors. These establishments rely heavily on these cups for serving beverages and takeaways, driving the demand in the market. Some of the factors affecting the market are rising demand for eco-friendly and recycled paper-based disposable cups, growing coffee and tea consumption and availability of substitute products.
Increased awareness of environmental issues, including plastic pollution and climate change, has led to a greater emphasis on sustainability. Many consumers and businesses are looking for alternatives to traditional plastic cups. Paper-based cups can be recycled more easily than plastic cups. Also, some cups are made from recycled materials, contributing to waste reduction and resource conservation. Additionally, the global coffee culture has been expanding, with more people worldwide enjoying coffee as a daily beverage. Coffee shops, cafes, and specialty coffee businesses have increased, increasing demand for disposable cups. Coffee and tea are staples on the menus of quick-service restaurants (QSRs), and these establishments use these cups for efficient customer service. These cups serve coffee and tea at events, conferences, and catering services. The growing consumption of coffee and tea is expected to continue driving the demand for the market.
However, both single-use and reusable plastic cups are a common substitute for these cups. They are lightweight, durable, and affordable. Glass cups and mugs are often used as alternatives to paper cups, especially in more formal or sit-down settings. They are reusable, durable, and don’t contribute to plastic waste. Ceramic cups are common for serving coffee and tea in shops, cafes, and at home. They are favored for their aesthetic appeal and the taste they impart to beverages. In some situations, people may choose to forget using cups altogether. Thus, the availability of substitute products can challenge the market.
End-User Outlook
By end user, the market is classified into households, quick service restaurants (QSR), and others. The households segment recorded a remarkable revenue share in the market in 2022. Paper cups are often used for parties and gatherings, as they simplify cleanup and reduce the need for washing dishes. They are available in various colors and designs, making them suitable for different themes and occasions. These cups can be used in arts and crafts projects, such as making puppets, masks, or small containers for paint, glue, or other materials. They are also used for creating DIY decorations. Growing party & festival celebration trends and evolving at-home food catering services will likely support the consumption of disposable tables among households and drive household segmental growth.
Type Outlook
On the basis of type, the market is segmented into hot paper cups and cold paper cups. The hot paper cups market acquired a substantial revenue share in the market in 2022. Hot paper cups are most commonly associated with serving coffee, whether it’s regular coffee, espresso, cappuccino, or any other coffee-based beverage. Hot paper cups are often insulated to protect the user’s hands from the high temperature of the beverage. Hot paper cups can be customized with branding, logos, or decorative designs to promote businesses or add a personal touch to special events. They offer a convenient, hygienic, and eco-friendly solution for serving hot beverages while reducing the environmental impact of single-use plastic or foam cups.
Wall Type
Based on wall type, the market is fragmented into single wall and multiple wall. The multiple wall cups segment garnered a significant revenue share in the market in 2022. Multiple wall paper cups are designed with an additional layer of paper, which provides superior insulation. This extra layer helps keep hot beverages hot for extended periods and keeps the cup’s outer surface cool to the contact, lowering the risk of burns. This feature is essential for customers who prefer to consume their drinks immediately without waiting for them to cool down. The multiple wall construction provides additional strength and durability to the cup, making it less prone to deformation and leakage, primarily when used for hot beverages.
Regional Outlook
Region-wise, the market is analysed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and LAMEA. In 2022, the North America region witnessed the largest revenue share in the market. Due to favorable government policies regarding the increasing plastic waste in landfills. For example, the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) launched a Canada-wide strategy on zero plastic waste, and the government successfully released its first phase of the zero plastic waste implementation plans (CCME, 2019). Hence, the region may continue to contribute to implementing sustainable solutions along the way, thus boosting the regional market growth.
The market research report covers the analysis of key stake holders of the market. Key companies profiled in the report include Graphic Packaging Holding Company, Dart Container Corporation, Huhtamaki Oyj, Genpak LLC, Bender, Inc., Georgia-Pacific LLC (Koch Industries, Inc.), Printed Cup Company, Pactiv Evergeen Inc., Konie Cups International, Inc. and Hotpack Packaging Industries LLC
Scope of the Study
Market Segments covered in the Report:
By End-User (Volume, Million Units, USD Billion/Million, 2019 to 2030)

  • Quick Service Restaurants (QSR)
  • Households
  • Others


By Type (Volume, Million Units, USD Billion/Million, 2019 to 2030)

  • Cold Paper Cups
  • Hot Paper Cups


By Wall Type (Volume, Million Units, USD Billion/Million, 2019 to 2030)

  • Single Wall
  • Multiple Wall


By Geography (Volume, Million Units, USD Billion/Million, 2019 to 2030)

  • North America


o US
o Canada
o Mexico
o Rest of North America

  • Europe


o Germany
o UK
o France
o Russia
o Spain
o Italy
o Rest of Europe

  • Asia Pacific


o China
o Japan
o India
o South Korea
o Singapore
o Malaysia
o Rest of Asia Pacific

  • LAMEA


o Brazil
o Argentina
o UAE
o Saudi Arabia
o South Africa
o Nigeria
o Rest of LAMEA
Companies Profiled

  • Graphic Packaging Holding Company
  • Dart Container Corporation
  • Huhtamaki Oyj
  • Genpak LLC
  • Bender, Inc.
  • Georgia-Pacific LLC (Koch Industries, Inc.)
  • Printed Cup Company
  • Pactiv Evergeen Inc.
  • Konie Cups International, Inc.
  • Hotpack Packaging Industries LLC


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