Types of Cupstock Paper/Board

Introduction

Are you familiar with cupstock paper? As the name suggests, it is used to manufacture paper cups. However, do you know the different types of cupstock paper available? If not, don’t worry. In this article, I will introduce you to the various types of cupstock paper and explain their unique characteristics. If you’re interested, keep reading!

What is Cupstock Paper

Before delving into the types of cupstock paper, let’s briefly discuss what it is. Cupstock base paper, also known as PE-coated base paper, is a specialized material used for making disposable paper cups. It is typically crafted from selected wood pulp fibers or other plant fibers through processes such as pulping, refining, and papermaking. This base paper usually possesses high strength and certain waterproof properties, enabling it to meet the basic requirements for temperature resistance and liquid barrier when holding hot beverages.

Types of Cupstock Paper/Board at Golden Paper

So, what are the types of cupstock paper? Based on coating and lamination processes, cupstock paper can be categorized into uncoated base paper, lightly coated base paper, single PE-coated cupstock board, and double PE-coated cupstock board.

Uncoated Cupstock Base Paper

The initial product is the uncoated cupstock base paper, which has not undergone any processing. It can be divided into bleached white cupstock paper and unbleached kraft cupstock paper. Although uncoated base paper cannot be used directly, it already has a certain stiffness and water resistance, allowing it to temporarily block liquids.

Light Coating Cupstock Base Paper

Sometimes, cupstock base paper undergoes light coating. This is because the end user may want to print patterns and text on the cup’s exterior. Lightly coated cupstock paper offers better printability, making the paper cups more attractive and suitable for promotional purposes.

Single PE Coated Cupstock Board

Cupstock paper with a polyethylene coating on one side is known as single PE-coated cupstock paper. While the base paper can temporarily block liquids, it is not sufficient for practical use. Therefore, the side in contact with the liquid is laminated with a polyethylene film. This film safely prevents water from penetrating the paper, thus avoiding cup damage.

Double PE Coated Cupstock Board

If your paper cups are intended for holding room temperature or hot water, single PE-coated cupstock paper is adequate. However, for ice cream or cold beverages, double PE-coated cupstock paper is necessary. Cold beverages and ice cream can cause condensation on the cup’s exterior. Without an outer coating, these droplets can seep into the paper, leading to cup damage. Hence, both sides need to be laminated.

Conclusion

Now you know the different types of cupstock paper and their characteristics. This knowledge will help you choose the right type of cupstock paper based on your needs. If you have any paper procurement requirements, feel free to contact Golden Paper. We not only supply cupstock paper but also produce various office papers, packaging papers, printing papers, food-grade packaging papers, and sanitary papers. We look forward to your inquiries!