Disposable cups are everywhere around us. Most people associate them with coffee but they can be used for various other beverages. Cafes are the main buyers of disposable cups wholesale. They are a convenient option for to-go orders and deliveries of fresh coffee and breakfast. In recent years, many cafes have switched to more sustainable coffee shop supplies. That includes goods like biodegradable tableware or cup return programs. Nevertheless, sales of disposable cups wholesale are still on the rise fueled by the growing demand for caffeine products and other beverages. In this post, we’ll share more about the different types of single-use cups and what businesses purchase disposable cups wholesale. We’ll also shed some light on the trends and innovations among single-use cup manufacturers and buyers. Make sure to also check our posts on wholesale reusable coffee cups and wholesale barista supplies.
Key takeaway: Although one of the main restaurant industry trends is to limit single-use cups, they still play an important role in cafes, fast-food chains, and other businesses. Disposable cups are primarily used for cold beverages or espresso drinks.
Types of Disposable Cups
Single-use cups can be divided into various categories based on their application, material, and size. Let’s examine the main cup categories sold by coffee shop supply stores and distributors of restaurant supplies.
- Paper cups. Single-wall and double-wall paper cups are the most common varieties. The former is a more affordable option but the drinker often requires a cup sleeve for heat protection. Paper cups often have plastic lining or another type of coating. Its role is to prevent leakage.
- Plastic cups. Buyers of disposable cups wholesale often choose plastic ones. They are used primarily for cold beverages as hot ones might melt them. Unlike plastic-coated paper cups, purely plastic ones are recyclable and can be considered a more sustainable alternative. Keep in mind that not all plastics are recyclable. In recent years, bioplastic (a plant-based material with similar characteristics) has become popular. They are biodegradable but not recyclable.
- Compostable cups. Similar to the aforementioned bioplastic cups, these varieties are made of different organic materials. Bamboo, bagasse, and cornstarch are the most popular ones. Using such cups shows a company’s commitment to eco-friendly policies.
- Specialty single-use cups. Although coffee shops are the main buyers of disposable cups wholesale, these products can be used for various other beverages. Examples of specialty single-use cups include deli containers, soup cups, and wine cups. Disposable shot cups are also common. They are used for sampling and tasting drinks.
What Businesses Buy Disposable Cups Wholesale
Various businesses purchase disposable cups wholesale. However, there are few niche markets that make up the majority of the market share for these products.
- Food and beverage serving businesses. This category includes restaurants, fast-food chains, bars, and various types of cafes. Mobile food vendors such as food trucks or juice bars also buy large quantities of single-use cups at wholesale prices.
- Catering businesses. Caterers need disposable cups for the majority of events they organize.
- Hotels. From small city hotels to luxury resorts and cruise ships, they need single-use paper or plastic cups for various applications.
- Entertainment businesses. Stadiums, cinemas, and other entertainment venues also serve beverages in plastic or paper cups.
- Institutions. Schools and public institutions need single-use cups primarily for their cafeterias. On the other hand, hospitals and nursing homes might require specialty products such as easy-to-hold sleeves or medication cups.
- Office buildings. Many offices purchase disposable cups wholesale. They are needed in break rooms or waiting rooms.
Where to Buy Disposable Cups Wholesale
Most companies order bulk cups from distributors of restaurant supplies. Some of these wholesalers also operate physical stores where customers can inspect different cup types and sizes. Some manufacturers and distribution companies specialize in wholesale sales to coffee shops. These businesses usually offer various other products such as coffee equipment, bulk coffee beans, and accessories used by baristas.
An alternative to purchasing from coffee and restaurant supplies wholesalers is to partner with broadline distributors. These companies offer a wide range of goods, from wholesale pastries for coffee shops to popular plant-based milk varieties. Broadliners are a preferred option for large businesses or chains. They’s because they have multiple distribution centers and can offer various technological integrations. The disadvantage of working with broadline suppliers is that they often have high MOQ (minimum order quantity).
Trends in Disposable Cups
Just like with other sectors of the economy, the increased focus on sustainability is one of the biggest trends among manufacturers and buyers of disposable cups. Various innovations are being introduced in an effort to make single-use cups more eco-friendly. That includes compostable cups, solutions for reusable cup programs, water-based coatings, and new biodegradable materials. When opening а coffee shop, sustainability is often part of the branding. A growing number of cafes also purchase bulk products like fair-trade specialty coffee or eco-friendly packaging from sustainable suppliers. Here are some examples of other trends in the single-use cups sector.
- Increased regulations and government bans in different countries across the world;
- More focus on branding and customization;
- Smart packaging that makes disposable cups interactive;
- More research and development in new materials such as edible cups;
- Growing demand for disposable cups due to the growing coffee shop sector.
Frequently Asked Questions about Disposable Cups Wholesale
Whether you wish to know how to increase cafe sales or you’re interested in seasonal coffee drinks, there are multiple great resources on our website. Check out the answers to commonly asked questions about single-use cups.
Are Disposable Cups Recyclable?
Most types of single-use cups are considered non-recyclable. That’s because paper cups usually have a thin polyethylene layer that prevents leaks. This means that standard paper-recycling facilities can’t easily recycle those cups. Nevertheless, there are specialized cup-recycling technologies that make it possible to recycle paper cups. Furthermore, some manufacturers have started using alternative lining options in order to make paper cups more easily recyclable. Plastic cups (primarily used for soda or cold coffee beverages) are widely recyclable. However, polystyrene (foam) cups are non-recyclable.
What Are the Alternatives to Disposable Cups?
Reusable cups are the main alternative to disposable ones. A growing number of cafes have introduced coffee shop reusable cup programs. Tumblers and ceramic cups for in-store consumption are also a great way to make your business more eco-friendly. In recent years, many businesses have switched to biodegradable cups. They are made from materials like cornstarch or bamboo. These products break down naturally in the environment and leave no microplastics behind. Innovations such as plantable cups with seeds inside them are also used to show the eco-friendliness of a business.
What Are Disposable Cups Made Of?
Paper (or cardboard) is the most common material used to make single-use cups. Distributors of disposable cups wholesale offer paper cups in various sizes. Different types of plastics are also used to make single-use cups. Polystyrene, PET (polyethylene), and polypropylene (PP) are the most common plastics used to manufacture disposable cups wholesale. Their affordable price makes them a preferred option for many business owners. However, the growing trends of regulations and restrictions for plastic goods mean that companies should consider more sustainable alternatives.
BlueCart: The Marketplace to Buy Disposable Cups Wholesale
Thousands of businesses use BlueCart’s marketplace to order bulk coffee cups and products used by the hospitality and restaurant industry. Thanks to our wholesale ordering software, buyers can compare prices and easily find suppliers in various categories. Distributors also have many benefits when signing up for BlueCart. From easily creating eCommerce product catalogs to automating various tasks, our platform is the all-in-one solution for wholesale. Schedule a demo and see how BlueCart can help your B2B sales.