
The disposable cups market includes paper, plastic, and foam/polystyrene cups that are used for a single time only. Paper cups are widely used for serving hot beverages like coffee and tea. They have low material and production cost which has fueled their demand from restaurants, cafes, takeaways and home use. Plastic and foam cups are light weight and have good heat and insulation properties making them ideal for cold beverages.
The disposable cups market is estimated to be valued at USD 16.53 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 27.01 Bn by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3% from 2024 to 2031.
**Key takeaways include:
Key Takeaways**
Key players operating in the disposable cups market are Berry Global Group, Greiner Packaging International, Dart Container, Solo Cup Company, Benders Paper Cups, F Bender, Phoenix Disposables, and James Cropper. Eco-friendly products are gaining more popularity which is driving growth of paper cups. However, plastic cups still dominate the market due to low cost and durability.
The growing Disposable Cups Market demand from foodservice outlets like quick service restaurants and cafes is a major factor boosting the market. Disposable cups are convenient to use, hygienic, and help save time for foodservice operators as they eliminate washing, drying, and storage requirements of reusable mugs and glasses.
Technological advancements like bio-degradable plastic cups, antiviral and antimicrobial paper cups, and recyclable foam cups are expanding the product offerings. Improved properties like heat resistance in paper cups are also increasing popularity of eco-friendly options.
Market Trends
Two key trends driving the market include growing preference for sustainable products and customizable digital printing technology. Consumer pressure for reducing plastic waste is propelling bio-degradable and recyclable paper cups. Digital printing allows variable information, images, and logos which is popular for branding and promotional campaigns.
Market Opportunities
One key opportunity lies in development of plant-based plastic cups made from materials like bamboo, corn starch, sugarcane etc. which can reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Secondly, manufacturers are focusing on improving insulation, heat resistance and print finish of paper cups to broaden their application in hot drinks besides cold drinks. This will further expand the market size.Impact of COVID-19 on Disposable Cups Market GrowthThe COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the growth of the disposable cups market. During the pre-COVID times, the market was growing steadily owing to rising demand from commercial sectors like food & beverage industry, healthcare industry etc. However, due to the pandemic, manufacturing and supply chain operations were disrupted globally. Strict lockdowns imposed worldwide led to complete shutdown of restaurants, cafes, offices which are major end-users of disposable cups. This drastically reduced the demand for disposable cups in 2020.
As the economies are slowly opening up, the demand is reviving gradually. However, uptake is still lower than the pre-COVID levels as social distancing norms are being followed. Many companies continue work-from-home which has further slowed down consumption. To bounce back, manufacturers will need to strengthen their supply chains and focus on hygienic product ranges. Also, they should promote touchless cups designed for easier dispensing without direct contact. This will boost sales in the hospitality sector. The market is anticipated to reach pre-pandemic growth levels by late 2022 or 2023 depending upon the pace of economic recovery.
North America Dominates Disposable Cups Market in Terms of ValueNorth America accounts for the largest share of the global disposable cups market in terms of value. This is majorly attributed to high consumption levels across food service outlets, cafes and restaurants in countries like the US and Canada. Availability of diverse range of disposable cups along with rising demand for on-the-go food & beverages also support market growth. In addition, presence of leading manufacturers in the region propels market revenues.
Asia Pacific is Fastest Growing Region for Disposable Cups MarketAsia Pacific region is poised to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. This can be accredited to factors such as growing population, rising disposable incomes, expansion of QSR chains and increasing urbanization in countries like China, India and other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Also, improving living standards are raising the demand for disposable cups from commercial as well as residential segments. Furthermore, the region serves as a lucrative manufacturing hub due to availability of raw materials and labor. All these factors will fuel the APAC disposable cups market.
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Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)