What’s the difference between PP cups and PET cups?
We often meet importers who are confused about the concepts of PP cups and PET cups, and are unclear about the specific differences between them. XiangGe manufactures a variety of PP and PET cups. In this guide, we will help you fully understand the differences between the two and help you avoid problems such as product deformation, damage during transportation, and poor sealing.
Last updated: November 2025 | Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
This article will answer your questions
- The differences between PP and PET cups in terms of raw materials
- Which material is suitable for hot drinks?
- Which material is suitable for cold drinks?
- Differences between PP and PET in terms of durability, sealing, and appearance
- Which material is more environmentally friendly and easier to recycle?
- Which cup is best for you?
What materials are PP cups and PET cups made of?
PP cups are primarily made of polypropylene, with their biggest advantages being softness and heat resistance. PET cups are primarily made of polyethylene terephthalate, with their biggest advantages being sturdiness and transparency.
PP cups are injection molded, resulting in thick walls and a sturdy rim. PET cups are thermoformed, resulting in thin walls, light weight, and transparency, allowing you to clearly see the beverage inside.
PP cups: High mold costs, long service life; PET cups: Low mold costs, fast production speed, suitable for mass production.
Material comparison table:
| Feature | PP Cup | PET Cup | What You Benefits |
| Material Type | Polypropylene (PP05) | Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET01) | Helps identify recycling codes |
| Forming Method | Injection molding | Thermoforming | Affects mold cost |
| Wall Thickness | Thick | Thin | Affects strength and transparency |
Which materials are better suited for hot drinks?
PP cups can withstand heat up to 100°C and are safe for holding hot tea and coffee. PET cups begin to deform after 60°C and are not suitable for hot drinks.
If your customers require sealed beverages (milk tea, takeout), PP cups are the preferred choice. They have good heat resistance and will not easily deform during transportation.
Recommendation: Before mass production, you need to test the overall fit of the cup, lid, and sealing film.
Hot beverage usage suggestions:
- For hot drinks such as milk tea, soy milk, and coffee, we recommend choosing PP sealing cups.
- You can also choose matte PP cups for their non-slip surface and comfortable feel.
- Please request a heat resistance deformation test report from the cup factory before placing your order.
Which materials are better suited for cold drinks?
PET cups are ideal for cold drinks—they’re crystal clear and have a sturdy texture. Therefore, smoothies, iced coffee, and sparkling drinks in many European and American countries mostly use PET cups.
If you value the presentation of your drink, PET offers the most direct visual appeal. In contrast, PP cups appear slightly milky and lack transparency.
Practical advice:
- For display-style beverages, PET cups are recommended, as the color layer of the beverage is visible to the naked eye.
- If you have a large volume of takeout orders, PP cups are recommended as they will not break.
- PET cups are best paired with PET dome lids for a good seal.
Differences between PP and PET in terms of durability and flexibility
PP cups are soft, flexible, and unbreakable; they are suitable for takeout and short-distance transportation.
PET cups have a hard exterior but are easily cracked and break easily when dropped. PET cups are suitable for in-store dining and display.
| Property | PP Cup | PET Cup | Application |
| Flexibility | High | Low | PP is better for takeout and delivery |
| Impact Resistance | Excellent | Average | PET may crack when dropped |
| Transparency | Milky | Clear | PET is ideal for displaying beverages |
Real example: A milk tea chain in Malaysia reduced its breakage rate by 90% after switching from PET to PP cups.
Are PP and PET cups environmentally friendly? Can they be recycled?
Both types of cups are 100% recyclable, but recycling systems vary by region.
PET cups have high recycling rates in Europe and America; PP cups are also recyclable, but recycling channels are fewer.
For global beverage brands, PET cups are more popular and more environmentally friendly. Click how to choose a cup that’s suits you for more information.
Environmental protection tips:
PET cups comply with EU plastic recycling regulations, while PP cups are frequently recycled in Asia.
Clearly labeling the bottom of the cup as PET01 or PP05 can enhance your brand’s environmental image.
Which cup is more suitable for you?
Milk tea, hot drinks, resealable cups → Choose PP
Iced drinks, smoothies, display drinks → Choose PET
| Comparison Item | PP Cup | PET Cup |
| Transparency | ★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Heat Resistance | ★★★★★ | ★★ |
| Flexibility | ★★★★★ | ★★ |
| Sealing Performance | ★★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Recycling Convenience | ★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mass Production Cost | Medium | Slightly Lower |
Buyer’s Tip: Before placing an order, request the PP05/PET01 material certification and sealing film compatibility test report from the supplier.
2025 market trends and buyer insights
In the Asian market, PP cups dominate and are widely used for sealing beverages.
In the European and American markets, PET cups are more popular due to their high gloss and environmental friendliness.
Industry trends in 2025:
- **rPET (recycled PET)** used for environmental certification
- Bio-based PP materials begin mass production
- Lightweight thermoforming technology reduces PET costs
- PP/PET composite cups improve sealing performance
We combine the latest technology to customize PET and PP transparent cups, helping your brand expand into new markets. Click to see more cup types from XiangGe Package.
FAQs
Q1: Can PET cups be sealed with a sealing machine?
A1: Yes, but the temperature range is narrow, and it’s easy to leak seals. PP seals are more stable.
Q2: Are PET cups safe to eat?
A2: Safety. Both PP and PET are FDA food-grade materials.
Q3: Which one is cheaper?
A3: In mass production, PET cups have a shorter production cycle and lower cost.
Q4: Can PET cups hold hot drinks?
A4: No. PET material softens above 60°C.
Q5: How can I confirm if a cup is recyclable?
A5: Check the recycling codes at the bottom: PP=5, PET=1.
Conclusion
Hot drinks and sealing → Choose PP cup
Cold drinks and display → Choose PET cup
Please confirm that the cup, lid, and sealing film match before ordering.
Procurement steps:
- Specify beverage type (hot/cold/sealed)
- Confirm resin type and recycling code
- Request heat distortion and drop test samples
- Confirm cup supplier can provide customized and export packaging solutions
About XiangGe Package
We are a professional packaging manufacturer with over 10 years of export experience. Our main products include customized PET cups, PP cups, and cardboard boxes, serving beverage brands worldwide.
We prioritize consistent quality, complete certifications, and environmentally friendly materials.
Last updated: November 2025
