Paper Cups Market Size – By Type, By Wall Type, By Capacity, and By End-use – Global Forecast, 2025 – 2034

Paper Cups Market Share

The global paper cups market was valued at USD 14.1 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% to reach USD 21.1 billion by 2034. The growth of the market is attributed to factors such as the growth of specialty coffee shops & independent cafes and the rise in demand for convenience & on-the-go beverages.
 

The growth of specialty coffee shops & independent cafes is the major growth driver for the paper cups market. With increasing consumer preference towards premium, artisanal, and independent cafes, the demand for high-quality paper cups has surged. For instance, according to Statista, the coffee market in the U.S. was valued at USD 89.7 billion in 2025. This surge in consumption of cold brew, nitro coffee, and milk based beverages has fuelled the demand for large sized, double walled, and insulated paper cups, that can maintain the quality and temperature of product. Additionally, brands are prioritizing customized, aesthetically appealing and high-quality paper cups to enhance brand identity and customer experience, which is contributing to the growth of market.
 

Paper cup producers should emphasize making insulated, high-quality, and custom cups to serve the increasing need from specialty coffee shops and independent cafes. Better durability, retention of temperature, and visual appearance will enable brands to enhance customer experience and solidify brand image.
 

The rise in demand for convenience & on-the-go beverages is another key growth driver in the paper cups market. With rapid urbanization and busy lifestyle, there is shift in consumer preference towards quick and easy to carry beverages, which pushes the demand for paper cups. Also, vending machines and self-serve coffee stations in office, gas station and supermarket uses paper cups for instant beverages. Additionally, the increasing government regulation and shift in consumer preferences towards sustainable packaging is driving the adoption of biodegradable and recyclable paper cups among business.
 

Paper cup companies need to specialize in making recyclable and biodegradable cups to align with sustainability trends. They should also create rugged, convenient, and easy-to-carry options to meet growing demand for beverages consumed on-the-go from vending machines and coffee bars.
 

Paper Cups Market Trends

• A significant trend in the paper cups industry is the rise of customized paper cups. Customized paper cups are gaining rapid adoption among consumer and business as they serve as a powerful marketing medium. With each cup serving as a mobile billboard, firms are adopting these customized paper cups to ensure their message reach the customers.
   
• The innovations in biodegradable material in the paper cups market is another trend. These innovations are driving the demand for bio based coating such as polysaccharides and polylactic acid (PLA), as these coating reduces the environmental impact by offering sustainable coating compared to the traditional method of plastic coatings.
   
• Advancements in paper cups market offering enhanced durability, safety and functionality are some other key trends gaining rapid popularity. Such advancement in market not only meet the current market demand but also focus on future needs. Manufacturers are launching innovative coatings and eco-friendly barrier solutions to increase the functionality of paper cups. Conventional polyethylene (PE) coatings, which are non-recyclable, are giving way to compostable, biodegradable, and water-based coatings. Double-walled and insulated paper cups are also becoming popular because they can retain the heat and prevent leakage of the beverage and hence are becoming preferred choice for hot beverages.
   

Paper Cups Market Analysis

The paper cups industry based on the type is categorized as hot paper cups and cold paper cups.
 

• The hot paper cups market was the largest market and was valued at USD 8.7 billion in 2024. With rapid urbanization and busy lifestyle coupled with the surge in the consumption of the on the go beverages such as tea, and coffee is driving the demand for hot paper cups. Moreover, the growth of quick service chains and cafes such as Starbucks, Dunkin’, and McDonalds, are driving the need for sustainable hot cups solutions. To satisfy the change in demand, paper cup producers are switching from polythene (PE) to bio-based and PLA coated cups which provide better insulation and have sustainable materials.
   
• The cold paper cup market is the fastest growing market and is projected to grow with a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period. The growing demand for cold beverages coupled with the rapid expansion of fast food and beverage chains such as KFC, Subway, and Burger King, which primary serve cold beverages in paper cups are key factors contributing to the growth of this segment. Additionally, cold cups offer significantly advertising space, which is driving brands to significantly invest in custom printed and branded paper cups to boost visibility. Also, large scale events are increasingly using disposable paper cups catering to the increasing demand for convenience and regulations against plastics cups.

The paper cups market based on the end use is bifurcated into foodservice, institutional, and household.
 

• The food service segment is the largest market and was valued at USD 9.2 billion in 2024. The growth of this segment is attributed to the rapid expansion of quick service restaurants and cafes such as McDonalds, KFC, and Costa Coffee, coupled with the rise in food delivery and takeaway service such as Swiggy, UberEats, & Zomato, which rely on hot and cold paper cups are fuelling the growth of paper cups market in this segment. Additionally, strict regulations by the government towards plastic wastage reduction across several regions have led to a shift towards sustainable and compostable paper cups, which further contribute to growth of the market.
   
• The household segment in projected to surpass USD 3.2 billion by 2034. The growing preference for ready-to-drink beverages such as tea, coffee, and juices in households, which demand single-use paper cups is a major growth driver. Retailers and supermarkets are now offering stock paper cups for at-home use, especially at parties, gathering and meetings. Moreover, the shift in consumer preferences towards sustainable home products is pushing the adoption of compostable or recyclable paper-based cups, which drives growth of this segment.
   

The paper cups market based on the wall type is bifurcated into single-wall, double-wall, and triple-wall paper cups.
 

• The single-wall paper cups is the largest segment and was valued at USD 8 billion in 2024. These single-wall paper cups are widely used for cold and lukewarm beverages. Several fast-food chains, cafes, and restaurants prefer these cups as they are cost-effective. The increasing demand for on-the-go cold beverages such as iced tea, smoothies and soda are major growth driver for this segment. Several street vendors and convenience stores rely on these paper cups for affordability. Also, eco-conscious consumers and the ban on plastic by the government is driving the demand for single wall paper cups as they uses less materials.
   
• The double-wall paper cups is the fastest growing segment and is projected to grow with a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period. These paper cups have and additional layer for insulation, making them ideal for hot beverages. The growth of this segment is attributed to the increasing preference for premium coffee and specialty beverages which rely on double-wall paper cups. Several brands such as Starbucks and Costa Coffee emphasize on quality and branding, are adopting double wall paper cups, as they offers heat retention and enhanced convenience for consumers, which drives the growth of this segment.
   

The paper cups market based on the capacity is categorized as upto 150ml, 151ml to 350ml, 351ml to 500ml, and above 500ml.
 

• The 351ml to 500ml segment is the fastest growing segment and is projected to grow with a CAGR of 5% during the forecast period . The growth of this segment is attributed to the rising popularity of iced coffee, bubble tea and carbonated soft drinks which require larger paper cups. In addition, there is an increasing demand in large sized paper cups for family sized and super-sized portions because of the increasing usage of food delivery apps like Swiggy, Zomato, UberEats.
   
• The 151ml to 350ml segment is the largest segment and was valued at USD 5 billion in 2024. Growing tea and coffee culture in Asia and Europe coupled with the coffee shops like Starbuck and Costa Coffee is driving the demand for this medium sized paper cups. These brands prefer 151ml to 350ml paper cups for regular coffee, tea, and small sized cold drinks. Additionally, airlines, railway station, and corporate offices are adopting these paper cups to reduce wastage and costs, which further propel the demand for these 151ml to 350ml paper cups.

The North American region accounted for 28.1% of the global paper cups market share in the year 2024.  The increased use of sustainable packaging materials and on-the-go beverages are some major drivers in this region. In addition, government regulation around the use of eco-friendly packaging materials alongside the ban on single-use plastics is encouraging the region’s consumption of compostable and recyclable paper cups.
 

• The U.S. dominated the paper cups market, accounting for USD 3.3 billion in the year 2024. The rise of speciality coffee store, quick-service restaurants, and convenience store along with strict government regulation towards sustainable packaging is driving the growth of cups and lids market in the region. For instance, according to Statista, the revenue generated by the hot coffee market in the U.S. accounted for USD 89.7 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow with a CAGR of 2.1% by 2029.  Additionally, the push towards sustainability commitment from major brands such as McDonalds and Starbucks is driving the adoption of biodegradable and compostable paper cups, further contributing to the market growth in the region.
   
• The Canada paper cups market is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 2.7% during the forecast period. The government's approach towards the ban on single-use plastic is expected to push the adoption of eco-friendly paper cups to reduce waste and environmental impact is expected to support the market growth. Additionally, there has been an increase in the use of nutritious and natural drinks which is influencing the region to adopt PLA coated as well as fiber-based paper cups.
   

The Europe region held 23.8% of the global paper cups industry share in the year 2024. The growth of Europe’s market is attributed to the ban on single use plastic by the government coupled with the shift in consumer preference towards sustainable alternatives, which is driving the demand for compostable and recyclable paper cups.
 

• The Germany paper cups market was accounted for USD 828.5 million in the year 2024. Germany has a strong market for specialized coffee coupled with the rise in quick service restraunts which fuels the demand for hot and cold paper cups in the region. Furthermore, the country has strict regulations towards the use of eco-friendly material and recycling process which drives constant demand for compostable and recyclable paper cups. 
   
• The UK paper cup market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 3.8% during the forecast period. An increase in the consumption of premium crafted coffee, soft drinks, and ready to drink beverages are the main contributors to growth within the region. Additionally, Extended producer responsibility (EPR) and government regulations are compelling businesses to implement the use of paper cups which helps in market growth in the region.
   
• The paper cups market in France is projected to reach USD 881.6 million by 2034. The market in France is heavily influenced by the strong coffee and patisserie culture, which requires high quality and customizable paper cups. Moreover, several brands in the country are adopting premium and recyclable paper cups for organic and specialized beverages.
   
• The Italy market accounted for USD 415.9 million in 2024. The government’s circular economy policies are pushing industries towards adopting recyclable PET coatings and compostable materials. Furthermore, governmental regulations towards ban of single use plastic is pushing the demand for paper based cups and water based coatings.
   
• The Spain paper cups market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 2.8% during the forecast period. The Spain market is growing due to surge in the tourism industry coupled with the shift in consumer preference towards sustainable packaging is pushing the brands to adopt ecofriendly and biodegradable paper cups.
   

The Asia Pacific region held 36.7% of the global paper cups market share in the year 2024. The growth is propelled by the rapid urbanization and busy lifestyle along with the increasing demand for convenient and on the go beverages.
 

• The paper cups industry in China is projected to reach USD 3.6 billion by the year 2034. Stringent government regulations for sustainable packaging and plastic waste reduction are the key growth drivers in the country. Moreover, the growing demand for premium beverages such as traditional tea, bubble tea and high end tea has led to the shift from traditional plastic cups to biodegradable and compostable paper cups in the region.
   
• The Japan market accounted for USD 627 million in 2024. Growth in the paper cups market is driven by the increasing adoption of biodegradable coatings due to government policies on plastic waste reduction. Also, the strong vending machine culture in Japan which dispense hot and cold beverages in paper cups pushes the market in the country.
   
• The India market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 6.1% during the forecast period. The ban on single-use plastics by the government has accelerated the adoption of compostable and biodegradable paper cups. In addition, the rapid expansion of food delivery platforms such as Zomato and Swiggy has increased the demand for sustainable, durable, and spill-proof, paper cups, particularly in urban areas.
   

The Latin America region held 6.8% of the global paper cups market share in the year 2024. The industry growth in Latin America is driven by rapid urbanization, increased cafe culture, and expansion of quick service restaurants. In addition, the changing preferences of consumers and the regulations put forward by the government propels the growth of market in the region.
 

The MEA region held 4.6% of the global paper cups market share in the year 2024. The growth of the industry in Middle East & African region is fueled by increasing consumption of high-end coffee and growing number of tourists. In addition to this, Government initiatives toward sustainability to mitigate plastic waste is driving the growth of market in the region.
 

Paper Cups Market Share

The paper cups industry is highly competitive with the presence of established global players as well as local players and startups. The major 5 companies operating in the global market include Dart Container, Georgia-Pacific, Graphic Packaging, Huhtamaki, and Stora Enso which together hold a market share of more than 30%.  Leading companies in the market are investing in sustainable material, biodegradable coating, and recyclable solutions to meet the government regulations and growing consumer preference towards sustainable packaging options. The next-generation paper cups are focusing towards the lightweight, compostable material and water based coatings to cater the growing demand for sustainability and convenience consumption while ensuring the structural integrity for cold and hot beverages.
 

The adoption of smart manufacturing and automation is fuelling the production of the advanced paper cups, ensuring maximum efficiency, wastage reduction and improved cost management. QR code technology and smart labelling techniques are improving consumer engagement and improving the recycling process. Additionally, Government’s initiative such as U.S. Plastics pact and Europe green deal are further pushing investment towards sustainable paper solutions.
 

Paper Cups Market Company

The paper cups industry features several prominent players, including:

• Bender Limited
• ConverPack
• Dart Container Corporation
• Detmold Group
• Dispo International
• Genpak LLC
• Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP.
• Golden Paper Cups
   

Dart Container is a global leader in the paper cups market. Dart container has various sizes and styles of paper cups. They have ProPlanet seal paper cups that provide better sustainability and recyclability. The company aims to reduce environmental impacts by focusing on sustainable and recyclable paper cups.
 

Georgia-Pacific, a close competitor operating in the same vertical offer various innovative design and material to enhance brand image and customer experience. This firm is known for its commitment towards eco-friendly packaging solutions. The firm has a strong presence in market and offers a broad portfolio of products.
 

Paper Cups Industry News

• In October 2024, Suzano, a pulp producer, has successfully completed the acquisition of two industrial facilities from Pactiv Evergreen, located in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and Waynesville, North Carolina. This acquisition, valued at USD 110 million, significantly enhances Suzano's production capacity.
   
• In September 2023, Graphic Packaging International (GPI) embarked on a significant project to establish a new recycled paperboard facility in Waco, Texas. The facility represents a USD 1 billion investment, and expected to commence operations in late 2025, with production ramping up in 2026. This facility will be able to produce over 15 million paper cups per day.
   
• In February 2024, Linstol introduced the Super Cool Cup, a revolutionary paper cup designed specifically for cold beverages, including alcoholic drinks. The Super Cool Cup incorporates patent-pending mineralized barrier coating technology developed in partnership with Smart Planet Technologies, aiming to enhance sustainability in the airline industry by significantly reducing plastic use and improving recyclability.
   

The paper cups market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and volume (Kilo Tons) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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By Type        

• Hot Paper Cups       
• Cold Paper Cups      

By Wall Type           

• Single Wall Paper Cups       
• Double Wall Paper Cups      
• Triple Wall Paper Cups       

By Capacity  

• Up to 150 ml 
• 151 to 350 ml
• 351 to 500 ml
• Above 500 ml

By End-use   

• Foodservice  
  • Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs)
  • Cafes and Coffee Shops
  • Others
    • Ice Cream Parlors, FSR 
• Institutional   
• Household    

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada 
• Europe 
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands 
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina 
• Middle East and Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE