FAQ

It depends on cup style, printing method and factory equipment. Most factory orders start from 10,000 pcs. Flexo or offset printing usually requires a higher MOQ, while digital printing can go lower. The most accurate way is to quote by “size + material + print colors + quantity.”

Not necessarily. Bowls use more material, have a larger diameter and take more packing volume, so some specs carry a higher MOQ. But for standard sizes and standard materials, the MOQ is usually quite flexible.

Because “12oz” only states the capacity — it does not mean the paper weight, coating, rim size, printing method and carton quantity are the same. Before quoting, always align on GSM, coating, dimensions and packing method. Price is also affected by process, thickness and eco-friendly options.

Mainly paper GSM, coating type, printing method, number of colors, order quantity, packing method and shipping volume. Cup size alone is not the whole story.

Bowls usually use more paper, have a larger diameter, and need higher load-bearing and leak-proof performance; packing volume is also bigger. So the unit price is generally higher than a same-capacity cup.

Regular production starts after artwork and sample are confirmed: about 1 week for 10,000 pcs, and about 15 days for 50k–200k pcs, plus transit time. Urgent orders, peak season, special materials and complex printing all extend the timeline.

Confirming an e-proof is fast; a physical sample usually takes about 3 days. It depends on whether a plate must be made, whether real material is used, and whether a printed sample is needed. A standard mock-up is around ¥100 per time; an on-press sample is around ¥500.

You can, but we don’t recommend it. Screen colors differ from actual print; lid fit, feel and thickness also need a physical check. Sampling before the bulk run avoids many problems.

Because setup, color matching, plate making, scheduling and labor are fixed costs that don’t shrink with order size. The fewer the quantity, the more those fixed costs are spread across each cup.

Sometimes — if the sizes are the same, multiple designs can be combined in one run. But each design, size and color may count as a separate SKU. Whether it actually saves money depends on the printing and scheduling method.

Best to provide AI, PDF or EPS vector files, with the logo clear, text outlined, and colors specified in CMYK or Pantone. If you have no artwork, the factory can help fit your design into a template.

Yes, as long as the original is high-resolution. They can be referenced, but may not be print-ready — low-res images turn blurry, and logos are best supplied as vectors.

Yes, but note the cup body is curved, so the design distorts when laid flat. Keep important text and logos away from the seam, rim and bottom.

Close, but not identical. A screen is luminous; print is ink on paper. To match a brand color, provide a Pantone number and confirm a physical sample — a press sample is more accurate than a proof.

Yes, but it is usually a special process with a higher price and possibly a different MOQ. For metallic colors, it is best to see a sample first.

Qualified printing does not fade easily. But with water, friction or high heat, or if the ink and drying are not well controlled, problems can appear — so it comes down to ink and production control.

Cold drinks or short hot-drink use can take single-wall; hot coffee or long takeaway is more comfortable in double-wall or corrugated; to save cost, a single-wall cup with a sleeve also works. Choose by the customer’s need and usage.

Yes, but it gets hot to hold — usually pair it with a sleeve. For very hot drinks or takeaway, double-wall or corrugated is better.

Both insulate better than single-wall, and foil-lined insulates even more. But don’t judge by the name alone — it depends on paper thickness, structure, air layer and test conditions, so check a sample.

Yes, but choose a coating and structure suited to hot soup. Clear broth, oily soup and long takeaway placement each have different requirements.

Yes. Noodles with soup need leak-proofing and heat resistance; salad needs moisture resistance; rice needs load-bearing and anti-deformation. Different foods want different structures.

Common sizes are 4oz, 6oz, 8oz, 10oz, 12oz, 16oz, 20oz, etc., but each factory’s molds differ. Ask for existing mold sizes — that costs less.

Ice cream cups are usually 10–100ml; other bowls range about 500–2200ml. Common bowl sizes include 500ml, 750ml, 900ml, 1000ml, 1100ml and 1300ml, and also 8oz, 12oz, 16oz, 26oz, 32oz, 36oz naming. Market habits differ.

Same capacity can have different diameter, height and bottom — one short and wide, one tall and slim, both 1000ml, yet the lids and cartons are completely different.

Because rim diameter, curl shape, tolerance and lid material can all differ. “12oz” does not mean every 12oz cup fits the same lid. We work with a stable supply chain with guaranteed quality, and recommend customers buy cups and lids from one source where possible.

Not mandatory, but at least test them together. Different factories have different rim and lid tolerances; without testing you risk leakage or lids popping off.

It depends on the food type. Hot soup needs sealing and heat resistance; salad needs moisture resistance and display; takeaway needs a secure lock, stacking and transit leak-proofing. You can send us a picture of your existing lid, or we customize to standard specs.

Because paper itself fears water and oil. The coating blocks water and oil and prevents leakage, letting the cup or bowl hold drinks or food (it also helps the cup form and stay rigid).

PE is a common plastic coating — stable for waterproofing and leak-proofing, and relatively low cost. The downside: ordinary recycling and composting are harder; it depends on the local recovery system.

PLA is plant-based, often used in compostable packaging. But PLA doesn’t just degrade anywhere at home — usually it needs industrial composting conditions and certification. (“Biodegradable” in the broad sense.)

Water-based coating is a barrier coating that replaces traditional plastic film; the selling point is easier recycling. But formulations and performance vary a lot by maker — the best is Mitsui Chemicals (Japan), and many domestic makers exist too. Always check the test report.

No one-line answer. It depends on how the target market handles waste: recycling, industrial composting, incineration or landfill. The option that fits the local system is the truly reasonable one. (Water-based is often favored.)

No. Biodegradable is broad; compostable usually needs specific conditions and certification; recyclable depends on whether local recycling exists. Don’t mix the three terms.

Some can, but it depends on the coating and the local system. Ordinary PE cups aren’t conveniently recycled everywhere; water-based or specially designed cups may be easier. (Yes, it is possible.)

Normal food-grade cups are safe for food contact, but it depends on material, ink, coating and test reports. For export, ask the supplier for food-contact testing for the target market. (Yes — safe, and we hold eco test reports.)

Usually cover food contact materials, PFAS, heavy metals, packaging regulation, DoC, test reports and material traceability. EU rules are changing, so don’t rely on old certificates. Per the client’s requirement, mostly just a test report is needed.

Simply, no added “forever chemicals” beyond regulatory limits. If you export to Europe or the US, customers increasingly ask for PFAS testing.

Not recommended — it is too absolute and risks greenwashing. Safer to state the material, certification, and recycling or composting conditions.

It means an ink system suitable for food packaging, but it does not mean the ink can touch food directly. Cup printing is usually on the outside; also control migration, odor and drying.

It may come from base paper, ink, coating, production drying, storage or transit. It is not simply “bad quality” — check when you smell it, what drink it holds, and how long it was stored. (Mainly from printing.)

Usually heat and moisture enter the paper fibers; it is also related to coating, bottom seal, paper structure, drink temperature and dwell time — not just GSM. For cold drinks, double-side coating prevents softening; single-side coating goes soft. (Insufficient thickness is a factor too.)

Not necessarily. Higher GSM is usually thicker, but cup quality also depends on stiffness, coating, forming and bottom seal, and the usage scenario. Thicker also costs more, so pick the right thickness for the purpose.

It could be the bottom seal, side seam, coating pinholes, a wrong lid, too-hot drink, long dwell time or transit vibration. Check where it leaks. (Often a too-thin coating, or insufficient production temperature.)

No. Store and takeaway see hot drinks, shaking, squeezing and long dwell; a 30-minute static test only catches the most basic issue. We normally test 1 hour and beyond.

Microwave yes, but oven no. Don’t assume by default — it depends on material, coating, ink and lid. For export or foodservice, clearly label whether the item is microwave-safe.

Some cold-drink cups can be chilled short-term, but freezing depends on coating and paper tolerance. Ice-cream, cold-drink and hot-drink cups follow different logics. Double-side coating enables freezing.

Check the outer carton, quantity, print color, rim, bottom, odor, deformation, leakage and lid fit. Best to sample-test with both hot and cold drinks. (Focus on appearance, color, curl and leakage.)

Usage, capacity, hot or cold drink, food type, quantity, print colors, target market, whether lids are needed, packing method and delivery location. The more complete the info, the more accurate the quote. (Color, process, eco requirement, size and usage all matter.)

They are bulky, moisture-sensitive and crush-sensitive. For container loading, watch carton strength, pallets, humidity, crush protection and destination transit — not just the weight. (No crushing; keep dry.)

Don’t just say “good quality, low price.” Answer the customer directly, and state the applicable conditions, limits, test methods, material differences and evidence. That serves users, search engines and AI snippets alike. (Work in keywords like leak-proof, biodegradable, eco-friendly, recyclable, heat-proof, custom + paper cup / paper bowl / disposable tableware.)