Short answer: choose PET for crystal-clear cold drinks at the lowest cost, PP when the same cup must handle hot and cold drinks, and PLA when your market has industrial composting and you need a plant-based cold cup. RPET gives you PET performance with recycled content.
The four materials at a glance
| Property | PET | RPET | PP | PLA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarity | Glass-like | Glass-like (slight tint possible) | Clear or frosted | Glass-like |
| Max temperature | ~60 °C | ~60 °C | ~100–110 °C | ~45 °C |
| Recycling code | #1 | #1 | #5 | #7 (compostable) |
| End of life | Widely recycled | Widely recycled | Recyclable where collected | Industrial compost |
| Relative cost | Low | Low–medium | Medium | Higher |
| Typical use | Iced coffee, smoothies | Brands with recycled-content goals | Bubble tea, hot & cold | Eco cafés, events |
PET cups: the clarity and cost leader
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is thermoformed from sheet into thin, stiff, very clear cups. It is the default for cold beverages because it shows layered drinks beautifully and is the most widely recycled plastic in the world. Its limit is heat: above roughly 60 °C a PET cup softens, so it is not suitable for hot coffee or hot tea.
RPET: PET with recycled content
RPET is made from food-grade recycled PET flake that has passed a decontamination process approved for food contact. It performs like virgin PET and is the easiest way to meet recycled-content targets under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and similar rules in the UK and US states.
PP injection cups: one cup for hot and cold
Polypropylene (PP) cups are usually injection-moulded with thicker walls. They resist heat up to around 100 °C, don't crack when squeezed and work perfectly with cup-sealing film — which is why bubble-tea chains use them. PP is slightly less transparent than PET, and many brands choose a frosted finish as a design feature.
PLA cups: plant-based and compostable
Polylactic acid (PLA) is made from fermented plant starch. It looks like PET but is certified compostable in industrial facilities (EN 13432 / ASTM D6400). PLA softens at around 45 °C, so it is for cold drinks only, and it should be stored away from heat during shipping. It only delivers its environmental benefit where commercial composting collection exists.
How to choose: five questions
- Will you serve hot drinks? If yes, choose PP or paper cups.
- Do you need sealing film? PP and PET both seal; PP is more forgiving on older machines.
- What happens after use in your market? Recycling stream → PET/RPET/PP. Commercial compost → PLA.
- Do regulations require recycled content? Specify RPET and ask for the recycled-content declaration.
- How important is unit cost? PET is usually the most economical per cup.
Our recommendation
Most cafés run two platforms: a PET or RPET cold cup for iced drinks and a PP or paper cup for hot drinks. Keep the rim diameter the same (for example 90 mm or 95 mm) so one lid family covers both and your stock-keeping stays simple.
Frequently asked questions
Can PET cups be used for hot drinks?
No. PET softens above about 60 °C. Use PP injection cups or paper cups for hot beverages.
Is PLA better for the environment than PET?
PLA is plant-based and compostable, but only in industrial composting facilities. Where those don't exist, recyclable PET or RPET is often the better choice.
Which cup is best for bubble tea?
PP injection cups are the industry standard because they handle hot and cold drinks and seal reliably with film.
