Single wall vs double wall coffee cups: which do you need?

Are single wall coffee cups sufficient or is it best to opt for double wall paper cups? For the majority of cafés and coffee roasters, a single wall coffee cup is sufficient. Single wall cups are designed to handle hot drinks and are suitable for the temperatures at which most takeaway coffee is served, while also considering the amount of time someone will be handling the cup. Beyond this, single wall coffee cups are also significantly more economical than double wall cups and their manufacturing requires less material. If you occasionally have requests for extra hot coffee, or people who prefer extra insulation and ask for a second cup, then paperboard cup sleeves are a practical alternative to have on hand. Below is an overview for each cup type.

Single wall coffee cups

Manufactured from a single layer of paperboard, single wall paper cups are sufficient for most takeaway coffee orders since standard milk-based coffees and beverages such as flat whites and matcha; served at around 60–70°. At a glance:

— One layer of paperboard

— Less material than an equivalent double-wall cup

— More cost effective

— Less insulation between the hot drink and the hand

— Suitable for most standard takeaway coffee and other hot beverages

— A paperboard sleeve can be added when additional insulation is wanted

Double wall coffee cups

Double wall construction features two layers of paperboard with an air gap, designed for service environments that require enhanced heat retention and insulation properties. This material choice can be more suited to beverages served at near boiling temperatures — think hot miso soup or long blacks and Americanos. At a glance:

— Two layers of paperboard with an air gap

— Enhanced heat retention and insulation properties

— In most situations, removes the need for a separate paper board sleeve

— Higher material use in manufacturing 

— Typically higher cost

Which coffee cup should you choose?

Single and double wall coffee cups serve different needs. For most cafés, coffee roasters and other hospitality businesses serving standard milk-based takeaway coffee, a single wall cup provides sufficient insulation. That said, if you find yourself serving a lot of long blacks or want additional insulation, a double wall cup can be an option. Alternatively, keeping paperboard sleeves on hand allows you to add extra insulation to a single wall cup when it's needed or requested.

We offer single and double-wall compostable coffee cups variants between 110ml to 500ml for your espressos, batch brews and everything in-between. Manufactured from renewable feedstocks — FSC® MIX paperboard lined with PLA (polylactic acid), this range is designed as an alternative to conventional polyethylene (PE)-lined cups. Our cup range is certified industrial compostable to the AS 4736, EN 13432 and ASTM D6400 standards.

View ready-to-ship single and double wall paper cups

Custom branding information