PE Coated Paper Cups
The dependable workhorse — lowest cost per unit, globally accepted, available across every size and style.
MOQ from 10,000 pcs/size · Free samples in 7 days · 25–30 business day lead time
Plain-language explanation
PE (polyethylene) coating is the global standard inner barrier for paper cups. A thin polyethylene film is laminated to the inside of the cup wall, providing reliable moisture and heat resistance for both hot and cold beverages. PE is the most widely produced and lowest-cost coating option, with broad acceptance across supply chains worldwide. It is not the eco-forward choice — PE requires specialist recycling rather than standard paper streams — but it is the right choice for high-volume, price-driven programs where cost and availability drive the decision. All CupsPak PE coatings are PFAS-free.
Cup Wall Structure
Diagram: cup wall layers (not to scale). Inner coating is the food-contact surface.
The blue layer is the PE film — a thin polyethylene laminate on the inner cup wall, the global standard barrier.
Why buyers choose PE Coated Paper Cups
Lowest cost per unit
PE is the industry-standard barrier produced at scale on 120+ high-speed production lines. Lower raw material cost and higher production efficiency translate directly to the lowest per-unit price among all coating options — the right choice when volume and price drive the decision.
Globally accepted and widely available
PE-coated cups are the standard format accepted by virtually every supply chain, logistics provider, and food service operator worldwide. No special handling, documentation, or disposal infrastructure required.
Excellent barrier for hot and cold beverages
PE coating handles the full temperature range — hot beverages up to 95 °C and cold drinks down to freezer temperatures. Reliable leak resistance across all sizes and wall configurations.
Available across the full size range
PE coating is available on every cup style and size in the range — 3 oz to 32 oz, single wall, double wall, ripple wall, embossed, ice cream cups, bowls, and containers. No size or style restrictions.
PFAS-free by composition
All CupsPak PE coatings are free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Food-contact safe under FDA 21 CFR and EU EC 1935/2004. Being PE-coated does not mean PFAS-containing — these are separate attributes.
Specifications & Performance
Concrete numbers — because vague specs don't help you place an order.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Max temperature | 95 °C (hot beverages) |
| Available sizes | 3 oz – 32 oz |
| Barrier performance | Excellent — moisture & heat resistant |
| End-of-life | Specialist cup/poly recycling (not standard paper stream) |
| Custom printing | Up to 7 colours |
| MOQ | From 10,000 pcs/size |
| Lead time | 25–30 business days |
| PFAS status | PFAS-free |
PE vs the alternatives
Self-qualify before you enquire — the right coating depends on your market.
| Criterion | PE Coated (this page) | PLA Coated | Aqueous Coated |
|---|---|---|---|
| End-of-life | Specialist recycling | Industrial compost | Paper recycling |
| Plastic content | Petroleum PE film | Bioplastic (renewable) | None |
| Hot-drink rating | Up to 95 °C | Up to 95 °C | Up to ~80 °C |
| Cost | Lowest | Moderate premium | Moderate premium |
| Best for | High-volume, price-driven | Composting-program markets | Recyclability-focused brands |
PE is not the eco-forward choice, but it is the right choice for programs where cost, availability, and reliability are the primary criteria. View full Coating Guide →
What happens after use?
Honest end-of-life information — because greenwashing complaints hurt everyone.
ℹ️ PE cups require specialist recycling — not accepted in standard paper or plastic bins. Check local cup-recycling programs.
Applications & Use Cases
Click through to the matching product page for sizes, specs, and samples.
High-volume café and QSR chains
Price-driven programs where cost per unit is the primary procurement criterion.
View products →
All-purpose hot and cold cups
Full temperature range — hot coffee to iced drinks — in a single coating specification.
View products →
Food containers and bowls
Soup bowls, lunch boxes, and take-out containers where reliable barrier is the requirement.
View products →
PE-lined paper bags
Gusseted paper bags with PE inner lining for greasy or moist food items.
View products →Standards & Compliance
Documentation available for every shipment — test reports, CoC, and declarations on request.
Standards & Certifications
- ✓Food-contact safe — meets FDA 21 CFR and EU EC 1935/2004
- ✓ISO 9001 quality management
- ✓FSC-compliant paperboard available
- ✓PFAS-free across all coatings
- ✓Third-party test reports & declarations of compliance available on request
Quality Assurance
- ✓In-process quality checks at every production stage
- ✓Pre-shipment inspection before every order
- ✓Third-party test reports available on request
- ✓Declarations of compliance for customs & import
- ✓24-hour response to technical enquiries
- ✓Free samples dispatched within 7 days
Trusted by global brands
Products available with PE Coated Paper Cups
All products below are available with this coating option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Other Coating & Material Options
Ready to order PE Coated Paper Cups?
MOQ from 10,000 pcs/size · Production 25–30 business days · Custom printing up to 7 colours
Free samples in 7 days · Test reports & compliance docs available on request