Paper Cups

Between 250 billion and 300 billion disposable paper cups are used annually. Unfortunately, many paper cups are neither recycled, nor recyclable. With the rising focus on sustainable packaging, paper drinking cups are preferred over single-use plastic. However, these cups are complex. Much like a paper straw, they need to be made of strong, durable materials that are liquid and heat resistant, as well as easy to recycle. These materials can prevent the cups from being recyclable.

Improved paper cup recycling could reduce carbon footprint impacts by up to 40%. The global market is being influenced to make all packaging fully recyclable by consumer concerns and legislation, such as the European Union Waste Framework Directive. By encouraging reuse, recycling, and recovery of packaging waste, rather than its final disposal, the directive aims to limit the production of packaging waste and eventually move toward a circular economy.

H.B. Fuller Sustainable Solutions for the Paper Cup Industry

H.B. Fuller water-based barrier coatings are a sustainable alternative to polyethylene (PE) coatings. PE coatings, which are commonly used today to bond and seal paper cups, may prevent the paper cup from being recyclable at standard recycling centers, whereas water-based barrier coatings enable paper cups to be recycled. Unlike competitor water-based barrier coatings, H.B. Fuller water-based barrier coatings are heat sealable and have a uniform consistent coat. Moreover, our water-based barrier coatings have been externally tested at Western Michigan University for repulpability, which allows maximum fiber yield for cups to be recycled.

In addition to water-based coatings, H.B. Fuller Advantra® hot melt is used for bonding double wall, overwrap, and fluted corrugated beverage sleeves with side seams for hot paper cups. Superior bonding, thermal stability, clean machining, and a low total cost of ownership are all features of our product. For optimal fiber yield, it also separates out readily during the old corrugated container (OCC) repulping process. Additionally, it is strong, yet flexible, resulting in a sleeve that doesn't break apart when handled by consumers, and it has a high heat resistance to help prevent consumers from burning their hands. Advantra® provides the bond performance your company needs, even at extremely high temperatures.

H.B. Fuller offers adhesive and coating solutions for cups, as well as technical expertise on adhesive and coating applications. This allows you to consolidate suppliers and simplifies the buying process. Our team of professionals can help you streamline procedures and develop solutions that will enhance your experience, while maintaining product safety across the supply chain. Our selection of adhesives for paper cups is growing with the market and consumer demands. We are your one-stop specialist for paper cup adhesives and coatings. Enhance your customer experience, preserve brand integrity, and boost your productivity by collaborating with our dedicated team to deliver the innovative adhesives you need.