Disposable Cups Market Size - Global Industry, Share, Analysis, Trends and Forecast 2024 - 2032

Disposable Cups Market Highlights

• Global disposable cups market revenue is poised to garner USD 20.3 billion by 2032 with a CAGR of 6.6% from 2024 to 2032
• Asia-Pacific disposable cups market value occupied around USD 4.1 billion in 2023
• North America disposable cups market growth will record a CAGR of more than 7.1% from 2024 to 2032
• Among product, the paper sub-segment generated more than USD 6.9 billion revenue in 2023
• Based on end-user, the commercial sub-segment generated around 80% disposable cups market share in 2023
• Diversification of product portfolios to include customizable and premium offerings is a popular disposable cups market trend that fuels the industry demand

Disposable cups are utilized to serve cold and hot beverages in consort with food services. They are fabricated by thermoforming methods with sheet thickness spanning from 0.35 mm to 2 mm. The global disposable cups market is anticipated to exhibit a substantial rate of growth by expanding at a noteworthy CAGR during the period of forecast analysis. Disposable cups have an extensive application in the hotels, drinking water, ice-cream industry, & other dairy products and function as a substitute for the traditional ceramic or glass-ware cups.

Global Disposable Cups Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

• Growing demand for convenience and on-the-go consumption
• Expansion of foodservice and quick-service restaurant sectors
• Advances in manufacturing technologies enhancing production efficiency
• Rising disposable income in emerging markets boosting consumption

Market Restraints

• Increasing environmental concerns over single-use plastics
• Stringent government regulations and bans on disposable products
• Volatility in raw material prices affecting production costs

Market Opportunities

• Innovation in eco-friendly and biodegradable disposable cup materials
• Expansion into emerging markets with rising disposable incomes
• Strategic partnerships and collaborations within the packaging industry

Disposable Cups Market Report Coverage

Disposable Cups Market Insights

The rising inclination to on-the-go food & beverage services among the people across the world as a result of the swift urbanization together with the increase in disposable income is estimated to fuel the growth of the global market in the years to come. Furthermore, the disposable cups are the ideal key for the food & beverage industry thanks to the enhanced aesthetic look in comparison to traditional cups, the escalated self-life of the item contained inside, lightweight, and offers ease of shipping and impermeability. Apart from this, the rising count of the retail outlets in conjunction with the quick service restaurants (QSRs) across the globe offers several avenues for the manufacturers of the disposable cups to access the untapped market, thus boosting the market growth during the upcoming period.

The global market is anticipated to witness a considerable growth owing to the several opportunities produced by the “away-from-home” feasting of beverages. This can be attributed to the fast-paced lifestyle of people, which has influenced the consumption patterns of food and beverage to an extent. To cite, a study had marked that an American, on average, experiences almost 22 away-from-home circumstances where he/she purchase drinks/food. This, in turn, generates productive prospects for the expansion of the global disposable cups market. In the years to years, the emphasis of the companies on the millennial population is projected to be intensified. The rising millennial population is anticipated to be another major factor to fuel the expansion of the global market during the forecast period, as millennials have been recognized to go through almost twofold the count of away-from-home circumstances in comparison to grown-ups.

Disposable Cups Market Segmentation

The worldwide market for disposable cups is split based on product, application, end-user, distribution channel, and geography.

Disposable Cup Market By Product

• Paper
• Plastic
• Foam

According to disposable cups industry analysis, paper dominates the market due to its sustainability and low cost. Growing environmental concerns and consumer preference for environmentally friendly products have led to an increase in the use of paper-based disposable cups. Manufacturers are shifting their focus to this area as recycling technology advances and biodegradable paper products become more readily available. Paper cups are popular in the foodservice industry because they are lightweight, easily customizable, and can be produced at a lower cost than alternatives. Furthermore, government rules aimed at decreasing plastic waste have increased the demand for paper cups, making them a popular choice among both businesses and consumers. This trend is predicted to continue since sustainability is a primary priority worldwide.

Disposable Cup Market By Application

• Cold Drinks
• Ice-Creams
• Hot Beverages
• Others

The hot beverages category is expected to expand the most in the market. This domination can be linked to the extensive use of hot beverages such as coffee and tea, especially in cafes, restaurants, and on-the-go environments. Disposable cups are in high demand in this market due to their ease, which allows consumers to handle and transport them easily. Furthermore, the insulating properties of some disposable cup materials, such as paper and foam, aid in the preservation of hot beverages, increasing their popularity. The increasing number of coffee shops, as well as the growing trend of on-the-go consumption, is expected to fuel market growth in the next years.

Disposable Cup Market By End-User

• Institutional
• Commercial
• Household

The commercial segment is expected to earn the highest revenue share in the disposable cup market. This section includes a variety of companies, such as restaurants, cafes, hotels, and workplaces that use disposable cups to provide beverages and food to clients or employees. The enormous volume of consumption in these commercial settings, which is driven by customer traffic and operational requirements, adds significantly to the segment's revenue domination. Furthermore, the rising popularity of quick-service restaurants, as well as the expanding trend of takeaway food and beverages, is driving increased demand for disposable cups in this category. Businesses frequently prioritize convenience and hygiene, making disposable cups a viable option for their operations, hence increasing the commercial segment's market share.

Disposable Cup Market By Distribution Channel

• Offline
• Online

The disposable cup market's online section is continuously expanding. With the rise of e-commerce platforms and digital marketing strategies, more manufacturers and distributors are using online channels to reach a wider audience. The convenience of online ordering, along with novel logistical technology, has improved the consumer experience, allowing businesses and people to access a varied range of disposable cups. Furthermore, the growing use of digital payment methods and real-time order tracking has strengthened consumer trust in online shopping. This trend is especially visible during periods of social isolation and lockdown measures, when traditional offline channels are disrupted, driving the online segment's rise in the disposable cups market. This is a sustained trend.

Disposable Cups Market Regional Outlook

North America

• U.S.
• Canada

Europe

• U.K.
• Germany
• France
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific

• India
• Japan
• China
• Australia
• South Korea
• Rest of Asia-Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Mexico
• Rest of LATAM

The Middle East & Africa

• South Africa
• GCC Countries
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa (ME&A)

Disposable Cups Market Regional Analysis

Regionally, in 2023, the highest share in the global disposable cups market was held by Asia-Pacific region is projected to the highest in the disposable cups market during the forecast period. The key factors contributing to the growth of the Asia-Pacific region are the rising urban population, rising disposable income, altering food-eating habits, and the launch of a number of international food chain outlets and restaurants. Moreover, China is the key contributor to the expansion of the market for disposable cups in the Asia Pacific region as a result of the existence of top manufacturing companies of disposable cups. In addition, Europe region is also anticipated to register a modest graph of growth during the forecast period.

However, North America region is growing fastest in this market. Further, in North America, the maximum share in the market was captured by the US. The increasing health consciousness and the altering lifestyle are factors driving the market expansion in this region. In addition, the rising digit of food chains and cafes in the country is luring billions of consumers to devour coffee as well as other beverages on the go.

Disposable Cups Market Players

Some of the top disposable cups companies offered in our report includes Sumkoka, F Bender Limited, Jiangsu Yinwang New Material Technology Co., Ltd, TekniPlex Consumer Products, Graphic Packaging International, LLC, Konie Cups International, Inc., Go-Pak UK Ltd, Benders Paper Cup Company, Georgia-Pacific LLC, International Paper Company, Huhtamäki Oyj, and Dart Container Corporation.