Materials and Structure: Food-Grade Safety as the Foundation
The predominant material for disposable milk tea cups is food-grade PP (polypropylene). This material is characterized by its high heat resistance, impact resistance, and non-toxic, odorless properties; it can withstand a temperature range of -20°C to 120°C, making it suitable for holding both hot and cold beverages as well as light snacks. The cup body is typically formed using a thermoforming (blister molding) process: PP sheets are heated and softened before being vacuum-molded onto a mold surface; after cooling, the cup body is demolded, and a subsequent rim-rolling process is applied to complete the sealing of the cup mouth and base. Some products feature built-in single or double-compartment inserts designed to separate ingredients or secure a straw, thereby enhancing user convenience.
Manufacturing and Design: Balancing Functionality with Aesthetics
The combination of thermoforming and rim-rolling constitutes the core manufacturing process for these products. The thermoforming process enables the production of lightweight, thin-walled cups with high transparency, while mold design allows for precise control over cup mouth diameters (such as the common 89.5mm standard) and capacities (ranging from 300ml to 1750ml), thereby catering to diverse beverage requirements. The rim-rolling process, conversely, ensures the integrity of the cup base seal, effectively preventing leakage. In terms of packaging, the combination of PE bags and cardboard cartons serves a dual purpose: it protects the cups from compression damage during transit while simultaneously meeting environmental compliance standards. Regarding aesthetics, transparent cups facilitate the visual display of the beverage contents, whereas color schemes-such as red-and-black or red-and-white-leverage visual contrast to enhance brand recognition.
