Previously, disposable paper cups were subject only to industry standards and lacked a national standard. The newly introduced national standard (GB/T 27590-2011) establishes stricter requirements regarding raw materials, additives, packaging, and printing for paper cups, thereby safeguarding consumer safety.
Of particular note is the introduction-for the first time-of specific requirements regarding printing placement. The standard stipulates that printed patterns on the exterior of the cup must feature clear outlines, uniform coloring, and be free of obvious color blemishes; however, it explicitly mandates that "no printing shall appear within 15 mm of the cup rim or within 10 mm of the cup bottom."
"Prohibiting printing near the cup rim serves as a protective measure for consumers," stated Dong Jinshi, Executive Vice President and Secretary-General of the International Food Packaging Association. He noted that, currently, China lacks a formal concept of "food-grade ink," and there are no printing inks available domestically that are certified for direct contact with food. When a person drinks, their lips come into contact with the cup rim; consequently, ink from printed patterns in this area could potentially be ingested-a risk that is particularly detrimental to health in the case of benzene-based inks. Furthermore, when cups are stacked together, printed patterns on the bottom of a cup can easily rub off onto the inner wall of the cup beneath it; for this reason, printing is also prohibited in the bottom section of the cup.
