Both are paper cups; the difference shows when you hold a hot drink, in the cost and in the print area. Here’s a short summary of which suits which use.
How they’re built
A single-wall cup is one paperboard body. A double-wall cup adds a second paperboard wall outside it; the air gap between the two slows the heat reaching your hand.
Holding it, and sleeves
With very hot drinks, single-wall cups usually need a sleeve or a second cup around them. A double-wall cup removes that need, so there’s no extra part for takeaway.
Cost
A double-wall cup uses more material per cup because of the second wall, so single wall is usually more economical. Once a sleeve is added to a single-wall cup, the gap narrows.
Print area
Both types take up to 5-colour flexo print. On a double-wall cup the print sits on the outer wall, where the cup is held, so your brand isn’t hidden under a sleeve.
Quick comparison
| Single wall | Double wall | |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation | Lower | Higher |
| Sleeve needed | Usually, for very hot drinks | No |
| Cost per cup | Lower | Higher |
| Sizes | 3–22 oz, 11 sizes | 4–16 oz, 4 sizes |
| Typical use | Vending, water, cold drinks, table service | Takeaway coffee, hot drinks |
Which to choose
- For vending, water and cold drinks, single wall is enough.
- For coffee and tea served at the table, single wall is the economical choice.
- For cafés and chains selling hot drinks to go, double wall removes the need for a sleeve.
Not sure which suits you? Tell us where the cups will be used in the quote form and we’ll price both options.
