Overview
Plastic raw materials for milk tea cups primarily include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS). These polymers are selected for their balance of cost, clarity, and mechanical properties. PP dominates for hot beverages due to its heat resistance (withstand up to 100°C), while PET offers superior transparency for branding. PS is less common due to brittleness but may be used for cold drink variants. Global production exceeds 5 million tons annually for food-grade variants, with Asia-Pacific being the largest consumer. Recent trends emphasize biodegradable alternatives like PLA (polylactic acid), though cost and performance limitations restrict widespread adoption.
Physical and Chemical Properties
PP exhibits high chemical resistance to acids/alkalis in beverages, with a low density that reduces material use per cup. Its semi-crystalline structure provides rigidity, though it requires nucleating agents for transparency. PET offers exceptional gloss and gas barrier properties (reducing flavor loss), but its higher processing temperature increases energy costs. PS provides rigidity and clarity at low cost but is prone to stress cracking with citrus-based drinks. All materials must pass migration tests (e.g., EU 10/2011) to ensure no harmful substances leach into beverages. Additives like UV stabilizers may be incorporated for outdoor storage.
Main Applications
Over 80% of disposable milk tea cups use PP due to its microwaveability and sealability for heat-sealed lids. PET is preferred for premium clear cups where product visibility enhances marketing. Thickness typically ranges from 0.3-0.5mm, with double-walled designs for insulation. Specialty applications include copolymer blends (e.g., PP-random for improved transparency) or PETG for enhanced impact resistance. Emerging markets see growth in rPET (recycled PET) cups, though regulatory restrictions limit food-contact use to <50% recycled content in most regions.
Safety and Storage
Food-grade compliance requires testing for heavy metals (Pb/Cd <1ppm), primary aromatic amines (<0.01mg/kg), and overall migration limits (<10mg/dm²). Suppliers must provide full traceability from resin to finished cup, including certification documents like FDA 21 CFR or EU EFSA opinions. Storage should prevent moisture absorption (especially for PET, which hydrolyzes above 0.02% humidity) and thermal degradation. Bulk bags should be kept on pallets, with shelf life of 12-24 months for virgin materials. Flame-retardant storage areas are recommended for large quantities.
B2B Procurement Guide
Key specifications to request include melt flow index (MFI 2-4g/10min for PP cups), vicat softening temperature (>100°C for hot cups), and color consistency (Delta E <1.0). For large orders (>20 tons), negotiate resin pricing indexed to crude oil derivatives like propylene or PX. Audit suppliers for ISO 22000 or BRCGS packaging certification. Minimum order quantities (MOQs) typically start at 5 tons for standard grades. Consider regional logistics – Southeast Asian suppliers offer cost advantages but may have longer lead times (6-8 weeks) compared to domestic stocks.
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