PP Or PET Cups: Which Is Better For Your Business?

By Yesh Quijano    April 29, 2025       min read

Choosing between PP (Polypropylene) and PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) cups can impact your business's success.

PP cups are often the economical choice, known for their durability and heat resistance, while PET cups are smooth, clear, and offer a sleek look to enhance your product's presentation.

pp cups vs pet cups

Stick around to explore which material fits your negosyo best. Which will make your drinks more attractive?

TLDR: PP cups are cloudy and don't showcase your drinks well. On the other hand, PET cups are clear which helps your drinks look more appealing. If you're planning to print custom designs on your cups, PET is the way to go because the colors and designs will look sharper and more vibrant.

Additionally, PET cups are tougher and more durable than PP cups. They are less likely to crack and ensures that your customers' drinks stay safe and intact.

So, for a better presentation and sturdier packaging, PET cups are the better choice.

PP and PET cups: Quick Overview

While both are plastic cups, choosing between PP and PET requires you to consider factors like clarity, durability, and cost. Each cup type offers unique benefits suited to different needs in the food and beverage industry.

PP (Polypropylene) Cups

PP (Polypropylene) Cup

PP short for Polypropylene cups, are a popular choice in the food and beverage industry.

These cups are known for their heat resistance, making them ideal for both hot and cold drinks. Plus, they don’t easily transfer flavors or odors which helps keep your food and drinks tasting fresh.

PP are also cost-effective, which makes them a favorite for businesses looking to save on expenses. They are recyclable which can help you stay environmentally conscious.

Though less clear than PET cups, they still offer sufficient visibility of the cup's contents. Their typical diameter is 95mm, so ensure your sealing machine can handle this size.

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Cups

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Cup

PET cups, or Polyethylene Terephthalate cups, are best known for their exceptional clarity and durability.

This makes them perfect for serving visually appealing drinks like fruit juices or bubble tea. Customers can appreciate the vibrant colors and layers of their beverages easily through these cups.

While PET is a popular choice for disposable cups, they are highly reusable, which can contribute to your business' environmental sustainability goals. They're resilient and can withstand rough handling without losing shape, offering peace of mind to fast-paced businesses.

High-end cafes and shops often choose PET due to their sturdy nature and premium (as opposed to PP) appearance. They might be more expensive than PP cups, but they add a touch of class to your products.

Features of PP and PET Cups

When choosing between PP and PET for your business, consider durability, environmental effects, and costs. These factors influence which type of cup might best meet your needs.

Durability

PP cups are known for their flexibility and crack resistance.

They handle heat better, making them suitable for warmer drinks, like that hot pandesal-loving kapeng barako.

PET, on the other hand, is stiffer and offers greater clarity, which is ideal for cold beverages like juice or palamig.

Though less suited to heat, PET can withstand temperatures up to 160°F. If durability and heat strength are your priority, especially in tropical climates, PP cups might be more practical.

Environmental impact

PET cups are reusable and often preferred for sustainability. They are easier to process in recycling systems, making them eco-friendlier.

PP cups, while still recyclable, face challenges with recycling infrastructure in some areas.

If you're focused on minimizing environmental impact, check local recycling facilities for both plastics and prefer PET for its easier recyclability.

Oh, and don't forget—this could also boost your business image as an eco-conscious choice, a plus in the eyes of your environment-loving customers!

Cost-effectiveness

When it comes to the peso, PP cups generally hold the advantage.

They tend to be more affordable to produce, which is appealing for small businesses wishing to maximize margins. PET cups might be pricier due to higher raw material costs and clarity features.


However, investing in PET for their visual appeal can pay off if your product demands it. Consider your brand's concept and budget capacity.

Pro tip: Don't just buy the cheapest cup you can find. Considering factors other than price is a mindset that separates the truly successful entrepreneurs from mediocre ones. Kung mura ang presyo pero bitin naman sa performance, baka kailangang pag-isipan kung tama talaga ang choice mo.

How to choose the right cup for your business?

Something as simple as your choice of cup can enhance your brand identity and improve customer satisfaction. 

In this section, let's explore considerations such as business type, design, branding, and customer preferences.

Whether selling hot coffee or ice-cold boba tea, the right choice can unlock potential profits.

Consider your business type

Your business type will greatly influence your choice between PP and PET cups.

For coffee shops, sturdiness is a top priority, making PP cups an excellent option. They handle hot temperatures well, ensuring your customers don't spill their drinks on the go.

On the other hand, if you operate a milk tea or bubble tea shop, clear PET cups might be your cup of tea—literally!

They allow customers to see those luscious layers of brown sugar milk or colorful pearls. Plus, serving in a visually appealing cup can entice others to try your delicious drinks.

For events and gatherings, choosing cost-effective options like PP cups might align better with your budget, especially when catering to large crowds. A variety of cold beverages can also be served in clear PET cups to accentuate their vibrant colors.

Think about design and branding

Next, let's talk design and branding. Your cups are more than just drink holders. They also serve as a canvas for your business identity.

Think about it: when your customer snaps a photo of that perfectly layered boba in a customized PET cup, your brand gets seen all over social media. Consider adding your logo, some quirky artwork, or even a catchy slogan.

Both PP and PET cups lend themselves to customization (i.e., cups made in different colors), giving you flexibility in expressing your brand's personality.

Whether you use bold typography or simple minimalistic designs, ensure it stands out against the material. A well-designed cup leaves an impression and can turn a casual buyer into a loyal customer.

Factor in your customers' preferences

Lastly, take a sip—or peek—into the minds of your customers.

Are they eco-conscious and favor reusable cups or recyclable PP options? Do they prioritize aesthetics and would rather take the cup home for reuse?

Trends like sustainability can strongly influence consumer choices, so offering cups that align with these values can boost your appeal.

Also, consider the kind of drinks they prefer.

Cold drinks, like iced tea or smoothies, fit perfectly in clear PET cups, which lets customers appreciate what's inside. Some customers might prioritize the sturdiness of PP cups for their daily caffeine fix.

Example: I love KFC, but I've avoided it ever since they decided to offer their drinks and gravy in those sealed cups.


The bottles are flimsy and you can't peel of the plastic seal without dipping your hands in the sauce or drink!


They might be saving more money by using cheaper packaging materials but it also results in bad customer experience. Truly, listening to your customer preferences can transform your cup choice from a simple decision into a strategic advantage.

Boost Your Business with the Perfect Cup Choice

Choosing between PP and PET can greatly impact your business. PET cups offer clarity, letting the vibrancy of carbonated drinks and smoothies shine. They're often chosen for events to enhance visual appeal.

Recycling-friendly and versatile, both options are practical for businesses. Whether it's transporting drinks or handling them during events, these cups cover all bases.

About the author 

Yesh Quijano

Yesh Quijano is an entrepreneur and digital marketer who's been in the game for over 11 years. He started several businesses and helped countless others reach new heights. His goal is to make digital marketing for SMEs simple, accessible, and effective. When he's not working, you can find him cuddling with his two cats.

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