Paper cup

A disposable drinking vessel made primarily from paper or paperboard, often lined or coated to resist liquid. Its design balances leak resistance, insulation, and low-cost manufacture.

Paperboard: A thick, stiff paper material made in multiple plies or from a dense sheet. Its stiffness gives a cup its shape while keeping the vessel lightweight.
Side seam: The joint where the edges of a cup's blank meet to form its wall. This seam closes the paperboard wall and must resist liquid and handling stresses.
Coffee cup: A vessel designed for serving coffee, often with a lid for takeaway use. Hot takeaway coffee is a common use that drives insulation and lid-compatible designs.
Single-use plastic: Plastic products designed for brief use before disposal or recycling. Plastic cups compete with paper cups in disposable drink service and share waste concerns.
Paper sizing: A treatment that reduces paper's tendency to absorb or spread liquids. Sizing can slow water uptake, though cups usually need a stronger barrier.
Bottom seam: The joint that attaches a cup's base to its sidewall. A folded and sealed bottom prevents leaks at the cup's most vulnerable junction.
Cold cup: A disposable cup designed to serve chilled drinks, often with a lid and straw opening. Cold drinks require leak resistance and may create condensation on the cup's exterior.
Paper recycling: The collection and reprocessing of used paper into new paper products. Cup coatings and food residue can complicate recycling through ordinary paper streams.
Polyethylene: A widely used thermoplastic polymer that resists water and many chemicals. A thin polyethylene layer commonly prevents drinks from soaking through the paper.
Rolled rim: A curled edge that stiffens a vessel opening and provides a smooth drinking surface. Rolling the rim strengthens the opening and creates a secure edge for lids.

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