United Kingdom Paper Cups Market Size & Outlook, 2025-2033

United Kingdom Paper Cups Market Size

The United Kingdom paper cups market size was valued at USD 968.2 million in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 995.31 million in 2025 to reach USD 1,241.38 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 2.8% during the forecast period (2025-2033).

Paper cups are throwaway and can be used to drink soup, tea, coffee, soft drinks, etc. Polyethylene, the most common type of plastic resin, is used to cover these cups. This makes them work better and last longer by stopping the low moisture from absorbing and keeping the taste. Customers usually use paper cups to save time and effort in their busy lives. These cups don't need to be washed and can be thrown away immediately after use. Paper cup sales have been affected by the growing popularity of ready-to-eat foods and services worldwide.

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United Kingdom Paper Cups Market Growth Factors

Rise in on-the-Go Consumption

Coffee drinking on the go has increased in the UK. Many people grab a coffee or other drinks on the go due to their busy work culture and fast-paced lifestyle. Coffee businesses, cafes, and quick-service eateries that serve portable beverages have intensified this trend. These businesses use disposable packaging like paper cups to serve on-the-go customers. Paper cups with lids let people carry and enjoy their drinks while commuting, at work, or elsewhere. Paper cups are convenient and portable for busy people in the on-the-go society.

Market Restraints

Shift towards Reusable Alternatives

The carbon footprint of hot drinks could be cut by up to 90% if people used reusable cups instead of single-use cups, according to a study by Zero Waste Scotland. This information shows how reusable options are better for the environment and why they are popular among people who care about the environment. The U.K. paper cup market has been affected by the move toward alternatives that can be used more than once. This is because more people are concerned about the environment and want more options. As more people choose reusable cups, the desire for single-use paper cups may decrease, slowing the market's growth.

Key Market Opportunities

Increasing Awareness regarding Negative Effects of Plastics

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's "War on Plastic" campaign highlighted single-use plastics' environmental damage. The campaign highlighted plastic cup overuse and ocean and waste damage. Due to the popular desire for more sustainable options, paper cup sales have surged. Many U.K. coffee shops, cafes, and food service organizations have switched to paper cups as a more environmentally responsible option.

Major coffee businesses encourage paper cup use by offering discounts to customers who bring their reusable cups or charging extra for single-use plastic cups. This has encouraged consumers to pick paper cups over plastic cups, increasing market demand. Kantar found that 83% of UK customers are concerned about plastic's environmental impact, with 67% actively reducing plastic consumption. Sustainable alternatives like paper cups are in demand due to customer sentiment.

Countries Insights

During the forecast period, the United Kingdom is expected to generate a USD 20 million opportunity for incremental growth. Sales of paper cups are anticipated to rise as coffee consumption rises; coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the nation. According to information released by the British Coffee Association in 2021, 98 million cups of coffee are consumed daily in the United Kingdom, 76% being the typical cup.

Given that coffee is typically supplied in tiny quantities or through vending machines, consumption is eventually anticipated to impact the global market for paper cups. Coffee must be served and consumed in paper cups. This will probably increase coffee consumption, increasing sales in the U.K.

Size Insights

The market is further segmented by size into Less Than 8 Oz, 8-12 Oz, and More Than 12 Oz. The 8-12 Oz domain segment dominates the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.0% during the forecast period.

Cup Type Insights

The market is further segmented by cup type into Hot Beverage Cups and Cold Beverage Cups. Hot Beverage Cup dominated the market and is expected to register a CAGR of 2.3% over the forecast period.

Wall Type Insights

The market is further segmented by wall type into Single Wall, Double Wall, and Triple Wall. The Double wall domain segment dominates the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.5% during the forecast period.

Application Insights

The market is further segmented by application into Food and Beverages, Institutional, Events, and Others. Food and Beverages dominated the market and are expected to register a CAGR of 3.6% over the forecast period.

Distribution Channel Insights

The market is further segmented by distribution channel into Online, Offline. The Offline domain segment dominates the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.8% during the forecast period.

List of key players in United Kingdom Paper Cups Market

1. Go-Pak U.K. Ltd
2. Huhtamaki Group
3. International Paper

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Recent Developments

• March 2023- Huhtamaki and Sporting Kansas City collaborated to eliminate Children's Mercy Park waste.
• March 2023- Ethisphere, a leader in establishing and expanding the norms of ethical business practices, named International Paper (NYSE: I.P.), a global manufacturer of environmentally friendly packaging, pulp, and other fiber-based products, as one of the 2023 World's Most Ethical Companies.