Quick Answer
Custom printed cups and sealing film are a bubble tea brand’s “mobile advertising”, used every day. When planning, confirm (1) capacity and rim diameter (compatible with your sealer and lids), (2) material (PP, PET, paper, etc.), (3) print design, and (4) quantity and lead time. In Taiwan, the Environmental Protection Administration (now the Ministry of Environment) announced rules restricting single-use beverage cups on 28 April 2022: drink shops, chain convenience stores, chain fast-food outlets and chain supermarkets are restricted, drink shops may not provide plastic single-use cups (with start dates proposed by each city or county and approved centrally), and must offer at least NT$5 off for customers who bring their own cup. Overseas stores should choose cup materials under local law.
Choosing Custom Cup Specifications
| Item | Key points |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Commonly 500ml or 700ml; see Bubble Tea Cup Sizes |
| Rim diameter | Must fit your sealer and lids; see How to Choose a Cup Sealing Machine |
| Material | PP, PET, paper and so on; see PP vs PET Cups |
| Printing | Number of colors, print area, logo placement |
Choosing Sealing Film
- Match the cup material: PP film for PP cups; PET cups need film designed for them.
- Design: the film is the first thing customers see before opening, a good spot for your logo or promotions.
- Roll size and machine: confirm film width and roll diameter match your sealer.
Print Design Tips
- Brand consistency: colors and fonts match your signage and menu.
- Clear information: brand name, social media handle or website.
- Regulatory marks: material or recycling information as local rules require.
- Seasonal editions: limited cups can tie in with seasonal drinks; see How to Plan Seasonal Drinks.
Taiwan’s Single-Use Cup Rules
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Announced | 28 April 2022 |
| Restricted businesses | Drink shops, chain drink shops, chain convenience stores, chain fast-food outlets, chain supermarkets |
| Plastic single-use cups | Includes petroleum-based, bio-based and biodegradable plastics; cups made mainly of plant fiber are excluded |
| Drink shops | May not provide plastic single-use cups; start dates proposed by local authorities and approved centrally |
| Own-cup discount | At least NT$5 difference between bringing and not bringing your own cup |
Check each city or county’s announcements for actual scope and dates. For straw rules, see PLA Straws, Paper Straws and Plastic Restrictions.
Notes for Overseas Stores
Rules on single-use plastics differ by country, so confirm material restrictions and labeling requirements in the destination before ordering, and allow time for production and ocean freight.
How Tang Sugar Can Help
Tang Sugar supplies cups, sealing film, straws and other packaging that can ship together with ingredients; custom needs can be discussed through our product customization services. Contact us.
Products in this article
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FAQ
What should I check when ordering custom bubble tea cups?
Capacity and rim diameter compatible with your sealer and lids, a suitable material, and the print design, quantity and lead time.
Can drink shops in Taiwan still use plastic cups?
Under the 2022 announcement, drink shops may not provide plastic single-use cups, with start dates proposed and approved by locality; check local announcements for actual scope.
How much is the own-cup discount in Taiwan?
At least NT$5 between bringing and not bringing your own cup.
How do I choose sealing film?
Match it to the cup material, make sure width and roll diameter fit your sealer, and print your brand design on it if you like.
Further Reading
- PP vs PET Cups
- How to Choose a Cup Sealing Machine
- PLA Straws, Paper Straws and Plastic Restrictions
Sources
- Rootlaw: Restrictions on single-use beverage cups (2022-04-28) (in Chinese)
- New Immigrants Global News: No single-use beverage cups nationwide from September (in Chinese)
