When it comes to purchases, an increasing number of consumers prioritize convenience, and many expect retailers to help them save time and effort.

The specialty coffee industry is no exception, adapting to provide high-quality takeaway options to on-the-go customers.

Notably, the evolution of takeaway coffee cups has been remarkable. They’ve evolved from tin communal dippers and polystyrene contributors to the plastic crisis to compostable items that decompose naturally.

Leaks and spills are still a problem with takeaway coffee cups, despite advances in technology and design.

So, how to avoid the coffee paper cup issue when leakage or spills happen? Our answer is

The coffee paper cup should be well formed while making sure the cup is covered with a suitable lid.

Read on to learn how to avoid leaks and spills from takeaway coffee cups. 

Possibility of leaks and spills happen

Takeaway coffee’s popularity is growing due to its convenience. Notably, the global takeaway coffee market is expected to be worth $37.8 billion by 2022.

Furthermore, consumers are increasingly preferring coffee to carbonated soft drinks and energy drinks. These have been linked to a variety of health issues, including obesity and hypertension.

The majority of takeaway coffee customers consume their beverage while on the go. This can happen while commuting or running errands.

The unpredictability of transportation and the erratic, fast-paced movement of walking is likely to increase the likelihood of consumers spilling their coffee.

Surprisingly, a survey found that more than half of Millennials admitted to spilling their coffee in the previous year, compared to 35% of Baby Boomers.

Avoiding leaks from disposable takeaway coffee paper cups

To prevent liquid seepage, many single-use paper takeaway coffee cups were traditionally lined with polyurethane plastic.

Recent research has found that when hot liquid is poured into the cup, this type of lining can release up to 5 trillion plastic nanoparticles per liter.

Researchers did note that the total amount of particles leaked fell below the US Food and Drug Administration’s safe human consumption levels (FDA).

However, a 2018 study discovered that takeaway coffee cups with this lining can contaminate the local environment when discarded in a landfill.

More importantly, a polyurethane plastic lining frequently prevents takeaway coffee cups from being recycled.

As a result, a long-term, environmentally friendly solution was implemented: a polylactic acid lining (PLA).

PLA linings are compostable and biodegradable because they are made of resin derived from corn starch or other plant-based starches.

PLA, in addition to being non-toxic, is less likely to alter the odor or flavor of the coffee inside.

How can coffee shops prevent takeaway cup spills?

When handing out takeaway coffee cups to customers, the barista should make sure the lid fits and is secure.

The majority of takeaway coffee cups have a seam that runs the length of the cup and onto the rim.

When a lid is placed on the cup, the sea where the seam meets the rim can create a small opening due to its unevenness.

If the drinking spout is placed on top of this opening, the coffee will leak through when the consumer takes a sip.

To reduce the likelihood of spills, place the drinking spout on the opposite side of the cup’s seam.

Customers can enjoy high-quality barista-made coffee on the go with takeaway coffee.
A larger cup size for foamy coffee offerings is another way to assist customers.

The foam bubbles can act as an anti-spill device. This, combined with a larger cup to prevent the foam from overfilling the crevices of the lid, can assist customers in avoiding spills.

Coffee shops can also purchase spill stoppers, which can be used to temporarily plug the spout. Spill stoppers, also known as stir sticks, can help prevent spills and keep the coffee warm.

However, coffee shops should use spill-stoppers made of recyclable plastics or renewable materials like bamboo.

Notably, according to a study cited in The Washing Post, liquid in a coffee cup is more likely to splash around than liquid in a wine glass.

This is due to the vessel’s size and shape. The study also discovered that spills and leaks are caused in part by the motion introduced to the cup by the consumer’s wrist while walking.

As a result, researchers recommend that consumers carry takeaway coffee cups with a claw-like hand, gripping the cup’s rim from above rather than the side or bottom.

The wrist moves less in this position, which helps to reduce leaks and spills.

GetBioPak can provide sustainable takeaway coffee cups made from renewable materials such as recycled kraft paper with an environmentally friendly PLA lining to roasters and cafe owners.

Our range of cups is the ideal choice for roasters and coffee shops looking to reduce their environmental impact and communicate their commitment to sustainability.

Our product line includes double and single-walled cups, compostable takeaway coffee cups, and coffee cup sleeves.

Our recyclable takeaway coffee cups come in the following sizes: 4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz, 12 oz, and 24 oz.

We can also help you fully personalize your takeaway coffee cups or coffee cup sleeves with information about your company, allowing you to communicate the cup’s recycling qualities to customers.

We only use cutting-edge, environmentally friendly digital printing technology with water-based inks that are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

This means that, in addition to being extremely resistant to abrasion, water, and heat, they are also compostable and simple to remove for recycling.

For more information on sustainable takeaway coffee cups, contact our team.