Production Process of Paper Cups

Production Process of Paper Cups

1. Raw Material Preparation

• Paper Selection: Food-grade virgin paperboard or recycled paper (FSC-certified) is used, typically 180-350 GSM with PE or PLA coating for liquid resistance.

• Ink & Adhesives: Water-based, non-toxic inks and FDA-approved adhesives are applied.

2. Printing & Cutting

• Flexographic Printing: Designs are printed on flat paper rolls.

• Die-Cutting: Printed sheets are cut into fan-shaped "cup blanks" using precision dies.

3. Cup Forming

• Rolling: Blanks are rolled into conical shapes.

• Sealing: The side seam is heat-sealed (PE-coated) or ultrasonic-welded (PLA-coated).

• Bottom Attachment: A circular paper base is glued and pressed to form a leak-proof seal.

4. Quality Control

• Leak Test: Random cups are filled with hot/cold water to check sealing.

• Dimensional Check: Height, diameter, and wall thickness are verified.

5. Packaging

• Stacking: Cups are nested in stacks (typically 50-100 pieces).

• Wrapping: Packed in shrink film or corrugated boxes with moisture-proof lining.

6. Eco-Friendly Options

• PLA Coating: Compostable cups (EN 13432 certified) use plant-based polylactic acid instead of PE.

• Recyclability: PE-coated cups require specialized recycling; PLA cups are industrially compostable.

Production Capacity: 10,000-50,000 cups/hour (varies by machine size).

Key Terms: PE (Polyethylene), PLA (Polylactic Acid), FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), GSM (Grams per Square Meter).

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