Mugs are for breakfast. And for snacks. And for that infusion or that steep brew your diners are asking for after dinner. As it turns out, these flattened cups with handles are an indispensable part of your tableware and the disposable and reusable versions open up a world of possibilities: take away, increase hygiene and safety, change the models in your premises whenever you want..
Although the range of drinks served in cups is somewhat limited (coffee, coffee with milk and variants, tea, infusions, hot chocolate...), the truth is that the list of types of plastic and biodegradable cups that you can choose from for your catering and hospitality establishment is very long. How to choose the perfect plastic cups? How to know which disposable cup is best for take away?
Depending on the service (on-premise or take-away), depending on the material the cup is made of (plastic cup, reusable cup or biodegradable cup) and, above all, depending on the drink it will contain, you should choose one cup or another. The characteristics of disposable cups are very varied, so what better than to let the experts in disposable and reusable tableware and kitchenware advise you. Monouso to the rescue!
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Types of disposable and reusable mugs
The first thing you should know about the different types of cups is that they can be disposable, single-use, or reusable, with a high wash cycle. For take away and delivery, opt for the former, while for serving on the premises and in your catering services you can alternate one or the other, depending on the convenience provided by the models available and the events you are holding (the number of diners can be a determining factor in making a decision).
| Types of cups | Shock resistant* | Hot beverage* | Microwave-safe* | Dishwasher safe* | Recyclable* |
| Economical PS | X | ✓ | X | X | ✓ |
| PS hard | ✓ | ✓ | X | X | ✓ |
| PP microwaveable | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ |
| SAN | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cardboard | X | ✓ | X | X | ✓ |
| Sugar cane | X | ✓ | X | X | ✓ |
(*) The properties of these materials may vary depending on the model and the tests certified by each manufacturer. Consult the product sheet for specific compatibilities for each model and if in doubt, please contact our customer service.
Disposable plastic cups
Plastic cups for coffee and other hot drinks are the perfect alternative to traditional tableware, which is easily stained by coffee grounds and deteriorates with use. With models that rival traditional porcelain or glass sets in elegance, there are plastic cups that can replace and improve service and hygiene in your establishment. Among their main advantages:
- Hygiene, each diner gets his or her own cup for the first time
- Resistant, they do not break into pieces if dropped
- Transparent plastic cup models are available that clearly show the beverage being served
- Ideal for catering and outdoor events
what type of plastic is used for disposablecups? In our shop you will find models made of polystyrene (cheap and hard) and polypropylene. Let's take a look at the characteristics of a plastic cup depending on whether it is made of PS or PP.
Cheap PS cups
From the polymerisation of the monomer styrene, PS cups are created, which are cheap plastic cups ideal for catering services at parties.
They are a type of cup to serve coffee quickly and comfortably and take up little space. They are very light and affordable.
- Can hold hot beverages
- Suitable for refrigeration
- Fast and hygienic service
- Easy to stack
- Recyclable
Hard PS cups
Also made of polystyrene, we find the plastic cups with PS hard handle, so called because of the rigidity and resistance they present compared to the economic type (different type of plastic cooling in the production process). It is resistant to cold, heat and stress.
Many models are disposable, single-use, which facilitates the cleaning of large events and promotes hygiene at a party or buffet service. However, there are also reusable coffee cups made of hard PS, with a service life of more than 125 wash cycles and outstanding designs.
- Transparent and matt-coloured models
- Durable and comfortable handles
- Impact resistant
- Disposable and reusable
- Recyclable
PP Mugs
Made of polypropylene, these tableware pieces are also known as extra rigid plastic cups, which perfectly sums up their main feature. They are strong, flexible and tough, and can withstand high temperatures so well that they are microwave safe.
Models widely used by hotels, restaurants and caterers because they maintain the temperature of the liquids inside, are easy to transport and very resistant. With capacities between 90 and 190 ml, they are perfect for serving coffee or infusions with great elegance to all your customers. They also have a lid option.
- Microwaveable
- Lidded models for safe coffee on the go
- Resistance, hardness and flexibility
- Recyclable
- Will not splinter when broken
- Keeps beverages warmer longer
Reusable plastic cups from SAN
We have already shown you that some polystyrene models are reusable (the hardest versions with up to 125 wash cycles), but there are also other materials made of plastic with a very long reusable lifespan. These are the cups made of SAN, a high-quality styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, free of BPA and other toxins. They are almost unbreakable, shatter-resistant and have a lifespan of more than 500 wash cycles.
They are also dishwasher safe, making them ideal if you are looking for reusable mugs that will last wash after wash. If you have any questions, write to our customer service and we'll help you decide if these mugs meet all the requirements you're looking for.
Not only do they stand out for their resistance, they are also a source of design, with sophisticated models that will please your guests, they won't believe they are made of plastic!
- Dishwasher safe
- Comfortable to use and pleasant to the touch
- Models with a plate for a complete and elegant table service
- Virtually unbreakable (shock and drop resistant)
- Premium quality in durability and design
- Stackable
- Reusable (+500 washes)
Biodegradable cups
If your establishment wants to opt for cups made from natural materials, in our online shop you will find models made from cardboard and sugar cane that fit this description perfectly. These 100% natural elements degrade naturally, and some are even compostable, such as the cups made from sugar cane. These containers are very environmentally friendly and degrade easily following the right processes.
Cardboard cups
This type of beverage container made of cardboard is one of the most convenient ways to serve hot beverages to your customers. Their fold-out handles hold the weight of coffee, tea and other beverages very well, and help to prevent your guests from burning their hands when drinking their beverage.
They are specially designed for the consumption of hot drinks and feature a patterned design in colours reminiscent of coffee with milk, so it has a very clear concept.
- Stackable
- Lightweight
- Resistant to hot beverages
- Coffee print
- Double handles
Sugar cane cups
Sugar cane containers are created from the residue of sugar cane after all the sugar cane juice has been extracted. This residue is known as bagasse, which is why it is also commonly referred to as biodegradable bagasse cups.
They are disposable, single-use, 100% natural cups, which should be recycled in the organic bin. They are recyclable, biodegradable and compostable.
- 100% ECO
- Rough finish
- Pleasant to the touch
- Stylish models that contrast with their recycled material aesthetics
- Suitable for hot drinks
Main uses of hospitality mugs
Coffee is one of the main protagonists in the hospitality sector. It is the bitter elixir of the morning, the icing on the cake after a good meal, the witness to the most personal half-voiced conversations... Your establishment experiences all these situations and coffee is always present. It is normal for you to worry about providing the best service, and that means preparing the perfect cups and mugs to serve coffee, infusions or chocolates.
Disposable and reusable cups are used in many sectors, let's review the most important ones:
- Restaurants
- Bars
- Snack bars
- Cafeterias
- Tea shops
- Take Away
- Delivery
- Drinks stands and food trucks
- Vending machines
- Fast food
- Bakeries and bakeries
Cup types and capacities
There is nothing written about the millilitres of each cup depending on the beverage it will hold, but we can give you some approximate industry standard figures so you can plan what sizes you will need. Another advantage of using disposable tableware is that you can afford to have cups in as many sizes as you need and you can expand and renew your collection according to your customers' preferences.
a black coffee, please! is possibly the most repeated phrase in all restaurants, bars and events. Coffee cups are used to serve coffee, usually with a capacity of about 70 ml, while a cup of coffee with milk is more than 200 ml. In the middle we find cortados, chocolates, cappuccinos..
in which type of cup does American coffee go, and in which one is tea served? Bear in mind that your public has certain expectations about the size they will find when they order their corresponding dose of coffee, don't disappoint them! Let's classify them into 5 types of coffee cups in the following table:
Cup capacities: different coffee types
| Black coffee / espresso | 70 - 90 ml |
| Espresso / Americano / Americano | 100 - 120 ml |
| Coffee with milk | 200 - 250 ml |
| Cappuccino | 150 - 250 ml |
| Coffee / tea / chocolate mugs | 200 - 250 ml |
Yes, there are cups for every type of coffee, depending on your offer, you will need different volumes. In case you are not familiar with the types of coffee that can be offered at your premises, we will also give you an overview:
- Solo (espresso). Infusion of coffee with boiling water. Short, usually with foam.
- Very short solo. Same amount of coffee as a black coffee, but less water. Very short.
- Short. Very popular in all catering establishments. Black coffee with a little milk added.
- Americano. Same amount of coffee as a black coffee, but with more water (boiling water is added afterwards). Long.
- Long coffee. A long black coffee. All the coffee is the product of a prolonged infusion, without adding water afterwards, as in the case of American coffee. Long.
- Carajillo (café brulé). Slightly burnt liqueur is added to the cup and then filled with coffee. The liqueur is usually brandy, but it is also common to be asked for brandy or whisky.
- Coffee bonbon. The sweetest option. A version of the cortado in which condensed milk is added instead of milk. In this case it would be served before the coffee. Serve these coffees in transparent cups, like the ones you can find in the section of hard polystyrene cups in our shop.
- Coffee with milk. Just like a latte, but the proportion of milk is higher (50/50). So is the cup, which would be 200 ml and upwards.
Types of cups according to their use
There are not only differences in the size of recyclable plastic coffee cups, but also in their use. Many establishments like yours are looking for coffee cups, but there are also those who value other features of disposable and reusable cups, such as their use in the microwave.
- For serving coffee
- For breakfast
- For tea
- For infusion
- For hot chocolate
- For children's snacks
Coffee cups
The most widespread use of coffee mugs is for coffee consumption, whether on the premises, to take away or for catering. Small cups for black, white, red, 70, 80 and 90 ml single-serve coffees, transparent or in plain colours, stand out. They are designed for quick consumption and easy disposal for recycling, but have the convenience of a handle to avoid burning, and designs that rival traditional tableware.
Tea cups
There is life after coffee. I'm sure you have many customers who, instead of having a coffee, tea, or any other type of infusion such as polo or camomile tea. The cups in our shop are also designed for this type of hot drinks. From 200 ml, any of the cups you will find in Monouso is perfect to serve the best of your teas. If you can't decide between so many models, don't hesitate to consult our customer service.
Hard plastic cups for microwaves
Some of the cups in our shop are suitable for use in microwaves, so you can use them to heat drinks directly in them. If you need this type of container for your business, the right ones are the polypropylene (PP) cups, microwaveable cups that will cover all your needs for black coffee, coffee with milk, infusions and chocolates.
Accessories for cups
Lids and plates accompany the cups in our shop to complete a perfect tandem. On the one hand, you have the perfect accessory for take away, and on the other, the ideal complement for an elegant and sophisticated service, a real statement of intent for the collections they accompany.
Cups with lid
For the perfect "take away" service, a lid is needed for drinks to close the container impeccably and hygienically. At Monouso you will find plastic cup lids that fit perfectly to make your service smooth on the one hand and your drinks safe on the other.
Cups with plate
Coffee cup saucers accompany coffee cup collections for espresso (80 ml) and cappuccino (186 ml). Like the matching pieces, these plates are made of an almost unbreakable, shiny and reusable material, of such a high quality that they look like real cups!
After this comprehensive guide to the world of the disposable mug we hope that you will no longer have any doubts about the types of mug your business needs. However, we know that there is a lot of variety to choose from, so we remind you that our customer service will be happy to take your questions and help you make the best decision.
