U.S. Foodservice Paper Cups Market, Opportunity, Growth Drivers, Industry Trend Analysis and Forecast, 2025-2028
Description
U.S. Foodservice Paper Cups Market was valued at USD 2.13 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% to reach USD 2.48 billion by 2028.
Market growth is driven by the rise in on-the-go consumption, the rapid expansion of quick-service restaurants (QSRs), and increasing consumer preference for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging. Innovations in bio-based coatings, PFAS-free linings, and double-walled insulation technologies are reshaping the market, offering enhanced durability, heat retention, and eco-credentials that align with tightening U.S. state-level regulations on single-use plastics. Furthermore, the surge in food delivery and takeaway culture continues to amplify demand for disposable cups, ensuring strong market momentum through 2028.
By type, the hot paper cups segment led the market in 2024, generating USD 1.13 billion, reflecting strong consumption from coffee chains, QSRs, and convenience outlets. Hot cups remain dominant due to the U.S.’s thriving coffee culture, with double- and ripple-wall designs increasingly adopted for premium specialty beverages. Manufacturers are investing in PLA-lined and compostable alternatives, responding to consumer demand for greener solutions without compromising performance. This segment is expected to maintain steady growth as branded customization and specialty coffee consumption become further entrenched in U.S. lifestyles.
By end use, the quick-service restaurants (QSRs) segment was valued at USD 1.26 billion in 2024, supported by the sector’s reliance on high-volume disposable cups for cold drinks, milkshakes, and combo meals. Strong partnerships between QSR chains and major packaging suppliers ensure bulk procurement, consistent quality, and compliance with sustainability mandates. With the continued expansion of leading brands and drive-thru services, QSRs are expected to remain the backbone of demand, especially as beverage-focused menu offerings grow.
The competitive landscape of the U.S. foodservice paper cups market is moderately consolidated, with the top five players, Dart Container, Huhtamäki, Graphic Packaging, Pactiv Evergreen, and Georgia-Pacific collectively commanding over 53% of the market. Dart Container leverages large-scale production and distributor networks, while Huhtamäki leads in sustainability with PFAS-free and compostable coatings. Graphic Packaging capitalizes on vertical integration, ensuring cost efficiency, while Pactiv Evergreen partners with distributors like Sysco and US Foods for a wide reach. Georgia-Pacific benefits from upstream pulp integration, mitigating raw material cost volatility. Other notable players include WestRock, Stanpac, Grupo Phoenix, Tekni-Plex, ConverPack, and Genpak, many of which are carving niches in customization and eco-innovation. As sustainability pressures mount and consumer expectations shift, the U.S. foodservice paper cups market is entering a new phase of transformation.
Market growth is driven by the rise in on-the-go consumption, the rapid expansion of quick-service restaurants (QSRs), and increasing consumer preference for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging. Innovations in bio-based coatings, PFAS-free linings, and double-walled insulation technologies are reshaping the market, offering enhanced durability, heat retention, and eco-credentials that align with tightening U.S. state-level regulations on single-use plastics. Furthermore, the surge in food delivery and takeaway culture continues to amplify demand for disposable cups, ensuring strong market momentum through 2028.
By type, the hot paper cups segment led the market in 2024, generating USD 1.13 billion, reflecting strong consumption from coffee chains, QSRs, and convenience outlets. Hot cups remain dominant due to the U.S.’s thriving coffee culture, with double- and ripple-wall designs increasingly adopted for premium specialty beverages. Manufacturers are investing in PLA-lined and compostable alternatives, responding to consumer demand for greener solutions without compromising performance. This segment is expected to maintain steady growth as branded customization and specialty coffee consumption become further entrenched in U.S. lifestyles.
By end use, the quick-service restaurants (QSRs) segment was valued at USD 1.26 billion in 2024, supported by the sector’s reliance on high-volume disposable cups for cold drinks, milkshakes, and combo meals. Strong partnerships between QSR chains and major packaging suppliers ensure bulk procurement, consistent quality, and compliance with sustainability mandates. With the continued expansion of leading brands and drive-thru services, QSRs are expected to remain the backbone of demand, especially as beverage-focused menu offerings grow.
The competitive landscape of the U.S. foodservice paper cups market is moderately consolidated, with the top five players, Dart Container, Huhtamäki, Graphic Packaging, Pactiv Evergreen, and Georgia-Pacific collectively commanding over 53% of the market. Dart Container leverages large-scale production and distributor networks, while Huhtamäki leads in sustainability with PFAS-free and compostable coatings. Graphic Packaging capitalizes on vertical integration, ensuring cost efficiency, while Pactiv Evergreen partners with distributors like Sysco and US Foods for a wide reach. Georgia-Pacific benefits from upstream pulp integration, mitigating raw material cost volatility. Other notable players include WestRock, Stanpac, Grupo Phoenix, Tekni-Plex, ConverPack, and Genpak, many of which are carving niches in customization and eco-innovation. As sustainability pressures mount and consumer expectations shift, the U.S. foodservice paper cups market is entering a new phase of transformation.
Table of Contents
147 Pages
- Chapter 1: Methodology
- 1.1. Research Design
- 1.1.1. Research approach
- 1.1.2. Data collection methods
- 1.1.3. Base estimates and calculations
- 1.1.4. Base year calculation
- 1.1.5. Key trends for market estimates
- 1.2. Forecast model
- 1.3. Primary research & validation
- 1.4. Some of the primary sources (but not limited to):
- 1.4.1. Inputs from primary interviews:
- 1.5. Data Mining Sources
- 1.5.1. Secondary Sources
- 1.5.1.1. Paid Sources
- 1.5.1.2. Public Sources
- 1.6. Sources, by region
- Chapter 2: Executive Summary
- 2.1. Industry snapshot
- 2.2. Business trends
- 2.2.1. Type trends
- 2.2.2. Wall type trends
- 2.2.3. Volume trends
- 2.2.4. End use trends
- 2.2.5. Region trends
- 2.3. TAM Analysis, 2025 - 2028
- 2.4. CXO Perspective
- 2.4.1. Executive Decision Points
- 2.4.2. Critical Success Factors
- 2.5. Future Outlook and Strategic Recommendations
- Chapter 3: Industry Insights
- 3.1. Industry snapshot
- 3.1.1. Factors affecting value chain
- 3.1.1.1. Raw Material Supplier
- 3.1.1.2. Manufacturers
- 3.1.1.3. Distributor
- 3.1.1.4. End users
- 3.1.2. Vendor matrix
- 3.1.3. Profit margin analysis
- 3.2. Industry impact forces
- 3.2.1. Market growth drivers
- 3.2.1.1. Regulatory bans on EPS and single-use plastics in California and New York
- 3.2.1.2. Rising consumer demand for recyclable and compostable packaging
- 3.2.1.3. Growth of on-the-go beverage outlets elevates disposable cup usage
- 3.2.1.4. EPA’s Solid Waste Infrastructure for recycling grants bolster recycling infrastructure
- 3.2.1.5. Expansion of food delivery and meal kits fuels demand for disposable cups
- 3.2.1.6. Proposed Compost Act of 2023, enforcing the adoption of compostable cups
- 3.2.2. Restraints and challenges
- 3.2.2.1. Insufficient recycling infrastructure limits paper cup recovery
- 3.2.2.2. Volatile pulp and energy prices inflate production costs
- 3.2.2.3. Fragmented state-level regulations create compliance complexity
- 3.3. Growth potential
- 3.4. Technology Landscape
- 3.4.1. Material Innovations
- 3.4.2. Production Technology
- 3.4.3. Sustainability and Tracking
- 3.4.4. Innovation in Insulation and Functionality
- 3.5. Future market trends
- 3.5.1. Sustainability-Driven Product Innovation
- 3.5.2. Growth of On-the-Go and Delivery Segments
- 3.5.3. Digital and Smart Packaging
- 3.5.4. Circular Economy and Recycling Infrastructure
- 3.6. Porter’s Analysis
- 3.7. PESTEL Analysis
- 3.8. Regulatory landscape
- 3.9. Pricing Analysis
- 3.9.1. U.S. Pricing Benchmarks by Type (Single-wall, Double-wall, Ripple-wall)
- 3.9.2. Cost Biodegradable & PLA-lined Foodservice Paper Cups vs. Standard PE-lined
- Chapter 4: Competitive Landscape, 2024
- 4.1. Competitive Landscape
- 4.2. Company market share analysis, 2024
- 4.3. Competitive analysis of the key market players
- 4.3.1. Dart Container
- 4.3.2. Huhtamäki
- 4.3.3. Graphic Packaging
- 4.3.4. Pactiv Evergreen
- 4.3.5. Georgia-Pacific
- 4.4. Competitive Positioning Matrix
- 4.5. Strategic Outlook Matrix
- Chapter 5: U.S. Foodservice Paper Cups Market, By Type
- 5.1. Key Trends
- 5.2. Hot paper cups
- 5.3. Cold paper cups
- Chapter 6: U.S. Foodservice Paper Cups Market, By Wall Type
- 6.1. Key Trends
- 6.2. Single wall paper cups
- 6.3. Double wall paper cups
- Chapter 7: U.S. Foodservice Paper Cups Market, By Volume
- 7.1. Key Trends
- 7.2. 3 oz
- 7.3. 4 oz
- 7.4. 5 oz
- 7.5. 6 oz
- 7.6. 8 oz
- 7.7. 9 oz
- 7.8. 10 oz
- 7.9. 12 oz
- 7.10. 16 oz
- 7.11. 20 oz
- 7.12. 21 oz
- 7.13. 24 oz
- 7.14. 29 oz
- 7.15. 30 oz
- 7.16. 32 oz
- 7.17. 40 oz
- 7.18. 42 oz
- 7.19. 44 oz
- Chapter 8: U.S. Foodservice Paper Cups Market, By End Use
- 8.1. Key Trends
- 8.2. Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs)
- 8.3. Cafes & Coffee Shops
- 8.4. Catering Services
- 8.5. Convenience stores & vending
- Chapter 9: U.S. Foodservice Paper Cups Market, By Region
- 9.1. Key Trends
- 9.2. Northeast
- 9.3. Southeast
- 9.4. Midwest
- 9.5. Southwest
- 9.6. Northwest
- Chapter 10: Company Profile
- 10.1. Conver Pack
- 10.1.1. Financial Data
- 10.1.2. Product Landscape
- 10.1.3. Strategic Outlook
- 10.1.4. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2. Dart Container
- 10.2.1. Financial Data
- 10.2.2. Product Landscape
- 10.2.3. Strategic Outlook
- 10.2.4. SWOT Analysis
- 10.3. Genpak
- 10.3.1. Financial Data
- 10.3.2. Product Landscape
- 10.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.4. Georgia-Pacific
- 10.4.1. Financial Data
- 10.4.2. Product Landscape
- 10.4.3. Strategic Outlook
- 10.4.4. SWOT Analysis
- 10.5. Graphic Packaging
- 10.5.1. Financial Data
- 10.5.2. Product Landscape
- 10.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.6. Green Paper Products
- 10.6.1. Financial Data
- 10.6.2. Product Landscape
- 10.6.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.7. Huhtamaki
- 10.7.1. Financial Data
- 10.7.2. Product Landscape
- 10.7.3. Strategic Outlook
- 10.7.4. SWOT Analysis
- 10.8. Pactiv Evergreen Inc.
- 10.8.1. Financial Data
- 10.8.2. Product Landscape
- 10.8.3. Strategic Outlook
- 10.8.4. SWOT Analysis
- 10.9. Stanpac
- 10.9.1. Financial Data
- 10.9.2. Product Landscape
- 10.9.3. Strategic Outlook
- 10.9.4. SWOT Analysis
- 10.10. Tekni-Plex
- 10.10.1. Financial Data
- 10.10.2. Product Landscape
- 10.10.3. Strategic Outlook
- 10.10.4. SWOT Analysis
- 10.11. WestRock
- 10.11.1. Financial Data
- 10.11.2. Product Landscape
- 10.11.3. SWOT Analysis
- Chapter 11: Appendix
- 11.1. Market Definitions
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