Single-wall hot cups are a common and affordable choice in the foodservice industry, but they almost always require an additional sleeve for safe and comfortable use. Here’s why:
Single-wall cups are made with just one layer of paperboard, which means there’s little to no barrier between the hot beverage and your hand. As a result, heat from the liquid quickly transfers through the cup, making it uncomfortable—or even unsafe—to hold.
Without a sleeve, customers may experience discomfort or mild burns, especially when carrying very hot drinks like coffee or tea. Sleeves act as a buffer, allowing customers to handle hot beverages without pain or the risk of dropping the cup.
Adding a separate sleeve is a cost-effective way to improve heat protection without switching to more expensive double-wall or ripple-wall cups. For businesses that want to keep packaging costs low while still protecting customers, sleeves paired with single-wall cups are a practical compromise.
Sleeves also offer an added surface for custom branding, promotions, or logos—something many businesses take advantage of for marketing.
Single-wall hot cups require sleeves because they lack the insulation needed to protect hands from heat. Sleeves offer both functional protection and added branding value, making them an essential accessory in many beverage service settings.
