India Paper Cups Market Outlook

According to the report by Expert Market Research (EMR), the India paper cups market reached a volume of approximately 8.86 billion units in 2024. Driven by the rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions, growth in the food and beverage industry, and increasing consumer awareness about environmental pollution, the India paper cups market size is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2% between 2025 and 2034, reaching an estimated 12.14 billion units by 2034.

Paper cups, made from biodegradable paperboard coated with polyethylene or compostable materials, serve as a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic cups. These products are widely used in foodservice applications, including cafés, restaurants, fast-food chains, and packaged beverage services, due to their ease of use, hygienic properties, and low environmental footprint. With increasing urbanisation and changing consumption patterns, paper cups have emerged as a critical component in India’s shift toward sustainable and disposable food packaging solutions.

India Paper Cups Market Size and Share

The India paper cups market is characterised by diverse end-users spanning the food and beverage industry, institutional and corporate catering services, and retail and packaged beverage segments. The foodservice sector remains the dominant consumer of paper cups, accounting for a significant share of overall demand. Coffee shops, quick-service restaurants, and street food vendors are increasingly opting for paper cups as a cost-effective and environmentally responsible solution.

Regionally, metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai account for the largest market share, driven by high consumer footfall, rapid growth of foodservice establishments, and the proliferation of organized retail outlets. Tier-2 and tier-3 cities are also witnessing increased adoption, as urbanisation, disposable incomes, and modern lifestyle trends expand the market base for convenient and sustainable packaging.

End-use segmentation shows that hot beverage cups, including coffee and tea cups, dominate the market due to the popularity of ready-to-drink beverages and the increasing number of cafés and beverage chains. Cold beverage cups are also witnessing growth, driven by the rising consumption of juices, smoothies, iced coffee, and other chilled drinks.

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India Paper Cups Market Trends

Several emerging trends are shaping the India paper cups market. One of the most significant trends is the shift toward eco-friendly and biodegradable alternatives. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting biodegradable coatings, such as polylactic acid (PLA), to replace conventional polyethylene lining, thereby producing fully compostable paper cups.

Another trend is the adoption of customised and branded paper cups by foodservice providers. Businesses are leveraging branded cups as a marketing tool to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement. Additionally, the growth of on-demand food delivery and takeaway services has further increased the demand for durable, spill-resistant, and hygienic paper cups.

Digital printing technologies are also influencing market trends, enabling the production of aesthetically appealing, high-quality designs and promotional messages on cups, which not only enhances consumer experience but also supports brand differentiation.

Drivers of Growth

The growth of the India paper cups market is supported by several factors:

• Rising Environmental Awareness: Increasing concerns over plastic pollution and governmental bans on single-use plastics have accelerated the adoption of paper cups as a sustainable alternative.

• Growth of the Foodservice Industry: Expanding coffee chains, fast-food outlets, and street food services have created substantial demand for disposable and hygienic serving solutions.

• Urbanisation and Lifestyle Changes: Rising urban populations, higher disposable incomes, and changing consumer lifestyles have fueled the demand for ready-to-drink beverages and takeaway services, boosting paper cup consumption.

• Technological Advancements: Innovations in coating technology, biodegradable materials, and digital printing have improved the quality, durability, and visual appeal of paper cups, increasing market acceptance.

• Government Initiatives: Policies promoting eco-friendly packaging and bans on single-use plastics in multiple Indian states have incentivised the adoption of paper cups, creating a positive regulatory environment.

India Paper Cups Market Segmentation

The market can be divided based on cup type, wall type, cup size, application and region.

Market Breakup by Cup Type

• Hot Paper Cups
• Cold Paper Cups

Market Breakup by Wall Type

• Single Wall Paper Cups
• Double Wall Paper Cups
• Triple Wall Paper Cups

Market Breakup by Cup Size

• Small
• Medium 
• Large

Market Breakup by Application

• Tea and Coffee
• Chilled Foods and Beverages
• Others

Market Breakup by End Uses

• Coffee/Tea Shops
• Fast Foods Shops / QSRS
• Offices, Educational Institutes, and Multiplexes
• Supermarket (Food Courts)
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• North Region
• East and Central Region
• West Region
• South Region

Competitive Landscape

Some of the major players explored in the report by Expert Market Research are as follows:

• ISHWARA
• Surya Disposable Product
• Sri Lakshmi Polypack
• Leetha Group
• Arpan FP
• Swan International
• Ecopack India Paper Cup Pvt. Ltd
• Kafka India
• Octane Ecowares Private Limited.
• Hyper Pack ™ Pvt.Ltd
• Others

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite significant growth potential, the India paper cups market faces certain challenges. High production costs, particularly for biodegradable and fully compostable cups, may limit adoption among price-sensitive consumers and small-scale vendors. The need for specialised machinery, coating materials, and quality control measures can also increase operational complexity for manufacturers.

However, these challenges present substantial opportunities for innovation and differentiation. Companies investing in cost-effective biodegradable materials, energy-efficient production processes, and value-added services can capture new market segments. Rising consumer awareness of environmental sustainability and increasing governmental support for eco-friendly initiatives offer opportunities for product development, strategic partnerships, and market expansion.

Furthermore, the growing demand for customised and branded cups provides manufacturers with additional revenue streams and marketing opportunities, particularly in the organized foodservice and retail sectors. Investments in digital printing, design innovation, and packaging solutions are likely to drive further growth in premium and customised product segments.

India Paper Cups Market Forecast

The India paper cups market is expected to maintain steady growth over the forecast period. With a projected CAGR of 3.2% from 2025 to 2034, the market is anticipated to reach approximately 12.14 billion units by 2034. The expansion will be supported by rising environmental awareness, increased adoption of sustainable packaging solutions, and growth in the foodservice and beverage sectors.

Hot beverage cups will continue to dominate the market, while cold beverage cups and customised solutions are expected to gain prominence. The adoption of biodegradable materials, advanced coatings, and digital printing technologies will enhance product quality, appeal, and environmental credentials.

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