Hot & Cold Cups and Straws: The Essential Beverage Packaging Trend in London

In London’s ever-evolving food and beverage industry, the demand for practical, stylish, and eco-conscious packaging is at an all-time high. Among the most essential items for cafes, juice bars, coffee shops, and street vendors are hot and cold cups and straws. Whether it’s a flat white served on the go or a refreshing iced smoothie on a summer’s day, these beverage containers are a crucial part of daily operations across the capital. But in a city that thrives on both sustainability and innovation, the story of hot and cold cups in London is more than just about convenience—it's about environmental responsibility, brand identity, and customer experience.

The Rise of Takeaway Culture in London

Over the past decade, London has seen a significant increase in takeaway and grab-and-go culture. With more people living fast-paced, mobile lives, the need for disposable beverage containers has skyrocketed. From busy commuters grabbing a morning latte at a local café to tourists exploring markets like Borough or Camden with iced drinks in hand, disposable cups and straws are everywhere.

Coffee shops, bubble tea vendors, juice bars, and street food stalls rely on high-quality hot and cold cups to maintain the temperature, taste, and integrity of their drinks. As a result, the beverage packaging market in London has expanded rapidly, giving rise to new designs, materials, and eco-friendly alternatives.

Hot Cups: For Every Brew

Hot beverage cups in London are typically made from paperboard lined with a thin layer of polyethylene to prevent leaks. Double-walled and ripple-walled variants offer additional insulation, ensuring drinks stay warm without burning customers’ hands—an essential feature during the city’s long winters.

Popular in independent cafés from Shoreditch to Notting Hill, as well as chains like Pret and Costa, these cups come in a variety of sizes (from 4oz espresso cups to 16oz large coffees) and can be customized with branding or seasonal designs. Many London-based packaging suppliers also offer compostable or recyclable hot cups made from PLA (a plant-based plastic) to reduce environmental impact.

Cold Cups: For Smoothies, Soft Drinks, and Iced Lattes

Cold cups in London are typically made from clear PET or PLA plastic, giving customers a full view of the vibrant beverages inside—perfect for smoothies, iced coffees, juices, and milkshakes. The transparency of these cups also makes them popular with brands wanting to showcase their colorful, layered drinks, especially in social media promotions.

PET cups are widely used because they’re lightweight, durable, and recyclable. PLA cups, while slightly more expensive, are compostable and derived from renewable resources like corn starch—ideal for eco-conscious vendors in areas like Hackney, Brixton, and Camden, where sustainability is often a key business value.

Dome or flat lids with straw slots allow for secure transport and easy sipping, making these cups indispensable in London’s growing market for cold beverages.

The Straw Evolution: From Plastic to Paper and Beyond

Plastic straws were once a staple of the beverage industry, but London has witnessed a major shift in recent years. Following the UK-wide ban on single-use plastic straws in 2020 (with exemptions for medical use), many businesses in the city have adopted paper straws or other alternatives such as:

• PLA straws (compostable and plant-based)

• Wheat or pasta straws

• Reusable metal or silicone straws

• Biodegradable options made from materials like bamboo or avocado seed

Paper straws are now the most common sight across cafes and bars in London. While they may lack the durability of plastic, many suppliers have improved their construction for better performance. Meanwhile, reusable straws are encouraged in zero-waste cafés and offered for sale as part of eco-friendly kits.

Customization and Branding

Branding is vital in London’s competitive beverage market. Hot and cold cups serve not just as containers but as mobile advertisements. A well-designed cup can catch the eye on a crowded Tube or be shared on social media by customers.

Businesses increasingly opt for custom printed cups and straws, often working with local printers or eco-packaging companies to produce bespoke packaging that reflects their identity. Whether it’s minimalist branding for a sleek Soho espresso bar or colorful prints for a trendy juice bar in East London, packaging plays a big role in customer perception.

Sustainability and Local Regulations

As a progressive city, London is at the forefront of the fight against single-use plastic. Local councils, businesses, and consumers alike are pushing for more sustainable packaging solutions. This includes greater support for compostable, recyclable, and reusable products.

Londoners are more environmentally aware than ever before, and many actively seek out businesses that align with their values. Offering biodegradable cups and compostable straws is now a selling point, not just a responsibility.

The challenge, however, lies in waste disposal infrastructure. While many cups and PLA straws are technically compostable, they require industrial composting facilities—which are not yet available across all London boroughs. To truly benefit the environment, businesses must also educate customers and ensure proper disposal methods are in place.

Where to Source Hot & Cold Cups in London

London boasts a variety of packaging suppliers offering both standard and eco-friendly beverage containers. From wholesalers in Park Royal to local eco-packaging firms in Hackney and online suppliers across the UK, businesses have easy access to everything from plain white paper cups to custom-branded compostable sets.

Many suppliers also offer free delivery across London, bulk discounts, and eco-certifications, helping food and beverage businesses make smart and sustainable choices.

Conclusion

Hot and cold cups—and the straws that go with them—are more than just functional items in London’s food and drink scene. They are part of the city’s identity, culture, and environmental future. With a growing emphasis on sustainability, custom branding, and customer experience, London’s beverage packaging industry is evolving rapidly.

For any business operating in this space, choosing the right cup and straw isn’t just about serving a drink—it’s about making a statement.