Switching from plastic to paper cups is a smart investment strategy that helps F&B businesses not only optimize operational costs but also build a sustainable brand image and attract a large customer base that values environmental responsibility. This is no longer just an option—it’s a strategic move to assert market position and increase competitiveness in an increasingly demanding landscape.
Switching from plastic to paper cups is a smart investment strategy that helps F&B businesses not only optimize operational costs but also build a sustainable brand image and attract a large customer base that values environmental responsibility. This is no longer just an option—it’s a strategic move to assert market position and increase competitiveness in an increasingly demanding landscape.
Ly Giấy Việt Nam proudly offers a comprehensive solution with high-quality paper cup products, helping you achieve the dual goal of profit growth and sustainable development. Transitioning to quality paper cups is a wise financial decision and a key to long-term success.
As the global economy shifts toward sustainability, packaging is no longer merely a vessel but a brand statement and a strategic marketing tool. Using paper cups instead of plastic isn’t just about cost—it’s a strategic choice for sustainable growth. Although the upfront cost of paper cups may be higher, focusing only on that figure would mean missing out on the long-term profitability advantages.
According to a 2024 NielsenIQ study, 73% of global consumers and 68% of Vietnamese consumers are willing to change their habits for the environment—especially among Millennials and Gen Z. This shows that using paper cups not only enhances your brand image but also helps build trust, increases your chances of being chosen, and boosts customer loyalty. Every returning customer and referral is a clear and sustainable economic benefit.
Moreover, hidden costs from using plastic cups—such as environmental taxes and waste treatment fees (EPR)—are expected to rise under the roadmap of the 2020 Environmental Protection Law. Businesses that continue using plastic cups will face growing cost pressures and reduced competitiveness. In contrast, switching to paper cups helps avoid these burdens and may even qualify businesses for green policy incentives. Paper cups aren’t just eco-friendly—they’re also a financial key to future business advantages.
To fully understand this investment, we need to dissect the cost and benefit factors in detail—from tangible figures on the balance sheet to intangible values that significantly impact cash flow. Ly Giấy Việt Nam is here to guide you through this in-depth analysis, transforming abstract ideas into concrete and easy-to-visualize numbers.
At first glance, when comparing the unit price of a paper cup versus a plastic cup of the same size, many may quickly conclude that plastic is cheaper. This may be true if we only consider retail unit pricing. However, in business—especially in the F&B industry with high consumption volumes—the cost equation must be viewed from a broader perspective, including bulk order discounts, storage costs, and other related factors.
Let’s take a specific example of a mid-sized coffee shop using approximately 10,000 cups per month.
Direct Input Cost Comparison Table (Estimated June 2025)
| Category | PET Plastic Cup 360ml | White Paper Cup 1PE 12oz (360ml) | Economic Benefit Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit Price (bulk order >10,000 pcs) | Approx. 450 VND/piece | Approx. 650 VND/piece | Paper cups have a higher initial unit cost. |
| Monthly Purchasing Cost | 4,500,000 VND | 6,500,000 VND | Initial difference: 2,000,000 VND. |
| Waste Treatment Cost (Estimated EPR) | Estimated 50 VND/piece | 0 VND/piece (biodegradable) | Additional cost for plastic cups: 500,000 VND/month. |
| Total Tangible Monthly Cost | 5,000,000 VND | 6,500,000 VND | Actual difference reduced to 1,500,000 VND. |
From the table above, we can see that when projected legal costs in the near future are factored in, the cost gap between paper cups and plastic cups has significantly narrowed. The difference of 1,500,000 VND per month, equivalent to 50,000 VND per day, is the investment a business makes. Now, let’s take a look at the outstanding benefits this investment brings in the following categories. Lygiayvietnam.vn offers highly competitive wholesale pricing and tiered discount programs, further optimizing your input costs.
1. Increase in Revenue by Attracting a New Customer Segment
Eco-conscious consumers: As previously mentioned, a large portion of modern consumers—especially office workers, young families, and international tourists—actively seek out and prioritize sustainable brands. Using paper cups sends a strong signal that attracts this group. Suppose you attract just 10 new customers per day thanks to this factor, with an average spending of 50,000 VND/person, your revenue would increase by:
10 customers x 50,000 VND/customer = 500,000 VND/day
500,000 VND x 30 days = 15,000,000 VND/month
This increased revenue (15,000,000 VND) greatly exceeds the initial cost difference (1,500,000 VND). This is the most direct economic benefit.
2. Building Customer Loyalty and Increasing Return Rates
Customers feel proud using products from a responsible brand. This feeling creates a strong emotional bond, turning regular customers into loyal fans. A study by Cone Communications showed that 87% of consumers would purchase from a company that supports an issue they care about.
According to Harvard Business Review, increasing customer retention rates by just 5% can boost profits by 25% to 95%. Paper cups are a powerful tool to build that connection and encourage repeat visits.
3. Saving on Marketing Costs Thanks to Natural Word-of-Mouth Effects
A well-designed paper cup with a green message is the perfect mobile marketing tool. Customers are more likely to take photos and share them on social media. Every customer check-in photo with your paper cup is a free advertisement, with far more credibility than paid ads.
Imagine instead of spending 5,000,000 VND per month on Facebook ads, you could reduce that budget or reinvest it in improving product quality, because your paper cups and customers are doing the marketing for you. This is a direct cost-saving.
4. Elevating Brand Value and Enabling Premium Pricing
Paper cups are often associated with a more premium, clean, and safe image. Using paper cups allows brands—especially in specialty coffee or premium bubble tea segments—to position themselves at a higher level.
This creates a basis for you to price your products slightly higher than competitors using plastic cups, and customers will still be happy to pay. A price difference of 1,000 - 2,000 VND per item, multiplied by thousands of items sold each month, adds up to a significant profit margin.
Estimated Monthly Summary of Economic Benefits:
| Category | Detailed Analysis | Estimated Economic Value |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost Difference | Investment cost for conversion | - 1,500,000 VND |
| Increased Revenue from New Customers | Attracting environmentally conscious customers | + 15,000,000 VND |
| Marketing Cost Savings | Reduced advertising budget thanks to natural word-of-mouth | + 3,000,000 VND |
| Opportunity to Raise Product Price | Premium brand positioning (1,000 VND increase per cup) | + 10,000,000 VND |
| Avoided Environmental Fines/Taxes | Compliance with future regulations | + 500,000 VND |
| Total Net Economic Benefit | Benefit - Cost | + 27,000,000 VND |
The numbers reveal an undeniable truth: switching from plastic cups to paper cups is a highly profitable investment.
The small difference in initial cost is quickly offset and surpassed by numerous direct and indirect financial benefits, creating a powerful growth engine for your business.
Recognizing the benefits is just the first step. The next-and most crucial-step is learning how to fully leverage those advantages. A paper cup doesn’t magically transform your business; it’s how you strategically use it that determines your success. At Ly Giấy Việt Nam, we’ll guide you in turning every paper cup into a money-making machine and a silent brand ambassador.
Forget expensive billboards or high-cost digital ad campaigns. The surface of a paper cup is a mobile advertising space, directly reaching your target customers over an extended period—from the moment they receive their drink until the very last sip.
Print your logo and brand message: This is the bare minimum. A cup printed with a sharp, professional logo instantly elevates your brand from a small, unknown shop to an organized and reputable business. The printing cost for large orders at lygiayvietnam.vn is minimal compared to the impact it delivers.
Tell your brand story: Why did you choose to enter the coffee business? Where do your coffee beans come from? What’s your commitment to local farmers? Use the cup's surface to tell short, genuine stories. Customers don’t just buy a cup of coffee—they buy into the story and values behind it.
Launch promotions: Add a QR code to the cup that links to a discount for the next purchase, a quick survey with rewards, or your social media page. Every cup becomes a discount voucher and a customer data collection tool. Cost: almost zero. Effectiveness: dramatically boosts return visits and engagement.
Cross-promotion: Partner with a nearby bakery and print their offer on your cups—and vice versa. Both parties benefit, expanding customer reach without spending on advertising.
Customer experience is shaped by many touchpoints, and the cup is one of the most tangible.
Feel in hand: A high-quality, sturdy, well-insulated paper cup (especially double-wall cups for hot drinks) provides a sense of safety and premium quality, far beyond that of a flimsy plastic cup. This comfort is unconsciously associated with the drink’s quality and overall satisfaction.
Health safety: More reports are emerging about microplastics leaching into drinks from plastic cups, especially when used with hot beverages. Paper cups, made from virgin paperboard and coated with food-grade PE (or biodegradable PLA), are certified safe. Highlighting this can earn you major points with health-conscious customers—something plastic cups can’t offer.
Create memorable moments: A cup with a unique design—seasonal (e.g., Christmas, Lunar New Year) or event-themed—brings delight and encourages sharing. It turns drinking coffee from a daily routine into a joyful experience.
By focusing on these two areas, you not only optimize profits from direct economic benefits but also lay a strong brand foundation—an invaluable asset that far outweighs the initial investment cost.
At Ly Giấy Việt Nam, we understand that major changes come with questions and concerns. Here are some of the most common doubts we've addressed, so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
Q1: Are paper cups really safe and do they get soggy with prolonged use?
A: Completely safe and durable. High-quality paper cups are made from Cupstock paper and coated with a food-grade PE layer. This coating ensures leak-proof performance and maintains cup strength for hours-even with iced drinks. Our paper cups can hold cold beverages for 4–6 hours without softening or leaking.
Q2: Is the cost of custom-printed paper cups too high?
A: Not at all when you consider the marketing returns. Think of printing costs as advertising investment. Compared to digital ad spends, printing your logo on thousands of cups (which you’re already buying) is incredibly efficient. At Ly Giấy Việt Nam, we offer design and print support for bulk orders-giving you custom-branded cups at highly competitive prices.
Q3: Is storing paper cups more complicated than plastic ones?
A: Not really-just a few basic precautions. Paper cups should be stored in a dry, cool, well-ventilated space, away from heat, sunlight, and moisture. Keep them in cartons or sealed plastic bags until use to prevent dust. These are standard food packaging storage guidelines-not unique to paper cups.
Q4: My customers are in rural areas. They might not care about the environment. Would switching be a waste?
A: This is a mindset worth re-evaluating. First, health and environmental awareness are growing everywhere-not just in cities. Second, and more importantly, paper cups convey a cleaner, safer, more premium image. Even if customers don’t consciously think about the environment, they will feel the difference through your investment in quality. This helps distinguish you from low-cost competitors and builds lasting trust.
Choosing the right product is important. But choosing the right supplier is even more critical. A trusted supplier doesn’t just sell you products—they offer complete solutions, peace of mind, and long-term partnership. At Ly Giấy Việt Nam, we earn your trust through strong, consistent commitments.
Why do thousands of F&B brands across Vietnam choose Ly Giấy Việt Nam?
Quality is our top priority: Our entire production process complies with ISO 22000 and HACCP quality management systems, ensuring every cup you receive is completely safe.
Modern technology & diverse product range: Our factory is equipped with automated machinery for consistent, precise output. We offer all types of cups (single wall, double wall, ripple wall) in various popular sizes—and we constantly update our designs based on market trends.
Best wholesale prices: As a direct manufacturer, not a reseller, Ly Giấy Việt Nam offers factory-direct pricing with attractive discounts for large orders and loyal customers.
Professional design & printing services: Our design team is ready to turn your ideas into eye-catching, custom cups. Our modern offset printing technology ensures sharp, durable logos and brand visuals.
Fast nationwide delivery: No matter where you are, we can fulfill your needs quickly and reliably.
We're not just a supplier-we aim to be your growth partner, helping you unlock all the economic benefits of paper cups while building a successful, responsible brand.
Don’t wait any longer. Your brand’s future and profitability start with today’s decision. Be the smart business owner who seizes the opportunity and leads the trend.
Leave your contact information below or reach out to Ly Giấy Việt Nam via our hotline. Our team at lygiayvietnam.vn will connect with you immediately, offer free consultations, and send you a wholesale quote with unbeatable discounts.
Let’s transform every cup you sell into a declaration of success and sustainable growth.
Paper cups and the shift in Vietnamese consumer habits are shaping a greener future—one where every small choice contributes significantly to the environment and public health, while also unlocking golden opportunities for F&B businesses. At Ly Giấy Việt Nam, we see this transition as an inevitable wave, offering an optimal solution for both consumers and brands aiming for sustainable...
Paper Bowls: The Ideal Solution for Hot Dishes Like Pho, Noodle Soup, and Broth More than just a packaging trend, paper bowls are a strategic decision that enhances customer experience and strengthens brand value in the highly competitive food delivery market. Ly Giay Vietnam is proud to offer high-quality paper bowl products that fully meet the criteria of safety, aesthetics, and business...
The trend of using paper cups in the F&B (Food & Beverage) industry is not just a temporary trend but has become a green revolution, reshaping the entire appearance of the modern food and beverage industry.
The process of producing paper cups that meet food safety standards is a series of complex stages, requiring precision and strict compliance with food safety regulations
How to attract customers with beautiful packaging is a very important topic in building and developing a brand.
Tet is a time of high consumption, especially in the food and beverage sector. Convenient products such as paper cups become the top choice when serving guests or organizing events.
Comment & review