Material and construction
Paper cups are made from paper coated with PE on one or both sides. The coating allows the cup to be formed and the seam sealed; the guide describes single-sided lamination for hot drinks and double-sided lamination for cold drinks, so condensation does not weaken the wall.
Application Guide Graphic Arts 2020-ENG, p. 18
Production workflow
After printing and optional varnishing, the web is cut into blanks or kept on a roll for a cup-forming machine. The guide says that printing was traditionally done mainly by roll-fed flexography.
Application Guide Graphic Arts 2020-ENG, p. 18
Where digital printing helps
Short, customizable runs help brands and food-service businesses refresh their designs. Xeikon lists runs starting from one copy, combining different designs of the same size, fast delivery, food safety and compliance with migration requirements.
Application Guide Graphic Arts 2020-ENG, p. 18
Recycling and configuration
The page claims good deinkability and compostability; the example is described as food-grade dry-toner printing on a Xeikon press. The table lists Xeikon X-800, Kotkamills ISLA Duo substrate, ICE CMYK and food-grade toner, a rewinder and die-cutting equipment.
Application Guide Graphic Arts 2020-ENG, p. 18