Cancún, Quintana Roo — A Mexican company has introduced a biodegradable cup that does away with plastic lids, aiming to reduce waste and save money for hotels, cafeterias, and other beverage businesses in the region.
Printcup México unveiled the all-in-one paper cup at the 29th edition of Exphotel Cancún, a major hospitality trade show. The design fuses the cup and lid into a single piece, eliminating the need for separate plastic lids.
“We are cup manufacturers, and we were motivated to create a different design that offers environmental benefits as well as advantages in logistics, storage, and inventory management,” said José Antonio Maldonado Barragán, a company executive.
Less Waste, More Savings
Each plastic lid eliminated saves four grams of waste. For every box of 1,000 cups, businesses avoid generating four kilograms of plastic trash. A small coffee shop using 5,000 to 10,000 cups per month could keep 20 to 40 kilograms of plastic out of landfills each month.
The financial impact is also significant. A traditional package of 1,000 cups with lids costs between 1,600 and 1,800 pesos (about $80 to $90). Printcup’s new integrated cup sells for around 1,445 pesos ($72), saving up to 300 pesos ($15) per box. Additional savings come from reduced transportation and storage costs, as only one product needs to be managed.
Strong Sales and International Plans
Although the product only launched in September 2025, demand in the Mexican Caribbean has been robust. The company, which has 15 years of experience, reports monthly order growth of 10% to 20%.
Quintana Roo is the center of its commercial strategy, driven by international tourists who increasingly seek destinations with sustainable practices.
The cup technology is patented in both Mexico and the United States, developed in partnership with French firm The Gud Cap. Printcup plans to expand into foreign markets in the coming months.
