CyanSunSleeves
Custom Paper Cup Sleeves
A sleeve adds heat protection and a second brand surface without changing the cup. It is the lowest-MOQ way to brand a stock cup and the easiest way to run a seasonal promotion.
The Short Answer
Sleeve or double wall?
A sleeve is cheaper at low volume and lets you change the message. A double wall removes the extra component and the labour. Choose by volume, service style and freight.
Sleeve Types
| Type | Insulation | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain kraft | Basic | Lowest | Cost-sensitive cafés |
| Printed flat sleeve | Basic | Low | Brand campaigns, low MOQ |
| Corrugated sleeve | Better | Medium | Hot drinks, premium feel |
| Ripple / embossed | Best | Higher | Premium cafés |
GSM and Fit
Most sleeves use 200–300 gsm board. The height and diameter must match the cup; a sleeve that is too loose slides down, and one that is too tight is hard to fit during service. Send the cup size and we will match the sleeve.
Printing
One- or two-colour flexo is common and economical. Full-wrap and Pantone are available. Keep the logo away from the glue tab and the top/bottom edges; the sleeve is a flat die-cut, so the artwork area is smaller than a cup wrap.
MOQ
Sleeves usually have a lower MOQ than a custom cup, which makes them a practical first step. The exact minimum depends on the board, print colours and whether the sleeve is plain or printed. Ask for a quote at 1,000, 5,000 and 10,000.
Sleeve vs Double Wall
A printed sleeve on a single-wall cup can be cheaper than a double-wall cup at low volume and gives you a changeable brand surface. At high volume, a double wall may remove the sleeve labour and the extra component, but it costs more to ship and locks the message to the cup.
Artwork and Dieline
The sleeve has its own flat dieline with a glue tab. Keep text inside the safe area, allow for the fold and do not wrap a logo across the glue tab. A printed proof on the final board is the best check for kraft and dark stocks.
Common Sleeve Mistakes
- Ordering a sleeve without the cup; the fit is not guaranteed.
- Putting the logo across the glue tab.
- Using a board that is too thin for a hot drink.
- Printing on kraft without a physical proof.
- Forgetting that a corrugated sleeve takes more carton space.
Quote Checklist
- Cup size and rim diameter.
- Sleeve height and board weight.
- Plain, printed or corrugated.
- Print colours and artwork status.
- Quantity and destination.
Sleeve Fit by Cup Family
A sleeve is not universal. It is cut to a height that leaves the rim and the base exposed, and to a diameter that grips the cup wall without creasing. Because cups taper, the same sleeve can feel loose on a 16 oz cup and tight on an 8 oz cup from a different die.
| Cup family | Typical sleeve height | Fit note |
|---|---|---|
| 8-12 oz single wall | 45-55 mm | Most common stock size, widest supplier choice |
| 16 oz single wall | 55-65 mm | Taller sleeve, or a wider cut to overlap the taper |
| Double wall or ripple | Rarely used | The second wall already insulates, so a sleeve adds cost |
| Cold cup 16-24 oz | 50-60 mm | Check condensation: uncoated kraft can go limp |
| Ice cream 4-8 oz | Rarely used | Small cup, short hold time, sleeve is decoration only |
Ask for the sleeve template for your exact cup rather than a generic one. A three millimetre error in the flat pattern is enough to make the sleeve crease or slip across a full run.
Testing a Sleeve Before You Print
Put the sleeve on the actual cup, filled with water at the temperature you will serve, and handle it for a minute. Then check four things.
- Grip: the sleeve should stay where you put it when the cup is lifted and tilted, without a thumb holding it in place.
- Coverage: fingers should not touch bare cup where a customer naturally holds a hot drink.
- Condensation: on cold drinks the sleeve should not turn limp within the serving time.
- Separation: a glued sleeve on a PE cup is usually pulled off for recycling, so keep the glue line small and easy to break.
If the sleeve slips, the fix is usually a tighter cut or a slightly taller sleeve, not more glue.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Are sleeves cheaper than double-wall cups?
At low volume, usually yes. At high volume, compare the sleeve labour and component cost with the double-wall unit price and freight.
What GSM is a cup sleeve?
Most are 200–300 gsm. The right weight depends on the heat and the number of cups per hour.
Can I print a sleeve only?
Yes. This is a common low-MOQ way to brand a stock cup.
Do sleeves fit every cup?
No. Height and diameter must match the cup. Send the cup size and a sample if possible.
Can I use a sleeve on a cold cup?
Yes, but the main benefit is condensation control and branding, not heat.
What is the MOQ for printed sleeves?
It is usually lower than a custom cup. Ask for 1,000 / 5,000 / 10,000 pricing.
Can the sleeve be compostable?
Yes, if the board and ink are suitable and the claim is supported. Confirm the certification for the finished sleeve.