Coffee cup sleeve

Coffee Cup Sleeve

A typical coffee cup sleeve

A coffee cup sleeve is a cylindrical sleeve made of paperboard that is used to insulate a beverage held in a paper cup. It is designed to protect the drinker's hands from hot temperatures and to provide a better grip on the cup.

History

The coffee cup sleeve was invented in the early 1990s as a solution to the problem of handling hot coffee cups. Prior to its invention, coffee drinkers often used double-cupping, which involved placing one cup inside another to provide insulation. This method was not only wasteful but also less effective in preventing heat transfer.

Design and Function

Coffee cup sleeves are typically made from paperboard, a thick, durable paper-based material. The sleeve is designed to fit snugly around the cup, providing a layer of insulation between the hot liquid and the drinker's hand. The sleeve's surface is often textured to improve grip and prevent slipping.

Insulation

The primary function of a coffee cup sleeve is to insulate the drinker's hand from the heat of the beverage. The air trapped between the sleeve and the cup acts as an insulator, reducing the rate of heat transfer.

Branding

Coffee cup sleeves can be customized with logos and designs.

Coffee cup sleeves are often used as a medium for branding and advertising. Many coffee shops and companies print their logos, slogans, or promotional messages on the sleeves, turning them into a marketing tool.

Environmental Impact

The use of coffee cup sleeves has raised concerns about environmental impact and waste. While they reduce the need for double-cupping, they still contribute to paper waste. Some companies have started using recycled materials to produce sleeves or have implemented recycling programs to mitigate this impact.

Related Pages

• Coffee cup
• Insulation
• Paper recycling