Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
What are reliable suppliers for sustainable branded paper cups in large quantities?
Members recommend **GoforGreen** as a tested supplier for sustainable paper cups with no plastic liners and proper recyclability credentials. Their cups are described as "lovely" and have recently upgraded their sustainability credentials. **Key considerations:** - **GoforGreen** — supplies recyclable paper cups without plastic liners; allow for 6-week lead times and plan accordingly to avoid last-minute delays - Multiple members use GoforGreen and report satisfaction with both product quality and sustainability standards **Caveats:** Lead times are firm (6 weeks reported), so order well in advance to avoid supply pressure. Confirm your specific volume requirements (e.g. 500k units) and branding specifications directly with the supplier.
Where can members source sustainable paper cups and branded tasting cups for UK and EU distribution?
Members recommend **Fluid Branding** as a B Corp-certified supplier for branded tasting cups. They offer 4oz single-walled paper cups suitable for tasting applications and can supply for both UK and EU markets. This was the specific recommendation shared within the community for sustainable paper cup branding.
What paper cup suppliers offer good value and competitive lead times in the UK?
Members report finding competitive paper cup suppliers with reasonable turnaround times. **Apprintable** (https://www.apprintable.com/) was recommended for good value and quick lead times—orders reportedly fulfilled in less than a month. Members have also enquired about alternatives to **Go for Green** for orders around 10,000 units, suggesting there are multiple viable options in the market at this volume. For compliance checks on cup design and labelling, **Graphic Brands** was mentioned as offering compliance verification services across most countries.
What are reasonable pricing and minimum order quantities for bespoke paper cup printing, and who are good suppliers?
Paper cup printing quotes can vary significantly, and it's worth shopping around if initial quotes seem high. **Fluid Branding** is recommended by members for flexibility on minimum order quantities (MOQ), making them a good option if you're looking to avoid large initial orders. When approaching suppliers, be clear about your volume needs—20,000 units is a common reference point members discuss, though Fluid Branding's willingness to negotiate MOQ suggests smaller quantities may be possible depending on your requirements.