Hardcups Printing: the Various Techniques in the Market
When personalizing hardcups, the choice of printing plays a crucial role. For companies, events and hospitality organizations, it is important that cups are not only practical, but also act as a marketing tool. A well-designed printing creates recognition and adds to the user’s experience. In this blog we take you into the world of hardcups and printing, and show you how Happy Cups has developed a unique approach in this.
Various Techniques in the Market
The market offers several ways to print hardcups, each with its own advantages, disadvantages and areas of application. Here are some commonly used techniques:
1. Screen Printing
- Description:Screen printing is a classic printing technique in which ink is applied to the cup through a stencil.
- Advantages:
- Suitable for large print runs.
- Can be printed all around the cup.
- Durable and scratch resistant.
- Disadvantages:
- Limited to simple designs (1-4 colors maximum).
- Not suitable for greasy or hard-to-stick materials, such as certain biopolymers.
- Application at Happy Cups: Used sporadically for our sugar cups, where we choose a simple, one-color all around print.
2. Pad Printing
- Description:Pad printing uses a rubber stamp to transfer the design to the cup.
- Advantages:
- Suitable for curved and greasy surfaces.
- Precise details possible.
- Ideal for small logos or designs.
- Disadvantages:
- Limited to smaller print; no all around print possible.
- May be less noticeable with larger designs.
- Application to Happy Cups: Our event and coffee cups, made of a fatty type of PHA, are printed exclusively with pad printing because of the superior adhesion to this material.
3. Engraving/Lasering
- Description: A laser is used to engrave the design directly into the surface of the cup.
- Advantages:
- Extremely durable and hard-wearing.
- No addition of ink or chemicals.
- Premium look.
- Disadvantages:
- Limited to monochromatic designs.
- Cannot be applied all around.
- Application to Happy Cups: Ideal for customers who want a luxurious and eco-friendly look.
4. Digital UV printing
- Description: A modern printing technique that enables full-color prints with UV curing.
- Advantages:
- Suitable for small runs and complex designs.
- High resolution and vivid colors.
- Disadvantages:
- Higher cost per piece with large print runs.
- Not always scratch resistant.
- Application to Happy Cups: Not used due to the ecological impact of UV inks.
The choice of printing technique is often determined by the volume of the cups:
- Small runs (100-1,000 pieces): Digital UV printing and pad printing are suitable because of low start-up costs.
- Medium runs (1,000-10,000 pieces): Screen printing is ideal due to the lower cost per piece.
- Large runs (>10,000 pieces): In-mould labeling or screen printing is cost-effective and durable.

Happy Cups: Our Choice for Printing
At Happy Cups, we combine functionality, durability and aesthetics in our printing techniques. Our focus is on:
1. Pad Printing
- Why:
- Perfect adhesion to the greasy PHA material of our coffee and event cups.
- Eco-friendly ink that minimizes carbon footprint.
- Suitable for sleek, clear logos that make an impact.
2. Screen Printing
- Why:
- For our sugar cups, we choose simple, one-color all around printing, which offers a uniform look.
- Applied only to materials where the ink adheres well.
3. Engraving/Lasering
- Why:
- A premium choice for customers who value durability and aesthetics.
- No impact on the recyclability of the cup.
When personalizing hardcups, the choice of printing plays a crucial role. For companies, events and hospitality organizations, it is important that cups are not only practical, but also act as a marketing tool. A well-designed printing creates recognition and adds to the user’s experience. In this blog we take you into the world of hardcups and printing, and show you how Happy Cups has developed a unique approach in this.
Various Techniques in the Market
The market offers several ways to print hardcups, each with its own advantages, disadvantages and areas of application. Here are some commonly used techniques: