Starting June 1, 2025, the national standard for paper cups, issued by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine and the Standardization Administration of China, will officially take effect. This standard, for the first time, stipulates that paper cups should not have printed designs within "15mm of the rim and 10mm of the base," and that recycled materials must not be used in the production of paper cups.
1. No Printing Within 15mm of the Rim
Previously, disposable paper cups only had industry standards, lacking national standards. The new national standard (GB/T27590-2011) imposes higher requirements on paper cup raw materials, additives, packaging, and printing to ensure consumer safety.
This standard also introduces requirements for printing placement, stipulating that printed designs on the outside of paper cups should not be printed within "15mm of the rim and 10mm of the base." Furthermore, the standard requires clear outlines, uniform color, and no noticeable color spots.
2. Recycled materials should not be used, and fluorescent brighteners cannot be artificially added.
To avoid the production of toxic solvents, the national standard stipulates that paper cups should have no odor, recycled materials should not be used, and additives used in raw materials must comply with regulations. Additives not specified in GB9685, such as fluorescent brighteners, industrial paraffin, and industrial talc, cannot be used in the production of paper cups.
In addition, the standard also stipulates the stiffness and permeability of paper cups. The bottom and sides of the paper cup should not leak or seep water. If the paper cup is too soft, it will not meet the standard.
All packaging materials for paper cups must be sufficiently sealed and strong, and the packaging should be dust-proof, moisture-proof, and mildew-proof.