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Custom Aluminum Cups: Perfect for Events, Branding, and Beyond

a dozen aluminum cups lined up

Table of Contents

These kinds of cups will become a part of sustainable practices and versatile solutions for events, bars, or businesses. This provides a stylish, long-lasting and recyclable alternative to plastic waste while branding opportunities are leveraged. But how can you customize aluminium cups for your business? 

It’s easy to customize your aluminum cup! Choose a cup size, pick the colors you want (if possible), put your logo or design on it in silkscreen or heat transfer printing. You can also add lids, straws and protective sleeves as well to make the water cup even more useful.

Keep reading to find out about the entire custom recycled aluminum cup process that works for you.

yellow aluminum drinking cups at a family gathering

 

What Aluminum Cups Are Available on the Market?

When it comes to reusable aluminum cups, you’ve got two main types to choose from:

BALL Aluminum Cups

These are the popular ones you’ve likely seen, made from recycled aluminum. The cool part? They are 100% recyclable without degrading in quality and claim over 60% of the market.

Cups with Food- Grade Coating

The aluminum cup is much lighter (only 0.8mm thick) and they are heat safe, microwave-safe, as well dishwasher friendly which makes them super handy.

What Are the Features of Diposable Aluminum Cups?

If you’re wondering why aluminum cups are becoming so popular, here are some standout features that make them a great choice:

Durable & Lightweight

Alu cups are tough but easy to handle. Unlike glass or plastic, they won’t break easily, making them perfect for both casual and formal settings.

Recyclable

One of the best things about aluminum cups are recyclable and reusable. It can be directly squashed for recycling without losing its quality. This makes these cups an eco-friendly option compared to plastic cups.

Thermal Conductivity

Aluminum cups do a great job of keeping drinks cold. Their excellent thermal conductivity allows your cold beverages to stay chilled for longer periods.

Stylish & Versatile

These cups have a sleek, modern look that fits well in any setting, whether it’s a party, a restaurant, or an outdoor event. They also come in a variety of sizes, so you can choose what works best for your needs.

Dishwasher-Safe

Some solo aluminum cups are coated with a special food-grade layer, making them dishwasher-safe and easier to maintain. The times of use these metal cups are much more.

Environmentally Friendly

Choosing aluminum over plastic helps reduce waste. Aluminum cups are better for the environment because they are not single-use items like plastic.

These features make aluminum solo cups ideal for people looking for a sustainable and durable alternative to traditional disposable cups.

aluminum cups in a celebratory scene


How are Aluminum Cups Used?

There is almost no limit to what you can do with them, which makes these sweaters the most versatile of all. Here is types of aluminum cup and a few popular uses:

Aluminum Coffee Cups

These smaller coffee cups (typically 9oz to 16 oz) are great for when you have a cup of morning coffee or tea in your hand. Even in your own home, while at work or whilst running a café these are perfect for everyday use. They are also light-weigh so they would be perfect for out-door activities such as camping or hiking when you need something that is long-lasting and easy to carry.

Aluminum Solo Cups

Aluminum solo cups (usually 16oz) are perfect if you’re throwing a party or going to a concert. They are durable enough for even the most boisterous of gatherings, and best yet? The best part is, these are 100% Reusable and Recyclable! From cookouts to company seminars, these cups are just short of an official cure-all. You can even have them custom branded with your company logo for a slight personal touch.

Aluminum Beer Cups

The larger 20oz aluminum beer cups are a big hit for those who enjoy good cheer. These cups might be the solution if you are organizing a beer festival or a beach party to which they will offer enough capacity. Its modern design is perfect for a yacht party or music festival where you want something that holds up and still looks good.

Aluminum Drinking Cups

They even have 32oz aluminum drinking cups that make great outdoor activity chalices for sports games, marathons, farmers markets or everyday uses such as a temporary flower vase! And then for your regular hydration or even nice big drinks like smoothies or iced teas.

No matter the occasion, aluminum cups bring style, durability, and sustainability, making them a go-to choice for just about anything!

aluminum coffee cups on the beach


What Is the Aluminum Cup Price?

Let’s break down the disposable aluminum cups cost across different platforms, including retail and wholesale options, so you can decide which works best for your needs.

Retail Prices for BALL Aluminum Cups:

Cup Size Retailer Price
9oz (24-pack) Target $11.99
12oz (18-pack) Walmart $9.97
16oz (24-pack) Target $21.00
20oz (30-pack) Target $15.99
16oz (30-pack) BALL Official Website $25.99
24oz (450 bulk) Amazon $240.99

AluSipper Aluminum Cups: One-Stop Bulk and Wholesale

Cup Size Price Per Cup MOQ 
(Minimum Order Quantity)
9oz (270ml) $0.345 5,000 cups
16oz (480ml) $0.445 5,000 cups
20oz (600ml) $0.460 5,000 cups
32oz (945ml) $0.798 5,000 cups

Retail Prices include smaller quantities that are easily accessible online, while wholesale prices are ideal for large events or business use. For example, BALL’s official website offers 16oz cups at $25.99 for a 30-pack, but for bulk orders, the per-unit cost through AluSipper becomes much more affordable at only $0.445 per cup.

aluminum cups in a bakery


How Can I Customize My Aluminum Cups?

Customizing aluminum cups is easier than you think, and you have a ton of options to make your cups stand out. Whether it’s for a corporate event, a party, or promotional use, here’s everything you need to know:

Sizes Available

You’ve got quite a range of custom sizes to choose from depending on what you’re serving and where:

  • 9oz: Perfect for small servings like wine tastings or cocktails.
  • 12oz: Great for soft drinks or beer at casual events.
  • 16oz: The go-to size for most events, ideal for beer or soda.
  • 20oz: Perfect for larger drinks, often used at festivals and outdoor gatherings.
  • 24oz: Great for smoothies, iced teas, or long drinks—ideal for places like theme parks or outdoor events.
  • 32oz: When you need extra-large capacity, like for sports events or music festivals.

The different size options ensure you get the right fit for your audience and event, from small tastings to large, thirst-quenching drinks. 

Logo Printing

Want to showcase your brand? Adding a logo embossing to your recyclable aluminum cup is easy:

  • Silkscreen Printing: Great for simple designs, especially with one or two colors. It’s a cost-effective option, costing around $0.032 per cup for printing.
  • Heat Transfer Printing: If your design has more colors or needs full coverage, this is your go-to. It’s slightly more expensive, but it produces high-quality, vibrant prints. Costs typically range from $0.088 to $0.17 per unit.

Color Customization

Here’s something important: most suppliers, like BALL, Walmart, and Target, only offer silver aluminum cups. If you’re looking for colored aluminum cups, AluSipper is one of the few suppliers that can deliver that.

They accept custom colored aluminum cups, including black, orange, green, and more, but there’s a catch—you’ll need to place a minimum order of 100,000 units, if other customers also need this color, it can be done by combining orders, which can save the high MOQ. You just tell them the pantone color number. If you’re working with smaller quantities, you might need to stick with silver.

Additional Customization Options

  • Cup Shapes: Some suppliers offer custom design aluminum cup to give your cup a unique look and feel.
  • Accessories: Want to make your cups even more functional? Also accept custom like lids, straws, or sleeves can make a big difference for both indoor and outdoor events.

Customizing your aluminum drinking cups can turn them into a powerful marketing tool or just a fun addition to any event. Whether you need a simple custom logo or a fully branded design, the options are endless!

aluminum cups with fashion logos


Where to Buy Aluminum Cups?

So, you’ve decided that custom aluminum cups are what you need. Now the big question is—where can you buy them? Whether you’re looking for small quantities or bulk orders, here’s a guide to the best options:

For Cup Order Quantities are Small

If you just need a small number of aluminum cups for a party or personal use, here are some reliable retailers:

  • Amazon: Offers a variety of options, including BALL cups in packs ranging from 24 to 450 bulk orders.
  • Walmart: Carries 12oz and 16oz BALL metal cups, perfect for smaller events.
  • Target: Also provides 9oz, 16oz, and 20oz BALL cups, with fast shipping options.

These retailers are great for those quick buys where you don’t need customization. They typically offer standard silver aluminum cups and can ship directly to your door within a few days.

For Bulk Orders and Customization

If you’re looking to customize aluminum cups for your brand or event, wholesale suppliers are the way to go:

  • AluSipper: This is the go-to option if you want custom-colored cups, logo printing, or large orders. AluSipper provides customizable options but requires aluminum cup order quantities of 5,000 units for basic designs and 100,000 units for custom colors.
  • Boelter: Another supplier offering BALL cups in bulk. However, customization options here are limited mainly to standard silver cups.
  • FLYTINBOTTLE: Offers custom aluminum cups with a minimum order of 2,000 units. They’re great for medium-sized events or businesses looking for personalized designs.

Things to Consider When Buying Aluminum Cups

  • Customization Needs: If you’re looking for logo printing or custom colors, suppliers like AluSipper are your best bet. Just be prepared for higher minimum orders.
  • Delivery Time: Retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target can deliver quickly if you’re in a hurry, but customized orders from suppliers like AluSipper may take 2-3 weeks for production plus 3-4 weeks for shipping.
  • Bulk Discounts: If you’re buying in bulk, the price per cup drops significantly. Be sure to compare prices and shipping options to get the best deal.

Ready to buy? Now that you know where to look, you can decide based on whether you need a few cups for a party or custom cups for a large event.

teal color aluminum cups on a table

Are Aluminum Cups Better Than Plastic?

However, do consider a few things when deciding between aluminum cups and plastic cups. Here’s the scoop:

Environmental Impact

Aluminum takes victory on that one by far. It is 100% recyclable and can be recycled over and over without loss of quality. Better yet, aluminum recycling requires 95% less energy than producing new aluminum. On the other hand, plastic gets thrown away in land fills and takes up to hundreds of years for it to decompose.

Durability

Aluminum Cups — Durable as Hell They are cross-buffering so they will not split, shatter or turn to soft pliable plastic. In addition to being a more sustainable option over the long haul, they are reusable. If you offer open air events where people are wandering around a great deal, Aluminum is the most secure to furnish with gatherings moving as opposed than glass and more grounded then plastics.

Taste and Temperature Control

One of the standout characteristics is ability to keep cold drinks, well…cold. “Aluminum conducts heat better so those cold drinks stay nice and chilly longer — which is OSW at outdoor functions or summer shindigs. The taste of your drink can be influenced by plastic cups, something that you might desire to avoid. In addition, they warm quickly and have some consequences when drinking hot drinks (of course). Aluminum cups do not have this problem as they provide a cleaner, fresher drinking experience.

Cost

Although alu cups are a bit more expensive when you first purchase them compared to buying plastic, they can last longer (they should be reusable) and so in the long term save you money. If you are hosting an event or have a business that requires better drinkware, aluminum cups could very well be the choice to make.

Recyclability and Eco-Friendliness

Aluminum is a champion when it comes to being eco-friendly. Most plastic cups are single-use, contributing to waste and pollution. Aluminum cups can be recycled and reused time and time again, helping reduce the environmental footprint of your events or business.

When you are choosing between aluminum and plastic cups for your personal use (or even home or event), the reusable aspect of the item means it is possible to keep them over time away from landfills- so as a general comparison: choose an Aluminum cup instead.  

features of aluminum cups

Aluminum Cups VS Paper Cups: Which is Better?

Aluminum Cups – Pros and Cons

Pros: Reusable, durable and 100% infinitely recyclable aluminum cups are the sustainable option. Additionally, they are able to retain cold for a longer duration; and are wonderful with branding because you can brand overtop of them or perform individual color-ways.

Cons: They tend to be more expensive up-front than disposable options; hot drinks wouldn’t travel too well if the aluminum bottle isn’t insulated. There are also some kinds you need to hand-wash but AluSipper cups can be washed in a dishwasher.

Paper Cups – Pros and Cons

Pros: Convenient and inexpensive option for large, one-time events with paper cups being affordable and easy to access. They are also lightweight, disposable and some even compostable as an added benefit for those hosting a temporary eco-friendly events.

Cons: Plastic-lined paper cups are hard to recycle. They are one of the single use cups with a short life span and do not fare well under hot or liquid conditions over extended periods unlike aluminum cups which are sturdier.

To conclude, aluminum reusable cups offer a more sustainable and long lasting option than paper cups

Are Aluminum Cups Dishwasher Safe?

You’re probably wondering if your aluminum cups can just be tossed into the dishwasher. Well, it depends on the type of cup you’re using. Let’s break it down:

Most Aluminum Cups

Most aluminum cups, especially those from brands like BALL, their aluminum cups are not dishwasher safe. The high temperatures and strong detergents in dishwashers can damage the surface coating or even warp the cup. These cups are typically labeled hand-wash only to help them last longer.

AluSipper Aluminum Cups

Now, here’s where things get interesting—AluSipper aluminum cups are designed differently. They come with a special food-grade polymer coating that makes them dishwasher safe. You can safely wash these cups in both household and industrial dishwashers without worrying about damage. This makes AluSipper a great option if you’re looking for something durable and easy to maintain.

Cleaning Tips

  • For BALL or other non-dishwasher safe brands: Stick to hand washing with warm water and mild detergent.
  • For AluSipper cups: Feel free to pop them in the dishwasher for a quick and easy clean!

If convenience is a priority, and you want cups that can handle the dishwasher, AluSipper cups might be the better choice. Otherwise, hand-washing your standard aluminum cups will keep them in great shape for longer.

aluminum cups at a family gathering


Can Aluminum Cups Be Used for Hot Beverages?

You know that the iconic red solo cups are great at keeping beverages cold, but can you use aluminum solo cups for hot drinks as well? Let’s break it down:

Yes, But…

Aluminum solo cups: This is ideal for hot beverages, but still be wary. Aluminum is really good at conducting heat, which means that the cup itself can get pretty hot and isn’t too comfortable to hold without a sleeve or another type of protection.

Which Aluminum Cups Are Best for Hot Drinks?

For hot beverages, use cups having a food-grade coating such as Alusipper. These are environmentally treated cups that can safely contain hot beverages. Also, they are insulated so can keep your drink warm or cold for a long time.

When to Avoid

As for mixed beverage consumption, if it a general metal cup (like from BALL) stick to the cold sides. Beverages poured in the cup, especially hot beverages can make the cup too warm to hold quickly and degrade without question over time.

AluSipper-type Aluminum cups are coated or insulated to make them safe and comfortable for hot beverages if you will be using the them often with hot drinks. Otherwise, for regular aluminum cups cold is the way to go.

Is It Safe to Drink From Aluminum Cups?

So what you might really be wondering is: are aluminum cups safe to drink from, the answer we would give a cautious yes.

Safety for Regular Use

The majority of aluminum cups made with a material called food-grade aluminum or recycled alu, which is perfectly safe for daily use. They always contain a lining, meant to protect the aluminum from coming into direct contact with your beverage. That way no matter if you’re drinking with water, beverage or beer!!

Things to Watch Out For

  • Stop using any strong acidic or alkaline drinks (such as, lemon juice and vinegars ) for long durations because they can slowly erode the protective coating.
  • If the cup is looking banged up, might be a good time to stop drinking out of it because that protective barrier may have been broken.

To sum up, aluminium cups can indeed be safe so long as they are used correctly and that wear over-time is checked for.

How to Choose the Right Size Aluminum Cup?

The best part is that you can choose aluminum cup size (9 oz to 32 oz) according to your drink types and occasions, etc. Great? To ensure you get the perfect size we made this breakdown.

9oz (270ml)

Design for small servings like wine, cocktails or kids drink Ideal for tastings or more relaxed parties where everyone is trying a bunch of different drinks.

12oz (355ml)

Great for soda, standard juice or a beer! Perfect for casual gatherings like family picnics or barbeques.

16oz (480ml)

Used for beer, soda or ice tea this is the most universal size. It is common at parties, in corporate events and inside the bars.

20oz (600ml)

Best For: Those wanting larger fillings like draft beer or mixed cocktails. Those cups are perfect for festivals, sports events or outdoor parties where you do not want that your listeners to queue up every time they finish their beer.

24oz (709ml)

Great for smoothies, jumbo sodas or coffees on the rocks. Theme parks, fairs and outdoor events love being able to sell huge drinks in these larger cups.

32oz (945ml)

For those bulk water moments, think marathons powdered wigs April Fool’s day, music festivals or any event with sports. Great for sharing large beverages or events where hydration is important.

How to Decide?

  • Consider what you will be serving, so smaller glasses for wine and cocktails or larger pints of beer or soft drinks.
  • Think event— 9oz or 12 oz for the smaller gathering vs using a larger size such as the 20oz to even our new province of POS with the big dogs on craft beer list offered in sizes ranging up into former draft line.

aluminum cups ready to pour a cocktail

What Is the Market Demand for Aluminum Cups?

Aluminum cups are a rapidly expanding market, slipping into more niches all the time. Because consumers and businesses are becoming increasingly green, reusable cups represent an attractive option to single-use plastic.

Key Market Drivers

Sustainability:  In this world of plastic pollution,many individuals are prefering products which can be recycled like aluminium cup.

Recyclable and Reusable: Finally, the people absolutely love that there is more use to an aluminum cup other than alcohol; it can be recycled over and over again without loss of quality therefore saving so many plastic cups from being used even just if we go out for one night.

Growing Event Industry: From music festivals to corporate events, venues are increasingly choosing aluminum cups as the cup of choice due their robustness and environmentally-friendly nature.

Projected Growth

The global aluminum cup market is projected to grow at a fast pace of 15% CAGR during the forecast period, from 2019-2027. Triggered by rising requirement for eco-friendly and reusable products, along with aforementioned foodservice sector growth (occurring in outdoor events like concerts or sports venues), which focuses on serving large numbers of people.

Regional Demand

North America and Europe: Viewed as the pioneers for Aluminum cup adoption due to a socially responsible population of both industries and consumers, centered around plastic waste reduction.

Asia-Pacific: The fastest-growing tourism and foodservice sector in the world will result in Asia Pacific dominating the market over a span of few years.

Aluminum drinking cups are not just a fad — theyre being adopted across multiple industries. Aluminum cups are quickly taking the lead in this ever-growing trend for eco-friendly drinkware whether it be managing supplies and requirements at a huge party or with your tagged business.

market analysis reusable cups vs plastic cups

 
How to Meet the MOQ of Custom Aluminum Cups?

When considering purchasing custom cups, you will need to know what the minimum order quantity (MOQ) is. MOQ varies by supplier and customization type. Let’s break it down:

AluSipper:

  • Common Custom Orders (such as print logo): MOQ 5,000 cups per model.
  • Custom Colors: If you want to buy the aluminum cups in custom colors, MOQ will be higher as usual on 1000 sets per color. That is because of the more manufacturing step.

BALL and Other Suppliers:

  • BALL standard silver aluminum cups (MOQ: approx 600/case, 16oz; known co-packer $ and Custom Solutions); for bulk orders within suppliers such as Boelter they can be customized version however because of artwork on cup is black so it may lose some direct design attribute to color coding.
  • Generally smaller suppliers such as FLYTINBOTTLE have the lowest MOQ, minimal starting at 2k cup and design selection might be limited.

Why MOQ Matters:

The MOQ matters because it represents the production costs associated with custom designs. These minimums can easily support large-scale branding for events or businesses, but if you just want a few custom cups on the cheap…well, then you might be better off buying standard silver aluminum cups locally at places like BALL.

How Long Will it Take to Receive My Custom Aluminum Cups?

If you are preparing to order custom logo aluminum cups you should take into account the production lead time. Here’s what to expect:

Standard Production Time:

Customs are 2–3 weeks for most orders. This includes the time to prepare your artwork, confirm details as well as have everything prepped.

Additional Time for Printing or Complex Designs:

However, if you are supplying your own logos etc., please allow an additional 5 to 7 days before dispatch. That will take longer if you go with a multi-color or full-wrap print, which can complicate the design.

Shipping Time:

If you are ordering internationally, delivery may take place in as little as 3-4 weeks, that is if we’re actually transporting the furniture by sea. You would need it faster, air freight are available but more expensive.

Conclusion

Custom disposable aluminum cups are a fantastic choice for events, businesses, or personal use. They are durable, eco-friendly and can be made in various sizes, colors or even with your own logos. Available in an assortment of customization and accessory options, aluminum cups will customize your brand and bring a fashionable green solution to any occasion.

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Kevin Yu

Aluminum Cups Specialists

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