Coffee Sleeves vs Double Cupping vs Double-Wall Cups
Which should a coffee shop use?
A sleeve is the usual answer for a shop that serves in single-wall cups, because it replaces the second cup with a band of paper. The sleeve goes only on the drinks that need it, it works with the cups you already buy, and it is the one option of the three that can carry your logo without printing the cup itself.
Sleeve vs double cup vs double-wall cup
| Coffee sleeve | Double cupping | Double-wall cup | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | A corrugated paper band that slides onto a single cup | A second cup nested under the first | A cup made with a second wall built in |
| Paper per hot drink | One cup plus a band | Two whole cups | One cup with two walls |
| What you stock | Your usual cups plus cases of sleeves | Your usual cups, used up twice as fast | A separate cup for hot drinks |
| Used only when needed | Yes. Add it to the drinks that are hot to hold | Yes, at the cost of a second cup each time | No. Every drink in that cup gets the second wall |
| Your brand on it | Custom printed in up to six colors, on a plain cup you already buy | Only if the cups themselves are printed | Only if the cups themselves are printed |
What is double cupping?
Double cupping is nesting a hot drink inside a second empty cup so it is comfortable to hold. It works, and it needs nothing you don't already have. The cost is that every double-cupped drink uses two cups, so your cup stock runs down twice as fast on those orders. The coffee sleeve, invented in 1991, does the same job with a band of corrugated paper in place of the second cup.
How a coffee sleeve compares
A coffee sleeve is a corrugated paper band that slides onto the cup where the hand goes. The waffle texture holds small pockets of air between the cup and the hand, and it gives a secure grip. Java Jacket sleeves are made from recycled material. You buy them by the case, in sizes for 8 oz to 24 oz cups, and one Large sleeve covers 12 oz through 24 oz cups.
When a double-wall cup makes sense
A double-wall cup suits a shop that wants one item to hand over and is happy to stock a separate cup for hot drinks. The insulation is part of the cup, so there is no sleeve to add. The trade is that the second wall goes out with every drink served in that cup, and any branding has to be printed on the cup. If you would rather keep a plain cup and brand the wrap, see sleeve printing vs cup printing.
Frequently asked questions
Is a coffee sleeve better than double cupping?
A sleeve does the job of the second cup with a band of paper, so each hot drink uses one cup and one sleeve instead of two cups. It also works with the cups you already buy.
Do I need coffee sleeves if I use double-wall cups?
Usually not. A double-wall cup has its insulation built in. Shops that use single-wall cups add a sleeve to the drinks that are hot to hold.
Do coffee sleeves work on iced drinks?
Yes. On iced drinks a Java Jacket sleeve gives a dry, sure hold that won't slip.
Are coffee sleeves recyclable or compostable?
Every Java Jacket sleeve is made from recycled material, is recyclable where paper and corrugated packaging is accepted, and is 100% compostable in a commercial composting facility.
How many coffee sleeves come in a case?
Original Java Jackets come 1,300 to a case and Eco II sleeves come 1,000 to a case. Stock sleeves are sold by the case, starting at one case.
Stock sleeves by the case
Stock coffee sleeves start at one case and ship the same day when ordered before 2 PM Pacific on a business day. Not sure of the fit? Ask for a free sample kit first.