Eco Friendly Custom Coffee Cup Sleeves

Eco Friendly Printer prints custom coffee cup sleeves for cafes, coffee roasters, bakeries, restaurants, offices and events. A cup sleeve, also called a coffee clutch or java jacket, slides around a hot cup so it is comfortable to hold. A printed sleeve also puts your logo, message or offer in the customer's hand every time they buy a drink. We print sleeves on recycled paperboard and kraft board with soy-based inks.

Common uses for printed cup sleeves

• Cafe and coffee shop branding on every to-go cup
• Seasonal drinks and limited-time offers
• Loyalty programs, QR codes and social media handles
• Office coffee bars and corporate events
• Sponsor logos at conferences, races and fundraisers
• Wedding and party coffee carts

Sizes and fit

Most sleeves are made to fit standard 10 to 24 oz hot cups, and one sleeve size usually covers 12, 16 and 20 oz cups. Cup shapes vary between brands, so tell us the cup brand and sizes you use, or send a sample cup, and we will confirm the fit before printing. The printable area on a standard sleeve is about 9 x 2.5 inches when laid flat, and the design wraps around the cup, so plan for the front, back and the seam.

Materials and printing

Sleeves are printed on recycled paperboard or natural kraft board. White recycled board shows color at its brightest, while kraft board gives a natural brown look that suits one- and two-color designs. Sleeves can be printed in one color, two colors or full color. They are die-cut to shape and delivered flat, ready to open and slide onto a cup.

How the eco choices apply to cup sleeves

A sleeve is a single-use item, so the material matters. We print on recycled board with soy-based inks, and an uncoated paper sleeve can go in paper recycling after use. A sleeve also replaces the second cup that many cafes use for hot drinks, which saves a cup on every order. For more packaging ideas, see our guide to eco friendly packaging for small businesses.

Design tips

• Place the logo where it faces the customer when the cup is held in the right hand.
• Repeat the logo or pattern so it shows from any side of the cup.
• Keep text and QR codes away from the glued seam and the top and bottom edges.
• One- and two-color designs print well on kraft board and keep costs down on longer runs.
• Use the sleeve for something that changes, such as a seasonal drink, and order a separate run for your everyday sleeve.

How ordering works

Send your artwork, the cup brand and sizes, the quantity and whether you prefer white or kraft board. You can start your order online. We will confirm the fit and the board and give you a price before anything is printed. Most orders are ready in one to two weeks from artwork approval. Many cafes order sleeves together with paper coasters, punch cards and paper bags. For more printing for food and drink businesses, see our page on restaurants and hospitality.

Common questions about coffee cup sleeves

Will your sleeves fit my cups?

Most sleeves fit standard 10 to 24 oz hot cups. Cup shapes vary by brand, so tell us the cup brand and sizes, or send a sample cup, and we will confirm the fit before printing.

Are printed cup sleeves recyclable?

An uncoated paper sleeve printed with soy-based inks can go in paper recycling after use.

Can you print on kraft cup sleeves?

Yes. We print on natural kraft board and on white recycled board. One- and two-color designs look especially good on kraft.

Do the sleeves come assembled?

Sleeves are die-cut to shape and delivered flat, ready to open and slide onto a cup.

• Fits standard 10 to 24 oz hot cups
• Recycled white paperboard or natural kraft board
• One color, two color or full color
• Die-cut and delivered flat
• For cafes, roasters, offices, events and coffee carts