1. The Cost Breakdown: Why 50,000 Units?
In the coffee supply chain, the quantity of 50k represents a balance between manufacturing efficiency and inventory turnover. According to data from deer coffee filter , the amortized cost follows a non-linear scale.
| Order Quantity | Avg. Unit Price (Est.) | Amortization Logic |
| 10,000 Units | $0.025 – $0.035 | High overhead; plate-making costs dominate. |
| 50,000 Units | $0.018 – $0.022 | The “Sweet Spot” for mid-sized roasters. |
| 100,000 Units | $0.014 – $0.016 | Economies of scale; raw material price floor. |
The transition from 10k to 50k units typically reduces the per-unit setup cost by over 60%, as fixed costs like flexographic plate-making and machine calibration are spread across a larger volume.
Technical Variables: Quality vs. Cost-Effectiveness
GSM Uniformity & Extraction Stability
- Target Specification: 45-55 GSM (Grams per Square Meter).
- The Tolerance Factor: High-tier filters maintain a weight deviation of < ±1.5%.
- Extraction Impact: Research by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) indicates that a 5% deviation in paper thickness can cause a 0.2% fluctuation in TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), leading to inconsistent flavor profiles across batches.
Structural Integrity
Our filters utilize long-fiber coniferous wood pulp (average fiber length 2.5mm–3.5mm), ensuring high wet tensile strength under 92°C (197°F) brewing temperatures.
3. The “Hidden” Costs: Loss Rates and Logistics
When calculating the amortized cost per cup, procurement managers must factor in a 3% to 5% operational loss rate.
- Preparation Loss: Calibration of automated brewing equipment and barista folding errors.
- Environmental Storage: Coffee filters are highly hygroscopic. Storing 50,000 units in environments with >60% humidity without proper sealing can lead to paper degradation.
- Holding Cost: For a cafe consuming 8,000 filters/month, a 50k MOQ represents ~6 months of inventory. Capital tied up in stock should be factored into the final amortization.
Summary for Procurement Managers
If you are evaluating a 50,000-unit MOQ, your total amortized cost per cup—including shipping, a 4% loss rate, and storage—will likely fall between $0.020 and $0.026.
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