20-liter EPS box: when do you choose this mid-size?
A 20-liter EPS box is a mid-size box of 500 x 400 x 160 mm outside and 460 x 360 x 120 mm inside, with a wall of 20 mm. You choose it when your product is too big for the small boxes and a full 600 x 400 box is too roomy. Below you will find the specifications and the neighboring sizes so you can compare for yourself.
Specifications of the 20-liter EPS box
The product description calls the box suitable for medium-size chilled shipments. Anyone searching for an EPS box 500x400x160 ends up at this product. It comes with a matching lid.
| Feature | 20-liter EPS box |
|---|---|
| Volume | 20 liters |
| Outer dimensions (L x W x H) | 500 x 400 x 160 mm |
| Inner dimensions (L x W x H) | 460 x 360 x 120 mm |
| Wall thickness | 20 mm |
| Material | Polystyrene 100 |
| Per pallet | 90 pcs |
The inner height is 120 mm, with an inner floor of 460 x 360 mm. That makes it a wide, low box.
When do you choose the 20-liter mid-size?
A 20-liter EPS box sits between the compact boxes of 10 and 12 liters and the large euro size of 600 x 400. The product description names chilled or frozen food, pharmaceutical products and other temperature-sensitive goods as uses, with the sturdy construction and the insulation as the core.
How to calculate the space is covered in choosing the right box size.
For the cold part you use ice packs or cooling elements. Place them on top of the product. You determine the number with Shipping with ice packs: what determines the number?.
The neighboring sizes side by side
A 20-liter styrofoam shipping box has these neighbors. The table shows the data from the product descriptions.
| Size | Outer dimensions (mm) | Inner dimensions (mm) | Wall thickness | Per pallet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 liters | 400 x 300 x 155 | 365 x 260 x 125 | 20 mm | 160 |
| 19 liters | 500 x 300 x 210 | 460 x 260 x 165 | 20 mm | 96 |
| 20 liters | 500 x 400 x 160 | 460 x 360 x 120 | 20 mm | 90 |
| 25 liters | 600 x 400 x 155 | 540 x 340 x 110 | 30 mm | 90 |
| 30 liters | 600 x 400 x 300 | 500 x 300 x 200 | 50 mm | 35 |
The 19-liter box is just as long but narrower and taller. The 25-liter box has a thicker wall of 30 mm and a larger footprint. For larger batches with a thicker wall, read the 30-liter EPS box. If you would rather line up the sizes, the full euro size in all heights helps.
Wall thickness, drain holes and master carton
The 20 mm wall is the same as on the 12-liter and 19-liter boxes. How long your shipment stays cold depends on the wall, coolant, product and travel time. Hours are not specified for this box. You can read more in how long a styrofoam box stays cold.
The product data for this size does not list a choice of drain holes or a master carton. If you have a wish there, ask us. The same goes for a separate lid: it is only available on request. You can see an overview of all versions at our 20-liter EPS boxes and the rest of the assortment, and single boxes at the polystyrene boxes.
90 boxes fit on a pallet. That equals the 25-liter box and is slightly fewer than the 19-liter box with 96.
Frequently asked questions about the 20-liter EPS box
How many fit on a pallet?
A full pallet of the 20-liter EPS box holds 90 pcs.
Which products is the 20-liter EPS box suitable for?
The product description names chilled or frozen food, pharmaceutical products and other temperature-sensitive goods.
Is a styrofoam box for shipping the same as a Tempex box or an EPS box?
Yes. It is the same material, expanded polystyrene, under three names. You can read more about the difference with EPP in choosing EPS or EPP.
Does 500 x 400 x 160 mm suit your shipment? Then order your 20-liter EPS box from our own production since 1972, available from stock. If your size is not listed, we will look at one of the existing molds.
You will find all names in our glossary.
