Buy an EPS box: which size and how many per pallet
If you want to buy an EPS box, two things decide your choice: the size your product needs and the number of boxes you take per order. At Cooled Solutions you order an EPS box including a matching lid, made in our own production since 1972 and directly from stock. Below you find the sizes with the number per pallet, so you can calculate before you order.
How to choose the size when buying an EPS box
Look at the inner size when you choose, because the wall of an EPS box is thick. A 12 liter box with a 20 mm wall measures 400 x 300 x 155 mm on the outside, but 365 x 260 x 125 mm remains on the inside.
A box that is too roomy lets air in and cools less well. A box that is too full leaves no room for cooling elements. You can read more about size in our article on choosing the right box size.
Wall thickness matters as well. The thicker the wall, the longer the contents stay at temperature. How long it stays cold depends on the outside temperature, the coolant and the length of the journey. Read about it in how long a styrofoam box stays cold.
How many EPS boxes fit on a pallet?
The number per pallet differs per size. Small boxes go on a pallet by the hundreds, the largest size by six. The table shows a selection with the number of pieces per full pallet, as stated with the product.
| Volume | Outer size (mm) | Wall thickness | Per pallet (pieces) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.7 liters | 300 x 200 x 200 | 30 mm | 200 |
| 5 liters | 300 x 200 x 155 | 15 mm | 360 |
| 10 liters | 400 x 300 x 200 | 35 mm | 100 |
| 12 liters | 400 x 300 x 155 | 20 mm | 160 |
| 17.5 liters | 400 x 300 x 300 | 35 mm | 70 |
| 19 liters | 500 x 300 x 210 | 20 mm | 96 |
| 20 liters | 500 x 400 x 160 | 20 mm | 90 |
| 22 liters | 600 x 400 x 185 | 20 mm | 60 |
| 25 liters | 600 x 400 x 155 | 30 mm | 90 |
| 30 liters | 600 x 400 x 300 | 50 mm | 35 |
| 34 liters | 600 x 400 x 205 | 30 mm | 60 |
| 45 liters | 600 x 400 x 400 | 50 mm | 25 |
| 173 liters | 800 x 600 x 650 | 60 mm | 6 |
You can see the complete range with all variants at our EPS boxes. If your size is not listed, we look at one of the existing molds. Feel free to request a quote.
Buying EPS boxes per piece or per pallet
A full pallet gives the lowest price per box. If you ship smaller quantities, you can order the same box per piece, with tiered discounts. For some sizes the website lists per piece and per pallet separately.
To keep the contents cold, use ice packs or cooling elements. Place gel packs on top of the product and fill the box tightly, so little air is left.
With or without drain holes, and what is included
Some sizes are available with and without drain holes, such as the 5 liter, the 12 liter and the 34 liter. Drain holes let meltwater run away, for example with fish. A box without drain holes keeps liquid inside. Every EPS box comes with a matching lid. Separate lids are only available on request. For extra protection during transport, a matching cardboard master carton is available for several sizes.
Foam, Tempex and styrofoam: the same box
Buying a foam shipping box, a Tempex box or a styrofoam box for shipping comes down to the same product: expanded polystyrene, a white, light plastic that consists of about 98% air. Tempex is the old brand name, and styrofoam is another name for it.
Not sure yet whether EPS is the right choice? Compare it with EPP in choosing between EPS and EPP. You can read more about the origin and the production process in EPS boxes from our own production.
Frequently asked questions about buying an EPS box
Is the lid included?
Yes. Every EPS box is delivered including a matching lid. A separate lid is only available on request.
Can I buy an EPS box for medicines?
The boxes are suitable for shipping medicines and other temperature-sensitive products. The right size and wall thickness depend on your product, the transport time and the temperature you want to maintain. We are happy to help you choose the size.
How many boxes do I need for a pallet?
That is listed per size in the table above. At 600 x 400 x 300 mm, 35 pieces fit on a full pallet, and at 400 x 300 x 200 mm it is 100.
Buy your EPS box
Do you know which size you need? Then take a look at all EPS box options from our own production, available directly from stock. If you are choosing between two sizes, contact us. We are happy to help.
You will find all names in our glossary.
