EPS box for pharmaceutical shipping
With an EPS box for pharmaceutical shipping, three choices matter: the size, the wall thickness and the coolant. An EPS box made of foam insulates well, is light and comes with a matching lid at Cooled Solutions. The boxes are suitable for shipping medicines, vaccines and other temperature-sensitive products.
Why an EPS box for medicines?
EPS stands for expanded polystyrene, also called styrofoam or Tempex. The material consists of about 98% air, spread over millions of small closed cells. Heat has a hard time passing through the wall. An EPS box for medicines holds its temperature, whether cold or warm. The box is also light and protects the contents against pressure and impact.
A styrofoam box for medicines, like any EPS shipping box or expanded polystyrene box, does not produce cold itself. For chilled shipments you put coolant in the box, such as ice packs or hard cooling elements. Place gel packs on top of the product, because cold air sinks. Fill the box tightly, so little air is left.
Which size do you choose for an EPS box for vaccines or medicines?
Look at the inner size, not the outer size. The wall is thick, so less space remains inside than the outer size suggests. A 12 liter box measures 400 x 300 x 155 mm on the outside and 365 x 260 x 125 mm on the inside.
For an EPS box for vaccines, look at the size of the shipment. The 4.7 liter is the compact size for samples and small shipments of medicines. It measures 300 x 200 x 200 mm on the outside and has a 30 mm wall, which is a lot of insulation for so little volume. The 12 liter and the 17.5 liter suit larger shipments of medicines and vaccines. For larger shipments there is the 30 liter with a 50 mm wall.
| Volume | Outer size (mm) | Inner size (mm) | Wall thickness | Per pallet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.7 liters | 300 x 200 x 200 | 240 x 140 x 140 | 30 mm | 200 |
| 5 liters | 300 x 200 x 155 | 270 x 170 x 120 | 15 mm | 360 |
| 10 liters | 400 x 300 x 200 | 330 x 230 x 140 | 35 mm | 100 |
| 12 liters | 400 x 300 x 155 | 365 x 260 x 125 | 20 mm | 160 |
| 17.5 liters | 400 x 300 x 300 | 330 x 230 x 230 | 35 mm | 70 |
| 30 liters | 600 x 400 x 300 | 500 x 300 x 200 | 50 mm | 35 |
| 45 liters | 600 x 400 x 400 | 500 x 300 x 300 | 50 mm | 25 |
All sizes are delivered with a matching lid. The full range is at our EPS boxes.
Wall thickness and transport time
The thicker the wall, the longer the contents stay at temperature. A thin-walled box of 20 mm keeps products cool for roughly eight to twelve hours. A thick-walled box of 40 to 50 mm reaches 24 to 48 hours with gel packs.
How long a box stays cold in practice depends on the outside temperature, the amount of coolant and the length of the journey. Tell us which route your shipment takes and which temperature you must maintain, and we will help you choose. You find background in our article how long a styrofoam box stays cold.
What we do and do not promise
An EPS box is packaging. We supply the box with a lid and promise no certification or conformity with any particular guideline. You can read about the guidelines themselves in what are GDP guidelines.
What we can do: advice on size and wall thickness, and delivery from our own production since 1972 and directly from stock. If no standard size fits, we look at one of our existing molds. Request a quote.
With or without drain holes for medicines
Some sizes are available with and without drain holes, such as the 5 liter and the 12 liter. Drain holes let meltwater run away and are mostly chosen for fish. For medicines and vaccines a box without drain holes is available. Without drain holes, the box is suitable for dry and liquid products. The 4.7 liter only comes without drain holes, as does the 22 liter of 600 x 400 x 185 mm.
For extra protection during transport, a matching cardboard master carton is available for several sizes.
Frequently asked questions about EPS boxes for medicines
Is an EPS box suitable for shipping vaccines?
Yes, our EPS boxes are suitable for transporting vaccines, medicines and other temperature-sensitive goods. The right size and wall thickness depend on your product, the transport time and the temperature you must maintain.
Is the lid included?
Yes. Every EPS box is delivered including a matching lid. A separate lid is only available on request.
Can I order a styrofoam box for medicines per piece?
Many sizes are available per piece, with tiered discounts. For larger quantities you order per pallet. The number per pallet is in the table and with each product.
Order an EPS box for pharmaceutical shipping
Do you know which size you need? Then take a look at all EPS boxes from our own production, available directly from stock. If you are choosing between two sizes, contact us. We are happy to help you find the right EPS box for your shipment.
You will find all names in our glossary.
