EPS box or polystyrene box: the same product
An EPS box and a polystyrene box are the same product: an insulating package made of expanded polystyrene. The material, the sizes and the way it works do not change with the name. The name says nothing about the size, the wall thickness, the drain holes and the lid.
One product, several names
An EPS box, EPS boxes, a polystyrene box and a styrofoam box are the same products.
EPS stands for expanded polystyrene. That is why it is also called a polystyrene box. Other names are foam and the old brand name Tempex. It is always the same kind of white, light plastic that is about 98% air.
The names at a glance
| Name you hear | Kind of name | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| EPS box, EPS boxes | Short name from the material | A box of expanded polystyrene |
| Polystyrene box | Named after the material | The same box |
| Foam box | Name for the material | The same box |
| Tempex box | Old brand name | The same box |
| Styrofoam box | Another name | The same box |
You can read more about where the name comes from in Tempex box: what is it and where does the name come from?. The material itself is explained in what is foam: EPS material and insulation.
Every product lists the outside size, the wall thickness and the number per pallet.
The data per EPS box
Examples from our range:
| Capacity | Outside size (mm) | Wall thickness | Per pallet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.7 liters | 300 x 200 x 200 | 30 mm | 200 pieces |
| 10 liters | 400 x 300 x 200 | 35 mm | 100 pieces |
| 12 liters | 400 x 300 x 155 | 20 mm | 160 pieces |
| 30 liters | 600 x 400 x 300 | 50 mm | 35 pieces |
| 173 liters | 800 x 600 x 650 | 60 mm | 6 pieces |
Four details are listed with every product. The wall thickness: the thicker the wall, the longer the contents stay at temperature, although that also depends on the coolant, the outside temperature and the travel time. Drain holes: for some sizes, such as the 12 liter, there is a version with and without drain holes. Drain holes carry off meltwater. The lid: a matching lid is included with every EPS box, and separate lids are only available on request. And the material: you can read about the difference with EPP in choosing EPS or EPP.
One example from our range: the 10 liter EPS box measures 400 x 300 x 200 mm outside and 330 x 230 x 140 mm inside, with a wall thickness of 35 mm. A full pallet holds 100. According to the product data, that box keeps a chilled order at temperature for 24 to 48 hours, depending on the number of cooling elements you include.
An EPS box in the right size
A 12 liter EPS box measures 400 x 300 x 155 mm outside and has an inside size of 365 x 260 x 125 mm. How to determine the right size is covered in choosing the right box size. As coolant, use ice packs or cooling elements, on top of the product and with as little air in the box as possible.
If you are looking for a custom polystyrene box, we look at one of the existing molds if no polystyrene box from the standard sizes fits. Request a quote and we will work it out with you. Our boxes come from our own production since 1972 and are available from stock right away. For ready-made sets, see cooling boxes and cold chain packaging.
Frequently asked questions about the EPS box and polystyrene box
Is an EPS box better than a polystyrene box?
No. It is the same product with two names.
What is a polystyrene box?
A polystyrene box is a box made of expanded polystyrene, so an EPS box. On our product pages the material is listed as polystyrene or 100% EPS.
Are EPS boxes reusable?
Yes, EPS boxes are reusable. You can read more about disposal and recycling in disposing of and recycling foam.
See the whole range of EPS boxes from our own production and choose your size, whichever name you use.
You will find all names in our glossary.
