Polystyrene Boxes vs honeycomb cold boxes: which should you choose?
Short answer: choose a Polystyrene Box when cost efficiency, proven performance, and moisture resistance are key priorities (long or humid transports). Choose a honeycomb cooling box when sustainability is the priority: it is 100% recyclable through the waste paper stream, with a comparable insulation value — but slightly more expensive and less resistant to prolonged moisture.
When choosing the right cooling box for your shipment, the material plays an important role. EPS (Expanded Polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam or Tempex) and honeycomb cardboard are both widely used solutions, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Polystyrene Boxes: proven insulation
Polystyrene Boxes have been the standard in temperature-sensitive transport for decades. They offer:
- Excellent insulation (lambda value ~0.035 W/mK)
- Low price per unit
- Lightweight
- Moisture resistant
- Various wall thicknesses available
Disadvantage: less sustainable, not biodegradable, recycling is possible but requires specialized processing.
Honeycomb cooling boxes: sustainable alternative
Honeycomb cardboard consists of hexagonal cells between two cardboard layers. Benefits:
- 100% recyclable through the regular paper stream
- Comparable insulation value to EPS
- Strong construction
- FSC-certified cardboard available
- Attractive for brands focused on sustainability
Disadvantage: slightly more expensive than EPS, more limited resistance to prolonged moisture.
Which should you choose?
Choose EPS if: cost efficiency and proven performance are key priorities, or for longer transports in humid conditions.
Choose honeycomb if: sustainability is a priority for your brand or customers, or for standard transport within Europe.
Not sure? Contact our internal sales team for tailored advice.
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