EPS foam cooler: when to choose it and when not
You choose an EPS foam cooler when the contents must stay cool for a known time, the shipment must be light and the box must withstand an impact. That applies to medicines, meat, fish and dairy. If the shipment is a whole pallet or a small flat envelope, a different product fits better. Below you find when to choose foam and when not.
When do you choose an EPS foam cooler?
A foam cooler consists largely of still air, enclosed in closed cells of EPS, expanded polystyrene. That air is the actual insulator: heat passes through it only slowly. It also absorbs impacts, which matters for glass, medical samples and fish. EPS is light, which saves directly on the shipping bill.
A foam cooler with lid is light, strong and reusable. Our coolers run from 4.7 to 173 liters and are available from stock per piece. It is also called a Tempex cooler or an EPS cooler: that is the same product under another name. You can read more about the name in choosing a Tempex cooler.
An EPS foam cooler suits these situations:
- Products that must be protected against an impact, such as glass, medical samples and fish.
- Shipments where shipping weight counts, because EPS is light.
- Users who want to order a cooler per piece, for example to take to the market, the boat or a barbecue.
EPS foam coolers from 4.7 to 173 liters
The table shows six sizes from the range with the data from the product description. Every box is delivered including a matching lid. A separate lid is only available on request.
| 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 |
| 10 liters | 400 x 300 x 200 | 330 x 230 x 140 | 35 mm | 100 |
| 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 |
| 173 liters | 800 x 600 x 650 | 680 x 480 x 530 | 60 mm | 6 |
What the product descriptions say per size: the 4.7 liter is meant for smaller shipments with specific temperature requirements. According to the description, the 30 liter is suitable for longer shipping routes. The 17.5, 30 and 45 liter mention meat, fish, vegetables and dairy, and the 173 liter is meant for bulk shipping of chilled products.
For the 4.7, 10, 17.5, 30 and 45 liter, a matching cardboard master carton is available. It fits closely around the EPS box.
Three questions before you order an EPS foam cooler
How long must the contents stay at temperature?
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.
Which inner size do you really need?
Empty space in the box is your biggest enemy. Air that can circulate exchanges heat and lets the contents warm up faster.
What do you cool with?
The box insulates, but does not cool. Gel packs or other cooling elements do that. Place them on top of the contents, because cold air sinks.
When is foam not the best choice?
In these cases a different product fits better:
- Whole pallets: an insulated pallet cover over the pallet.
- Small, flat shipments: an insulated mailer or insulated shipping bag.
- Fixed routes with return: an EPP box lasts many transport cycles. See EPS or EPP.
- Medicines: take a look at our cooling packaging for medicines and the guide shipping medicines chilled.
Frequently asked questions about the EPS foam cooler
What is the difference between a foam cooler and an EPS box?
The material is the same. The cooler is meant as a single box per piece with a matching lid, and the EPS box is also supplied in larger quantities and per pallet.
Can I reuse a foam cooler with lid?
Yes, EPS boxes are reusable.
How many gel packs do I need in an EPS cooler?
That depends on wall thickness, route and outside temperature. You find the calculation method in Shipping with ice packs: what determines the number?.
Which sizes does a foam cooler come in?
The foam coolers run from 4.7 to 173 liters. The table above shows six sizes with inner size and wall thickness.
Does a foam cooler come with a lid?
Yes. Every EPS box is delivered with a matching lid as standard. Separate lids are only available on request.
Is there a cardboard master carton for a foam cooler?
For the 4.7, 10, 17.5, 30 and 45 liter, a matching cardboard master carton is available.
Unsure about the right size or wall thickness? Take a look at our EPS foam cooler per piece, and if you order before 14:00 it ships today. Need larger quantities? Then look at our EPS boxes, from our own production since 1972.
You will find all names in our glossary.
