Reflective pallet cover: how aluminum insulation works
A reflective insulated pallet cover is a pallet cover with an aluminum layer that reflects heat from outside and so protects the load against temperature swings. It is also called a reflective pallet cover or aluminum insulated pallet cover. Below you will find how that aluminum layer works, what it does and does not do, and which sizes are available.
How does aluminum insulation work?
A reflective outer layer keeps out radiant heat, an insulating inner layer keeps the cold in the load. The cover does not actively cool, but slows down temperature change.
Our pallet bases and our thermal cargo blanket for pallets of 120 x 100 x 150 cm are made of bubble film laminated with aluminum. Together they reduce temperature swings during transport. The result is a more stable environment, and a product that arrives in better quality.
Reflective insulated pallet cover: what is the difference with an ordinary cover?
A reflective insulated pallet cover combines two things: insulation and reflection. The reflective outer layer keeps out radiant heat. That matters most when a pallet stands outside, for example during loading and unloading on the platform.
Note: reflecting is not cooling. The cover does not actively cool, it slows down temperature change.
| Property | What it does |
|---|---|
| Reflective outer layer | Keeps out radiant heat |
| Bubble film with aluminum | Material of the pallet bases and the Thermal Cargo Blankets |
| Protection against moisture | Reduces damage from rain |
| Reusable | Sturdy materials for long-term use |
| Lightweight | Handy in air freight |
Reflective thermal pallet cover for air freight
A reflective thermal pallet cover is lightweight and intended for air freight. For a block pallet there is the size 120 x 100 x 150 cm, for a euro pallet 120 x 80 x 150 cm and for a large block pallet 120 x 120 x 150 cm. For air freight containers of the PMC format there is a cover of 320 x 240 x 150 cm. There are also covers for small pallets (80 x 60 x 150 cm), roll containers, IBC containers and drums. The full list is at our insulated pallet covers.
For block pallets and euro pallets there is also a double-layer version. We do not state hours or temperatures. For the duration, read how long an insulated pallet cover keeps the load at temperature.
Aluminum insulated pallet cover: the base is just as important
People often forget that warm air rises, which means the underside deserves extra attention. An insulated base of bubble film laminated with aluminum closes off the pallet. It protects against outside temperatures, reduces damage from rain and theft and is easy to put on.
- Base for euro pallets: 110 x 150 cm;
- base for block pallets: 130 x 150 cm;
- both also double-layer and 8 mm thick.
That base and the cover are often bought together. For smaller shipments there are the insulated shipping bags and cooling elements.
When reflection delivers the most
The aluminum layer keeps out radiant heat. While loading and unloading on the platform, cargo is often unprotected in the sun or in the cold. This is exactly where the temperature peaks occur that bring a shipment out of specification. Thermal blanket, cargo cover and insulated pallet cover are other names for the same product.
The difference between a cover and wrapping is explained in insulated pallet cover or shrink wrap.
Where the aluminum is, according to the product data
| Product | Size | Material and version |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal Cargo Blankets for pallets | 120 x 100 x 150 cm | Bubble film laminated with aluminum |
| Insulated base, euro pallet | 110 x 150 cm | Bubble film laminated with aluminum |
| Insulated base, block pallet | 130 x 150 cm | Bubble film laminated with aluminum |
| Insulated base, euro pallet, double-layer | 110 x 150 cm | Bubble film laminated with aluminum, double-layer and 8 mm thick |
| Insulated base, block pallet, double-layer | 130 x 150 cm | Bubble film laminated with aluminum, double-layer and 8 mm thick |
For all these products the pages name the same properties: protection against outside temperatures, less damage from rain and theft, easy to put on and available in all sizes.
Which names the collection text uses
The collection text also calls the insulated pallet covers insulation covers or air cargo covers. In air freight terminology they are called thermal cover, air cargo cover, ULD cover, cargo blanket, thermal pallet cover, insulated pallet cover and reflective pallet cover.
The collection text adds that this is not a plastic pallet cover against rain or dust, but an insulating cover against temperature.
Frequently asked questions about a reflective pallet cover
What is the advantage of a reflective thermal pallet cover?
The aluminum layer reflects heat radiation and so limits swings around the load. It is passive protection, not cooling.
Is an aluminum insulated pallet cover reusable?
Yes. The covers are made of sturdy materials for repeated use.
Does a reflective insulated pallet cover keep my load cold?
It keeps the temperature more stable, but does not actively cool.
What are the bases and the Thermal Cargo Blankets made of?
Bubble film laminated with aluminum. The double-layer bases are 8 mm thick.
What determines how well the cover works?
The collection text names five factors: the starting temperature of the load, the duration of transport and handling, the outside temperature and sun on the platform, the use of gel packs or cooling elements in the load and how tightly the cover closes around the pallet or ULD.
Is a reflective pallet cover a plastic cover against rain?
No. The collection text does not call it a plastic pallet cover against rain or dust, but an insulating cover against temperature.
Order a reflective pallet cover
View the insulated pallet covers and choose the size that fits your pallet. Cooled Solutions has made cold chain packaging in its own production since 1972.
You will find all names in our glossary.
