Thermal pallet blanket or shrink wrap: what fits?
A thermal pallet blanket protects the temperature of a pallet, shrink wrap only secures the load. They are two different jobs. Below you will find what each of the two does.
What shrink wrap does and what it does not
Film holds a pallet together and is for single use. For securing, you will also find stretch film and strapping materials in our range.
What a thermal pallet blanket does
A thermal blanket, called an insulated pallet cover or cargo blanket in the collection, has a reflective outer layer that keeps out radiant heat and an insulating inner layer that keeps the cold in the load. This way the temperature swings less during transport. The blanket also protects against rain, humidity and condensation.
An insulation blanket for a pallet is therefore something different from a piece of film. It is reusable and does not actively cool: it slows down temperature change. For cold in the load itself you use cooling elements.
If you are looking to buy thermal blankets, you will find the sizes at the thermal blankets: euro pallet, block pallet, large block pallet, small pallet and roll container. For air freight there is also a version for PMC containers.
Which thermal blanket fits?
In the collection you will find covers for a euro pallet (120 x 80 x 150 cm), block pallet (120 x 100 x 150 cm), large block pallet (120 x 120 x 150 cm) and a small pallet (80 x 60 x 150 cm). There are also versions for roll containers, drums and IBC containers, and for air freight a cover for PMC containers of 320 x 240 x 150 cm. For euro pallets and block pallets there is also a double-layer version.
Thermal blanket and film side by side
| Shrink wrap | Thermal blanket | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Secures the load | Slows down temperature change |
| Use | Single use | Reusable |
Film or blanket: which does which job
A thermal blanket is not a plastic pallet cover against rain or dust, but an insulating cover against temperature, and reusable instead of single-use shrink wrap.
Underside, cooling elements and alternatives
People often forget that warm air rises. An insulated base insulates the underside of the pallet. For cold in the load itself there are cooling elements.
How long a blanket keeps the load at temperature is explained in how long does an insulated pallet cover keep the load at temperature. For refrigerated trucks, read insulated pallet cover or refrigerated truck.
With a roll container you choose between a fully closed cover and a version with a fold-up door. With that door you reach the load without removing the whole cover, handy on distribution trips with multiple stops. A closed cover has no seams where cold can escape and fits when the container is only opened at the final destination.
Blankets and covers in the collection according to the product data
Besides the insulated pallet covers, the collection has versions with blanket or cover in the name:
| Name in the collection | Size | What the page names |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal Cargo Blankets for pallets | 120 x 100 x 150 cm | For air freight pallets with temperature-sensitive goods, bubble film laminated with aluminum |
| ISO blankets for freight pallets | 120 x 100 x 150 cm | Thermal insulation blanket for temperature-controlled shipping, protects against heat, cold and moisture |
| Insulated Cargo Blankets for pallets | 120 x 100 x 150 cm | Insulating cargo blanket, specially for air freight, keeps products cool for a limited time |
| Thermal insulation covers | 120 x 100 x 160 cm | For air freight and other international transport, protects against swings, moisture and outside influences |
What the page of the Thermal Cargo Blankets says
That page names insulation cover, insulated pallet cover, thermal pallet cover, thermal blanket, thermal cover, thermo cover and cargo cover as names for the same product. The page considers what the cover does more important than what it is called: it reduces temperature swings during transport. According to the page, better product quality on arrival is a direct result of the more stable temperature.
The properties the page lists:
- bubble film laminated with aluminum;
- protection against outside temperatures;
- reduces damage from rain and theft;
- easy to put on;
- available in all sizes.
Beyond air freight as well
About 95% of the insulated pallet covers go by air. A smaller share goes to road transport and city distribution, where no refrigerated truck is available or where frequent door openings let the temperature in a refrigerated truck rise.
Frequently asked questions about the thermal pallet blanket
Can I place a thermal blanket over shrink wrap?
Yes. The film secures the load, the blanket insulates.
Is a thermal blanket a replacement for a refrigerated truck?
No. The blanket works passively and does not actively cool. It is used where no refrigerated truck is available, for temporary storage outdoors or when active cooling fails.
Can I use an insulation blanket for a pallet without film?
A blanket insulates, but does not secure the load. For securing there are stretch film and strapping materials.
Are thermal cargo blanket, ISO blanket and insulated pallet cover the same product?
The page of the Thermal Cargo Blankets names insulation cover, insulated pallet cover, thermal pallet cover, thermal blanket, thermal cover, thermo cover and cargo cover as names for the same product. The ISO blankets, insulated cargo blankets and thermal insulation covers have their own product pages with their own sizes.
What is a thermal cargo blanket made of?
Bubble film laminated with aluminum.
Does a thermal blanket protect against rain?
The page of the Thermal Cargo Blankets names protection against outside temperatures and less damage from rain and theft. The collection text names protection against rain, humidity and condensation.
Buying thermal blankets? Send us the dimensions of your pallet and we will help you think it through. You will find the range at thermal pallet blanket in the thermal pallet cover collection.
You will find all names in our glossary.
