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Insulation Bag

Insulation bags and cool bags (also known as insulation sacks, thermal bags, isothermal bags, or coolbags) for chilled shipping of meat, fish, meals, and pharmaceuticals — available as 4-layer and 6-layer, a flexible and cost-effective alternative to the EPS box. Available directly from stock.

Since 1972

Production in the Netherlands

Shipped before 14:00

From our own stock

KLM, Lufthansa, Emirates

Cargo · air freight

Customisation + advice

Response within 1 day

Directly from stock

9 products available immediately.

For food and pharma

Complies with EU food safety directives.

Order on invoice

Business customers: 30-day terms.

Buy insulated bags — flexible cooling from 24 to 72 hours

An insulated bag is a flexible cooling packaging for the chilled and frozen shipping of temperature-sensitive products. Through multiple insulating layers — reflective metalized PET film and bubble wrap — the bag keeps heat out and cold in. Combined with gel packs, this creates a reliable, affordable solution that you use daily in food, pharma and e-commerce. Below you'll find both lines (4-layer and 6-layer) with direct prices, plus a selection guide based on our own test data.

In practice, you place the products in the insulated bag and then put the bag in a cardboard box. This way you create a complete cool box in one action, without the storage and transport costs of pre-formed EPS boxes.

4-layer or 6-layer: which do you choose?

The difference lies in the number of insulation layers, and therefore in how long the contents stay cold. The figures below come from our own test with a 400 gram gel pack at a constant ambient temperature of 25 °C over 48 hours. Use them as a guideline — actual performance depends on filling, number of gel packs and outside temperature.

4-layer insulated bag (Metalized PET + bubble wrap)

The efficient standard solution, built up from reflective metalized PET film and 8 mm bubble wrap. Keeps the contents below 0 °C for about 15 hours and on average below 8 °C for up to 36 hours. In terms of insulation, comparable to a thin-walled EPS box. Ideal for same-day deliveries and shipments up to about 48 hours, and the most affordable choice — widely used in spring, autumn and winter when the outside temperature is less extreme.

6-layer insulated bag (maximum insulation)

Extra insulation layers for the heavier cold chain. Keeps the contents below 0 °C for over 26 hours and below 8 °C for up to 48 hours. In terms of insulation, comparable to a thick-walled EPS box, but more flexible in use and more compact in storage. The choice for warm summer days, longer transit times and strictly controlled shipments such as pharma and international air freight.

Premium: alu/alu insulated bag up to 72 hours

For the longest bridging, we have an insulated bag with a double aluminium layer and ALU-FORMA core (72 × 63 cm). The reflective aluminium reflects heat back and, combined with cooling elements, keeps products at temperature for up to 72 hours — suitable for long distances and strongly varying outside temperatures.

How do you use an insulated bag?

The bag works best as an insulating inner layer in a cardboard box, always combined with gel packs. A few rules of thumb:

  • Place the products in the insulated bag and then the bag in a suitable cardboard box.
  • Place the gel packs on top of the products — cold air sinks and cools evenly that way.
  • Fill the bag as tightly as possible: the less empty space (and the fuller with chilled or frozen products), the better the cooling performance.
  • Seal the bag with tape. The number of gel packs depends on shipping time, contents and outside temperature — if in doubt, request advice or a sample.

Insulated bag or EPS box (polystyrene)?

For many chilled shipments, an insulated bag is a smarter alternative than an EPS box. The performance is comparable in practice, but the bag has practical advantages:

  • Takes up much less storage space — delivered flat and compact.
  • Lighter and smaller in volume, which lowers shipping costs.
  • No large, crumbly waste stream as with polystyrene; easy to dispose of after use.
  • Also available in a variant with 95% recycled material for those who want to pack more sustainably.

What are insulated bags used for?

  • Online meals and meal prep. Fresh ingredients and ready meals stay at temperature, even if the recipient doesn't accept the parcel immediately.
  • Meat and fish. Keeps the cold chain intact from sender to recipient — widely used by butchers and fishmongers with a webshop.
  • Dairy and produce. Dairy, vegetables and fruit travel safely chilled, optionally with an absorbent pad against moisture.
  • Pharma and air freight. With the 6-layer variant for validated, strictly controlled cold-chain shipments.

Complete your cool box

Combine your insulated bag with a standard cardboard box as outer packaging and with ice packs and gel packs for the cooling. Not sure about the right size, the number of layers or the number of gel packs? Request a sample or advice without obligation — our specialists are happy to help.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a 4-layer and a 6-layer insulated liner?
The number of insulation layers determines how long the contents stay cold. In our test with a 400 gram gel pack at 25 °C, the 4-layer bag keeps the contents below 0 °C for up to approximately 15 hours and below 8 °C for up to 36 hours; the 6-layer bag achieves over 26 hours below 0 °C and up to 48 hours below 8 °C. Choose 4-layer for standard shipments and cooler periods, and 6-layer for warm days, longer transit times, pharma and air freight.
How long does an insulated liner stay cold?
Depending on the design, the number of gel packs, the filling, and the outside temperature. As a guideline (400 gram gel pack, 25 °C): 4-layer up to ~36 hours below 8 °C, 6-layer up to 48 hours below 8 °C. Our premium alu/alu bag achieves up to 72 hours with sufficient gel packs. Packing more fully with less empty space improves performance.
What are the insulated liners made of?
Made from multiple insulating layers: reflective metallized PET film that reflects heat, combined with bubble wrap (and, in the 6-layer version, additional insulation layers) that acts as an air buffer. A variant made with 95% recycled material is also available.
How do I use an insulated liner most effectively?
Place the products in the bag and the bag in a cardboard box. Place the gel packs on top of the products, as cold air sinks. Fill the bag as tightly as possible and seal it with tape. The less air remains, the better the cooling.
Is an insulated liner better than an EPS (Styrofoam) box?
In practice, the insulation performance is comparable: a 4-layer bag with a thin-walled EPS box, and a 6-layer bag with a thick-walled EPS box. The advantage of the bag lies in reduced storage space, lower volume and weight (lower shipping costs), and less waste. For maximum strength or protection, an EPS box may still be the better choice.
Are insulated liners suitable for frozen transport?
Yes. In combination with dry ice or sufficient gel packs, they are suitable for frozen transport. For the strictest cold chain requirements and warmer conditions, use the 6-layer version.
How do I close an insulated liner?
Easy with standard tape or an adhesive strip. It is important that the bag is well filled and tightly sealed, so that as little warm air as possible can enter.
What size insulated liner do I need?
Choose a size that fits your product plus the gel packs snugly, without too much empty space. We supply sizes from 70 × 40 cm to 70 × 110 cm, in both 4-layer and 6-layer versions. Unsure between two sizes or specifications? Request a sample and test it with your own product.

Questions or need customisation?

Call our advisors or request a quote. Personal advice within 1 working day, no obligations.

Before 2:00 PM = todayFast delivery from stock
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Need advice?+31 (0) 255 234 200
On invoiceFor business customers

Not sure which packaging you need?

Our buying guide or a conversation with our advisors will help you quickly.