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Thermal boxes

Thermal boxes (also known as foldable cool boxes) for transport from -20 °C to 25 °C — a cardboard outer box with a separate 4-layer or 6-layer insulated liner. Supplied flat-packed, allowing up to 5× as many units on a pallet as EPS. Produced in the Netherlands and 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

18 products available immediately.

For food and pharma

Complies with EU food safety directives.

Order on invoice

Business customers: 30-day terms.

18 products

Buy thermal boxes — insulation and storage advantage in one

A thermal box consists of two parts: a sturdy cardboard outer box and a separate insulated bag as inner lining. This lining is made of bubble wrap with a laminated layer of metalized PET coating. Thanks to the still air and the reflective coating, products keep their temperature for up to 48 hours. You use the thermal box for frozen (-20 °C), chilled (2-8 °C) and controlled transport (8-25 °C) of meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, meals and pharma.

The big advantage: foldable and pallet-efficient

Unlike an EPS box, the outer box and the insulated bag are delivered flat (unfolded). This means up to five times as many thermal boxes fit on a pallet. For anyone who ships a lot or has little storage space, that saves considerably on transport and warehouse costs. Moreover, the thermal box is easy to separate for the end user: the box goes in the paper recycling, the insulated bag in the plastic waste.

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

4-layer thermal box

The efficient standard solution for shorter transports up to about 24 hours and regular chilled transport. Ideal for fresh e-commerce, meal kits and short food shipments, and the most cost-effective choice.

6-layer thermal box

Two extra insulation layers for longer transports (24-48 hours) and strictly controlled cold chain. The choice for pharma, vaccines and international air freight — slightly more expensive, but with noticeably better insulation. For a strict temperature range (such as 2-8 °C vaccines), combine the 6-layer box with PCM packs instead of standard gel packs.

How do you use a thermal box?

Set up the outer box, place the insulated bag inside and put your product in the bag. Add gel packs or cooling elements and place them on top of the product — cold air sinks and cools evenly that way. Fill the bag as tightly as possible and seal it well: the less empty space, the more stable the temperature. The number of cooling elements depends on the shipping time, the contents and the outside temperature.

Applications

  • Food and meal kits. Fresh meals, meat, fish and dairy for next-day delivery — the compact storage saves space and costs.
  • Pharma and medical. Medicines, vaccines and lab samples; the 6-layer variant offers extra certainty for strictly temperature-sensitive shipments.
  • Produce and flowers. Fresh vegetables, fruit and flowers benefit from the stable temperature and protection against moisture fluctuations.

Thermal box or EPS box?

Both insulate well. Choose the thermal box if storage and transport efficiency and easy waste separation are important. If it concerns heavy, wet or extra fragile transport where sturdiness comes first, also take a look at our EPS boxes. Not sure? Request a sample or quote — then we'll advise based on your product, temperature and route.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is a thermal box?
A thermal box is a cardboard outer box with a separate insulated liner as the inner lining. The liner consists of bubble wrap with a laminated layer of metallized PET coating, which, together with the still air, keeps products at temperature for up to 48 hours. Suitable for frozen, chilled, and controlled transport.
4-layer or 6-layer: which one should I choose?
4-layer for shorter transports up to approximately 24 hours and regular refrigerated transport — the most cost-effective choice for e-commerce and meal boxes. 6-layer for longer transports (24-48 hours), pharma, vaccines, and international air freight. The 6-layer has two extra insulation layers and therefore better insulation performance.
Why choose a thermal box instead of an EPS box?
The biggest advantage is storage and transport: because the box and insulated liner are delivered flat, up to 5× as many fit on a pallet compared to EPS. Additionally, waste separation is simple — box with the paper, insulated liner with the plastic. For maximum strength or protection, an EPS box is sometimes the better choice.
How long does a thermal box stay at temperature?
In combination with enough gel packs, a thermal box keeps products at the right temperature for up to 48 hours. The actual duration depends on the number of layers (4 or 6), the number of gel packs, the outside temperature, and how tightly you pack it. Packing fuller with less empty space improves performance.
Can I use a thermal box for the freezer?
Yes. The thermal box is suitable for frozen transport (-20 °C), refrigerated (2-8 °C), and controlled ambient temperature (8-25 °C). For deep freezing, use enough gel packs or dry ice; for a strict temperature range, combine the 6-layer version with PCM packs.

Questions or need customisation?

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

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