Temperature-controlled shipping of flowers and plants calls for a different approach than food or pharma. Cut flowers and plants usually do not need to go down to 2 to 8 °C. They need to stay at a moderate temperature and above all be protected against heat, crushing and moisture damage. This page is intended for growers, exporters and traders who buy their own packaging. Cooled Solutions has manufactured cooling packaging in its own production since 1972.
The right temperature zone
For flowers and plants, the right zone is usually not the chilled but the cool zone. Too cold is just as harmful to many species as too warm.
| Zone | Temperature | Typical | Coolant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cool | 8 to 15 °C | plants, many cut flowers | a few gel packs, above all good insulation |
| Chilled | 2 to 8 °C | species that tolerate cold | gel packs or ice packs for shipping |
| Protected | 15 to 25 °C | frost-sensitive material in winter | mainly insulation |
For flowers and plants, the rule of thumb "keep to the coldest requirement" therefore does not apply automatically. Start from the requirement of the crop.
Insulation does most of the work here
Because the target temperature is higher than for food, insulation matters more than the amount of coolant. Well-insulated packaging with a single gel pack keeps the shipment stable in the cool zone, whereas generous coolant can actually damage the crop.
The same principle works the other way round in winter: the same insulation that keeps heat out also keeps frost out. For frost-sensitive material, an insulated bag or polystyrene box is often sufficient, without any coolant at all.
Crates and stackable loads
Flowers and plants rarely travel loose; they sit in crates, buckets or trays. An insulated bag makes your existing crate temperature-controlled without adding volume. The 67×52 cm size is the most commonly used for this, and the crate slides in in one go. With the non-square sizes, check whether the opening is on the short or the long side; choose the long side for crates and flat loads.
The 2-layer bags are available in 25×35, 30×45, 35×35, 35×55, 67×52 and 70×70 cm. For longer transit or warmer periods, choose a 4- or 6-layer version.
Pallets and export
If you ship by pallet or by sea container, the solution lies not in the box but in the covering. Thermal pallet covers protect a complete pallet against solar radiation and temperature fluctuation; an insulated base sheet underneath prevents heat entering through the floor. For sea containers there are container liners.
Crushing and moisture damage
Alongside temperature, these are the two causes of damage that occur most often with flowers and plants. Sturdy outer packaging that absorbs the stacking pressure prevents snapped stems; sufficiently closed insulation prevents outside moisture reaching the crop. Fill empty space so the load cannot shift during the journey.
Large volumes
Growers, exporters and trading houses generally consume structurally in volume. Ordering by pallet is considerably cheaper than by outer carton, and annual contracts with fixed rates are available for regular buyers. We produce custom sizes to order with a lead time of 2 to 4 weeks. Also see the selection for produce and flowers or request a quote with your size and annual volume.
Frequently asked questions
At what temperature do I ship flowers and plants?
Usually in the cool zone of 8 to 15 °C. Too cold is just as harmful to many species as too warm, so start from the requirement of the crop instead of automatically choosing the coldest zone.
Do I need cooling elements for plants?
A few gel packs are often enough, or even no coolant at all. With flowers and plants, the insulation does most of the work; generous coolant can actually damage the crop.
How do I protect plants against frost in winter?
With the same insulation that keeps heat out in summer. An insulated bag or polystyrene box is often sufficient for frost-sensitive material, without coolant.
What do I use for a whole pallet?
A thermal pallet cover over the pallet, with an insulated base sheet underneath against heat entering through the floor. For sea containers there are container liners.
Does an insulated bag fit around my flower crate?
Yes. The 67×52 cm size is the most commonly used for this; the crate slides in in one go. For non-square sizes, choose the version with the opening on the long side.