Foam Packaging Applications for Cold Storage

Finding a great packaging material for cold storage is essential for keeping items at the proper temperature during delivery. Keeping goods temperature-stable ensures that products arrive safely, maintain original integrity and functionality and don’t contain foodborne illnesses. 

Due to its impressive insulating properties, moisture resistance, low density, and radiation barrier, foam is the ideal material for cold storage. Explore what you need to know about choosing foam for your cold storage packaging applications.

Considerations for Cold Storage Packaging

When using cold storage packaging, there are multiple considerations to take into account to ensure a safe product delivery. To keep products at the proper temperature during shipping, consider these factors:

• Type of product – What type of product is being shipped? Is it firm? Filled with liquid? How delicate? All of these factors will impact your material selection and design.
• Temperature requirements – What is the minimum and maximum temperature the product can live at? How long does it have to stay at that temperature?
• Temperature tracking – Will you be using a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the products? Does this need to be viewable from the outside of the package?
• Time in transit – Longer transits require more insulation to ensure consistent temperature.
• Packaging size, shape and design – Again, this goes back to the type of product. If larger packaging is needed, that must be accounted for in the design.
• Additional cooling options – Will anything else be used for cooling or retaining heat? Gel packs, dry ice, etc.
• Sustainability – Is the material sustainable? Is choosing sustainable options a priority with material selection?
• End user receiving – What insulation will work best for the shipping needs while staying light enough for the end user to receive and transport the items?

Asking yourself these questions ensures you get the appropriate foam and other materials when deciding on your cold storage packaging. For a thorough plan of action, partner with one of our design experts to create the best cold storage solution for your product. 

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How to Choose the Right Foam for Cold Storage

When it comes to choosing the right packaging for cold storage, foam is preferred over plastic and other options. Due to its impressive insulating properties, moisture resistance, low density and radiation barrier, it works precisely as it’s meant to: to retain a consistent temperature for longer periods of time. However, how do you choose the right foam for cold storage? 

There are two primary types of foam to consider for cold storage: EPS and EPE. Learn about the main benefits of EPS and EPE foam below to determine which one is right for you.

EPS Foam

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam is a lightweight yet rigid plastic foam. EPS foam is commonly used for insulation, packaging and disposable food containers. Here are some of the characteristics of EPS foam:

• Created from polystyrene resin beads
• Rigid structure that maintains its shape
• Less resilient to pressure
• Great thermal insulation properties
• Moisture-resistant

EPE Foam

Expanded Polyethylene (EPE) foam is a lightweight plastic foam similar to EPS, but 

EPE is a softer, more pliable version. EPE is great for protective packaging, cushioning, and shock absorption for delicate and irregularly shaped items. Here are the characteristics of EPE foam:

• Created from non-cross-linked polyethylene resin
• Flexible structure that conforms as needed
• High resilience to pressure
• Moisture-resistant
• Superior cushioning and shock absorption

The Best Foam for Cold Packaging

With so many contenders for the best cold packaging foam, it’s hard to pick one that rises to the top as the clear winner. Each foam type has its positives and negatives, so one might work better for another project than the other. 

For most cold storage applications, our team at Foam Industries recommends EPE foam because it balances affordability, durability, and insulative properties well. However,each project is different. 

Find Your Best Option with a Packaging Expert

As a leader in the packaging industry, Foam Industries has set the bar with an unwavering commitment to quality, exceptional client service, and constant innovation. Through our extensive inventory of endlessly customizable products, we ensure you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Contact a Packaging Expert

Foam Industries is a custom protective packaging company specializing in foam – with additional wood and plastic fabrication services. Our custom foam fabrication services are ideal for any type of packaging, display, or support service needed – from design to finished product.