Aluminum insulated shipping bag: when to choose it
An aluminum insulated shipping bag is an insulated shipping bag with a reflective, metal-like outer layer that reflects heat from outside, so the contents of your package warm up more slowly. In our range that layer is called silver foil or metalized PET film. You choose such a bag when your shipment must arrive chilled or frozen and you want a light, flexible inner packaging. Below you will find when that choice fits and what else you need.
What makes an aluminum insulated bag different?
The difference is on the outside. A reflective layer keeps out part of the heat from outside. In our 4 layer and 6 layer bags, that layer is combined with air filled bubble film, which acts as an insulating buffer against heat and cold transfer. The 2 layer bags are built differently: insulating foam with a reflective outer film and a fully white inside.
Note that the bag does not supply cold itself. It holds on to the cold your coolant gives off. Without gel packs, ice packs or cooling elements, a chilled product will not stay cold. You can read more about the choice between those coolants in hard cooling element or gel pack.
Insulated bag with bubble film: the 4 layer and 6 layer versions
An insulated bag with bubble film consists in our range of reflective metalized PET film with 8 mm bubble film in the 4 layer version. The 6 layer bag has extra insulating layers on top of that. The air chambers in the film slow down the transfer of heat.
| Version | Construction | When to choose |
|---|---|---|
| 2 layer | Foam with reflective outer film, white inside, closing strip | Same day and next day shipments, lightest option |
| 4 layer | Metalized PET and 8 mm bubble film | The efficient standard choice, comparable in insulation to a thin walled EPS box |
| 6 layer | Metalized PET, bubble film and extra insulating layers | Warm periods and longer transit times, comparable to a thick walled EPS box |
The full comparison is in insulated bag: 2, 4 or 6 layer.
When do you choose an aluminum insulated bag?
An aluminum insulated bag fits in these situations:
- You ship chilled or frozen food such as meat, fish, dairy or meal kits and want a flexible alternative to an EPS box.
- You ship small, heat sensitive shipments such as lab samples, medicines or cosmetics. The 4 layer bag of 25 x 35 cm with silver foil is meant for that.
- You ship wide products or several small packages side by side. The 4 layer and 6 layer bag of 50 x 30 cm has the opening on the long side.
- You ship during warm periods or over a longer route and therefore choose the 6 layer version.
For same day and next day shipments, the 2 layer foam bag is enough insulation. Request a sample if you like.
Using an insulated bag with gel packs
Using an insulated bag with gel packs is simple if you keep to the order:
- Place the product in the bag and fill the bag as tightly as possible, so that little air remains.
- Lay the gel packs on top of the product. Cold air sinks and so spreads evenly.
- Close the bag properly, so there is little air circulation. The 2 layer bags have a self adhesive closing strip, and with other versions you use tape.
- Put the bag in a suitable cardboard box.
The number of gel packs depends on the transit time, the contents and the outside temperature. We do not give a fixed number. You will find the calculation method in Shipping ice packs: what determines the number?. As a coolant, choose ice packs or hard cooling elements.
Aluminum insulated bag or EPS box?
For many shipments, a bag in your own cardboard box is a more economical and more flexible alternative to an EPS box. The bag is delivered flat and takes up little storage space. It is lighter and smaller in volume, which can lower shipping costs. There is also no large, crumbly waste stream as with polystyrene. If you want to pack more sustainably, there are paper insulated bags with a closing strip. You can read more about that in sustainable cooling packaging.
Bag or box: the comparison
The bag takes up little storage space and fits around the products. The comparison with a box is in insulated bag or EPS box. You will find all versions in our insulated shipping bags. If you are unsure about the combination of bag, box and coolant, we are happy to advise you, and you can simply request a sample.
Frequently asked questions about the aluminum insulated shipping bag
Is an aluminum insulated bag the same as a cool bag or thermal bag?
Yes, it is the same kind of bag. Cool bag, insulated bag, thermal bag and insulated shipping bag are different names. What matters is the reflective version.
Does an insulated bag with bubble film always have a closing strip?
No. All six sizes of the 2 layer bags have a self adhesive closing strip. With other versions you close the bag carefully with tape.
Can I use an insulated bag without gel packs?
Not for chilled or frozen products. The bag insulates, and the gel packs supply the cold.
Ordering an aluminum insulated shipping bag
View our aluminum insulated shipping bags in 2 layer, 4 layer and 6 layer. The bags are made in our own production since 1972 and are available directly from stock. For a complete shipping solution, also look at our cooling packaging.
You will find all names in our glossary.
