Cool bag or cool box: difference in shipping
An insulated shipping bag is what a cool bag means in shipping, and a cool box is, for example, an EPS box. Cool bag vs cool box: both keep a shipment cool, but in a different way. Below we compare them on storage, weight and insulation.
Cool bag or cool box: where the bag wins
With a cool bag or cool box, storage space is the strongest argument. An insulated shipping bag is delivered flat and compact and takes up much less storage space: a pallet of 70 x 70 cm bags in 2 layer takes the space of a few EPS boxes. A bag is also lighter and smaller in volume, which lowers shipping costs, and it is more economical than a preformed box. You will find more about the insulated shipping bags in the collection.
A bag does not supply cold itself. It holds on to the cold your coolant gives off. Without cooling elements or gel packs, no insulated bag works.
Insulated bag or EPS box: the insulation
In insulation the two are close together: a 4 layer bag is comparable to a thin walled EPS box and a 6 layer bag to a thick walled EPS box. In our own test with a 400 gram gel ice pack at 25 °C, a 4 layer bag is suitable for shipments of 24 to 48 hours and a 6 layer bag for shipments of 48 to 72 hours. If you are looking for a more rigid solution, there are EPS boxes.
Cool bag vs cool box side by side
| Point | Insulated bag | EPS box |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | Delivered flat and compact, little space | Takes up more space |
| Weight and volume | Lighter and smaller in volume | Heavier and larger in volume |
| Insulation | 4 layer: 24 to 48 hours, 6 layer: 48 to 72 hours | Comparable at equal insulation |
| Waste | Easy to throw away after use | Crumbly waste stream |
The actual holding time depends on outside temperature, fill and cooling elements. Use the table as a direction, not as a guarantee.
The insulated bag in a cardboard box
You put the insulated bag in a cardboard box. The box is your outer packaging, and the bag provides the insulation. This makes a complete cool box in one step, without the storage costs of preformed EPS boxes. The bag is also an alternative to an EPS box if you would rather not have a large, crumbly waste stream: it is easy to throw away after use.
How to fill and close the bag is in packing an insulated bag: seven points, and which version suits which route is in insulated bag: 2, 4 or 6 layer.
Insulated bag and EPS box: the product data side by side
Insulated bags: material and packaging
The 2 layer bags consist of insulating foam with a reflective outer film. The inside is fully white and all six sizes have a self adhesive closing strip. The 4 layer and 6 layer bags combine reflective metalized PET film with bubble film. The 4 layer bag has 8 mm bubble film, and the 6 layer bag has extra insulating layers.
| Version | Size | Per box or package | Per pallet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 layer with closing strip | 25 x 35 cm | 400 pieces | 4,800 pieces |
| 2 layer with closing strip | 70 x 70 cm | 75 pieces | 975 pieces |
| 4 layer | 25 x 35 cm | 50 pieces | 1,600 pieces |
| 6 layer | 25 x 35 cm | 25 pieces | 800 pieces |
The 4 layer and 6 layer bags are also available in 70 x 40, 70 x 55, 70 x 70 and 110 x 70 cm. There is also a paper insulated bag with a closing strip, described as sustainable and recyclable, and a version made with 95% recycled material.
EPS boxes: wall thickness and packaging
EPS is about 98% air and 2% polystyrene, built up from millions of small, closed cells. Every EPS box is delivered with a matching lid as standard. Separate lids are only available on request. For the 12 liter and the 30 liter box, among others, a matching cardboard master carton is available.
| Capacity | Outside size | Wall thickness | Per pallet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 liters | 400 x 300 x 155 mm | 20 mm | 160 pieces |
| 10 liters | 400 x 300 x 200 mm | 35 mm | 100 pieces |
| 30 liters | 600 x 400 x 300 mm | 50 mm | 35 pieces |
| 45 liters | 600 x 400 x 400 mm | 50 mm | 25 pieces |
The EPS box collection states a cooling time of up to about 48 hours, depending on wall thickness, gel ice packs and outside temperature.
Foldable thermal box: insulated bag and cardboard box as a set
Besides separate bags, we supply the foldable thermal box: a cardboard outer box with a separate insulated bag. The box is delivered flat and foldable, and the bag can also be reordered separately. According to the product data, up to 5x more thermal boxes fit on a pallet than EPS boxes. Temperature retention is up to 48 hours (suitable from -20 °C to 25 °C). The box goes in the paper recycling, and the insulated bag goes in with the plastic.
| Inside size of cardboard box | Capacity | Insulated bag 4 layer |
|---|---|---|
| 300 x 200 x 200 mm | approx. 12 liters | 50 x 30 cm |
| 600 x 400 x 300 mm | approx. 72 liters | 110 x 70 cm |
Of the thermal boxes with a 4 layer bag, all sizes except 300 x 200 x 200 mm also exist with a 6 layer bag. More sizes are in the foldable thermal boxes collection.
Frequently asked questions about cool bag vs cool box
Is a cool bag or cool box better for shipping?
A cool bag takes up less storage space and is lighter. In insulation, a 4 layer bag is comparable to a thin walled EPS box and a 6 layer bag to a thick walled one.
Can I combine an insulated bag and an EPS box?
Yes. You can use the bag inside a cardboard box. The box is the outer packaging, and the bag provides the insulation. That is more economical than an EPS box.
Do I need cooling elements with a bag?
Yes. A bag does not make anything cold by itself. You will find suitable cooling elements in the collection.
How many insulated bags fit on a pallet?
That depends on size and version. A 2 layer bag of 25 x 35 cm is delivered with 400 pieces per box and 4,800 pieces per pallet. A 4 layer bag of 25 x 35 cm goes on a pallet with 1,600 pieces.
Does an EPS box come with a lid?
Yes. Every EPS box is delivered with a matching lid as standard. Separate lids are only available on request.
Order directly
Compare the choice of insulated bag or EPS box in the range: insulated shipping bags next to EPS boxes, directly from stock. Do you mainly have small, flat products? Then insulated mailers are the compact alternative. Not sure? Send us your route and product dimensions, and we will think along with you.
You will find all names in our glossary.
