Ice pack sheets for packages and meal boxes
For ice pack sheets for packages, meaning flat shipments, mailer packages and meal boxes, use a cooling sheet that cools flat and evenly. Such a sheet lies directly under or on top of the product. You will find all sizes in the ice pack sheets collection, available from stock.
In this blog you will see how to place the sheets in a package and in a meal box, which size goes with which, and what to watch for when packing.
Why a flat sheet in a package?
A thick gel pack does not fit in flat packaging and mailer boxes, but a cooling sheet does. It cools flat and evenly, also with fish, meat and charcuterie.
In addition, the sheet releases no meltwater. The gel stays solid, and the cells are leak-proof and food safe. A meal box therefore does not arrive wet at the customer from its own cooling. It is also a safe alternative to dry ice in air freight, without complex handling or regulations.
Another advantage is the delivery. The sheets arrive flat and empty and take up little storage space before activation. Anyone who wants to see the full range opens the ice pack sheets collection, which also includes the roll version for those who tear off to size themselves.
Cooling sheets for a meal box
Are you looking for cooling sheets for a meal box? Then the sheet with 3 x 4 cells (200 x 280 mm) is the usual size. It fits in standard meal boxes and shipping boxes and covers the packed food evenly.
A good order is this:
- A frozen sheet on the bottom of the box.
- On top of it the packed food, preferably in a sealed package.
- On top a second sheet, so that the food lies between two cold surfaces.
- Fill empty space with paper or other filling material, so that nothing can shift.
Do you want to know how to set up the rest of the meal box, from box to insulation? That is covered in our blog shipping meal boxes chilled.
Mailer packages and small shipments
For a mailer package, the smallest sheet is made for the job: 2 x 3 cells of 140 x 200 mm. It is meant for small portions and single-item shipments, such as sushi, individual meals, fish packages or a single pharma sample. It is supplied at 2,000 pcs per box, so it suits anyone who ships many small packages.
The sheets are also used for pharma samples in insulated mailers. For the envelopes themselves, see our insulated mailers. You can read more about this type of package in insulated mailers for mailer packages.
Shipping a cold mat or cold plate: the same search
When shipping a cold mat or a cold plate, it comes down to this flat, flexible sheet with gel cells, activated with water, frozen and then placed in the box.
You activate the sheet before packing: you immerse it in water for 5 to 10 minutes, so that the cells swell into a firm gel mat, and then freeze it. It can be used from -5 °C to -80 °C. Even frozen it stays flexible, so you can fold it around a product. Along the perforation you tear it off to size.
Which size for which package?
| Shipment | Size |
|---|---|
| Mailer package, single product | 2 x 3 cells, 140 x 200 mm |
| Meal box, standard box | 3 x 4 cells, 200 x 280 mm |
| Narrow products such as fillets or bottles | 2 x 6 cells, 140 x 400 mm |
| Large box or multiple products | 4 x 6 cells, 280 x 400 mm |
A more detailed comparison of the sizes is in ice pack sheet sizes. A suitable outer packaging is, for example, an EPS box from the EPS boxes collection.
How many gel packs you need per shipment is covered in Ice pack for shipping: what determines the quantity?.
Frequently asked questions about ice pack sheets for packages
Are cooling sheets suitable for a meal box with meat or fish?
Yes. The sheets are leak-proof, food safe and are used for fish, meat, charcuterie and meals.
Does a cooling sheet fit in a mailer package?
Yes. The sheet is flat and takes up little height. The smallest size is 140 x 200 mm.
Can I get cooling sheets with my own printing?
That is possible on request. Contact our specialists for this.
View the ice pack sheets, choose the size that fits your box and have our specialists put together a trial package or a custom quote if you wish.
You will find all names in our glossary.
