Insulated mailer or thermal envelope: same product
An insulated mailer is a bubble wrap envelope with a metalized aluminum layer and an adhesive strip, made to insulate small, temperature-sensitive shipments in transit. The same product is also called an insulated shipping envelope, thermal insulated mailer or insulated bubble mailer.
Below you will see which name stands for what, how the mailer is built and which sizes we supply. The complete range is in our insulated mailers collection.
Which names belong to an insulated mailer?
The differences are in wording, not in the product. This table puts the variants side by side.
| Name | What it is |
|---|---|
| insulated mailer, insulated mailers | Singular and plural |
| insulated shipping envelope, cold mailer | The same mailer |
| thermal insulated mailer, thermal envelope for shipping | The same mailer |
| insulated envelope, insulated envelope for food | The same mailer |
| isothermal envelope, isothermal pouch | The same mailer |
| insulated bubble mailer, insulated bubble envelope | Name after the material |
| metalized insulated mailer | Name after the aluminum layer |
An insulated bag is sometimes used as another name too. It is an envelope of bubble wrap with aluminum and an adhesive strip, in sizes up to 60 x 60 cm.
How is an insulated mailer built?
The mailer consists of bubble wrap with a metalized aluminum layer. The bubbles trap air, and that still air works as an insulating layer. The aluminum reflects heat radiation. Together they slow down the warming of the contents. At the same time the bubble structure absorbs shocks during transport.
A self-adhesive strip closes the mailer without tape. If you open it carefully, you can reuse it. If you want the material explained further, read our article on the insulated bubble mailer with aluminum.
Which sizes of insulated mailers are there?
We supply the insulated mailer in four sizes. Every size is available per piece.
- 30 x 45 cm: elongated, for taller or narrower products such as vials and ampoules.
- 35 x 35 cm: square, for small boxes, jars and compact packages.
- 45 x 45 cm: roomier, for larger shipments or several items in one mailer.
- 60 x 60 cm: the largest size, for large or bundled shipments.
You can read more about choosing between these sizes in our article buying insulated mailers: sizes from 35 x 35 to 60 x 60 cm.
What do you use the mailer for?
The insulated mailer is used most in the pharmaceutical sector, for medicines, vaccines and samples. Companies also use it for food, cosmetics and smaller online shop orders that have to travel chilled. For a good result, add one or more gel ice packs next to the products. You will find a suitable cooling element in our ice packs. If the shipment goes in a sturdy box, take a look at the insulated shipping boxes.
For shipments that are larger or heavier than a mailer can take, look at the insulated shipping bags. The same logic about names is in our article on the insulated shipping bag and thermal bag.
When is an insulated mailer not the right choice?
The mailer is meant for small, flat shipments. For larger shipments, choose an insulated shipping bag in your own shipping box or an EPS box. We describe the difference between the two in our article insulated shipping bag or EPS box. For longer transports, add cooling elements. You can find an overview of all options in our cold chain packaging.
Frequently asked questions about insulated mailers
Is a cold mailer the same as a thermal insulated mailer?
Yes. Cold mailer, thermal insulated mailer, insulated shipping envelope and isothermal envelope are names for the same product. The construction is always bubble wrap with an aluminum layer.
What is an insulated envelope?
That is a general term for an envelope that insulates. Insulated shipping envelope and insulated bubble envelope also refer to this type of packaging, meaning the bubble wrap envelope with aluminum.
Is an insulated mailer an insulated bag?
In our product descriptions, insulated bag appears as another name for the insulated mailer. For larger shipments in your own shipping box, choose an insulated shipping bag.
Order insulated mailers
Our insulated mailers are from our own production since 1972 and available from stock. View all sizes in the insulated mailer collection and choose the mailer that is just larger than your product and cooling element. If you are unsure about the size, contact our team.
You will find all names in our glossary.
