Styrofoam shipping box for meat: size and wall
For a styrofoam shipping box for meat, our product descriptions mention sizes from 5 to 57 liters, with wall thicknesses from 15 to 50 mm. The thicker the wall, the longer the contents stay at temperature. This article sets the styrofoam shipping box for meat sizes side by side with their wall.
Wall and cooling time of an EPS box for meat
A foam box for meat insulates because the material is about 98% air. The thicker the wall, the longer the contents stay at temperature. The product information gives a guideline: a thin-walled box of 20 mm keeps products cool for eight to twelve hours, a thick-walled one of 40 to 50 mm reaches 24 to 48 hours in combination with gel packs. The actual result depends on the outside temperature, the travel time and the number of cooling elements.
You can work out how many ice packs to include with our Shipping with ice packs: what determines the number?.
Fresh meat in a styrofoam shipping box: sizes and wall at a glance
A box for fresh meat comes in several shapes. In the product descriptions of the following sizes, meat is mentioned as a use. All sizes are supplied including a matching lid.
| Volume | Outer dimensions (mm) | Inner dimensions (mm) | Wall | Per pallet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 liter | 300 x 200 x 155 | 270 x 170 x 120 | 15 mm | 360 |
| 10 liter | 400 x 300 x 200 | 330 x 230 x 140 | 35 mm | 100 |
| 12 liter | 400 x 300 x 155 | 365 x 260 x 125 | 20 mm | 160 |
| 19 liter | 500 x 300 x 210 | 460 x 260 x 165 | 20 mm | 96 |
| 25 liter | 600 x 400 x 155 | 540 x 340 x 110 | 30 mm | 90 |
| 30 liter | 600 x 400 x 300 | 500 x 300 x 200 | 50 mm | 35 |
| 34 liter | 600 x 400 x 205 | 540 x 340 x 165 | 30 mm | 60 |
| 42 liter | 600 x 400 x 270 | 550 x 350 x 220 | 25 mm | 45 |
| 57 liter | 605 x 405 x 350 | 545 x 345 x 300 | 30 mm | 30 |
The 5 liter is intended for small portions of meat, the 10 liter for two to three kilos of fish or meat: according to the product description, online butchers often run on this one size. The 30 liter is mentioned for wholesale and export, with larger batches of meat or fish. For the largest meat orders, the description names the 45 liter with a 50 mm wall.
Shipping meat in an EPS foam cooler: how to fill it
If you want to ship meat in an insulated foam shipping box without the temperature rising, pay attention to the filling. Empty space is the enemy: the less air that remains in the box, the less heat can circulate. So fill the box tightly. Place the gel ice packs on top of the meat, because cold air sinks and so cools evenly.
You can read more about choosing a size in choosing the right box size. We make cooling elements ourselves.
With or without drain holes for meat
A number of sizes are available with and without drain holes, such as the 5, 12, 19 and 25 liter. The 34 liter is described as without drain holes. Drain holes let moisture run off, for example meltwater. A box without drain holes keeps liquid inside.
For extra protection, a matching cardboard master carton is available for most of these sizes. A separate lid is available on request only. Look at the thick-walled EPS boxes if you want more insulation. The thickest walls in the standard range are 50 mm, on the 30 and 45 liter, and the 60 mm wall belongs to the 173 liter.
Tempex, foam and styrofoam: the same box
Are you looking for a foam cooler for meat, a Tempex box or a styrofoam box? It is the same material: expanded polystyrene. Butchers and fish wholesalers have used these boxes for decades. You can read about our own production in EPS boxes from our own production.
Frequently asked questions about an EPS box for meat
Which EPS box for fresh meat is chosen most often?
According to the product description, the 10 liter, 400 x 300 x 200 mm with a 35 mm wall, is the best-selling format in daily cold shipping. For larger batches, look at the 30 or 45 liter.
How long does meat stay cool in an EPS box?
That depends on the wall thickness, the coolant, the outside temperature and the travel time. Read more in how long a foam box stays cold.
Can I also order a box by the piece?
Yes. You can order many sizes by the piece as well.
Do you know which size and wall you need? Then see all EPS boxes for fresh meat from our own production since 1972, available straight from stock. If you are unsure, get in touch with us.
You will find all names in our glossary.
