Thermal Cover or Shrink Wrap: Which Do You Need?

Short answer: shrink wrap secures a pallet, a thermal cover protects the temperature of the load. They are two different tasks. For temperature-sensitive pallets you often use both.

Shrink wrap and thermal covers are often mentioned in the same breath, but they are not alternatives to each other. They do different things.

What shrink wrap does

Film holds a pallet together. It prevents boxes from shifting or falling over during transport. That is a load securing function, and film is good at it. For securing, you will also find stretch film and strapping materials in our range.

What film does not do

Film does not insulate and does not reflect radiant heat. Transparent film simply lets sunlight through, and the load underneath heats up as if nothing were around it. For temperature-sensitive cargo, film therefore adds nothing.

What a thermal cover does

A thermal cover has a reflective outer layer that reflects radiant heat, and an insulating inner layer that keeps the cold with the load. It also covers the top, where most heat enters. You can read more about how it works and how it is built on our page about reusable thermal pallet covers.

The cost trade-off

For single use, film is cheaper per pallet. As soon as you use the same cover dozens of times, that calculation reverses. Calculate with the number of routes per year and the cost per pallet, not with the purchase price.

The calculation is simple: divide the price of the cover by the number of times you expect to use it, and compare that with the film price per pallet.

Also include in that calculation what you spend on the labour for wrapping, on disposing of film and on damage or rejection due to warming. Those items are often not on the quotation, but they do count. What a cover delivers in your situation depends on how often it comes back and how long it lasts.

When film is still the right choice

If the shipment goes to a recipient who returns nothing, the cover does not come back and the cost advantage disappears. For one-off shipments without a return flow, film may make more sense, provided temperature plays no role.

Often both

In practice, many shippers use both: film or straps to secure the load, and over it a thermal cover for the temperature. That is not duplication but a division of tasks.

How to combine film and cover in practice

1. Build the pallet tightly. Boxes without overhang, heavy at the bottom, the top as flat as possible.
2. Secure the load with film or straps, so that nothing shifts.
3. Only then fit the cover. The cover must close properly around the pallet. Gaps let heat in.
4. Cover the top. That is where most heat enters.
5. Add cooling elements if needed in the load itself. A cover slows warming, it does not cool.

Film and cover side by side

• Purpose: film secures the load, a cover slows warming and cooling.
• Use: you usually use film once, a cover can be used several times.
• Top: film lets radiation through, a cover with a reflective layer reflects it.
• Waste: film must be disposed of after use, a cover is folded up for the next journey.

Reusing a cover: what to look out for

A cover that comes back often must stay in good condition. Check after every journey for tears, loose seams and dirt. A damaged reflective layer works less well. Store the cover dry and folded, so that it does not crease. Agree with the recipient how the cover will come back, otherwise you lose the benefit of reuse.

Common mistakes

• Thinking that transparent film "insulates a little too".
• Pulling the cover over a pallet that is already warm. A cover holds temperature, it does not bring it back.
• Fitting the cover too loosely, so that air flows through.
• Comparing only on purchase price instead of on cost per shipment.

Checklist for your choice

• Does temperature play a role? Then film alone is not enough.
• Does the cover come back? If so, calculate with several journeys.
• How long does the pallet stand outside a chilled space? Also read how long a cover holds the load at temperature.
• Is a refrigerated truck an alternative? See thermal cover or refrigerated truck.

Frequently asked questions

Can I place a thermal cover over shrink wrap?

Yes. That is a common combination. The film secures, the cover insulates.

Is a thermal cover a replacement for a refrigerated truck?

Not always. For short routes and transfer moments, passive insulation can be enough. On long routes with a strict temperature regime, you will often choose active cooling. If you want to be sure, measure your route once with a data logger. You can find them in our collection data loggers.

Which cover do I need?

That depends on pallet size, height of the load and route. Send us the dimensions and your route, and we will think along with you.

Can I use a cover without film?

A cover does not secure the load. If your pallet is built stably and secured with straps or film, the cover can go directly over it. If securing is not arranged, you remain responsible for that yourself. If in doubt, consult your carrier about the requirements for the load.

What does a cover cost compared with film?

That differs by size and version. Request a quotation and compare the cost per shipment, not the price per piece.