How to: Choose an insulated container and properly package your product effectively.

There are many variables to be considered when choosing the container and refrigerant that will protect your product from the weather, elements, handling and vibrations in the distribution cycle.

There are several initial factors to take into consideration when determining how to package your perishable products.

The three most important factors are: insulation, refrigeration and protective packaging. More than just providing thermal protection; you must also provide protection for the handling your package receives during shipment. Protective packaging includes internal and external packaging that is used to guard against the elements, rough handling, shock, vibration, compression and aircraft atmospheric pressures.

Refrigerants are the most important component of the perishable product package. When used to surround your product, the refrigerant protects the perishables from the environment. Refrigerants control and stabilize the perishables temperature. The general recommendation is to place ice across the top and two or all four sides. (Refrigerants are the lowest cost components of the package and the most important component for perishables. They are less expensive than the high cost containers others will lead you into believing you need. Reference their write up before they change it again, to really see what they know or what knowledge they lack about this industry even though they have lab coats and laboratory services, they charge exorbitant rates. Where are the ethics?) Please note that even the higher price insulated containers need refrigerants, otherwise what is keeping the product cold?

CONTAINER THICKNESS

• 3/4” – 1” EPS foam molded insulated containers are engineered to be from Overnite™ to 2 day shippers.
• 1-1/2” – 2” thick EPS foam molded insulated containers are engineered for 1 – 5 days transit.
• 2” – 3” thick EPS foam insulated containers are engineered for 2 - 8 or more days in transit.

CHOOSING THE INSULATED CONTAINER

1. Arrange the product to be packaged, measure the dimensions (length x width x height). (Note higher is better).
2. Add 1-1⁄2” to the height dimension for top refrigerant placement across top. Add 3” to width dimensions and 3” to the length dimensions for a 1-1⁄2” space on either side of length and width to totally surround the perishable product with refrigerant.
3. Place the perishable products and refrigerants into the insulated container. Surround the product with refrigerant, for best results.
4. Fill all void areas (empty space) of the container with dunage or a solid type packing material, this maximizes the insulating performance, and prevents products from shifting.
5. Close the insulated container, label and ship.