Food & pet food
THERMOCON offers insulated packaging for temperature-controlled shipping of food and pet food. We help manufacturers, direct-to-consumer producers and online retailers match the insulated box and coolants to the product temperature, order quantities and transit time, from chilled delicatessen products to frozen raw pet food (BARF) portions.
Food and temperatures
The cooling required depends on the product type, processing and manufacturer’s instructions. When selecting insulated packaging, we therefore distinguish between fresh, chilled and frozen products. Requirements can also differ within a product group.
For fresh fishery products, the relevant EU transport rules require temperatures approaching that of melting ice. Smoked products, live animals and frozen fish must be assessed separately. To select insulated packaging, we therefore need the precise product type, primary packaging and temperature to be maintained.[F1]
For minced meat and meat preparations, EU Regulation (EC) 853/2004 specifies maximum temperatures of +2 °C and +4 °C respectively in the relevant production, storage and transport context. The specific goods and stage of distribution are decisive. Packaging for fresh products at up to +8 °C does not automatically meet these requirements.[F1]
Yoghurt, cream cheese, matured cheese and chilled desserts may have different temperature requirements. For packaged products, the manufacturer’s instructions are authoritative. For combined shipments, we check whether the individual products’ requirements are compatible and how container format and order quantity affect packaging selection.[F2]
For chocolate, protection from heat and dry conditions are often the main priorities. LAVES, the food safety authority in Lower Saxony, Germany, recommends storage at 12–18 °C. This recommendation is not a statutory transport temperature range. For filled chocolates and specialist recipes, shipping conditions follow the respective manufacturer’s specifications.[F3]
Raw pet food is sold fresh or frozen and is subject to its own product and legal requirements. Packaging selection depends on whether the goods must remain frozen throughout and the temperature specified by the manufacturer. We present suitable coolants and packaging for frozen pet food on the frozen shipping page.[F4][F5]
Frozen products require the specified product temperature throughout transport. Order quantity, potential weekend delays and receipt by the recipient are therefore included in packaging planning. For these shipments, we compare PCM coolants and dry ice, together with suitable insulated boxes.[F6]
The temperature examples relate to the respective scope of EU Regulation (EC) 853/2004, Directive 89/108/EEC and the cited LAVES guidance from Germany. The product specification and manufacturer’s instructions are also authoritative for the specific goods.
Order quantities
Both the smallest order quantity and the largest planned shipment belong in packaging planning. Different combinations of meat packs, pots and glass containers also affect the space required. Packaging tested with an average order does not automatically cover these variations.
This can lead to defined configurations for daily shipping, such as a small and a large box, each with a specified payload and coolant arrangement. The packing team can then identify which configuration is intended for each order.
Insulated boxes and coolants
Options include EPS and paper insulated boxes, as well as flexible paper insulated bags. Coolants are selected and prepared to suit them. The product temperature and transit time that can be achieved depend on the complete packout and transport conditions.
The quotation specifies whether you receive only the insulated box or also an outer carton, coolants and inserts. Temperature testing, however, considers the fully packed shipment: which foods are placed where, how many coolant packs are used and how long the parcel is in transit. Existing test results are only useful if these conditions match your shipping operation.
Boxes for your own coolant configuration
Lightweight EPS insulated boxes in various dimensions and wall thicknesses are fitted with the required coolants.
Food, coolants and separating layers are considered together when selecting the size.
Basic / Pro · Boxes without coolants
Basic and Pro paper insulated boxes can be fitted with coolants to suit the goods and packing process.
Allow space for the goods and coolants, and account for any moisture release. Basic and Pro are boxes for your own packout; they are distinct from the pre-qualified Paper Line complete system.
Foldable insulated bag
This flexible paper insulated bag can be combined with coolants for smaller, already packaged goods.
Choose a bag size that accommodates the goods and coolants and allows the filled bag to close completely. Paper Bag is not suitable for dry ice.
Gel packs, ice packs and other formats
Coolants are selected by format, cooling medium and preparation method to suit the food products.
Specify whether the coolant will touch unpackaged food or only bags, trays or other food packaging. This determines the coolant type and food-contact information required.
Selection and testing
Start by recording the product range, permitted temperatures, condition of the goods at packing and order sizes. Destination countries, carriers and the time until receipt complete this information.
The box format, coolants and their arrangement are selected together. This defines which order quantities and product combinations the packaging should cover and which need a different configuration.
For the temperature test, a representative shipment is packed with the intended payload, coolant configuration and starting temperature. The environmental chamber reproduces the agreed ambient temperature profile. Measurements establish whether the goods remain within the specified temperature range for the required transit time.[F7]
The packing instruction describes the permitted goods, their preparation, the required coolants and their positions, and how to close the packaging. It gives the shipping team a clear procedure for each defined packaging configuration.
Questions about insulated packaging
Yes. Pack chilled food at the starting temperature defined for shipping; frozen goods must already be frozen throughout. Do not plan to cool warm products inside the shipping box. Coolants, insulation and payload are matched to keep the prepared goods within the intended temperature range during transport. Food sensitive to cold must also be protected from excessive cooling directly beside the coolant packs.[F8]
Products with compatible temperature requirements, dimensions and order quantities can be grouped into shared shipping configurations. The combinations a packout covers are defined during packaging selection and testing.
THERMOCON also assesses existing packaging. Information about the box, coolants, packout and previous temperature excursions helps with the assessment. The adjustments and tests required can then be established.[F7]
In addition to the box and coolants, coolant preparation, packing time and parcel size all contribute. For a comparison, we need your approximate shipment volume and typical order quantities, including seasonal peaks. Pricing for your chosen configuration is available through the relevant product enquiry.
Specify the configuration, quantity and purpose: a packing trial, thermal test or initial shipping run. Availability, costs and terms are confirmed for each product. A bespoke prototype requires a separate discussion.
These depend on the product, configuration and quantity required. Provide your initial requirement, expected recurring demand and preferred delivery date. Product-specific ordering terms are confirmed in the quotation.
First, we check whether a standard format can accommodate the goods, coolants and necessary inserts. For a bespoke size, dimensions, packing processes and expected demand are assessed together. Development costs and any tooling costs form part of this comparison.
THERMOCON advice
We help you choose insulated packaging for your product range. Tell us the product type, temperature requirements and smallest and largest orders. Transit times and destination countries help us match the packaging to your needs. Any outstanding details can be discussed together.
Last reviewed: 1 November 2026. The current product specification and the requirements applicable to the transport remain authoritative.
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