Chilled Packaging - Food Boxes for Meat, Medicine & More

Bulk Discounts, Next Day Despatch from Glasgow, UK

Struggling to find reliable cardboard food boxes and boxes for meat that keep your products fresh? Tired of unreliable chilled packaging solutions that fail to hold temperature in transit? Packn's range of insulated foil and insulated boxes are designed for the cold chain industry, helping food suppliers, meal-kit businesses and pharmaceutical distributors move products with complete confidence.

Each kit combines a recycled double wall cardboard outer with a foil-lined insulated inner, providing excellent thermal control. When paired with ice packs or gel packs, these temperature controlled packaging kits maintain chilled or frozen conditions, even in challenging delivery networks.

Available in a wide range of sizes, our insulated boxes are trusted by food suppliers, logistics companies, and pharmaceutical couriers across the UK. Whether you're shipping product, meal kits, or temperature-sensitive medicines, Packn's chilled packaging ensures your goods arrive safe and fresh to your customers. These are robust boxes for shipping chilled and frozen goods without compromise.

All boxes and foils are supplied flat-packed, making them easy to transport, store and assemble. Order online for fast UK-wide delivery from our Glasgow warehouse and access bulk discounts on volume orders. 

Have questions? Check out our chilled packaging FAQ's. Alternatively, contact our friendly team and we'd be happy to help!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long do insulated boxes keep products cold?

Insulated boxes, when combined with insulated foil and ice packs, can maintain chilled or frozen conditions for 24-48 hours, depending on the size of the box, the number of ice packs used, and the external temperature. For longer transit times, we recommend combining multiple gel packs or ice packs with foil-lined inners to extend performance.

Are insulated boxes recyclable?

The cardboard outer carton is 100% recyclable and biodegradable. The insulation foil component is subject to local recycling guidelines. Please ensure you separate the liner and outer before recycling. This makes an insulated box a much more eco-friendly solution compared to polystyrene alternatives.

Can insulated boxes be reused?

Absolutely. The foil liners and ice packs are reusable, and the strong cardboard outers can also be reused if kept dry and in good condition. Many businesses use our chilled packaging solutions for meal kits, meat boxes, or pharmaceutical shipments.

Do I need to use ice packs with insulated boxes?

Yes. Ice packs or gel packs are essential to actively maintain low temperatures. The insulated box works by slowing heat transfer, while the ice packs provide the actual cooling power. The combination keeps products safe during transport.

What products are insulated boxes best for?

They are ideal for:

  • Meat and poultry
  • Seafood and fresh fish
  • Dairy products (milk, cheese, yoghurt, butter)
  • Fresh produce (fruit, vegetables, salad kits)
  • Pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and biotech samples
  • E-commerce meal kits and subscription food boxes

Are insulated boxes suitable for frozen products?

Yes, provided you use the correct number of frozen gel packs or dry ice. For frozen distribution, it’s important to pack efficiently and minimise air gaps inside the box to maximise temperature retention.

Are insulated boxes compliant with food safety standards?

Yes. Our foil insulated boxes are widely used by UK food distributors and pharmaceutical couriers, meeting the cold chain requirements needed for safe transport. When packed with ice packs, they keep goods within the recommended temperature ranges.

What are the advantages of insulated foil boxes over polystyrene?

  • Eco-friendly: recyclable cardboard outers, reusable liners.
  • Lightweight: reduces shipping costs.
  • Flat-packed: easy to store until needed.
  • Professional presentation: cleaner and more compact than bulky polystyrene crates.

What is a gel ice pack?

An ice pack is a sealed pouch filled with gel or liquid that is frozen before use. When placed inside insulated packaging, it helps keep goods chilled or frozen during transit. Unlike dry ice, gel ice packs are food safe, reusable and 100% biodegradable, making them ideal for transporting meat, dairy, seafood, fresh produce, and pharmaceuticals.

Do your gel ice packs come frozen?

No. Our gel ice packs are supplied unfrozen, so you can store them easily and freeze them on-site when needed. This gives you flexibility to prepare stock in advance and avoids the difficulties of shipping pre-frozen products.

How do I use gel ice packs in chilled packaging?

Freeze the ice packs for at least 24 hours before use. Place them evenly around your product inside the insulated foil liner, seal the liner ensuring there are no air gaps, then seal the outer corrugated box. This ensures maximum cold retention and protects your goods for longer.

How many gel ice packs do I need?

This number depends on a couple of factors:

  • The size of the insulated box
  • The weight goods being shipped
  • The type of goods being shipped e.g. meat, medicines, dairy etc.
  • The outside temperature and expected transit time

As a rule of thumb, use at least two packs for smaller boxes and four or more for larger shipments. For frozen products, add extra packs to maintain lower temperatures.

Are gel ice packs better than dry ice?

For most applications, yes. Gel ice packs are safer to handle, reusable, food safe, and biodegradable, whereas dry ice can be hazardous and requires specialist handling. Gel ice packs are also more cost-effective for everyday e-commerce and courier shipments.