Eskies
Foam Eskies and Polystyrene Boxes for Cold Chain Shipping
Keep temperature sensitive goods protected with our range of foam eskies and insulated polystyrene boxes. These EPS shipping boxes are also commonly searched as styro boxes or styrofoam boxes, and they are widely used for chilled foods, seafood, meal kits, pharmaceuticals and laboratory samples.
For longer transit times, pair your foam esky with gel packs. If you need a space saving option that ships flat inside cartons, explore our thermal liners.
Need a Space Saving Cold Chain Option?
If rigid foam eskies are hard to store, try a carton based setup. Our Thermal Liners ship flat and fit inside cartons, while Freezer Grade Cardboard Boxes provide strong outer protection for chilled or frozen deliveries. Add Gel Packs to help maintain temperature in transit.
Explore Thermal Liners
Why businesses choose our foam eskies
- Reliable insulation: EPS foam helps slow temperature change during handling and transport.
- Moisture resistance: Helps protect payloads from condensation and wet environments.
- Rigid protection: Strong walls help reduce impact damage for delicate or high value goods.
- Fitted lids: Helps reduce airflow and keeps contents protected during transit.
- Flexible cold chain setup: Use with coolant and outer cartons to suit your lane and hold time.
Foam esky, styro box, polystyrene box: what is the difference?
In most cases, there is no practical difference. “Foam esky”, “styro box”, “styrofoam box” and “polystyrene box” are common names for insulated EPS packaging. The best option is usually determined by payload size, carton fit, coolant quantity, and how long your shipment needs to stay within range.
Build a complete cold chain pack out
For better temperature stability, match your foam esky to the payload and add supporting cold chain items:
Foam Esky FAQ
Are styro boxes and foam eskies the same thing?
Most of the time, yes. “Styro box”, “styrofoam box”, “polystyrene box” and “foam esky” are commonly used names for insulated EPS packaging. The right choice is usually about size, payload fit and coolant quantity.
What are foam eskies used for?
Foam eskies are used to protect temperature sensitive goods during transport, including chilled foods, seafood, meal kits, pharmaceuticals, laboratory samples and other cold chain applications.
How do I choose the right polystyrene box size?
Choose based on your payload volume, whether you need room for coolant (gel packs), and whether the esky needs to sit inside an outer carton. Avoid large air gaps and allow space for coolant on multiple sides when required.
Do I need gel packs with a foam esky?
For most chilled deliveries, yes. A foam esky slows temperature change, while gel packs provide the cooling energy needed to keep product within range for longer. The right amount depends on your lane, dwell time and target temperature.
What is the best alternative to bulky foam eskies?
If storage space is a problem, thermal liners are a popular alternative because they ship flat and fit inside cartons. They are often paired with gel packs and a strong outer carton for courier handling.
Foam Boxes vs Thermal Liners
| Feature | Foam Box (Esky) | Thermal Liner |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation | Excellent | Excellent (lab-tested) |
| Storage | Bulky, rigid | Ships flat, saves space |
| Weight | Very light | Very light |
| Carton Compatibility | Standalone | Fits inside your cartons |
If you need a compact option that ships flat and fits inside cartons, explore our Thermal Liners. For longer hold times, pair your foam esky with Gel Packs.
Thermal Liners for Cold Chain Packaging Without the Bulk
Looking for an alternative to bulky polystyrene boxes? Our Thermal Liners are a practical, space-saving option for chilled deliveries. In controlled testing using 2 × 1kg gel packs, our liners maintained internal temperatures below 5°C for over 33 hours. Results will vary depending on your carton size, gel pack choice, fill level and ambient conditions.
Enquire About Foam Eskies and Polystyrene Boxes
Tell us what you are shipping, your approximate transit time and your target temperature range. We will recommend the right foam esky size and the best gel pack and liner setup.