When shipping perishables or medicines on a tight budget, PSE (Expanded Polystyrene) boxes are the workhorses of temperature-controlled logistics. These lightweight “glacières” create a protective cocoon around vaccines, fruit de mer, or fresh produce during short journeys.
Why EPS Still Wins for Certain Shipments
EPS foam boxes:
→ Cost 50% less than premium alternatives
→ Perform well for under 24-hour trips
→ Protect against mild temperature swings
→ Simplify one-way deliveries (no returns needed)
3 Situations Where EPS Shines
- Local Pharma Routes
- Ideal for pharmacy-to-clinic vaccine transfers
- Keeps 2-8°C range with simple gel packs
- Meal Kit & Grocery Delivery
- Prevents ice cream melt during last-mile delivery
- Food-safe insulation for fresh ingredients
- Lab Sample Collection
- Disposable safety for biohazard materials
- Eliminates return logistics for blood tests
But Know the Limitations:
Fragile structure (cracks if stacked roughly)
Single-use in most cases → landfill waste
Temperature drift after ~30 hours
Not suitable for sub-zero deep freeze
Tempk’s Smart Approach to EPS Boxes
While we champion EPP for heavy-duty shipping, we design EPS boxes where they make sense:
• Reinforced Corners: 2X impact resistance vs standard EPS
• Precise Sizing: Minimizes air gaps that cause cold loss
• Smooth Surfaces: Easier cleaning for medical reuse
Quick EPS vs EPP Cheat Sheet
| Scenario | EPS Boxes | Tempk’s EPP Boxes |
|---|---|---|
| Pharma cross-country | ❌ Too fragile | ✅ Optimal protection |
| Daily seafood deliveries | ✅ Cost-efficient | ✅ Even better performance |
| High-value biologics | ❌ Insufficient | ✅ Validated stability |
| Emergency vaccine drive | ✅ Affordable scale | ✅ Reusable option |
When to Upgrade to EPP?
Choose Tempk’s EPP boxes when you need:
• Frozen shipping below -10°C
• 48+ hours temperature stability
• 100+ reuse cycles
• Airport baggage-handling durability
For Basic Cold Chain Needs? EPS Gets It Done
EPS remains the smart choice for predictable, short-haul routes. Tempk optimizes traditional foam technology for reliable performance in food delivery, local pharma distribution, and ambient diagnostics shipping – all while keeping logistics budgets lean.
