HYDROPAC has announced the launch of EcoCool, an insulated box liner designed to bring thermal insulation and cushioning protection together in one product.
The new paper-fibre liner is an alternative to traditional insulation such as polystyrene, loose paper fill, cotton, jute and wool and is available for use inside 10”, 12” and 14” cubed box systems.
Hydropac explained that EcoCool’s structure is designed to absorb shock and keep its shape in transit. The solution has been tested in a ‘real-life’ complete box scenario, with the liner, a coolant and product packed together as they would be for an actual delivery.
One example in Hydropac’s own laboratory saw a large box lined with EcoCool and packed with a product and coolant. It was held for 48 hours in a chamber cycling between roughly 20°C and 25°C, and the product surface temperature stayed below 8°C throughout.
EcoCool is rated green under the UK Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM), the system used to assess how recyclable packaging is under EPR.
Colin Rowland, MD at Hydropac, said, “Sustainable insulation is only sustainable if it works. There are plenty of low-cost paper options that look the part, but the question any packaging team should ask is whether the whole box, liner and coolant together, protects the product on a real route. We’ve engineered EcoCool around that question.
“Cushioning and insulation have usually meant two different materials. EcoCool does both as a paper-fibre liner. Our advice to brands is simple – don’t just swap the liner, look at everything that goes in the box. We’ll help them test it with a coolant and their own product so they can have complete confidence before switching.”
EcoCool is made from unused cardboard offcuts. The product is manufactured using a 100% dry production process, with no added glue or water. Production is completely powered by renewable electricity.
