Hydropac has launched EcoCool, a paper-fibre insulated box liner that provides thermal insulation and cushioning protection in one product.
The liner is intended for use in 10in, 12in and 14in cubed box systems.
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It offers an alternative to cotton, jute, loose paper fill, polystyrene and wool insulation materials.
EcoCool is designed to absorb impacts during transport and retain its structure in transit.
Hydropac tested the liner in a complete box configuration, packing the liner, coolant and product together as they would be in a delivery.
In one laboratory test, Hydropac lined a large box with EcoCool before adding a product and coolant.
The box remained in a chamber for 48 hours, with temperatures cycling between 20°C and 25°C.
The product’s surface temperature remained below 8°C for the duration of the test.
The product has received a green rating under the UK Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM), which assesses packaging recyclability under EPR.
EcoCool uses unused cardboard offcuts as its raw material.
Its 100% dry production process does not use added glue or water while renewable electricity powers production.
The liner can be used with Hydropac’s coolant range, including HydroPure water ice packs, in temperature-controlled packaging systems.
Hydropac managing director Colin Rowland 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.”
