Cold packaging for shipping is the practice of maintaining a defined temperature range for temperature-sensitive goods from pack-out to delivery. The method combines a refrigerant, an insulated container, and outer protection. Performance depends on ambient conditions, shipment duration, payload mass, and the thermal properties of each layer. This page describes the three layers and lists verified product data from Hangzhou Qiyao New Material Co., Ltd., established 2017 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China. For broader context on cold chain packaging, see the cold chain packaging guide.
Cold packaging: the three layers of a cold shipment
A cold shipment can be understood as three functional layers. The first layer is the refrigerant: gel packs, ice packs, or phase change materials that absorb heat. The second layer is the insulated container: a box, bag, or pallet shipper that reduces heat transfer between the payload and the external environment. The third layer is outer protection: corrugated cartons, foil laminates, or container liners that protect the insulated container from handling, moisture, and punctures.
The methodology is straightforward. Define the required temperature range and the maximum expected transit duration. Estimate the ambient temperature profile. Select a refrigerant mass and an insulation type that together keep the payload within range. Then test the assembled configuration. No single layer compensates for a weak link in another. A larger refrigerant mass cannot offset an under-insulated box, and thick insulation cannot compensate for insufficient refrigerant mass over a long duration.
Qiyao's on-sale line sizes (Made-in-China, 2026-10-11) include: VIP vacuum panels 333; aerogel felt 140; reflective foil insulation 161; cold chain boxes/bags 291; pallet/container covers 164; gel ice packs 61; foil laminated barrier film 28. These categories map to the three layers. Reflective foil products work by reflecting radiant heat; they carry no published thermal-conductivity value. For cold chain applications, the cold chain product range includes refrigerants, insulated containers, and outer protection.
Outer protection is often overlooked, but it affects the insulated container's ability to maintain temperature. A foil laminated barrier film can reduce radiant heat transfer and moisture ingress. Qiyao lists 28 foil laminated barrier film products (Made-in-China, 2026-10-11). In a full cold packaging system, the outer layer should be selected for mechanical durability and compatibility with the insulated container. Testing should include the complete pack-out, not just individual components.
Gel and ice packs
Gel and ice packs are the refrigerant layer. Reusable gel packs are a common option. They are placed in the insulated container to absorb heat and slow temperature rise. The choice of gel pack depends on the required temperature range, the mass of the payload, the insulation performance, and the expected duration. More mass generally extends hold time, but it also adds weight and volume.
Qiyao lists gel ice packs in its cold chain line, with 61 products on sale (Made-in-China, 2026-10-11). One verified product is "Cooler Shock Ice Packs", listed from $0.85. This is a starting price, not a fixed price for all configurations. For a given shipment, the number and placement of gel packs should be determined by testing, not by a single rule of thumb.
Gel packs are not a standalone solution. They must be paired with an insulated container and outer protection. The cold chain packaging guide explains how refrigerant selection interacts with insulation and payload. Samples are available from Qiyao for evaluation. OEM/ODM is also available, according to the Made-in-China store data (2026-10-11).
Insulated boxes
Insulated boxes are the container layer. They range from small cooler boxes for medical or vaccine transport to larger boxes for multiple payloads. One verified product is "Vaccine Transport Box Medical Vehicle Cooler Box", listed from $15.76/pc. Another is "Long Insulation Time Cooler Box". Qiyao lists 291 cold chain boxes/bags on sale (Made-in-China, 2026-10-11).
Box insulation can use different materials. VIP panels have a thermal conductivity lower than 0.003 W/m·K (vacuum core). Aerogel felt is listed with "low thermal conductivity"; no numeric value is published. Some aerogel products note "thickness available in customized options." Reflective foil products, including "Reflective Pet Al PE Laminated Foil Pet+Alu+PE" and "Aluminum Foil Woven Fabric Build Sarking Radiant Barrier Wall Roof Wrap", work by reflecting radiant heat; they carry no published thermal-conductivity value.
Other verified product names in Qiyao's line include "Aluminum Faced 3mm 6mm 10mm Silica Aerogel Insulation Blanket", "Low Thermal Conductivity Aerogel Blanket Aerogel Thermal Insulation Felt", "Aerogel Insulation Pad for Battery Cell Insulation", "Silica Aerogel Sound Insulation Aerogel Blanket Pipeline", and "Fire Resistance Thermal Insulation Silica Aerogel Padding". These are material options. For box selection, consider internal volume, payload mass, required duration, and refrigerant compatibility. Testing the complete configuration is the only way to verify performance. Certificates are available upon request. For specific box configurations, contact the manufacturer.
VIP panels are also listed as "Small Thermal Bridge Effect Insulation VIP Insulation Panel" and "Custom Insulation Fumed Silica Vacuum Insulation Panel".
Pallet-scale cold packaging shipments
Pallet-scale shipments use larger insulated containers and refrigerants. Qiyao lists "140 Hours Thermal Large Size 1000L Pallet Shipper for Cold Chain Transport" at $475 and "Cold Chain Pallet Shipper 168 Hour Shipment" at $475. These are starting prices for the listed configurations. The product names reference 140-hour and 168-hour durations and a 1000L capacity for the first unit; treat these as listing claims and ask for the test basis. Qiyao lists 164 pallet/container covers on sale (Made-in-China, 2026-10-11).
For container transport, foil thermal bags can act as container liners. One verified product is "20FT Reusable Aluminum Foil Thermal Insulated Bag". Qiyao also lists "40FT Aluminum Foil Thermal Insulated Bag Custom Container Liner". These liners reflect radiant heat and add an outer protective layer. They are not a substitute for a pallet shipper when the required duration exceeds the shipper's rated hold time.
Pallet shippers are typically used for bulk pharmaceutical, clinical, or food shipments where individual boxes are impractical. The same three-layer logic applies: refrigerant, insulated container, outer protection. For pallet-scale projects, Qiyao states that samples are available. Industry-typical lead times are 15–25 days for standard orders and 25–35 days for custom sizes; confirm at time of order. Certificates are available upon request. Qiyao also lists cold chain boxes/bags (291 products) and pallet/container covers (164 products) on Made-in-China (2026-10-11). These products are part of a store with 1622 products on sale across all lines.
Closing
Cold packaging for shipping depends on matching refrigerant, insulation, and outer protection to the required temperature range and duration. Hangzhou Qiyao New Material Co., Ltd. (established 2017, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China) lists gel packs, insulated boxes, pallet shippers, and container liners with verified starting prices. On Made-in-China (2026-10-11), the company is listed as a Diamond Member Since 2023, Audited Supplier (third-party audited), with a 5.0/5 rating, 1622 products on sale, OEM/ODM available, and samples available. On Alibaba, the company is listed as a Multispecialty Supplier, 10 years, 5.0/5 (21 reviews), average response within 3 hours, on-time delivery 100.0%, and US $100,000+ in transactions. Contact Judy at +86 0571 8606 2609 or [email protected]. Certificates available upon request. For project-specific requirements, use the contact page.