Thermal Liner for Shipping Containers
Bubblepack’s thermal liner system transforms standard 20ft and 40ft containers into insulated transport solutions for temperature-sensitive cargo.
Thermal liners are transforming the way temperature-sensitive goods are shipped worldwide. By converting standard dry containers into insulated transport units, exporters can protect cargo from extreme heat and cold without the high costs of refrigerated equipment.
What is a Thermal Liner?
A thermal liner is an internal insulation system installed inside a standard 20ft or 40ft shipping container. It creates a reflective and insulating barrier that reduces heat transfer through the container’s steel walls, helping to protect temperature-sensitive cargo during international transit. Unlike refrigerated containers, thermal liners do not actively cool cargo. Instead, they minimise external temperature fluctuations, making them a cost-effective solution for exporters shipping food, pharmaceuticals, beverages, chemicals, and other sensitive goods that require protection from extreme heat or cold.
How Does a Thermal Liner Work?
A thermal liner works by reducing heat transfer inside a shipping container through a combination of reflective surfaces, insulation layers, and trapped air pockets. Steel containers rapidly absorb and transmit external temperatures. In hot climates, solar radiation heats the container walls and roof, transferring that heat directly to the cargo inside. In cold conditions, the opposite occurs - heat is lost quickly through the steel structure. A thermal liner creates a multi-layer barrier between the container wall and the cargo space. The reflective foil surfaces reduce radiant heat gain, while the insulating core slows conductive heat transfer. The result is a more stable internal environment that reduces temperature spikes during transit.
Key Thermal Protection Mechanisms
Radiant Heat Reflection – Reflective foil surfaces reduce solar heat gain.
Reduced Conduction – Insulating layers slow heat transfer through steel walls.
Air Gap Insulation – Trapped air pockets provide additional thermal resistance.
Temperature Stabilisation – Slower temperature changes reduce cargo stress and condensation risk.
Reduced Conduction – Insulating layers slow heat transfer through steel walls.
Air Gap Insulation – Trapped air pockets provide additional thermal resistance.
Temperature Stabilisation – Slower temperature changes reduce cargo stress and condensation risk.
Thermal Liner vs Reefer Container: What’s the Difference?
Thermal liners and refrigerated (reefer) containers both protect temperature-sensitive cargo — but they serve different operational needs.A reefer container actively controls temperature using powered refrigeration equipment. It is designed for goods that must be kept within strict temperature ranges, such as frozen food or pharmaceutical products requiring cold-chain compliance.A thermal liner, by contrast, is a passive insulation system. It does not generate cooling. Instead, it reduces temperature fluctuations by limiting heat transfer through the container walls. This makes it ideal for goods that need protection from extreme heat or cold but do not require active refrigeration.
Thermal Liner vs Reefer: Key Differences
Cooling Method
- Reefer: Active temperature control
- Thermal Liner: Passive insulation barrier
Energy Requirement
- Reefer: Requires constant power supply
- Thermal Liner: No power required
Cost
- Reefer: High rental and operating cost
- Thermal Liner: Significantly lower cost alternative
Carbon Footprint
- Reefer: Higher emissions due to energy usage
- Thermal Liner: Lower emissions, reduced energy consumption
Best For
- Reefer: Frozen or tightly regulated cold-chain goods
- Thermal Liner: Dairy powders, beverages, pharmaceuticals, food ingredients, chemicals, and other temperature-sensitive exports
When Should You Use a Thermal Liner?
Thermal liners and refrigerated (reefer) containers both protect temperature-sensitive cargo - but they serve different operational needs. A reefer container actively controls temperature using powered refrigeration equipment. It is designed for goods that must be kept within strict temperature ranges, such as frozen food or pharmaceutical products requiring tight temperature ranges. A thermal liner, by contrast, is a passive insulation system. It does not generate cooling. Instead, it reduces temperature fluctuations by limiting heat transfer through the container walls. This makes it ideal for goods that need protection from extreme heat or cold but do not require active refrigeration.
Industries That Use Thermal Liners
Thermal liners are widely used across multiple industries where temperature stability during international transport is critical. By insulating standard shipping containers, exporters can protect product integrity while avoiding the high costs associated with refrigerated equipment.
Pharmaceutical Shipments
Many pharmaceutical products require protection from extreme temperature exposure during transit. While not all products require active cold-chain refrigeration, they benefit from the thermal buffering effect of a properly installed liner.
Dairy and Milk Powders
Dairy powders and related food ingredients are highly sensitive to moisture and heat. Thermal liners help reduce temperature spikes inside the container, lowering the risk of spoilage and condensation damage.
Food and Beverage Products
Chocolate, confectionery, wine, beverages, and other food products can be affected by excessive heat or cold. Thermal liners provide insulation that helps maintain stable transport conditions during ocean freight.
Industrial and Chemical Materials
Certain industrial materials and chemicals can degrade when exposed to temperature extremes. A container thermal liner reduces thermal stress during international shipment.
Why Choose Bubblepack Thermal Liners?
With over 35 years of experience in container insulation, Bubblepack specialises in the supply and professional installation of high-performance thermal liner systems. Our approach is engineered around cargo protection, cost efficiency, and maximising internal container space.
- Proven Experience – Over three decades supplying and installing thermal liner systems for global exporters.
- Optimised Container Space – Installed directly to the container walls and ceiling, maximising usable cubic capacity compared to loose liner bags.
- Professional Installation – Installed at depots or on-site before container collection, ensuring consistency and reliability.
- Cost-Effective Reefer Alternative – Significantly lower cost compared to refrigerated container hire and operation.
- Trusted by Multinational Exporters – Used in thousands of containers annually across multiple industries.
Our thermal liner systems are designed not only to insulate containers, but to deliver dependable performance across global supply chains.
Thermal Liner Installation Services
A thermal liner only performs as effectively as its installation. Bubblepack provides professional thermal liner installation services to ensure maximum coverage, structural stability, and optimal insulation performance inside each shipping container.Our liners are installed directly to the container walls and ceiling, creating a secure and consistent insulation barrier. This method maximises internal cubic capacity and reduces the risk of liner movement during transit.
Learn more about our professional thermal container liner installation services.
Learn more about our professional thermal container liner installation services.
FAQS/
Frequently asked questions.
What is a thermal liner used for?
A thermal liner is used to insulate standard shipping containers and protect temperature-sensitive cargo from extreme heat or cold during transit. It creates a reflective and insulating barrier inside the container, reducing temperature fluctuations without requiring active refrigeration.
How is a thermal liner different from a reefer container?
A reefer container actively controls temperature using powered refrigeration equipment. A thermal liner, by contrast, is a passive insulation system that reduces heat transfer through the container walls. Thermal liners are ideal for products that need protection from temperature extremes but do not require strict cold-chain control.
How long can a thermal liner protect cargo?
The duration of protection depends on route, climate, and cargo type. However, thermal liners significantly slow internal temperature changes, often extending safe transport windows significantly compared to an uninsulated container.
Can thermal liners prevent freezing?
Thermal liners reduce the rate of heat loss and can help protect cargo from freezing during cold snaps or delays. While they do not generate heat, they stabilise internal conditions and reduce rapid temperature drops.
Are thermal liners recyclable?
Most thermal liner materials can be recycled depending on local facilities. Bubblepack designs liner systems with sustainability in mind, helping exporters reduce both energy use and carbon emissions compared to refrigerated transport.
How are thermal liners installed?
Thermal liners are professionally installed inside empty shipping containers before loading. The liner is secured to the container walls and ceiling to ensure full coverage and maximise internal space while maintaining insulation performance.
How much can I save by using a thermal liner instead of a reefer?
Many exporters reduce shipping costs by 40–60% when using thermal liners instead of refrigerated containers, depending on route and product requirements.
