Maritime transport is one of the most efficient ways to move goods internationally. It is also one of the most demanding environments from a thermal perspective.
During a voyage, a shipping container can experience low temperatures overnight before reaching extremely high temperatures after spending several hours in direct sunlight at a port or customs facility. This greenhouse effect can compromise the quality of many products if adequate protection has not been planned in advance.
At Foamland, we have been manufacturing industrial packaging solutions since 1987. We know that protecting a product is not just about preventing impact damage. In many industries, controlling temperature during transport is equally important.
Why thermal problems occur inside shipping containers
Metal shipping containers absorb a significant amount of heat when exposed to direct sunlight. During delays at ports, terminals or customs facilities, the air inside the container can reach temperatures far higher than those outside.
This situation particularly affects goods such as chemicals, cosmetics, food products, electronic components, adhesives, heat-sensitive materials, pharmaceuticals and medical products.
Sudden temperature fluctuations also encourage condensation, another factor that can damage both packaging and goods.
How to reduce the greenhouse effect inside a shipping container
A widely used solution is to partially line the inside of the container with insulating materials before loading.
Insulated bubble wrap rolls create a barrier that helps reduce heat transfer through radiation, lowering temperature peaks while providing additional protection against condensation.
This type of insulation is particularly useful when goods are expected to remain in port for several hours, when the destination involves high-temperature regions, when the product is sensitive to temperature fluctuations, or when a lightweight, practical and quick-to-install solution is required.
Packaging is also part of thermal protection
Many companies focus exclusively on external packaging, when in reality protection should be viewed as a complete system.
The choice of cushioning materials, separators and insulating components helps minimise both impacts and temperature fluctuations during international transport.
For further information, you can read our article on the requirements of industrial packaging for national and international transport, where we explain the key factors to consider before preparing a shipment.
When is it worth insulating a shipping container?
Not every shipment requires this type of protection, but it is generally a worthwhile investment when the goods have a high value, there is a risk of heat damage, transit times are long, delays at ports or customs are expected, or the cost of a damaged shipment would far exceed the cost of insulation.
In these situations, adding a thermal barrier can prevent financial losses and transport-related claims.
At Foamland, we manufacture solutions tailored to every transport requirement
As manufacturers, we can adapt the formats of our insulation solutions to meet the requirements of each customer and every type of cargo.
We work with industrial companies, logistics operators and exporters who require reliable materials, a consistent supply and bespoke formats to protect their products throughout the entire logistics process.
If you are looking for a solution to improve the thermal protection of your maritime shipments, contact our team. We will help you select the most suitable material for the actual transport conditions of your goods.
Frequently asked questions about shipping container insulation
Which goods require thermal insulation during maritime transport?
Primarily products that are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, such as food products, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, adhesives, paints, electronic components and any material that could deteriorate due to excessive heat or condensation.
Do insulated bubble wrap rolls maintain a constant temperature?
No. They are not a refrigeration system. Their purpose is to reduce heat transfer and slow down temperature fluctuations inside the container. This helps minimise the greenhouse effect and provides better protection for the goods during transport.
Is it advisable to insulate a container even during winter?
Yes. Thermal problems are not limited to summer. During maritime transport, significant differences between daytime and night-time temperatures can occur, encouraging condensation and moisture build-up inside the container. Proper insulation also helps reduce this risk.
Can insulated bubble wrap rolls be installed in any shipping container?
Yes. They are a lightweight, flexible and quick-to-install solution that can be adapted to most shipping containers. At Foamland, we manufacture materials in a range of formats to suit the requirements of every type of cargo and logistics project.