Shipping chilled seafood, meat or produce is a race against temperature. Break the cold chain and you've got spoiled stock, unhappy customers and wasted freight. Chilltainers are insulated cartons built to keep perishables cold from your door to your customer's — this guide covers how they work and how to choose the right one.
What is a Chilltainer?
A Chilltainer is a rigid insulated carton — a box engineered to slow heat transfer so chilled or frozen contents stay cold in transit, typically paired with a gel pack or ice. They're widely used by seafood exporters, meat suppliers, meal-kit companies and anyone couriering temperature-sensitive goods overnight. Browse the full range in the Chilltainers collection.
Match the size to your product
The range covers everything from small redelivery boxes to large seafood cartons. As a guide:
- Small parcels & samples: HD Redelivery (230 × 160 × 105mm) — ideal for small overnight sends.
- Everyday chilled goods: HD Small (366 × 283 × 105mm) and HD Medium (366 × 283 × 140mm).
- Larger orders: HD Large (519 × 290 × 175mm).
- Seafood & bulkier cuts: HD Lobster (550 × 318 × 181mm) or the Oyster 4T (410 × 335 × 170mm).
How to choose the right one
Three things decide which Chilltainer works for you:
- Product volume & weight: pick the size that fits your product plus a coolant, without lots of empty space — air gaps let warmth in. A snug fit holds temperature best.
- Transit time: an overnight courier needs less thermal reserve than a rural two-day run. Longer transit means more insulation and more coolant.
- Chilled vs frozen: frozen goods need more gel/ice and a tighter pack than chilled to stay below temperature the whole way.
Get the most from your cold chain
- Pre-chill everything: cold product into a cold box holds temperature far longer than warm product you're relying on the coolant to pull down.
- Add the right coolant: gel packs for chilled, more or stronger packs for frozen. Position them above and beside the product.
- Fill the void: pad empty space so contents can't move and warm air can't circulate. A thermal eco blanket adds an extra insulating layer for longer runs.
- Book the right courier service: match your box and coolant to the delivery speed you've actually booked.
The quick answer
Choose the smallest Chilltainer your product and coolant fit snugly into, size the insulation and gel packs to your transit time, and pre-chill everything before you pack. For overnight metro sends the HD Small or Medium covers most needs; for seafood or longer runs, step up to the HD Large, Lobster or Oyster and add a thermal blanket. Trade accounts get tiered pricing — and for high volumes or a size that isn't listed, email sales@nzpackaging.nz with your product, order size and typical delivery time.
Frequently asked questions
How long will a Chilltainer keep things cold?
It depends on the box size, the amount and type of coolant, how well you've pre-chilled, and the ambient temperature. Sized and packed correctly, they're designed to hold chilled temperatures through a standard overnight courier run — add insulation and coolant for longer transit.
Do I need gel packs or ice as well?
Yes — the carton insulates, but you need a coolant (gel packs or ice) to keep the contents cold. Frozen goods need more than chilled.
Can I get them printed with my branding?
For custom print or made-to-order sizes at volume, contact sales@nzpackaging.nz with your requirements.
