For many businesses, thermal pallet covers are an essential part of their shipping process. Pallet blankets ensure that products are kept at a consistent temperature during transport and can also help protect them from damage.
This results in reduced product wastage, whilst insulated pallet covers can also help to reduce product loss due to theft. It has been found that around 14% of the world’s food is lost after harvesting and before reaching the retail level, with much of this wastage occurring during the transportation process. Thermal pallet covers are working to dramatically reduce that figure.
Thermal pallet blankets come in a wide range of different shapes and sizes. So how do you choose the right insulated pallet blanket for your product? What size and thickness of pallet cover is right for you? Here’s everything you need to know:
Types of Pallet Blankets Available
Whilst there are hundreds of different types of thermal pallet blankets on the market, these products are aimed at four main markets: Perishables, pharmaceuticals, cold lane, and specific products designed for ocean freight. Knowing the type of products you will be transporting will make it much easier to choose the right thermal pallet cover.
It is also useful to know the size of your pallets when ordering your insulated thermal
pallet covers. The thermal pallet blanket you choose should be the right size to fit over your product snugly: a pallet cover that is too small won’t be secured over the pallet correctly whilst one that is too big will allow external dust and debris into the pallet, which could lead to damage and ultimately product wastage.
You should also consider the material that you choose for your pallet covers. Polyethylene covers are the most popular type of cover due to their low cost and durability. However, these covers have the lowest thermal value. Polypropylene covers are more expensive, but they also offer better thermal properties. Polypropylene covers are available in a variety of thicknesses to meet your product needs. Finally, PVC covers are the most expensive but offer the best thermal properties. These are also available in a range of thicknesses depending on your unique product requirements.
Choosing the Right TLX Thermal Pallet Cover
To choose the right TLX thermal pallet cover it’s important to know what goods you will be transporting. TLX Cargo offers unrivalled supply chain protection for temperature-sensitive products. They specialise in providing high-spec pallet covers for both perishable and pharmaceutical transportation.
The range of thermal pallet covers available to you are:
TLX 4 |
This is a good choice if you’re looking for pallet covers that are suitable for both perishables and chemical and pharmaceutical shipments. TLX 4 offers extreme protection and features a highly reflective outer surface that will reflect over 97% of thermal radiation. In simple terms, this means that TLX 4 will keep your products within temperature range for longer. From a practical point of view, TLX 4 takes just 1–2 minutes to fit and is available in all standard pallet sizes. |  |
TLX 2 |
If you’re looking for a product that has been designed specifically for transporting perishables, then TLX 2 is a high-spec and popular choice. This thermal pallet blanket gives short-wave solar radiation protection to temperature-sensitive goods when exposed to direct sunlight conditions. What makes this product unique is that it is both breathable and waterproof. This means that it allows gases and vapours to pass through the product, removing the risk of condensation and other hazards inside the pallet, and making it a particularly effective choice for perishable products. These easy-to-use 1 mm thick, lightweight, breathable covers are installed or removed quickly and easily. |  |
TLX PCM |
Like TLX 2, this is a specialist product and it has been developed specifically with pharmaceutical transportation in mind. This is the first thermal pallet cover to incorporate phase change material (PCM) into its structure. This cover self-regulates its performance according to the conditions, by recharging and freezing at 5 °C, 8 °C and 19 °C and absorbing heat up until 25 °C+. The product is strong and easy to handle and is best used for pharmaceutical, chemical, perishable and healthcare shipments. What makes this product unique is that it boasts a TLX Fibre-Flex non-leak PCM system. PCM stands for phase change materials and these are ideal for thermal energy storage as they are highly cost-effective, stable and environmentally friendly. TLX PCM is a waterproof insulated pallet blanket, adding unique protection from the elements. |  |
TLX Polarap |
This innovative product has been developed specifically for sea container and air shipments. If you are looking for the right thermal pallet blanket for long-haul air or sea freight then this is a great choice. It boasts the world’s first phase change material (PCM) belt system incorporating Fibre-Flex Technology, specially designed for both air and ocean freight shipments. This unique product moulds to any shape is lightweight, thin and remains flexible even when frozen. The product can be applied relatively quickly but is sturdier than other pallet blankets on this list because it is held in place with 4 belts per pallet. Despite this, it is ultra-lightweight and easy to carry and apply. |  |
TLX Wrap |
Finally, if you’re transporting products that need to be stored at particularly low temperatures then TLX Wrap is the right choice for you. As the name suggests, this is an insulated pallet wrap that can be used to secure packages. It is particularly useful if you are shipping products of non-standard dimensions. TLX Wrap is a high-performance, thin, reflective insulation. It is used to combat the effects extreme cold and heat can have on temperature-sensitive products. Furthermore, it can be effectively utilised for temperatures as low as -20 °C to +40 °C. It is available in 1.2 m x 10 m rolls. This makes it both easy to handle and easy to fit. |  |
Interested to Find out More?
Why not get in touch with TLX Cargo for a quotation. We would love to hear from you. Our helpful team are on hand to help, simply call 01204 695666 or email us at sales@tlxinsulation.co.uk.
