India’s fish consumption increased by 81% from 2005 to 2021, driven by growing demand from fish lovers.[1] Fish is transported from the coastal regions to the inner landlocked parts of the country. This transportation poses a great challenge for fish suppliers in terms of maintaining the freshness of the product despite external factors like temperature, moisture and impact.
Thus, fishermen and fish suppliers must adopt safe logistics methods for transporting this vital protein source. Studies[2] have shown that thermocol boxes for fish packed with ice are the best method for transporting fish and other marine produce. Let us understand why this is true.
Material Composition and Thermal Properties of Thermocol (EPS) Boxes
Polystyrene is a rigid and inexpensive thermoplastic polymer. Thermocol or Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is made by foaming Polystyrene with the addition of a foaming agent. Foaming decreases the density of polystyrene and converts it into a lightweight, shock-absorbent and insulating material. EPS is a closed-cell foam consisting of 98% air and 2% polymer. This structure leads to the following physical properties of thermocol:
- It has low thermal conductivity, which makes it an excellent insulator.
- It is thermoplastic, which allows it to be recycled multiple times.
- It is moisture resistant as the closed-cell structure prevents water permeability.
Fish and meat are perishable products that must be protected from external factors. We need materials that lock in the temperature and moisture of these products. These critical requirements make EPS an ideal material for thermocol boxes for the fish and meat supply chain.
Benefits of Thermocol Boxes for Fish
Insulated fish boxes have several benefits. Perishable fish can remain fresh in these boxes for up to 4-6 days, provided they are packed correctly to avoid degradation caused by chemical reactions or contamination. If you choose thermocol boxes for fish and meat transportation, you will have the following advantages.
Insulation Properties
Temperature fluctuations critically affect the freshness of fish during transportation. India’s high tropical temperatures can easily lead to lipid breakdown. Hence, fish must be stored at low temperatures, between 1°C and 4°C. An insulated thermocol box for fish allows you to lower and maintain the temperature of the contents at the required critical temperatures.
Protection against External Factors
External factors such as moisture and impact during transportation also affect the quality of the fish. Thermocol boxes are rigid and highly shock-absorbent, which allows them to prevent any damage to fish and other seafood due to impact during handling.
Lightweight
These boxes are lightweight since thermocol is 2% solid and 98% air. They add an insignificant amount of mass to the overall weight of the fish and meat shipment, so you can easily incorporate them into the fish and meat supply chain. Their lightweight nature also makes their handling easier for workers.
Cost-effective
Insulated fish boxes are extremely affordable compared to alternatives in the market. Thermocol is produced on a large scale, which lowers its commercial price.
Factors to Consider When Using Thermocol Boxes
Thermocol boxes for fish are available in various shapes and sizes. You can even ask the manufacturers to customise these boxes according to your needs. You must check the following factors when transporting fish and seafood to do this.
Box Size and Design
Every fish is different in size and shape. However, it is logistically unfeasible to find separate boxes for each species. One spacious thermocol container is sufficient for all your goods. You only need to analyse the optimal weight for shipment to order the appropriate number of insulated fish boxes.
Insulation Thickness
The thickness of the insulated material influences temperature regulation. Therefore, you should pick boxes with the optimal external thickness. You must also remember that your logistics will be faster and less expensive if you can transport more boxes at once in a single shipment.
Packaging Materials
A study by the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology[3] suggested that ice packed between the fish lowers the rate of rancidity. Adding crushed ice to the thermocol boxes for fish also maintains its freshness for longer periods of time.
Proper Handling and Storage
The boxes must be kept away from direct sunlight and rain. Such measures will prevent untoward effects on the internal temperature. You should also keep the boxes in a secluded area, free from potential impacts.
Environmental Considerations of Thermocol Boxes
One concern raised by environmentalists is that thermocol is non-biodegradable. It is also hazardous for territorial and marine species that may accidentally consume thermocol pieces. Moreover, burning thermocol in incinerators releases toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, increasing the Greenhouse Effect.
Fortunately, thermocol is 100% recyclable, and this property is the ultimate solution to the problem. Traditional recycling methods use excessive heating and cooling, which still negatively impacts the environment. The alternative is to use mechanical recycling with no heat or chemicals. This method of crushing the thermocol waste and mixing it with virgin materials to produce new thermocol products like sheets leads to zero pollution.
Thermocol Box – The Go-To Option for The Fish and Meat Industry
As fish consumption continues to rise in India, the role of thermocol boxes for fish in cold chain logistics becomes increasingly crucial. These insulated boxes offer numerous benefits, as highlighted above. Your fish and meat business can effectively use thermocol boxes to ensure the freshness of the products.
Moreover, eco-friendly thermocol solutions play a significant role in balancing the needs of the industry with environmental concerns. If you are involved in the fish or meat industry, consider integrating thermocol boxes for fish into your cold chain logistics for optimal product preservation!
References:
- Business Standard (2024) ‘India’s annual per capita fish consumption jumps 81% during 2005-21’, 19 March. Available at: https://www.business-standard.com/industry/news/india-s-annual-per-capita-fish-consumption-jumps-81-during-2005-21-124031900619_1.html
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research- Packaging of Frozen Fish in Insulated Containers. Available at: https://kknag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ojsadminA.PERIGREEN.pdf
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research- Packaging of Frozen Fish in Insulated Containers. Available at: https://kknag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ojsadminA.PERIGREEN.pdf
- Data Bridge Market Research (2022) ‘Global Thermocol Packaging Market – Industry Trends and Forecast to 2029’, July 2022. Available at: https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-thermocol-packaging-market
