EPS Fish & Ice Cream Box Frequently Asked Questions

An EPS fish box is a closed-cell thermal container composed of 98% trapped still air and 2% food-grade Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), designed to insulate fresh seafood, meat, dairy, ice cream, and pharmaceuticals against ambient heat.

Depending on wall thickness (16 mm to 37 mm), pre-chilling, and refrigerant quantity (gel packs or dry ice), our standard boxes (B-01, B-05) maintain cold chain for 24–40 hours, while thick-walled models (B-02, B-03, B-06, B-07, D-1000) protect for 48 to 96 hours.

Yes. All our fish, food, and ice cream boxes are molded from 100% virgin food-grade EPS resin compliant with the Turkish Food Codex and EU Regulation 1935/2004. Recycled or construction-grade scrap styrofoam is never used.

DNS represents the density in kg/m³. While construction foam is only 12–16 DNS, our cold-chain boxes are molded at 24–30 DNS high density, ensuring watertight walls, impact resistance, and high vertical stacking strength.

No. Molded at 24–30 DNS high density with complete steam-bead fusion, the monolithic EPS body is 100% waterproof. Taping the interlocking lid joint ensures total leak-proof containment for courier and air cargo.

Our 24–30 DNS cold-chain EPS boxes feature a thermal conductivity coefficient of λ = 0.032 – 0.035 W/(m·K), providing exceptional thermal resistance against summer heat.

Yes. EPS is a bi-directional thermal insulator stable from -80°C to +75°C. It is widely used by catering companies to keep hot meals, soups, and banquet trays above +65°C during delivery.

Yes. EPS is 98% air and 2% single-polymer polystyrene. It is 100% CFC/HCFC-free and 100% recyclable into new polymer profiles and insulation products, while preventing massive carbon emissions from food spoilage.

No. Virgin food-grade EPS is completely odorless and non-absorbent. It provides no nutrient medium for mold, fungi, or bacteria, preserving the natural flavor of seafood, meat, and ice cream.

Yes. BalıkKutusu.net (CFY Engineering — SerMimar Cold-Chain Packaging) supplies wholesale carton-packed EPS fish, food, medical, and ice cream boxes directly from our Gebze/Kocaeli facility across all 81 Turkish provinces and 39 export markets.

For fresh seafood (0°C to +2°C), the standard rule is 25% to 33% (roughly 1:3 ratio) of flake ice or gel packs relative to net fish weight—for example, 2.5–3 kg of ice for 10 kg of fish in a B-02 or B-09 box.

Cold air sinks downward. Place 1/3 of the gel packs at the bottom and 2/3 on top of the products right under the lid, separated by bubble wrap or kraft paper to prevent localized freezing burn.

Yes. Our 26–30 DNS high-density boxes (D-500, D-1000, B-03, B-06) withstand -78.5°C dry ice without cracking. Note: Never tape the lid 100% airtight when using dry ice so sublimating CO₂ gas can safely vent.

In our 25 mm thick-walled D-1000 (1 kg) box, local courier deliveries (4–6 hours) require no dry ice; for 24-hour intercity shipping, 250g to 400g of dry ice keeps ice cream rock-solid.

Yes, significantly. Dead air space absorbs thermal energy from your ice packs. Always choose a box volume matching your payload and fill any remaining void with bubble wrap or kraft paper.

Use cold-temperature acrylic tape or high-tack hotmelt packaging tape around the full lid perimeter seam, reinforced with a cross (+) strap under the base and over the lid.

Under IATA Perishable Cargo rules: line the box with a sealed polyethylene (PE) bag, place an absorbent pad on the base, use leak-proof gel packs instead of loose wet ice, tape the lid seam, and apply twin PP straps.

Our interlocking B-08, B-09, and B-10 crates and thick-walled B-02, B-03, B-06, and B-07 boxes can be safely stacked 8 to 12 layers high when fully loaded inside cold rooms and reefer trucks.

Thanks to their non-absorbent closed-cell structure, undamaged boxes can be washed with lukewarm water and food-safe sanitizer for internal transfers. However, for raw seafood/meat exports and clinical shipments, single-use new boxes are standard under hygiene regulations.

For palletized truck or air cargo, no outer carton is needed. For single-parcel D2C courier networks, wrapping in stretch film or placing inside a thin corrugated outer carton is recommended for barcode labeling and conveyor protection.

Our B-09 crate (Ext: 590×390×140 mm, Int: 545×345×100 mm, 22.5 mm wall, 18.8 L, 8 pcs/carton) is the Black Sea industry standard for 10 kg anchovy + ice. For 5 kg packs, choose B-08 (505×320×130 mm).

B-01 (397×298×170 mm, 12.7 L, 12 pcs/carton) and B-05 (400×300×174 mm, 13.2 L, 12 pcs/carton) are our most economical courier models (~6.8 desi) for 3–6 kg orders. For 7–10 kg orders, select B-02 (23.1 L).

For individual patient insulin and blood tubes, choose D-500 (2.6 L, 45 pcs/carton) or 25 mm thick-walled D-1000 (3.8 L, 24 pcs/carton). For bulk pharmaceutical depot shipments, use B-06 (27 mm wall, 22.7 L) or B-03 (34.3 L).

D-1000 (1 Kg): Ext 255×206×167 mm, Int 205×155×120 mm, 25 mm wall, 3.8 L, 24 pcs/carton. D-500 (500g): Ext 246×155×125 mm, Int 215×122×100 mm, 16.5–25 mm wall, 2.6 L, 45 pcs/carton.

Our B-07 Jumbo Export Box (Ext: 790×400×240 mm, Int: 730×340×165 mm, Wall: 30–37 mm, Volume: 40.9 L, Payload: 20–25 Kg, 5 pcs/carton) features a 73 cm interior length that fits whole salmon without bending the tail.

Both share the exact same 590×390 mm footprint (545×345 mm internal) and cross-stack together. B-09 is 140 mm high (100 mm internal, 18.8 L) for bulk anchovy, while B-10 is 120 mm high (80 mm internal, 15.0 L) for single-row bonito and bluefish display.

Our B-03 Deep Cold-Chain Box (Ext: 503×406×268 mm, Int: 463×365×203 mm, 34.3 L) offers a full 203 mm internal height, allowing upright placement of 1-liter jars, bottles, and tall pharma cartons.

For peak summer long-distance parcels, choose our B-06 (27 mm uniform thick wall, 480×360×203 mm) or B-03 (20–32 mm reinforced wall). The 27 mm barrier slows heat ingress by 45% compared to standard walls.

For 500g and 1 kg portion trays, pastry brands use D-500 and D-1000; for multi-tray gift orders, B-05 (400×300×174 mm) and B-01 (397×298×170 mm) are the preferred choices.

Yes. The smooth exterior walls accept self-adhesive PP/coated courier labels, cold-chain warning stickers, and custom-printed logo tapes. Custom embossed mold logos can be evaluated for high-volume annual contracts.

We do not sell retail. We operate strictly wholesale with a Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) of 30 cartons ex-works Gebze warehouse. You may combine multiple models to reach the 30-carton minimum.

Pack quantities by model: B-01 & B-05: 12 pcs/carton (360 in 30 cartons); B-02, B-09, B-10: 8 pcs (240 total); B-03: 6 pcs (180 total); B-04 & B-08: 14 pcs (420 total); B-06: 10 pcs (300 total); B-07: 5 pcs (150 total); D-1000: 24 pcs (720 total); D-500: 45 pcs (1,350 total).

Pricing is determined by the box model’s molded weight (DNS density and wall thickness), global virgin EPS resin indices, and order volume tiers (30–49 Cartons, 50–99 Cartons, and 100+ Cartons full-truckload discount).

All listed unit and carton prices are EXW Gebze/Kocaeli Warehouse and exclude VAT (+20% VAT applies for domestic sales). Freight to your city or port is calculated transparently based on carton volume.

Yes. Compared to our 30–49 carton base tier, orders of 50–99 cartons receive an 8–10% corporate discount, and 100+ carton (full truckload/contract) orders receive up to 16–18% factory discount.

Volumetric Desi is calculated as (Length cm × Width cm × Height cm) / 3000. For example, our B-01 box is only 6.70 desi, and the D-500 box is just 1.59 desi.

Wholesale orders are settled via bank wire transfer (EFT/SWIFT) against our official proforma invoice upon order confirmation.

In intercity courier and export logistics, return freight, washing facilities, and 30% container loss rates make returnable boxes up to 5x costlier. One-way EPS boxes eliminate reverse logistics entirely.

Yes. All lidded box models (B-01, B-02, B-03, B-05, B-06, B-07, D-1000, D-500) are packed as complete body + interlocking lid sets inside the carton, with lids included in the price. Fish crates (B-04, B-08, B-09, B-10) are open top-iced stacking crates.

Yes. Share your required model codes, carton quantities, and destination via our Quote Form or WhatsApp (+90 505 507 04 18) to receive an official proforma quotation within hours.

All orders are dispatched from our main factory and logistics warehouse in Gebze / Kocaeli (EXW Gebze). You are welcome to send your own truck or van for direct factory loading.

Yes. Located at the Gebze logistics hub, we dispatch across all 81 Turkish provinces via contracted LTL freight consolidators, return-load trucks, or dedicated full trailers.

Unlike loose or bag-packed foam, all our EPS boxes are packed inside sturdy corrugated cardboard master cartons, protecting them from dust, UV light, and transit impacts.

A standard master carton averages 0.32–0.38 m³. A 30-carton minimum order occupies roughly 10–11.5 m³ (CBM), fitting easily inside a long-wheelbase panel van (13–15 m³) or light box truck.

A 100 m³ Mega Trailer loads approximately 260–280 master cartons (1,400 to 12,000 EPS boxes depending on model), while a 40ft High-Cube container holds 180–200 cartons.

B-01 and B-05 (400×300 mm) fit 8 units per layer on a Euro-pallet; B-02, B-09, and B-10 fit 4 units per layer on a Euro-pallet and 6 units per layer on a 100×120 cm industrial pallet with zero overhang.

Keep empty EPS boxes inside their protective master cartons in a dry, ventilated indoor warehouse away from direct sunlight (UV), open flames, and organic solvent vapors (acetone/thinner).

For our 12 standard models (B-01..B-10, D-1000, D-500), orders of 30–100 cartons are typically dispatched from our Gebze stock within 24 hours. Large custom runs take 3–5 business days.

Yes. We export to 39 countries including Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, UAE, Qatar, and Germany with full ATR/EUR.1 customs documentation under EXW, FCA, CPT, CIF, and DAP Incoterms.

Molded Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) boxes, crates, and cases are classified under international Harmonized System (HS) Code 3923.10.

Yes. Corporate buyers, seafood plants, and e-commerce brands can request sample boxes (courier freight collect) to test dimensions and thermal performance, or inspect models in person at our Maltepe office or Gebze warehouse.

Yes. We partner with regional packaging distributors, fisheries cooperatives, and aquaculture associations under seasonal and annual wholesale dealership contracts.

Our 12 standard molds (0.5 kg to 25 kg) cover 98% of industry requirements. For high-volume annual contracts (50,000+ units/year), custom aluminum EPS tooling and molding can be engineered.

Our core manufacturing focus is wholesale EPS thermal boxes and fish crates. We provide free thermal engineering guidance on the exact gel pack weight and count required for each box model.

During normal loading and transit, white EPS reflects solar radiation effectively. However, storing empty boxes outdoors under direct UV sunlight for months causes surface yellowing, so indoor storage is required.

EPS is 100% resistant to water, saltwater, food acids, lactic acid, and alcohol, but must never contact petroleum-based organic solvents such as acetone, paint thinner, gasoline, or diesel.

Yes. Both portals belong to CFY Engineering Ltd. (SerMimar). BalıkKutusu.net is our next-generation 6-language B2B cold-chain engineering, export, and interactive calculation portal.

Yes. Use our interactive Carton Quantity Calculator, Cold-Chain Ice/Gel Calculator, and Truck Volume (CBM) Calculator on the website for instant engineering calculations.

Our Maltepe/Istanbul office and Gebze/Kocaeli dispatch warehouse operate Monday–Friday 08:30–18:00 and Saturday 09:00–14:00. Please call +90 (505) 507 04 18 prior to warehouse pickup.

Contact Founder & Engineering Coordinator İdris YAĞMAHAN and our wholesale desk directly at +90 (505) 507 04 18 (Mobile & WhatsApp), +90 (216) 614 04 34 (Office PBX), or [email protected].