Insulated Food Packaging, Keep Your Perishables Fresh & On Time

Get Ready for the Festive Season Rush

If you run an ecommerce food business, the next few weeks will likely be your busiest time of the year. Courier networks will be under pressure, weather can cause delays, and demand for insulated food packaging soars.
To make sure your chilled or frozen products arrive fresh, safe, and on time, now is the moment to stock up on temperature controlled packaging—not when the last-minute orders start rolling in.

We’ve answered your most common holiday packaging FAQs to help you keep your cool this Christmas season.

When Should I Order My Insulated Boxes?

Short answer: As soon as possible.

In the run-up to Christmas, courier delivery times often extend due to higher volumes. Add unpredictable winter weather and traffic delays, and you have a recipe for stress—for both you and your customers.

At JB Packaging, our typical lead time for in-stock insulated poly boxes is 2–4 working days. However, during December, this cannot be guaranteed. We recommend:

  • Checking your expected order ramp-up date
  • Counting back at least four working days
  • Ordering before that point to avoid last-minute shortages

Also, check your courier’s official Christmas cut-off dates to ensure your products arrive before the big day.

Royal Mail 2025 Christmas cut-off for 2nd Class: Thursday, 18th December
You can find the full Royal Mail cut-off schedule here.

What If I Run Out of Boxes at the Last Minute?

Unexpected order surge? Don’t panic. We hold large stocks of insulated poly boxes in all popular sizes, ready for next-day dispatch on pallet quantities.

Our last shipping dates before Christmas 2025 are typically around:

  • Parcels: 18th December
  • Pallets: 20th December

Orders placed after these dates will be dispatched in the New Year.

Why Is Temperature Control So Important?

For ecommerce food delivery, the right insulated packaging is essential to:

  • Maintain a stable temperature under 5°C during transit
  • Protect products from thermal shock
  • Prevent spoilage and maintain freshness and safety
  • Create an enjoyable unboxing experience that leaves a lasting impression
  • Protect your brand reputation and encourage repeat orders

Without reliable temperature controlled packaging, perishable food can lose quality, spoil, or become unsafe to eat - especially during transit. Using our high-performance insulated boxes ensures your products arrive as fresh as when they left you.

Top Tips for a Smooth Christmas Shipping Season

  1. Order packaging early - Avoid delays and stock shortages
  2. Know your cut-off dates - Both yours and your courier’s
  3. Plan for weather disruptions - Add buffer days where possible
  4. Test your packaging - Ensure it holds temperature for the full transit time

Need Help Choosing the Right Insulated Food Packaging?

Not sure which size or insulation level you need? Our experts can help you select the perfect temperature controlled packaging for your products and delivery routes.

📞 Call us free: 0800 285 1339
📧 Email: sales@jbpackaging.co.uk

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