Note: The dimensions are not the exact measurements of the actual items, however they show a realistic interpretation of the internal space available, allowing for tolerances and the use of the Dry Ice Cassette.

The Poly Flat Pack (PFP) frozen food system has been specifically developed to meet the growing demand from companies wishing to sell frozen foods by mail order. To determine optimum specifications for the PFP range, Softbox conducted extensive laboratory testing using summer temperature ramps to ensure frozen food is maintained below -18°C for a minimum period of 24 hours.

Example of a Flat Pack Frozen Food Shipping System (PFP57)
Tested against a 48 hour summer ramp

The PFP range, like all our products, is fully tested to maintain the cool chain. These documents are readily available to all customers and will be supplied at time of first order.

The PFP frozen food range is available in two sizes. The box is moulded from high density EPS making it extremely robust and suitable for multi-use. The system is easy to assemble and can be band strapped or taped prior to shipping. The internal dimensions of each box have been optimised specifically to accommodate ready meals and meat.

The EPS box can be branded with a customer logo, and the band strapping can also be printed for maximum brand exposure.

The PFP frozen food system uses Dry Ice as the cooling agent and consists of a high density EPS shipper and specially designed Cassette with locking lid to safely hold the correct amount of Dry Ice pellets needed for each system.

As part of our product development process we carried out extensive market research talking to numerous potential customers. Virtually every company we spoke to agreed that being able to buy the packaging system alone would only provide a solution to half the challenge of distributing frozen food by mail order. Just as significant was the problem of obtaining a supply of Dry Ice when they needed it - at the right price.

To help our customers address this, we approached a number of Dry Ice companies and after numerous discussions decided to partner with Air Liquide who convinced us that they have the proven capability to provide the best Dry Ice service to our customers. With strategically located Dry Ice depots and an impressive distribution network, Air Liquide can deliver to even the remotest locations at preferential rates for our customers.

By providing the packaging as well as access to a Dry Ice Service, Softbox has achieved an industry first by providing their customers with access to everything they need from one place to safely and cost effectively ship frozen foods by mail order. To access the Dry Ice Service simply click the link on the left hand navigation menu, provide your contact details then select your weekly requirements from the drop down lists. Air Liquide will contact you direct to discuss your requirements and provide a quotation.

Since Dry Ice is classed as a dangerous good, the lid and locking flap of the Dry Ice Cassette comes printed with appropriate warning symbols and advice for the safe handling and disposal of Dry Ice by your customers. Should any customer need additional advice we have printed the telephone number for the Air Liquide 24 hour Emergency Advice Line on the lid of the Cassette.

For food customers that ship products by air, we provide "Dangerous Goods Labels Class 9" on rolls of 250 as an additional system component. These can be affixed to the outside of the box prior to shipping to ensure compliance with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations; Packaging Instruction 904.

For more information and advice on shipping with Dry Ice please see below:

Road or UK Domestic - Covered by ADR

Dry Ice is not regulated/restricted by road. The main requirement is simply to use packaging that is suitable for transit and will permit release of carbon dioxide gas.

In addition there is no requirement to state Dry Ice on the actual Packaging or Air Waybill (or whatever despatch note is used by the carrier).

The only issue can be shipments to/from Northern Ireland and other long distance UK connections where a flight is required. In which case the provisions outlined below come into effect.

Air - Covered by IATA

Packaging must be compliant with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations; Packaging Instruction 904.

The most common requirements are that packaging (as well as the Air Waybill) should state:

• Carbon Dioxide Solid or Dry Ice
• UN 1845
• Net Weight (of Dry Ice)
• Class 9 Miscellaneous Label
• Directional Arrows (not mandatory)
• Name/Address of both Shipper & Consignee