Understanding cooler bags by insulation technology¹ helps businesses and consumers choose the right product based on temperature retention, durability, and application. This list explores 10 key types used in wholesale and industrial markets.

10 Types of Cooler Bags Based on Insulation Technology

Cooler bags use different insulation technologies to maintain temperatures. They include foam, foil, bubbles, vinyl, Mylar, and multi-layer composites for varied use cases and performance.

Choosing the right insulation tech boosts temperature control and usage efficiency. Keep reading to explore your options.

1. Closed-Cell Foam Cooler Bags²

Closed-cell foam traps air to reduce heat transfer through conduction. These bags are the most widely used in cooler bag production for their simple structure and high efficiency.

Why Closed-Cell Foam Works

Closed-cell foam insulation uses tiny air pockets sealed within the foam to stop heat movement. This design slows down thermal conduction and keeps cold or hot air trapped inside the bag.

Features Comparison

Feature	Performance
Thermal Insulation	High
Water Resistance	Excellent
Durability	High
Flexibility	Medium

This material is ideal for food delivery, personal lunch bags, and short travel use. While it may not offer the advanced layering of premium bags, it provides a strong balance of cost-efficiency and performance.

2. Reflective Aluminum/Foil Lined Bags³

These bags rely on radiant heat reflection rather than air insulation. The metallic liner reflects heat back and reduces temperature change inside.

Radiant Barrier Principles

Reflective insulation does not trap air but works by reflecting thermal radiation. It’s especially effective under direct sunlight or high external temperatures.

Reflectivity and Function

Feature	Performance
Heat Reflection	High
Cost	Low
Weight	Light
Waterproof	Yes

Foil-lined bags are great for takeaway, supermarkets, or deliveries over short distances. They're not suitable for long-duration storage but perform well in heat shielding.

3. Plastic Bubble Wrap Insulated Bags

These bags use plastic bubbles to trap air, slowing down heat transfer. They are widely used due to low cost and flexibility.

Air Pocket Efficiency

Bubble wrap slows heat transfer by creating a buffer of trapped air. While not the best conductor barrier, it's a light and cost-effective solution for simple uses.

Key Features

Feature	Performance
Flexibility	High
Insulation Level	Medium
Moisture Barrier	Yes
Cost	Very Low

These are often used in shipping and food industries where temporary insulation is needed.

4. Foil Bubble Wrap Cooler Bags

Foil and bubble wrap combine to offer both radiant and air insulation. This hybrid technology boosts effectiveness.

Why Hybrid Layers Improve Insulation

The foil reflects heat while the bubbles trap air, blocking conduction. Together, they increase insulation time and performance.

Layered Benefits

Layer	Function
Foil	Reflects heat
Bubble Wrap	Slows conduction
Outer Plastic Film	Durability & waterproofing

Used for takeaway and food delivery, these are ideal when slightly extended cooling time is required without adding bulk.

5. Reflective Mylar Insulated Bags

Mylar has high heat reflectivity and is often used in premium bags. It reflects heat and adds a sleek, professional appearance.

High Reflectivity, High Performance

Mylar reflects over 90% of radiant heat. Its thin, durable structure makes it an excellent lining for cooler bags, especially in the medical and tech delivery fields.

Material Overview

Property	Mylar Performance
Heat Reflection	Excellent
Weight	Very Light
Durability	Good
Moisture Resistance	Excellent

These are best for high-value items where stable temperature control is critical.

6. High-Density Polyurethane or EVA Foam Bags

High-density foams provide superior insulation. They resist compression and retain cold/hot temperatures for longer periods.

Structural Advantage

Dense foam reduces the rate of heat transfer more effectively than standard foam. It maintains shape, increases insulation time, and adds to overall bag sturdiness.

Foam Density Table

Foam Type	Insulation Efficiency
Standard PE Foam	Medium
EVA Foam	High
Polyurethane Foam	Very High

Best for longer trips, catering services, or temperature-sensitive products.

7. Thermal Vinyl Insulated Bags

These bags use vinyl exteriors and insulated linings. They offer great water resistance and a smooth, easy-to-clean surface.

Clean and Tough Design

Vinyl is naturally waterproof and blocks external heat. Combined with insulation, these bags are used where hygiene is important, like medical or seafood transport.

Thermal Vinyl Traits

Feature	Performance
Cleanability	Excellent
Water Resistance	Excellent
Thermal Insulation	Good

Useful for food service, hospital logistics, and frozen product transport.

8. Double-Layered Composite Bags

These bags mix insulation types—such as foil + bubble or foam + Mylar—to enhance performance. They are more adaptable to different needs.

Layer Combinations

Mixing insulation methods tackles different types of heat transfer. Reflective + foam or bubble wrap + Mylar are common pairs.

Example Combinations

Inner Layer	Outer Layer	Purpose
Foil	Bubble Wrap	Light + Reflective combo
Foam	Mylar	Durable + Reflective combo

Perfect for flexible logistics needs where bags must perform across temperatures and conditions.

9. Thinsulate or Engineered Thermal Fabric Bags

These use engineered thermal fabrics like Thinsulate, offering advanced insulation in thinner profiles. These bags are used in premium products.

Engineered for Performance

Thinsulate uses microfibers to trap more air in a smaller space. It is often sewn into premium cooler bags for sleek, compact insulation.

Material Attributes

Feature	Performance
Thickness	Thin
Thermal Efficiency	Very High
Cost	High
Usage Flexibility	Excellent

Ideal for branded retail, travel, and high-value delivery.

10. Multi-Layer Insulated Bags

These combine outer durable fabrics, foam, foil, and leak-proof linings. They target all heat transfer modes: conduction, convection, and radiation.

Full-System Insulation

Each layer serves a role: outer fabric for protection, foam for conduction, foil for radiation, and liners for moisture. These systems can keep items cold or hot for extended durations.

Layer Breakdown

Layer Type	Function
Outer Fabric	Physical protection
Foam Core	Heat conduction barrier
Reflective Foil	Radiant heat blocker
Leakproof Liner	Spill protection

Used in pharmaceutical transport, luxury food delivery, and emergency services.

Conclusion

Each type of cooler bag has a purpose depending on insulation technology. Choose based on usage time, content sensitivity, and delivery conditions. From low-cost foil to multi-layer systems, each offers unique benefits.

At JiaRong Packing, we manufacture various insulated bags tailored for B2B clients—from basic foil-lined to high-end multi-layer options. Let us know your needs and we’ll help customize the ideal solution.

Share your preferred cooler bag type or use case in the comments below!