With the increasing importance of fresh food preservation and temperature-controlled item transportation, insulated cooler bags (also known as ice bags or cooler bags) have become a daily necessity for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and businesses. However, many users do not have a comprehensive understanding of its performance, bag material, and maintenance knowledge, which leads to low utilization efficiency or shortened service life.
This article will comprehensively cover the core knowledge of insulated ice packs – from definition, core functions to cooler maintenance and cooler storage, while focusing on the advantages of Zhongjin products to help you make an informed choice.
The insulated ice bag is a portable cloth container with a multi-layer bag material design, which maintains the internal temperature (refrigeration or insulation) by reducing heat transfer. Unlike traditional hard ice buckets, it is light, foldable, and easy to carry, making it very suitable for use in mobile scenarios. The Zhongjin insulation ice bag has both practicality and durability, suitable for both personal and commercial scenarios.
Temperature maintenance: Core function – Zhongjin Insulated Cooler Bags can keep cold (0-8 ℃) for 6-12 hours, keep warm (40-60 ℃) for 4-8 hours (depending on the model), prevent food from spoiling or temperature loss;
Portability: Foldable design (most Zhongjin models fold to only 1/5 of the unfolded size) saves storage space, lightweight materials (0.3-0 .8 kg) reduce carrying burden;
Protection: Waterproof outer layer and strong structure to prevent internal items from being damaged due to moisture, collision, or external impact;
Versatility: Suitable for multiple scenarios – supermarket shopping, picnics, camping, delivery of food delivery, transportation of medical supplies (such as carrying insulin).
The outer layer of the Zhongjin insulation ice bag should prioritize durability and weather resistance:
600D Oxford cloth: The most commonly used material – thick enough, resistant to tearing, and treated with a waterproof coating (water contact angle ≥120°), can prevent rain and splashing, suitable for daily and outdoor use;
Nylon: Used in high-end models – lighter than Oxford cloth, more durable, and resistant to ultraviolet rays (to avoid fading and material aging when exposed to sunlight).
Both materials are easy to clean and maintain, ensuring long-term use in a variety of environments.
High-density EPE (8-12mm): Closed-cell structure design, low thermal conductivity, can effectively block heat transfer; At the same time, it is light in weight and resistant to compression —— it can maintain its original shape after repeated use, and is suitable for most daily scenarios (such as commuting with meals and short-distance shopping).
Double-layer EPE + PEVA composite layer: Designed for higher insulation requirements, combining the insulating properties of EPE bubble wrap with the moisture-proof properties of PEVA film. Compared with single-layer EPE, the insulation time is extended by 30%. It is mainly used in commercial and outdoor cooler bags, such as delivery bags and camping cooler bags.
Both materials are non-toxic and tasteless, and comply with food contact safety standards such as FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and LFGB (German Food and Household Products Regulation), making them safer to use.
The inner layer of the Zhongjin insulation ice bag focuses on safety, hygiene, and easy cleaning, and there are two main options:
Food-grade TPU material: soft and smooth surface, resistant to oil, pollution, and low temperature (minimum -20 ℃), will not release harmful substances when in contact with food;It can be wiped clean with a damp cloth after being stained, and it is suitable for storing fresh food, cooked food, and other food that comes into direct contact with food.
Food-grade PE material: more cost-effective, strong waterproof, non-stick surface, can meet daily temperature requirements (such as storing drinks and snacks).
Some Zhongjin models adopt removable inner layer design, which can be taken off separately for cleaning, reducing mold growth and odor residue from the root, and further improving the hygiene of use.
Core features: Small capacity (15-25 L), light weight (0.3-05 kg), foldable, equipped with short handle or shoulder strap, easy to carry.
Zhongjin model: ZJ-Daily series —— The insulating layer is 8mm EPE bubble wrap, the outer layer is 600D Oxford cloth, and the inner layer is PE material. It is suitable for commuting with meals, short trips to supermarkets, and weekend short trips.
Core features: Larger capacity (25-40 L), upgraded durability (double-stitched reinforcement, tear-resistant outer layer), longer insulation time (refrigeration for 10-12 hours), some models come with utensils (dishes) or ice pack storage pockets, suitable for outdoor scenarios.
Zhongjin model: ZJ-Outdoor series —— Insulation layer is 12mm double-layer EPE + PEVA, outer layer is anti-UV nylon, inner layer is TPU material, suitable for camping, picnics, beach vacations and other long-term outdoor activities.
Core features: Heavy-duty design (capacity 40-60 L), high load capacity (10-15 kg), waterproof zipper, optimized for high-frequency reuse (e.g., food delivery, catering takeaway, medical supplies transportation), and meets commercial food hygiene standards.
Zhongjin model: ZJ-Commercial series —— The insulation layer is 10mm high-density EPE, the outer layer is reinforced with 600D Oxford cloth, and the inner layer is anti-scratch TPU material, which can meet the professional needs of catering enterprises and medical institutions.
Handbag: Equipped with a short and sturdy handle, suitable for small capacity daily use, can be picked up with one hand, light and flexible.
Shoulder and back model: Adjustable shoulder strap (partially padded), reduces shoulder pressure, suitable for medium capacity ice packs, suitable for short trips to free hands.
Backpack model: Double shoulder strap design, evenly distributed weight, suitable for large capacity commercial or outdoor scenes, more effortless when carrying heavy objects.
Tote style: Large open space, paired with long handles, convenient for quick loading and unloading of items, easy to pick up full of ingredients when shopping at the supermarket.
Inner layer cleaning: After each use, wipe the inner layer with a soft, damp cloth to remove food residue or moisture; If there is a slight oil stain, wipe it with a small amount of neutral cleaning agent (such as dishwashing liquid) and then rinse with water.
Outer layer cleaning: Wipe off dust on the outer layer with a dry cloth; If it gets wet stains, use a towel to absorb the water —— do not soak the outer layer, to avoid moisture entering the insulation layer and causing mold.
Zhongjin Reminder: It is strictly prohibited to use irritating chemicals (such as bleach, alcohol) or abrasive tools (such as steel wool) to avoid damaging the bag material and affecting the insulation performance and service life.
Deep cleaning should be done every 2-3 weeks (or after storing seafood, meat, etc. with strong flavors):
Removable parts treatment: If the inner layer or shoulder strap is removable, remove it separately for cleaning to avoid stains at the connection points of the parts.
Deep cleaning steps: For the inner layer, mix warm water and baking soda in a 1:1 ratio, gently wipe with the mixed liquid and let it stand for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water and dry.
Odor removal method: Place a bowl of baking soda or activated carbon in the bag and seal it for 24 hours to absorb the odor. The non-porous inner layer of the Zhongjin insulation ice bag is not easy to absorb odors deeply, and the treatment of unpleasant odors is simpler and more efficient.
Small hole in the inner layer: Seal it with food-grade waterproof tape to temporarily prevent water from entering the insulation layer; The inner layer material of the Zhongjin TPU is compatible with most waterproof tapes. After repair, it will not affect short-term use. You can contact after-sales service to replace the inner layer later.
Loose stitches: Reinforce the stitches with the same color thread to prevent the hole from expanding; Zhongjin provides customized repair kits for bulk customers, including matching color lines and waterproof tape, for convenient daily maintenance.
Handles / shoulder straps damaged: Contact Zhongjin after-sales service – handles and shoulder straps for most models can be replaced individually, without the need to replace the ice pack as a whole, reducing the cost of use.
Dry and ventilate: Store the ice pack (Cooler Bag) in a cool, dry place (e.g., cupboard) away from humid areas (bathroom, basement) and heat sources (radiator, oven). Moisture can cause the inner layer to mold, and high temperatures can accelerate the aging of the insulation layer.
Avoid direct sunlight: Do not place the ice pack near the window or in direct sunlight. Ultraviolet rays will damage the outer fabric, causing fading, brittleness, and reducing the insulation layer’s thermal efficiency.
Keep the bag slightly open: When storing, slightly open the zipper or bag mouth to allow air to circulate, so that moisture in the bag does not breed mold and cause unpleasant odors.
Do not squeeze or fold：Do not fold or stack heavy objects on top of the ice pack, as this can cause the insulating layer to permanently deform and directly affect the ability to maintain temperature.
Store after cleaning and drying: Before storing, make sure the ice pack is completely clean and dry. Residual food debris or moisture can cause mold to grow and damage the bag material during storage.
Daily use scenarios: Prioritize compact, foldable, and lightweight models to meet the lightweight needs of commuting and short shopping trips.
Outdoor scenes: Focus on durability, long insulation time, and large capacity, to cope with long-term outdoor activities such as camping and picnics.
Commercial scenarios: Choose models with heavy-duty design, high load capacity, and food safety standards, suitable for high-frequency use such as food delivery and takeaway.
Temperature requirements match: For storing seafood, ice cream, and other items that need to be kept cold at low temperatures, choose a double-layer insulated model;Storing hot rice, hot soup and other items that need to be kept warm, confirm the temperature range of the ice bag.
Bag material: The outer layer is confirmed to be 600D Oxford cloth or nylon (to ensure durability), the insulation layer thickness is 8-12mm (to ensure insulation effect), and the inner layer is food-grade TPU/PE (to ensure safety).
Temperature retention ability: Manufacturers are required to provide test reports (all models of Zhongjin are equipped with test data on the duration of cold preservation / insulation), so as to avoid purchasing “misleading” products.
Detail design: Choose waterproof zippers (necessary in wet scenes), reinforced stitching (necessary for heavy loads), extra pockets (storage for utensils/ice packs) and other functions according to needs.
Certification: Confirm that the product complies with food contact safety standards (FDA, LFGB) and environmental protection standards (no toxic materials). The Zhongjin insulation ice bag has passed international certification and can be used with confidence.
Q1: Can Zhongjin’s Insulated Cooler Bags be used for both cold and warm items?
A1: Yes. Zhongjin’s insulated bags feature a dual-temperature design—keeping items cold for 6–12 hours and warm for 4–8 hours. Avoid switching between very hot and very cold contents immediately to prevent damage to the insulation layer.
Q2: What is the lifespan of Zhongjin’s Insulated Cooler Bags with proper maintenance?
A2: With proper use and storage, the bags typically last:
Daily use: 2–3 years
Outdoor use: 1.5–2 years
Commercial use: 1–1.5 years
High-quality materials ensure the bag retains over 70% of its insulation performance even after long-term use.
Q3: Are Zhongjin’s Insulated Cooler Bags eco-friendly?
A3: Yes. Zhongjin uses recyclable EPE and non-toxic TPU/PE materials, adopts energy-saving production that cuts carbon emissions by 15%, and designs for durability to reduce waste from frequent replacements.
Q4: Can I customize the size and design of Zhongjin’s Insulated Cooler Bags?
A4: Absolutely. Zhongjin offers custom sizes, design options like Pantone color matching and logo printing, and material adjustments for different uses (e.g., thicker insulation for outdoor models). Contact the Zhongjin sales team for a personalized quote.
Q5: How should I handle a Cooler Bag with reduced temperature retention?
A5: Check for visible damage first. If intact, clean thoroughly, restore the insulation layer by gently fluffing EPE material, and use extra ice packs or heat packs for temporary support. If performance doesn’t improve, contact Zhongjin after-sales for assessment or replacement advice.
Insulated cooler bags are practical and multifunctional daily tools, but their performance and service life depend on the understanding of the material of the bag, the correct way of use, and the standard maintenance and storage of the cooler. With high-quality materials, humanized design, and customized services, Zhongjin Packaging’s insulated ice bags can meet a variety of needs from daily use to commercial scenarios, providing users with efficient and durable temperature-keeping solutions.
Whether you need a lightweight commuting lunch bag, a durable outdoor camping ice bag, or a professional commercial delivery bag, Zhongjin can provide suitable options. By following the knowledge guide in this article, you can not only choose the right cooler bag, but also maximize its use value and extend its service life. If you want to know more about Zhongjin insulated ice packs, or get personalized purchase advice, please visit Zhongjin’s official website, or contact the customer service team for professional support.
