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Cold storage insulation panels are essential building materials used in refrigeration engineering.
They provide thermal insulation, moisture resistance, fire protection, and corrosion resistance, helping to maintain stable temperatures and energy efficiency inside the cold room.
Depending on the application and temperature requirements, several types of insulation panels are commonly used in cold storage construction — including Polyurethane (PU) Panels, Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Panels, Rock Wool Panels, and Stainless Steel Panels.
Below is an overview of each type and its ideal application.
1.Polyurethane (PU) Insulation Panels
PU sandwich panels are the most widely used insulation materials in cold storage construction.
They have an ultra-low thermal conductivity and a closed-cell rate above 90%, which ensures excellent thermal insulation performance.
- Lightweight: Reduces structural load.
- Excellent chemical resistance: Resistant to acids, alkalis, and salts.
- Common thicknesses: 50mm, 75mm, 100mm, 120mm, 150mm, 200mm.
- Application: Suitable for most low-temperature cold rooms (–20°C to +10°C).
👉 PU panels are the standard choice for food, fruit, and pharmaceutical cold rooms due to their balance of cost, insulation efficiency, and durability.
2.Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Cold Room Panels
EPS insulation panels are made of color steel plates and flame-retardant expanded polystyrene foam as the core material.
They are produced through continuous forming and bonding processes, combining the strength of steel with the thermal insulation of EPS foam.
- Lightweight & cost-effective
- Good insulation performance
- Easy to install
- Application: Ideal for moderate-temperature storage rooms and small-scale cold rooms.
While EPS panels are more economical, their insulation performance is slightly lower than PU panels — making them better suited for short-term storage or environments with mild temperature requirements.
3.Rock Wool Insulation Panels
Rock wool panels are typically used for high-temperature cold rooms (e.g., +2°C to +8°C) or where fire safety standards are strict.
- Low thermal conductivity & high fire resistance
- Non-combustible material
- Maintains structural integrity under high heat
- Application: Recommended for pharmaceutical cold rooms, warehouses, and facilities requiring enhanced fire protection.
However, for sub-zero applications, rock wool panels may cause condensation on the outer surface. They are best for temperature-controlled rooms that prioritize fire safety over ultra-low insulation performance.
4.Stainless Steel Insulation Panels
Stainless steel cold room panels are an upgraded version of PU panels — replacing the outer color steel layer with stainless steel sheets.
- High corrosion resistance
- Durable and hygienic surface
- Applicable for corrosive or high-hygiene storage such as seafood, chemical, alcohol, or electronic products.
- Construction options: On-site PU foaming or prefabricated installation.
These panels are ideal for high-humidity or corrosive environments and are widely used in seafood cold rooms and industrial clean rooms.
👉 See our Cold Storage Construction Projects for real-world applications of PU and stainless steel insulation panels.