In the context of the surge in demand for cold chain logistics and low-temperature storage, PUF wall panel (polyurethane foam sandwich panel) has become one of the core materials for the construction of cold storage warehouse with its excellent thermal insulation performance and economy. This article analyzes why PUF wall panels have become a popular choice for cold storage projects from the perspectives of technological adaptability, international market application scenarios, and supplier service capabilities, and interprets the global competitiveness of Chinese suppliers such as Canglong sandwich panels.
Why is PUF wall panel suitable for cold storage warehouse?
1. Matching core performance with cold storage requirements
The PUF wall panel is made of polyurethane (PUF) as the core material and covered with metal sheets (such as galvanized steel or aluminum) on both sides. Its characteristics perfectly meet the extreme environmental requirements of cold storage:
Ultra low thermal conductivity: PUF has a thermal conductivity of only 0.022 W/(m · K), which is superior to traditional EPS (0.035-0.041) and XPS (0.028-0.030), and can reduce cold storage energy consumption by more than 30%.
Moisture proof and anti condensation: The closed cell rate is ≥ 95%, and the water vapor permeability is less than 0.2ng/(Pa · m · s) to prevent frosting inside the cold storage warehouse or external moisture intrusion.
Structural load-bearing capacity: The core material density reaches 40-60kg/m ³, the compressive strength is ≥ 0.5MPa, and it can withstand forklift impact or shelf stacking pressure.
2. Rapid deployment and cost-effectiveness
Modular installation: Prefabricated assembly design reduces construction cycle by 50%, suitable for high labor cost scenarios in the European and American markets.
Low lifecycle cost: Although the initial investment is 10% -15% higher than EPS, the energy-saving effect is significant, and incremental costs can be recovered through energy savings within 5 years.
Which countries are accelerating their layout?
1. North American market: Cold chain upgrade and regulatory drive
Due to the explosive growth of fresh food e-commerce platforms such as Instacart and Shipt, there is strong demand for cold storage expansion in the United States and Canada. PUF wall panels have become the preferred building material for cold storage in California, Texas, and other places due to their compliance with UL 94 fire protection standards (Class B) and ASHRAE 90.1 energy efficiency specifications. The market size will reach 820 million US dollars in 2023, with an annual growth rate of about 6%.
2. European market: prioritizing environmental protection and sustainability
The European Union’s Energy Performance Directive for Buildings (EPBD) requires a 40% reduction in carbon emissions from cold storage warehouse by 2030 and promotes the use of PUF wall panels to replace traditional rock wool. Germany, the Netherlands, and Nordic countries prefer fluorine free polyurethane (ODS free), and suppliers such as Canglong’s environmentally friendly PUF boards (compliant with EU 2019/2020 standards) have a market share of over 30% in the local market.
3. Emerging markets in the Asia Pacific region: large gap in cold chain infrastructure
India: The government plans to add 10 million cubic meters of cold storage warehouse capacity by 2025, and PUF wall panels are widely used by companies such as Mahindra and Amul due to their price advantage (25% lower than European and American brands).
Southeast Asia: Food processing and export enterprises in Vietnam and Indonesia rely on cold storage for preservation, but the local supply chain is weak. The import volume of Chinese made PUF wall panels has increased by 40% annually.
Middle East: Cold chain projects in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates require high-temperature (80 ℃) PUF boards, and Canglong has successfully entered the local market by adding flame retardants to achieve UL certification.
4. Africa and South America: Potential yet to be unleashed
The pharmaceutical cold chain projects in Egypt and Nigeria have started using PUF wall panels, but they are more price sensitive. Brazil is promoting the upgrading of cold storage due to the increasing demand for meat exports, and the import tariff reduction policy for PUF wall panel has stimulated procurement.
Global solution for Canglong sandwich panel supplier
Fire enhanced type: By adding inorganic flame retardants, it meets the EN 13501-1A fire protection standard and supplies cold storage in European chemical parks.
Weather resistant upgraded version: In high temperature and high humidity areas of Southeast Asia, UV resistant coated steel plates are used to extend the service life to more than 20 years.
Ultra thin energy-saving version: Targeting customers with high land costs in North America, we have launched PUF panels with a thickness of only 80mm, which improve insulation performance by 15%.
2. Supply chain and service advantages
Global certification system: Through multiple certifications such as ISO 9001, CE, UL, etc., we support customers in quickly passing overseas project audits.
Large production capacity: With multiple production lines, the annual output can reach 3 million square meters, and the delivery cycle can be shortened to 7-10 days.
Technical collaboration: Provide 3D modeling and energy consumption simulation services for cold storage warehouse, helping customers optimize design solutions.
The future trend of cold storage warehouses
Low carbon material innovation: In the research and development of bio based polyurethane (such as rapeseed oil raw materials), the carbon footprint can be reduced by 40%.
Intelligent integration: PUF wall panels embedded with LOT sensors for real-time monitoring of temperature fluctuations and structural deformation (as piloted in the Netherlands).
Regional strategy:
Europe and America: Focusing on high-end medical and food processing projects, emphasizing full lifecycle environmental protection.
Southeast Asia/Africa: Bind EPC contractors and provide an integrated solution of “materials+construction”.
Middle East: Developing sand and dust resistant coatings to address extreme climate challenges.
Conclusion
PUF wall panels are reshaping the global cold storage warehouse infrastructure landscape with their efficient insulation, fast installation, and cost advantages. For buyers, choosing suppliers with both technical strength and supply chain resilience (such as Canglong sandwich panels) will be the key to seizing market share in the cold chain. In the next five years, as the global investment in cold storage exceeds 500 billion US dollars, the application scenarios of PUF wall panels will further extend to high value-added fields such as pharmaceuticals and chemicals.
Send us the inquiry form