FRP sandwich panels combine a durable FRP gelcoat skin with an insulating core, making them a preferred choice for applications that demand both structural strength and thermal performance. But not all cores are built the same — choosing the right one depends on the specific demands of your project.

PU (Polyurethane) Core PU core offers the best thermal insulation performance among common core options, with standard density of 40–45 kg/m³ and a high-strength variant at 48–50 kg/m³. It is the preferred choice for applications where insulation efficiency is the top priority, such as refrigerated truck bodies and cold chain logistics.XPS (Extruded Polystyrene) Core XPS core (28–32 kg/m³) delivers solid insulation performance at a more cost-optimized price point, making it a practical alternative for buyers balancing performance with budget — particularly common in refrigerated transport and modular building projects.

PET Core PET core is a lightweight, recyclable option suited to applications where sustainability and weight reduction are priorities, offering good structural support alongside moderate insulation.

Honeycomb Core Honeycomb core prioritizes strength-to-weight ratio over thermal insulation, making it well suited for structural panel applications such as modular building walls and equipment enclosures where rigidity matters more than R-value.

Plywood Core Plywood core provides strong mechanical support and is often selected for flooring, structural partitions, and applications requiring high load-bearing capacity.

Which core is right for you? For cold chain and refrigerated transport applications, PU core is generally the top recommendation for maximum insulation, with XPS core as a cost-effective alternative. For structural or load-bearing applications, Honeycomb or Plywood core are typically better suited.

Explore each core option in detail on our FRP Sandwich Panels product pages, or contact our team to discuss which core material fits your project.