An insulated container may include a rigid container surrounding an insulation layer formed from a post-industrial, pre-consumer card waste. The insulation layer may be characterized by a lack of any wrapping material. The insulation layer may be manufactured using a variety of converting processes including, carding, airlay, and needle punch to form a non-woven material for providing consistent density throughout the insulation layer. The insulation layer may include a natural fiber lamination layer on an outer surface of the insulation layer. The insulation layer may be biodegradable in an anaerobic environment.