What Is the Price of Dry Ice Pack Sheets in 2025? A Complete Guide

Dry ice pack sheets are essential for shipping temperature-sensitive products like pharmaceuticals, food, and biotech items. In 2025, their cost is influenced by several factors, including size, supplier, and shipping requirements. This guide provides the most up-to-date information on pricing and helps you make cost-effective decisions for your cold chain logistics.

What factors affect the price of dry ice pack sheets?
How can you find the best deals on dry ice pack sheets?
What are the benefits of using dry ice pack sheets in cold chain shipping?
How can you select the right dry ice pack sheet for your needs?

What Factors Affect the Price of Dry Ice Pack Sheets?

Several factors determine the price of dry ice pack sheets. These include:

Quantity and Size: Larger quantities and heavier packs generally cost more. Bulk purchases can lead to lower per-unit costs.
Material Quality: Two-ply sheets are cheaper but less durable, while four-ply sheets offer longer-lasting cooling but at a higher price.
Shipping Speed: Expedited shipping increases costs, particularly if the dry ice needs to maintain its temperature over longer durations.
Supply and Demand: Seasonal demand or limited CO₂ supply can cause prices to fluctuate significantly. During periods of high demand (like summer months), prices may spike.
Supplier Differences: Prices vary depending on whether you’re buying locally or nationally, as well as the supplier’s reputation and additional services (e.g., customization).

Pricing Breakdown by Size and Quantity

Pack Type	Dry Ice Weight	Usage Duration	Average Cost	Practical Implications
Small Pack	~5 lbs	~24 hours	$15–$30	Ideal for overnight or short-term shipments
Medium Pack	~10 lbs	~48 hours	$40–$60	Suitable for two-day shipments of perishable goods
Large Pack	~20 lbs	~72 hours	$80–$100	Best for extended shipping or high-value items like pharmaceuticals
Bulk (per lb)	10–150 lbs	Variable	$5–$1 per lb	Most economical for large-scale shipments

How to Find the Best Deals on Dry Ice Pack Sheets in 2025?

Finding cost-effective dry ice requires some planning:

Buy in Bulk: Purchasing larger quantities can significantly reduce the per-pound cost. Bulk purchases are ideal if your business regularly ships temperature-sensitive goods.
Local vs National Suppliers: Local suppliers may offer quicker delivery times and lower shipping fees, while national suppliers may provide better bulk pricing. Compare options carefully.
Select the Right Packaging: Dry ice pack sheets are often more efficient than pellets or blocks and can save on both material and shipping costs.
Negotiate Long-Term Contracts: If your business ships frequently, long-term contracts can secure lower prices and ensure a steady supply.

Benefits of Using Dry Ice Pack Sheets in Cold Chain Shipping

Dry ice pack sheets offer a range of benefits, particularly for temperature-sensitive shipments:

Superior Cooling Efficiency: Dry ice maintains colder temperatures for longer periods compared to traditional ice, making it ideal for shipping pharmaceuticals, biologics, and perishable food items.
Cost-Effective: Despite the initial cost, dry ice pack sheets often prove more cost-effective for long-distance shipping because they require less material to achieve the same cooling effect.
Easy to Handle: Pre-packaged and flexible, dry ice pack sheets are simpler to store and deploy compared to bulk dry ice.

Did you know? Dry ice reaches temperatures as low as -109.3°F (-78.5°C), far colder than conventional ice.

How to Choose the Right Dry Ice Pack Sheet for Your Needs?

Selecting the correct dry ice pack sheet is critical to both cost and performance:

Assess the Shipment Duration: For shipments under 24 hours, a small sheet (5 lbs) suffices. For longer trips (48–72 hours), consider medium or large sheets.
Consider Product Sensitivity: Products like vaccines or biologics may require larger packs or premium insulation to maintain strict temperature control.
Check Compliance: Ensure the supplier adheres to regulations such as UN 1845 and IATA Dangerous Goods for air shipments.

What About Reusable Dry Ice Sheets?

Reusable dry ice sheets can lower long-term costs and reduce waste. These sheets typically use a gel-based refrigerant that maintains a consistent temperature without the rapid sublimation of traditional dry ice. Although they come with a higher upfront cost, their ability to be reused multiple times makes them a cost-effective and sustainable option in the long run.

Choosing Between Dry Ice, Phase Change Materials (PCMs), and Gel Packs

When choosing cooling materials, it’s important to balance cost with cooling efficiency:

Material	Temperature Range	Relative Cost	Best For
Dry Ice	–78.5°C	High	Critical biologics, frozen foods, ultracold shipping
PCMs	–20°C to –25°C	Moderate	Pharmaceuticals, chilled goods
Gel Packs	0°C to 10°C	Low	Less sensitive products, such as produce or cosmetics

2025 Trends in Dry Ice Pack Sheets and Pricing

Sustainability Focus: Companies are increasingly adopting sustainable practices, such as biodegradable packaging and the use of bioethanol-derived CO₂.
Smart Packaging: Integration of IoT sensors in packaging for real-time temperature and humidity monitoring is becoming more common, offering optimized dry ice usage and reduced waste.
Automation: Improved manufacturing automation is expected to drive costs down while meeting the growing demand for dry ice products.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a dry ice pack sheet cost in 2025?

A 5 lb dry ice pack sheet typically costs between $15 and $30, depending on the size and supplier. Bulk purchasing can lower this cost to as little as $1 per lb.

Can dry ice pack sheets be used for all temperature-sensitive products?

Dry ice pack sheets are ideal for products that need to be kept below freezing, such as frozen food or pharmaceuticals. However, they are not suitable for items that must stay above freezing, like fresh produce.

Are there eco-friendly alternatives to dry ice?

Yes, phase change materials (PCMs) and gel packs provide stable cooling temperatures and are more affordable in the long run, making them great alternatives for less sensitive goods.

Conclusion & Recommendations

Dry ice pack sheets offer an effective and cost-efficient solution for cold chain logistics in 2025. To optimize your logistics:

Compare Suppliers: Evaluate costs, customization, and delivery times before choosing a supplier.
Test Different Sizes: Ensure you choose the right sheet size for your shipment to avoid overspending.
Explore Reusables: If your shipments are frequent, consider reusable dry ice sheets or hybrid solutions to save on long-term costs.

For personalized advice and cost modeling, contact Tempk today.