When you ship vaccines, seafood or lab samples, maintaining the right temperature is non negotiable. Canada dry ice packs are solid blocks of carbon dioxide that sublime directly into gas at –78.5 °C and provide ultra low temperatures without melting. Their ability to stay cold for up to 48 hours without leaving messy water makes them invaluable for pharmaceuticals, food and biotechnology. This guide explains how these packs work, compares them to gel packs and phase change materials, highlights safe handling practices and explores the latest 2025 trends to help you protect your products.
What makes Canada dry ice packs so effective for cold chain shipping? We’ll cover the science of sublimation and why ultra low temperatures matter.
How can you use dry ice packs safely and efficiently? Learn best practices for handling, venting and calculating quantities.
الجليد الجاف مقابل. حزم هلام مقابل. PCM – which refrigerant is right for you? Compare temperature ranges, مدة, cost and regulations.
Which industries benefit most from dry ice packs? Understand applications in pharmaceuticals, طعام, electronics and more.
ما الجديد في 2025? Explore smart packaging, sustainability and regulatory trends that are reshaping cold chain logistics.
What Makes Canada Dry Ice Packs Effective in Cold Chain Shipping?
Direct sublimation and ultra low temperatures:
Canada dry ice packs are made from solid carbon dioxide (co₂), which bypasses the liquid phase and sublimates directly from solid to gas at around −78.5 °C (.309.3 درجة فهرنهايت). This extremely low temperature provides an ultra cold environment that keeps vaccines, البيولوجيا, frozen foods and genetic samples safely below their critical threshold. Unlike water based ice, dry ice leaves no meltwater; it simply turns into CO₂ gas, so your packaging stays dry, reducing the risk of moisture damage. The absence of liquid runoff also simplifies cleanup and protects moisture sensitive electronics or pharmaceuticals during transit.
مدة تبريد أطول:
A major reason shippers choose dry ice is its longevity. Dry ice maintains freezing temperatures for 24–48 hours or longer depending on the amount used and the quality of insulation. High quality dry ice pack sheets, compressed into slim panels, can provide consistent cooling for up to 72 ساعات. This extended duration allows shipments to cross long distances without temperature excursions, making dry ice ideal for international transport or weekend deliveries.
No water residue and precise control:
Because dry ice sublimates instead of melting, there is no water residue to spoil packaging or product labels. This dry cooling medium offers better temperature control compared with gel packs, which can warm as they thaw. In applications like gene therapy or CRISPR cell shipments where exposure to even moderate temperatures can degrade samples, dry ice’s consistent cold proves invaluable. A comparison of dry ice and regular ice packs illustrates how dry ice delivers colder temperatures and longer duration.
Sublimation vs. Melting: لماذا يهم
Dry ice’s unique sublimation process provides several advantages over water based coolants:
| Cooling medium | تغيير المرحلة | Typical temperature range | Practical implications |
| الجليد الجاف (co₂) | Sublimates directly from solid to gas | About −78.5 °C | Maintains ultra cold conditions without leaving liquid; ideal for vaccines, biologics and frozen foods |
| حزم هلام | Melts from solid to liquid | Around 0 درجة مئوية (32 ° f) | أكثر أمانًا, non hazardous cooling for products that must not freeze; less restrictive regulations but shorter duration |
| Phase change materials (بي سي إم) | Solid–liquid transition at specified setpoint | 2–8 °C or −20 °C | Reusable and precise temperature control; suitable for refrigerated goods and easier regulatory compliance |
لك: Knowing how each medium behaves helps you choose the right refrigerant for your shipment. Dry ice excels when you need deep freeze temperatures and moisture free cooling. Gel packs or PCM may be better when the product must stay above freezing or when hazardous goods regulations pose challenges.
Practical Tips for Maximizing Cooling Performance
استخدم الحاويات المعزولة: The better your insulation, the longer your dry ice will last. Vacuum sealed insulated bags can maintain cold for 48–72 hours, styrofoam containers provide 24–48 hours and rigid insulated boxes can exceed 72 ساعات.
Distribute the packs evenly: Spread dry ice packs around the payload rather than stacking them on one side. This ensures uniform temperature and prevents hot spots.
Allow venting: Leave space for CO₂ gas to escape; never seal dry ice in an airtight container. Proper venting prevents pressure build up and container rupture.
Calculate quantity: كقاعدة عامة, use 5–10 lbs (2.3-4.5 كجم) of dry ice for every 24 hours of transport. Adjust quantities based on shipment duration and ambient conditions. Your shipping partner can help you estimate the right amount.
Choose the right form: الكريات, blocks or sheets offer different surface areas and sublimation rates. الكتل تستمر لفترة أطول, while pellets cool faster. Consider your transit time and product sensitivity.
Real world example: A biotech firm shipping temperature sensitive vaccines across Canada uses high quality dry ice sheets in a vacuum sealed insulated box. This setup provides stable temperatures below −70 °C for over 72 ساعات. By placing the sheets above and below the vaccine vials and using a data logger, the company minimized temperature spikes during transit and avoided costly spoilage.
How to Use Canada Dry Ice Packs Safely and Efficiently?
Handling precautions:
Dry ice is safe when handled correctly but can cause frostbite upon contact with skin. Always use insulated gloves or tongs and avoid direct skin contact. Because dry ice sublimates to CO₂ gas, it can displace oxygen in confined spaces and act as a “simple asphyxiant.” When shipping or storing dry ice, ensure the area is well ventilated. Avoid storing dry ice in airtight containers, which could rupture as gas pressure builds.
Packaging and ventilation:
Use insulated containers designed with venting holes or loosen the lid slightly to allow gas to escape. للشحنات الجوية, dry ice is classified as a Class 9 dangerous good. That means you must label the package with a hazard diamond, list the net weight of dry ice and include the origin and destination addresses. Ground transport within Canada and the USA is generally unregulated, but airlines require adherence to International Air Transport Association (IATA) قواعد.
Storage guidelines:
Store dry ice in a cooler or insulated container that allows ventilation. Keep it away from children and pets, and never store it in a glass container or sealed cooler that cannot vent. As CO₂ gas accumulates, high pressure could shatter the container or cause it to explode. When transporting by car, crack a window to allow gas to dissipate.
Calculating the right amount:
Estimate how many kilograms of dry ice you need based on product weight, packaging insulation and duration. Many logistics companies provide calculators that account for ambient temperature and transit time. It’s wise to add a 20–30 % safety margin to cover delays.
Safety Best Practices
ارتداء معدات الحماية: Insulated gloves prevent frostbite, and goggles protect eyes from possible shattering fragments..
Ventilate workspaces: Always handle dry ice in an open area or near a fume hood to avoid CO₂ buildup.
Label shipments appropriately: للنقل الجوي, attach a Class 9 hazard label and declare the weight of dry ice.
Use robust packaging: Choose insulated containers that can withstand sublimation and remain intact once the dry ice has dissipated.
Educate staff: Ensure everyone involved in packing or unpacking understands the hazards and safe handling techniques. Training reduces the risk of accidents.
دراسة حالة: A research laboratory sent genetic samples from Vancouver to Toronto using dry ice. They labelled the shipment with the Class 9 الماس الخطر, included the net weight of dry ice, and inserted a temperature logger to monitor conditions. During transit, the CO₂ vented through special holes, preventing pressure build up. Because the team followed regulations, the shipment arrived safely and on time, and the lab avoided fines for non compliance.
Canada Dry Ice Packs vs. Gel Packs and Phase Change Materials
When to use gel packs:
Gel packs are water based refrigerants that melt at around 0 درجة مئوية, making them ideal for products that must not freeze, such as fresh produce or pharmaceuticals sensitive to deep freeze conditions. They avoid the hazardous goods regulations associated with dry ice, are non toxic and can often be disposed of safely down a drain. Because gel packs maintain temperatures just above freezing, they’re well suited for 2–8 °C shipments and can supplement dry ice to slow its sublimation.
Phase change materials (بي سي إم):
PCM packs are engineered to absorb and release heat at specific temperatures, typically 2–8 °C or −20 °C. They are reusable, non hazardous and resist punctures because they’re encased in flexible pouches or rigid panels. PCMs simplify regulatory compliance because they usually avoid hazard labelling and can be used repeatedly, reducing long term costs.
Dry ice advantages:
Dry ice offers unmatched cold, providing temperatures below −70 °C for frozen biologics, CRISPR samples and plasma. It has high cooling capacity relative to its weight, reducing shipment weight and cost. The sublimation process produces no liquid residue, protecting moisture sensitive items. Dry ice is inexpensive per shipment, though it can only be used once and requires hazardous materials labelling.
Comparing options for your shipment:
| عامل | حزم الثلج الجاف | حزم هلام | Phase change materials (بي سي إم) |
| نطاق درجة الحرارة | Ultra cold at −78.5 °C | Around 0 °C | 2–8 °C or −20 °C settings |
| مدة | 24-48H (up to 72 h with high quality sheets) | 6–24 h depending on size | 24–96 h depending on PCM formulation and insulation |
| الحالة التنظيمية | خطرة (فصل 9) للنقل الجوي | Non hazardous; easy to ship | Non hazardous; minimal labelling |
| إعادة الاستخدام | Single use | Can be reused but often disposed of | Highly reusable |
| يكلف | Low per shipment but recurring costs | Low cost but may require more packs for longer duration | Higher initial cost but cost effective over multiple cycles |
| Best use case | Ultra cold biologics, frozen cells, بوظة, المأكولات البحرية | طعام طازج, temperature sensitive pharmaceuticals that must not freeze | اللقاحات, biologics requiring stable 2–8 °C or −20 °C |
الوجبات الجاهزة: Choose dry ice when you need ultra cold temperatures and minimal moisture. Opt for gel packs or PCM when products cannot freeze, when shipment duration is moderate or when regulatory simplicity matters. For hybrid needs, some carriers combine dry ice with PCM to extend cold durations or manage mixed temperature loads.
تطبيقات الصناعة: Who Needs Canada Dry Ice Packs?
Pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors:
اللقاحات, biologics and diagnostic kits often require temperatures below −70 °C to maintain viability. Dry ice pack sheets are essential for shipping COVID 19 vaccines and other biologics that must be stored at −70 °C. Laboratories use dry ice to transport genetic materials and cell cultures, ensuring they remain frozen during research or clinical trials.
Food and beverage industry:
المأكولات البحرية, ice cream and meat products rely on dry ice to stay frozen and preserve taste, texture and nutritional value during transit. Because dry ice leaves no liquid residue, it prevents soggy packaging and keeps products intact. For e commerce companies shipping frozen meals, dry ice enables long distance deliveries within Canada and across borders without melting.
Biotechnology and electronics:
Temperature sensitive electronics like semiconductors and microchips require stable low temperatures to avoid heat damage during transit. Dry ice pack sheets protect these components by maintaining ultra cold conditions. In biotechnology, dry ice is used to ship diagnostic reagents, DNA samples and enzymes that degrade quickly at higher temperatures.
E commerce and grocery deliveries:
As online grocery and meal kit services expand, dry ice helps maintain product quality on the “last mile.” It allows companies to ship frozen products across Canada to remote areas without relying on refrigerated trucks. Combining dry ice with insulated liners ensures customers receive food that’s still frozen when it arrives.
Scientific research and medical testing:
Research institutions ship blood samples, plasma and other specimens on dry ice to prevent degradation. The consistent cold provided by dry ice prevents enzymes from breaking down and ensures reliable test results.
مثال: A Canadian seafood exporter ships live lobster to Japan. By placing the lobsters in insulated containers with dry ice between layers of wet paper towels, the exporter keeps the crustaceans alive while maintaining the sub zero environment required for safe transit. The moisture remains separate from the dry ice, and the cargo arrives fresh and ready for sale.
Optimizing Your Cold Chain with Canada Dry Ice Packs
Proper insulation and packaging:
Invest in high quality insulation materials like vacuum sealed bags and rigid insulated boxes to maximize dry ice performance. Vacuum sealed bags minimise air exchange, while insulated boxes reduce heat transfer and extend cooling duration beyond 72 ساعات. للشحنات الدولية, combine dry ice with reflective liners to reduce radiant heat.
Real time monitoring and data logging:
Use temperature sensors and data loggers to track shipment conditions in real time. IoT enabled devices can send alerts if temperatures deviate from safe ranges. This allows you to intervene quickly and avoid product spoilage. Some systems even integrate with cloud platforms for centralized monitoring across multiple shipments.
Efficient routing and planning:
Plan shipping routes to minimize transit time and avoid extreme ambient temperatures. Work with carriers experienced in handling hazardous materials and cold chain logistics. For shipments requiring multiple temperature zones, consider hybrid solutions that combine dry ice with PCM or gel packs to maintain both frozen and refrigerated compartments.
Regulatory compliance and documentation:
Understand the regulations governing dry ice transport. Airlines require a Shipper’s Declaration of Dangerous Goods for air shipments and specify limits on net weight per package. Familiarize yourself with IATA, Transport Canada and U.S. Department of Transportation rules. Always include hazard labels, indicate the amount of dry ice and ensure your team is trained to handle Class 9 مواد.
Decision Making Framework
To choose the right refrigerant and packaging, consider these factors:
Target temperature range: Determine whether your product needs deep freeze (≤−70 °C), المجمدة (−20 °C), مبردة (2-8 درجة مئوية) أو باردة (>0 درجة مئوية) شروط.
Shipment duration: For less than 72 ساعات, PCM or gel packs may suffice. For shipments longer than 96 hours or requiring ultra cold conditions, dry ice is likely necessary.
Regulatory complexity: If you wish to avoid hazardous goods paperwork, choose PCM or gel packs. If you’re comfortable with Class 9 أنظمة, dry ice can provide better performance.
Budget and sustainability goals: Reusable PCM may have a higher upfront cost but lower lifetime cost and waste. Dry ice has lower initial cost but must be replenished for each shipment and produces CO₂ emissions.
Product sensitivity: Evaluate whether your product can tolerate freezing. الأدوية, vaccines and biologics often have strict temperature tolerances that dictate your refrigerant choice.
Interactive Tool Idea
Implementing a Dry Ice Quantity Calculator on your website can help users decide how many kilograms of dry ice to use. By entering shipment weight, نوع الحاوية, ambient temperature and shipping duration, customers receive a personalized recommendation. This tool reduces guesswork and improves satisfaction, lowering the risk of under or over packing.
دراسة حالة: A food delivery startup integrated a dry ice calculator into its ordering system. Customers entering their location and meal selection received an automatic suggestion for the number of dry ice packs required. نتيجة ل, returns due to melted products dropped by 30 %, and shipping costs decreased because customers no longer added excessive dry ice.
2025 Trends in Canada Dry Ice Pack Technology
Smart packaging and IoT sensors:
Cold chain packaging is becoming smarter. Real time temperature monitoring devices integrated into packaging provide alerts when temperatures deviate from safe ranges. IoT enabled packages allow logistics teams to track conditions across transit and respond quickly to problems.
Sustainable dry ice production:
Manufacturers are sourcing CO₂ from industrial processes and capturing emissions to produce dry ice, thereby reducing the environmental footprint. This circular approach turns waste CO₂ into a valuable refrigerant, aligning with sustainability goals. بالإضافة إلى ذلك, some companies are exploring bio based alternatives and carbon neutral production methods.
Automation and logistics efficiency:
Automation is streamlining cold chain operations by integrating packaging, loading and monitoring systems. Automated packing lines reduce human error, optimize dry ice placement and improve consistency. Logistics software helps predict optimal routing and schedule dry ice replenishment.
Hybrid solutions combining PCM and dry ice:
Increasingly, companies are pairing dry ice with PCM to extend cooling duration and create multi temperature zones. على سبيل المثال, a compartment with PCM maintains 2–8 °C for biologics, while an adjacent area uses dry ice to keep frozen samples below −70 °C. This hybrid approach provides flexibility and reduces total dry ice consumption.
Enhanced insulation materials:
Advances in vacuum insulation panels, aerogels and reflective coatings are enhancing thermal performance. These materials enable thinner packaging that still achieves long duration, reducing shipping volumes and costs. Coupled with data loggers, they make shipments safer and more efficient.
آخر تقدم في لمحة
IoT enabled monitoring: Devices sending real time alerts when the shipment temperature deviates from the safe range.
Recycled CO₂ production: Dry ice made from captured carbon emissions cuts down environmental impact.
عزل متقدم: New materials extend dry ice duration and reduce packaging weight.
Hybrid PCM dry ice packaging: Combined solutions deliver precise temperature control for multi zone shipments.
Automated packing: Robotics and sensors optimize placement of dry ice packs to reduce waste.
Market insights:
Demand for cold chain logistics is rising as Canada’s biotech, pharmaceutical and e commerce sectors grow. في قطاع الأدوية, the need for ultra cold storage, especially for mRNA vaccines, continues to drive adoption of dry ice packaging. في نفس الوقت, sustainability pressures are pushing companies to invest in reusable PCM and recycled dry ice. Logistics providers are differentiating themselves by offering validated packaging solutions, training on HAZMAT compliance and integrated temperature monitoring technology.
الأسئلة المتداولة
How long do Canada dry ice packs last?
High quality dry ice pack sheets can provide cooling for 24–72 hours depending on the amount of dry ice, insulation and ambient conditions. Regular dry ice blocks typically last 24–48 hours.
Is it safe to ship food with dry ice?
نعم. Dry ice is safe for food shipments when used correctly and in ventilated packaging. It sublimates into CO₂ gas and leaves no water residue. Use insulated containers with venting holes and handle dry ice with insulated gloves to avoid frostbite.
How much dry ice should I use per shipment?
A general guideline is 5–10 lbs (2.3-4.5 كجم) of dry ice for every 24 ساعات الشحن. Increase the amount if the shipment will encounter high ambient temperatures or if the product has high heat capacity.
Can dry ice and gel packs be used together?
نعم. Gel packs can supplement dry ice to slow its sublimation, prolonging the cooling duration. This hybrid approach is useful when shipments transition from frozen to refrigerated requirements during transit.
What regulations apply to shipping dry ice?
Dry ice is classified as a Class 9 hazardous material for air transport and must be labelled accordingly. Include the net weight of dry ice on the package, ensure adequate ventilation and follow IATA and Transport Canada rules. Ground shipments within Canada and the USA generally face fewer restrictions but still require proper handling.
How do phase change materials differ from dry ice?
Phase change materials (بي سي إم) absorb and release heat at predefined temperatures (2–8 °C or −20 °C), are reusable and non hazardous. Dry ice sublimates at −78.5 °C and delivers ultra cold conditions but is single use and classified as hazardous.
هل يمكنني إعادة استخدام عبوات الثلج الجاف؟?
لا. Dry ice sublimates completely, leaving nothing to reuse. لكن, the insulated containers and liners are reusable. For a reusable refrigerant, consider PCM packs.
ملخص وتوصيات
الوجبات الرئيسية:
Canada dry ice packs provide ultra cold temperatures (-78.5 درجة مئوية) through sublimation, keeping pharmaceuticals and frozen foods safe without water runoff.
High quality dry ice sheets extend cooling duration to 72 hours and prevent moisture damage.
Proper handling—including insulated gloves, vented containers and hazard labels—is essential for safety and regulatory compliance.
Gel packs and PCM offer alternatives when products must not freeze or when regulatory simplicity and reusability are priorities.
Emerging trends for 2025 include smart packaging with IoT sensors, recycled CO₂ production, hybrid PCM–dry ice solutions and improved insulation.
Action recommendations:
Assess your temperature requirements: Decide whether your product needs ultra cold, frozen or refrigerated conditions, and choose dry ice or alternatives accordingly.
Invest in quality packaging: Use insulated containers and consider integrating real time temperature monitors for added assurance.
Follow regulations: Comply with IATA and Transport Canada guidelines by labelling dry ice shipments properly and training staff on hazard handling.
Plan for sustainability: Explore recycled dry ice, reusable PCM and advanced insulation materials to reduce environmental impact.
Try hybrid solutions: For complex shipments, combine dry ice with PCM or gel packs to create multi temperature zones and extend cooling duration.
حول Tempk
Company profile:
Tempk is a Canadian cold chain packaging specialist that designs and manufactures dry ice packs, حزم هلام, insulated boxes and smart containers. مع التركيز على الاستدامة, many of their dry ice products are made from recycled CO₂. They serve pharmaceuticals, التكنولوجيا الحيوية, food and e commerce industries, offering validated packaging solutions and regulatory expertise.
دعوة إلى العمل:
To learn more about Tempk’s Canada dry ice packs, high quality dry ice sheets or custom cold chain solutions, reach out to our experts or explore our knowledge base. We’re here to help you keep your shipments safe, compliant and eco friendly.
