Shipping your products at ultra low temperatures used to mean dealing with dry ice. لكن, supply constraints and safety concerns are pushing businesses toward dry ice replacement dry ice packs. These flexible packs maintain temperatures as low as −40 °C for up to 72 hours without the mess or hazards of solid CO₂. Dry ice consumption is growing 5 % per year while CO₂ supply is expanding just 0.5 %, مما يسبب ارتفاع الأسعار. If you need a reliable way to keep food, pharmaceuticals and biological materials frozen in 2025, it’s time to explore modern alternatives. This guide explains everything you need to know—what these packs are, why they’re better than old school dry ice, and how to choose, pack and use them safely.
Why are dry ice replacement packs a smarter choice than traditional dry ice?
How do you select the right dry ice replacement pack for various temperaturesensitive products?
What packing techniques maximize cooling performance and safety?
أيّ 2025 الابتكارات, market trends and regulations affect dry ice replacement?
What are the most common questions about safety, usage and sustainability?
Why Choose Dry Ice Replacement Packs Over Traditional Dry Ice?
Dry ice has been the goto refrigerant for decades, but its extreme cold and sublimation behavior pose significant risks. Dry ice replacement packs deliver comparable cooling without hazardous handling or environmental drawbacks. This section explains why these alternatives are gaining ground in 2025.
المزايا مقارنة بالثلج الجاف التقليدي
Dry ice replacement dry ice packs maintain subzero temperatures for 36–72 hours and eliminate liquid residue. Instead of loose pellets that sublimate rapidly, packs encase CO₂ snow or engineered refrigerant in durable cells. This design extends cooling duration, minimizes CO₂ vapor release and allows reuse. By avoiding direct contact with solid CO₂, the packs reduce frostbite risk and simplify handling. على عكس الجليد الجاف التقليدي, which qualifies as a Class 9 hazardous material requiring hazmat training and strict labeling, most replacement packs are nonhazardous and exempt from stringent regulations.
Dry ice replacement packs also address supply concerns. Global dry ice demand is rising around 5 % سنويا, بينما يزداد عرض ثاني أكسيد الكربون فقط 0.5 %, causing shortages and price surges of up to 300 %. Replacement packs use fewer CO₂ resources and incorporate phasechange materials (PCMS) or gel refrigerants, offering a more sustainable supply chain.
Understanding How Replacement Packs Work
Replacement packs come in several formats:
| نوع الحزمة | Core Cooling Material | نطاق درجة الحرارة | مدة نموذجية | الفائدة الرئيسية |
| صفائح حزمة الثلج الجافة | Solid CO₂ pellets sealed in flexible cells | −40 °C to −60 °C | 36-72 ساعة | تصميم قابل لإعادة الاستخدام; minimizes vapor release |
| عبوات جل/PCM | Phasechange gels formulated to melt/freeze at set temperatures | 0 درجة مئوية إلى -20 درجة مئوية (مبردة) or −15 °C to −26 °C (المجمدة) | 24-96 ساعة | نطاقات درجة حرارة مستقرة; قابلة لإعادة الاستخدام وغير خطرة |
| عبوات الجل المبردة | Cryo Ice™ proprietary gel refrigerant | Below −3 °C, staying under 25 ° f (−3.9 °C) during thaw | حتى 48 ساعات | التعامل الآمن, no hazmat training required |
| لوحات سهل الانصهار | Precooled plates containing PCM | قابل للتخصيص (مجمدة أو مبردة) | 36-72 ساعة | قوي, reusable and ideal for repeated shipments |
كيف يعملون: Each pack type absorbs heat as it melts or as CO₂ sublimates inside the pack, maintaining a steady internal temperature. Dry ice sheets combine rapid cooling from CO₂ pellets with extended hold times due to the sealed cells. Gel packs and PCMs absorb latent heat during phase change, providing narrow temperature ranges that prevent overfreezing of sensitive products. Some hybrid packs blend CO₂ cells and PCMs to deliver both ultracold startup and sustained cooling.
Comparing Dry Ice and Replacement Packs
| متري | الثلج الجاف التقليدي | Replacement Dry Ice Pack |
| درجة حرارة | -78.5 درجة مئوية (الكريات) | −60 °C to −20 °C depending on design |
| مدة التبريد | 24-48 ساعة | 36-72 ساعة (أوراق الحزمة); 24-96 ساعة (PCMS) |
| التصنيف التنظيمي | خطرة (و 1845, فصل 9) requiring hazmat labeling and training | عموما غير خطرة; simpler documentation and handling |
| التعامل مع المخاطر | قضمة الصقيع, CO₂ buildup leading to asphyxiation or explosion | Minimal frostbite risk due to sealed design |
| إعادة الاستخدام | استخدام واحد; sublimates entirely | Highquality sheets and PCM packs can be refrozen and reused |
| Supply Constraints | Dependent on CO₂ availability; price volatility up to 300 % | Diversified sources such as gel refrigerants and PCMs; less sensitive to CO₂ shortages |
سيناريو العالم الحقيقي
دراسة حالة: A specialty dessert company in Los Angeles shipped frozen cakes nationwide. في 2024 they relied on dry ice pellets but faced shortages and price hikes. After switching to dry ice pack sheets combined with PCM gel packs, they extended transit times from 36 ل 60 ساعات, reduced CO₂ use by 20 % and eliminated hazmat fees. Customer complaints dropped because cakes arrived intact without freezer burn or water residue.
Practical Tips for Choosing Alternatives
Assess temperature needs: If your products require ultracold conditions (أقل من -60 درجة مئوية), a small amount of dry ice or cryogenic gel may still be necessary. For most frozen foods, PCMs or pack sheets maintain −20 °C to −40 °C effectively.
النظر في مدة الشحن: Pack sheets and PCM plates can be layered to reach 72 ساعات أو أكثر; for longer transits or international shipping, combine with active refrigeration or add extra packs.
Optimize reusability: Choose durable packs that can be refrozen—these reduce waste and lower longterm costs.
Check regulatory status: Confirm whether the pack is classified as hazardous. Nonhazardous alternatives avoid the labeling, documentation and training requirements mandated for dry ice.
How to Select the Right Dry Ice Replacement Pack for Your Shipment
Choosing the perfect replacement pack depends on product type, مدة الشحن, and regulatory constraints. This section offers a clear framework to guide your decision.
العوامل الرئيسية التي يجب مراعاتها
- حساسية درجة الحرارة– Different goods require specific temperature ranges. Ultracold pharmaceuticals need temperatures below −60 °C, while frozen foods typically need −20 °C to −40 °C. Dry ice pack sheets and cryogenic gel packs deliver the lower range, whereas PCM gel packs maintain narrower bands around −20 °C.
- مدة الشحن– The longer the trip, the more refrigerant you’ll need. A rule of thumb is 5–10 kg of dry ice (or equivalent pack capacity) لكل 24 ساعات ل 100 liters of container volume. When using pack sheets, تقدير ورقة خلية واحدة 24 لكل 12 ساعات من التبريد. For longdistance or international shipments, consider layering pack types and using additional insulation to stretch cooling time.
- Product size and weight– Larger shipments require more cooling power. طاولة 2 adapts weight and sheet recommendations from industry guidelines.
| حجم الحاوية | Suggested CO₂ Pellets | Number of Pack Sheets | وقت الانتظار المتوقع |
| 10 ل | 0.75-1 كجم | 1 ملزمة | ≈12 hours |
| 20 ل | 1.5-2 كجم | 2 أوراق | ≈24 hours |
| 30 ل | 2.5-3.0 كجم | 3– 4 أوراق | ≈36 hours |
| 40 ل | 4-5 كجم | 4– 5 أوراق | ≈48–72 hours |
- Regulatory and safety requirements– Air transport restricts dry ice to 2.5 kg per passenger aircraft and up to 200 كجم على رحلات الشحن. Nonhazardous packs bypass these limits and simplify paperwork. إذا الشحن دوليا, verify compliance with International Air Transport Association (IATA) rules and customs regulations.
- أهداف الاستدامة– Environmental pressures are driving companies to reduce CO₂ emissions. PCMs and gel packs produce less carbon emissions, and some suppliers use renewable biobased CO₂ captured from ethanol fermentation. Evaluate the carbon footprint and recyclability of the packs you choose.
Selecting by Product Category
Frozen Foods and Meal Kits
للمأكولات البحرية, meats and prepared meals requiring −20 °C to −40 °C, صفائح حزمة الثلج الجاف مثالية. They maintain freezing conditions for 24–48 hours without producing melt water. Because they release CO₂ gradually, pack sheets prevent freezer burn and maintain product texture. Combine with PCM gel packs to extend duration beyond 72 hours or to maintain specific temperature bands for delicate foods.
الصيدلانية والبيولوجية
Pharmaceuticals often demand ultracold temperatures (-70 درجة مئوية أو أقل). حبيبات الثلج الجاف remain indispensable for vaccines and biologics that cannot tolerate warmer conditions. لكن, combining pellets with pack sheets can reduce overall dry ice consumption while maintaining required temperatures. لأدوية أقل أهمية لدرجة الحرارة, reusable PCM shippers are gaining traction because they avoid hazardous classification and offer more stable temperature profiles.
Biotechnology and Lab Samples
Biotech samples and cryogenic materials require precise temperature control and fast cooling. Pellets deliver rapid temperature drops and allow precise dosage adjustments. To extend hold times, pair pellets with PCM plates or gel packs and use vacuuminsulated containers. أجهزة الاستشعار في الوقت الحقيقي (أجهزة إنترنت الأشياء) can monitor temperature deviations during transit.
الأطعمة المتخصصة & Desserts
Products such as gourmet chocolates and ice cream need a narrow temperature band to avoid texture and appearance changes. PCM gel packs designed for −15 °C to −20 °C maintain stability without overfreezing. Because gel packs don’t sublimate, they prevent condensation and maintain product quality.
Tips to Maximize Cooling Performance
Pre condition containers: Chill your cooler or carton before packing to slow sublimation and extend cooling by up to 15 %.
طبقة بشكل صحيح: Place pellets or pack sheets at the bottom, إضافة المخزن المؤقت (الورق المقوى أو الرغوة), ثم المنتج الخاص بك, and finish with more packs on top. مغسلة الهواء البارد, so top layers ensure even cooling.
ملئ الفراغات: Use bubble wrap or dunnage to eliminate air pockets that accelerate heat transfer.
السماح بالتهوية: Provide vent holes or breathable insulation; never seal CO₂ in an airtight box—pressure buildup can cause rupture.
مثال العالم الحقيقي: A biotech startup shipping enzyme samples prechilled its insulated boxes overnight, added a corrugated buffer and layered three 24cell pack sheets. Temperature logs showed the payload stayed at −25 °C for 60 ساعات, meeting regulatory requirements without using any dry ice.
Packing and Handling Dry Ice Replacement Packs Safely
Proper packing maximizes performance and ensures worker safety. Although dry ice replacements are less hazardous than traditional dry ice, they still require care.
Preparation and Freezing
Hydrate reusable sheets: Soak reusable dry ice sheets in water before freezing to activate the cells. Freeze them flat to ensure an even shape.
Freeze PCM and gel packs completely: Always freeze packs for the recommended time—typically 24–48 hours—to reach the intended temperature range.
Organize by size and weight: Prepare the right number of packs based on container volume and shipment duration (see Table 2 فوق).
Packing Sequence
الطبقة السفلية: Place pellets or a pack sheet at the bottom of the insulated container for rapid cooling.
طبقة عازلة: Add cardboard or foam board to prevent direct contact and freezer burn.
وضع المنتج: Position your product with cushioning materials to eliminate empty spaces.
طبقة أعلى: أضف أوراق أو حبيبات إضافية في الأعلى; مغسلة الهواء البارد, so top placement ensures even cooling.
تهوية: Ensure the container isn’t airtight to allow CO₂ gas to escape; some designs include builtin vents.
معدات الحماية الشخصية (PPE)
While dry ice replacements reduce frostbite risk, ارتداء القفازات والنظارات الواقية معزولة during packing to protect skin and eyes. For gel packs kept below −20 °C, gloves will prevent cold burns; goggles protect against accidental splashes when hydrating reusable sheets.
وضع العلامات والامتثال
Dry ice replacement packs are generally nonhazardous, yet clear labeling helps handlers understand temperature management. For shipments using both dry ice and replacement packs, include the net weight of dry ice and hazard labels as required by IATA. Always list the number of packs and recommended handling instructions on the manifest.
Disposal and Reuse
Refreeze: Highquality pack sheets and PCM packs can be refrozen and reused multiple times.
Gel pack disposal: If the gel is biodegradable, follow local waste rules; some can be punctured, drained and disposed of with normal waste.
Dry ice disposal: إذا كان لديك الجليد الجاف المتبقي, let it sublimate in a wellventilated area. Do not store in sealed containers.
دراسة حالة: A pharmaceutical distributor trained its staff to hydrate, freeze and pack reusable dry ice sheets. After switching from loose pellets, the team reduced injuries and regulatory paperwork, while packaging waste dropped by 30 %. Inventory management improved because the packs could be frozen in bulk and used on demand without the rush to beat dry ice sublimation.
2025 Trends and Innovations in Dry Ice Replacement
تتطور الخدمات اللوجستية لسلسلة التبريد بسرعة, و 2025 يجلب تقنيات جديدة, sustainability initiatives and market dynamics that influence how you cool and ship products.
Industry Dynamics and Market Growth
The dry ice market faces supply constraints and sustainability pressure. Demand has been climbing roughly 5 % سنويًا بينما ينمو المعروض من ثاني أكسيد الكربون فقط 0.5 %, creating shortages and spot price spikes of up to 300 %. تم تقييم سوق الثلج الجاف العالمي بـ دولار أمريكي 1.54 مليار في 2024 ومن المتوقع أن يصل دولار أمريكي 2.73 مليار من قبل 2032 مع معدل نمو سنوي مركب 7.4 %.
لكن, ال dry ice alternative solutions market is growing even faster. Recent research reports that this market reached دولار أمريكي 2.34 مليار في 2024 ومن المتوقع أن ينمو عند 8.7 % سنويا, الوصول دولار أمريكي 5.01 مليار من قبل 2033. Growth is driven by regulatory pressure for ecofriendly logistics, ecommerce expansion and rising demand for temperaturesensitive products.
Sustainability and CO₂ Capture
Sustainability is shaping cold chain strategies. Clients expect suppliers to cut carbon emissions, prompting manufacturers to explore biobased CO₂ sources and carbon capture. Bioethanol plants capture highpurity CO₂ released during fermentation and convert it to dry ice. This creates a circular supply chain and reduces reliance on fossilderived CO₂. ما زال, overdependence on a few producers risks supply disruptions—such as the UK example, where major CO₂ producers faced geopolitical and trade pressures.
أنظمة التبريد الهجينة
Hybrid cooling systems that combine dry ice, pack sheets and PCMs are gaining traction. Layering pellets, pack sheets and PCM packs extends hold times by 25 % مع تقليل استهلاك الثلج الجاف عن طريق 18 %. في 2025, shippers are also investing in improved insulation (vacuum panels and curbsiderecyclable materials) to reduce refrigerant needs.
التغليف الذكي وأجهزة استشعار إنترنت الأشياء
IoT technology is transforming cold chain monitoring. Sensors embedded in packaging provide realtime data on temperature, الرطوبة والموقع, enabling proactive intervention and regulatory compliance. Smart packages can alert recipients if the temperature deviates from set ranges, reducing spoilage and ensuring product integrity.
Regulatory and Safety Trends
Stricter environmental regulations are encouraging adoption of nonhazardous refrigerants and recyclable materials. Some countries are limiting CO₂ emissions or imposing taxes on carbonintensive logistics, pushing businesses toward gel packs and PCM solutions. في أثناء, IATA continues to enforce weight and labeling limits on dry ice shipments.
Market Insights by Region
أمريكا الشمالية dominates the dry ice alternative market due to advanced logistics infrastructure and stringent environmental regulations.
أوروبا follows closely, driven by sustainability mandates. Biobased CO₂ supply and innovations in packaging are helping mitigate supply constraints.
آسيا والمحيط الهادئ is emerging as a lucrative market because of rapid urbanization, growing healthcare demand and expanding ecommerce.
الأسئلة المتداولة (التعليمات)
س 1: Are dry ice replacement packs safe to handle?
نعم. Replacement packs are generally nonhazardous and safer than traditional dry ice. They eliminate direct contact with solid CO₂, reducing frostbite risk. مع ذلك, wear insulated gloves when handling packs chilled below −20 °C, and ensure adequate ventilation when using dry ice‐based sheets.
Q2: How long do replacement packs stay cold?
Duration depends on pack type and conditions. Dry ice pack sheets hold temperatures for 36–72 hours, while PCM gel packs can provide 24–96 hours of cooling. Layering multiple packs and preconditioning containers can extend this period.
س 3: Can I reuse dry ice replacement packs?
Highquality pack sheets and PCM packs are designed for multiple uses and can be refrozen. Gel packs may be reused as long as the packaging remains intact; eventually, performance diminishes and packs should be replaced.
س 4: Are replacement packs environmentally friendly?
نعم. Many packs use biodegradable gels or recyclable materials and produce less carbon emissions than traditional dry ice. PCMs and gel packs avoid CO₂ vapor release and reduce reliance on fossilderived CO₂. بالإضافة إلى ذلك, some manufacturers capture CO₂ from bioethanol plants, creating a circular supply chain.
س 5: متى يجب علي استخدام الثلج الجاف التقليدي؟?
Dry ice remains necessary for ultracold conditions (أقل من -70 درجة مئوية) مثل بعض اللقاحات, cryogenic samples and industrial cleaning. في هذه الحالات, combining pellets with pack sheets and PCM packs can reduce total dry ice usage while maintaining required temperatures.
ملخص وتوصيات
Dry ice replacement packs offer a safer, more sustainable and versatile solution for cold chain logistics in 2025. Their ability to maintain subzero temperatures for 36–72 hours, reduce CO₂ use and minimize regulatory burdens makes them a smart choice for food, pharmaceuticals and biotech shipments. When selecting a pack, evaluate your product’s temperature needs, مدة الشحن, container volume and sustainability goals. Hybrid systems combining pellets, pack sheets and PCMs can extend hold times by up to 25 % while reducing dry ice consumption.
خطوات قابلة للتنفيذ
تقييم احتياجاتك: Define the required temperature range and shipping duration for your product. Use Table 2 to estimate the number of packs or pellet weight.
Choose the right pack type: للشحنات شديدة البرودة, consider dry ice pellets and pack sheets. For typical frozen foods or pharmaceuticals, PCM or gel packs suffice.
Plan packing logistics: حاويات ما قبل التبريد, layer packs correctly and ensure ventilation to maximize performance.
المراقبة والتحسين: Use IoT sensors to track temperatures and adjust pack quantities accordingly.
اعتماد الممارسات المستدامة: Source packs made from recyclable or biobased materials and evaluate suppliers that capture CO₂ from renewable sources.
حول Tempk
Tempk is a leading provider of advanced cold chain solutions, specializing in dry ice replacement packs, gel packs and smart packaging systems. We combine scientific expertise with rigorous testing to deliver products that maintain precise temperatures, reduce waste and comply with international regulations. Our reusable dry ice pack sheets and PCM gel packs are engineered for 36–72 hours of cooling, offering reliable performance for food, pharmaceuticals and biotech shipments. مع التركيز على الاستدامة, Tempk sources biobased CO₂ and recyclable materials, helping clients reduce their environmental footprint.
دعوة إلى العمل
على استعداد لترقية سلسلة البرد الخاصة بك? Contact Tempk’s experts to discuss dry ice replacement dry ice pack options tailored to your needs. We’ll help you choose the right pack type, plan shipment logistics and stay ahead of 2025 الاتجاهات.
