How Long Lasting Dry Ice Packs Keep Your Shipments Frozen
Long lasting dry ice packs are the secret weapon behind frozen food deliveries and vaccine shipments that arrive intact. على عكس الجليد العادي, dry ice is solid carbon dioxide that stays around −78.5 °C (-109.3 درجة فهرنهايت) and sublimates directly to gas, so there’s no liquid mess. In a well insulated container the sublimation rate is around 5–10 pounds every 24 ساعات, which makes it possible to keep shipments frozen for days. This guide shows you how these ultra cold packs work, how to calculate the right amount of dry ice for your payload, and why 2025’s smart sensors and reusable packs are changing cold chain logistics. By the end, you’ll know when to choose dry ice over gel packs, how to handle it safely, and how new technology can reduce costs and environmental impact.
What makes long lasting dry ice packs different from regular ice packs? Learn the science of sublimation, why dry ice stays colder and dryer than gel packs, and how these properties prevent leaks and spoilage.
How to calculate how much dry ice you need? Understand simple rules for estimating quantity based on payload weight and transit time, such as using half, equal or 1.5 times the weight of your goods and general guidelines like 5–10 pounds per day.
When and why should you use long lasting dry ice packs? Discover ideal use cases—shipping frozen food, medical specimens, and other temperature sensitive products—and how hybrid systems combine gel packs with dry ice for balanced cooling.
Best practices for handling and shipping dry ice safely. Learn safety rules from authorities like UPS and CISA: ارتداء القفازات المعزولة, ensure ventilation and proper labeling.
2025 trends and innovations. Explore reusable dry ice packs, biodegradable coatings, IoT enabled temperature monitoring and how these developments address sustainability and efficiency.
FAQ on common questions. Find quick answers on how long dry ice lasts, whether it’s allowed on planes and how to choose between dry ice and gel packs.
What Makes Long Lasting Dry Ice Packs Different from Regular Ice Packs?
إجابة مباشرة: The key difference lies in the material: الثلج الجاف هو ثاني أكسيد الكربون المتجمد, whereas regular ice and gel packs are water based. Dry ice packs remain around −78.5 °C (-109.3 درجة فهرنهايت) and sublimate directly from solid to gas, لا تترك الماء وراءها. Gel packs melt around 0 °C and release liquid water, which can soak packaging and damage labels. Because dry ice absorbs heat during sublimation, it maintains ultra cold conditions for much longer than water based packs, making it ideal for frozen shipments. لكن, dry ice is classified as a hazardous material, requires ventilation and specialized handling, and can over cool products not meant to freeze.
التفسير الموسع: Imagine putting a block of dry ice and a gel pack in separate boxes. The gel pack quickly melts and leaves puddles, raising humidity and risking mold. The dry ice block, على الجانب الآخر, turns into a carbon dioxide gas, امتصاص الحرارة من محيطها. This process keeps your products at sub zero temperatures without moisture. Businesses shipping frozen seafood, meats or biologics often rely on dry ice because gel packs cannot maintain temperatures below freezing for more than a few hours. Dry ice packs also take up less space and weight than equivalent water ice, freeing up cargo capacity. The downside is that the extremely low temperature can damage goods that only need to be chilled; in those cases a hybrid approach using gel packs with small amounts of dry ice can prevent over cooling.
Dry Ice Sublimation and Duration: Understanding the 5–10 lbs per 24 Hours Rule
To plan a shipment properly, you need to estimate how long your dry ice will last. The sublimation rate—the speed at which dry ice turns into gas—depends on several factors: كمية, container insulation, ambient temperature and pellet size. A general rule is that dry ice sublimates at 5–10 pounds (2.3-4.5 كجم) every 24 ساعات. Larger blocks sublimate more slowly; smaller pellets disappear faster. Well insulated containers slow down sublimation, while hot weather and dead air space accelerate it.
You can use the following guideline based on payload weight:
| كمية الجليد الجاف | Approximate Duration | ماذا يعني لك |
| 0.5 × وزن الحمولة | ≈ 24 ساعات | Use half the weight of your goods in dry ice for overnight deliveries or one day shipping. |
| 1 × وزن الحمولة | ≈ 48 ساعات | Equal weight of dry ice to goods maintains frozen temperatures for up to two days. |
| 1.5 × وزن الحمولة | ≈ 72 ساعات | One and a half times the payload weight extends freezing for about three days. |
| 5–10 lbs per day | Depends on insulation and environment | للشحنات الصغيرة (≤ 12.5 رطل), plan 5–10 lbs of dry ice per 24 ساعات; adjust for heat or air travel. |
The heavier your dry ice, the longer it lasts because it takes more heat to convert it to gas. Insulation quality matters too; high density foam (like EPS) slows sublimation. Always add extra dry ice to cover unexpected delays, especially in 2025’s unpredictable logistics environment.
نصائح عملية
Pre chill your contents. Dry ice only keeps things cold; it doesn’t rapidly freeze warm goods. Freeze items before packing to reduce the sublimation rate.
Minimize dead space in the cooler. Fill voids with crumpled paper or insulating material to reduce the air volume that speeds sublimation.
Use blocks rather than pellets for long trips. Blocks have a lower surface to volume ratio, so they last longer.
When Should You Use Long Lasting Dry Ice Packs?
إجابة مباشرة: You should choose long lasting dry ice packs when your shipment must stay frozen for more than 24 ساعات, or when moisture from melting ice would damage your products. Dry ice is best for frozen food, المأكولات البحرية, بوظة, pharmaceuticals and biological specimens that require temperatures far below 0 درجة مئوية. Gel or water packs, by comparison, are ideal for 24–48 hour chilled shipments between 2–8 °C. Dry ice is also beneficial when shipping goods over weekends or to remote areas where transit times are unpredictable.
التفسير الموسع: Consider the nature of your product. If you’re sending a subscription meal kit that only needs to remain cool, gel packs offer ample protection and are cheaper and easier to handle. But if you’re shipping frozen steaks across the country, dry ice ensures that the meat arrives solidly frozen even after two or three days in transit. Medical and biotech shipments often have very narrow temperature windows; vaccines typically need to stay between 2–8 °C, while gene therapies might require −20 °C or lower. في مثل هذه الحالات, dry ice or hybrid systems (dry ice plus phase change gel packs) help maintain the required range without fluctuation. لكن, for items that should not freeze—like fresh produce or cheese—dry ice may over cool and damage the goods. Always match your cooling medium to the product’s sensitivity.
Real world scenarios and benefits
Frozen food shipments: Dry ice maintains ice cream, seafood or meat at sub zero temperatures so that texture and flavor remain intact. Gel packs or water ice could allow partial thawing, leading to refreezing and quality loss.
Biological specimens and vaccines: Many biologics require ultra cold storage; dry ice can hold them at −78.5 °C, while gel packs cannot. Dry ice also reduces contamination risk because there’s no liquid residue.
Weekend or international deliveries: Shipping delays can extend beyond 24 ساعات. Dry ice’s long hold time (حتى 72 hours with proper loading) provides a buffer for customs or carrier delays.
Hybrid systems for delicate goods: Combining dry ice with gel packs helps moderate the temperature to avoid over cooling, particularly for pharmaceuticals that must not drop below freezing.
القضية الفعلية: A meal kit service discovered that customers were unhappy with soggy packaging from melting gel packs. By introducing a hybrid solution—placing dry ice blocks beneath gel packs in the box—the company achieved two day shipping without moisture damage and improved customer satisfaction while keeping costs manageable.
ما هي كمية الثلج الجاف التي تحتاجها لشحنتك؟?
Determining the correct amount of dry ice is crucial to avoid under or over cooling. Use the following guidelines to plan your shipment.
Basic formula
Weigh your payload. Determine the total weight of the products being shipped (بما في ذلك التغليف). If the payload weighs 10 كجم, use that number for the calculations.
Apply the weight ratio rule. For overnight shipments, allocate dry ice equal to half the payload weight; for two day shipments, use one times the payload weight; for three day shipments, يستخدم 1.5 مرات.
Adjust for container and environment. Add extra dry ice for poorly insulated containers, high ambient temperatures or air travel, where sublimation is faster. For items under 12.5 رطل, follow Mercury’s recommendation of 5–10 lbs of dry ice per day.
Quantity table
| Payload Weight (كجم) | Shipment Duration | الجليد الجاف اللازم (كجم) | سبب |
| 5 كجم | 24 ساعات | ≈ 2.5 كجم | Half the payload weight provides enough cooling for overnight shipping. |
| 5 كجم | 48 ساعات | ≈ 5 كجم | Equal weight maintains frozen conditions for two days. |
| 5 كجم | 72 ساعات | ≈ 7.5 كجم | 1.5 × weight ensures three day freezing. |
| 12.5 رطل (≈ 5.7 كجم) | يوميا | 5-10 رطل (2.3-4.5 كجم) | Mercury recommends 5–10 lbs per day for shipments of this size. |
نصيحة: Always include a buffer of extra dry ice (عن 25 % more) to account for unexpected delays or warmer conditions.
Best Practices and Safety Tips for Handling Long Lasting Dry Ice Packs
Handling dry ice safely protects both your team and your products. Authorities such as the UPS Package Design and Test Lab and the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) offer guidance on proper handling and storage.
Safety precautions
ارتداء معدات الحماية: Dry ice can cause frostbite. استخدام القفازات المعزولة, goggles and protective clothing when handling it.
ضمان التهوية: Sublimation releases CO₂ gas; in closed spaces this can lead to oxygen depletion. Avoid storing dry ice in sealed rooms or vehicles.
Use proper containers: Store dry ice in high density foam or insulated coolers that allow gas to escape. Never use airtight or glass containers, which could rupture. Leave the box unsealed so CO₂ can vent.
Label shipments appropriately: Packages should display “Carbon Dioxide, Solid” or “Dry Ice” along with net weight and the UN 1845 رقم. International shipments must comply with IATA and PHMSA rules.
Keep away from children and pets: Secure storage to prevent accidental ingestion or contact.
Do not place directly on countertops: Extreme cold can crack surfaces; place dry ice on insulated padding.
Packing tips
Separate dry ice from the product: Use dividers or cardboard to prevent direct contact, which can cause freezer burn. UPS experts recommend letting dry ice “do its job” without touching the goods.
طبقات: Place dry ice on top of the payload so cold air sinks over the products. For hybrid shipments, alternate layers of gel and dry ice to moderate temperature.
Use insulation: Put the insulated box inside a corrugated cardboard box to contain cold and vent gas.
مراقبة درجة الحرارة: Attach temperature sensitive labels or IoT sensors to track internal temperature, especially for long distance shipments.
دراسة حالة: A biotech firm shipping diagnostic kits to clinics across Europe adopted proper handling protocols—ventilated coolers, gloves and hazard labels—and saw incidents of package rupture drop to zero. Temperature data loggers confirmed that the kits remained at −70 °C for 60 ساعات, meeting regulatory requirements.
Advantages of Reusable Dry Ice Packs and Hybrid Solutions
عبوات ثلج جافة قابلة لإعادة الاستخدام are becoming popular in 2025 as businesses seek to reduce costs and environmental impact. These packs combine solid carbon dioxide with durable outer layers, allowing multiple uses and controlled sublimation. Here’s why they matter:
Stable ultra cold temperatures: Reusable packs maintain −78.5 °C for long periods, ensuring that vaccines and seafood stay deeply frozen.
No moisture or contamination: They sublime to gas without leaving liquid water, avoiding bacterial growth and mold.
Space and weight efficiency: Heavy duty dry ice packs weigh less than water ice and free up cargo space. Reusable packs are compact and lighter than gel packs, reducing shipping costs.
Cost savings: Because the packs can be used multiple times, businesses avoid constantly buying new ice packs. One logistics company reported a 20 % reduction in cooling costs within six months after switching to reusable dry ice packs.
الاستدامة: Reusable dry ice packs align with sustainability goals by cutting down on single use plastics and hazardous materials documentation. By using fewer disposables, companies reduce waste and disposal fees.
Hybrid approaches
Not all shipments need to be ultra cold. Combining dry ice with gel or water packs gives you the best of both worlds:
Moderate cooling: Gel packs maintain a 2–8 °C range, preventing over freezing of delicate pharmaceuticals while dry ice ensures there’s no warm up during delays.
مدة ممتدة: Dry ice slows its own sublimation when paired with gel packs; the gel packs absorb initial heat, letting the dry ice last longer.
الاستدامة: Using reusable gel packs along with dry ice reduces overall CO₂ consumption and hazardous materials paperwork.
مثال عملي: A pharmaceutical company shipping insulin pens required a strict 2–8 °C range. They placed reusable gel packs around the pens and a small slab of dry ice on top. Smart sensors recorded a steady temperature of 4 ° C ل 48 ساعات, preventing freezing while ensuring no warm spots. The method cut shipping costs by 30 % compared with using refrigerated trucks.
Flexible “Dry Ice” Gel Packs vs. الثلج الجاف الصلب: Which Should You Choose?
في 2025, many suppliers sell flexible gel packs marketed as “dry ice packs.” These are not pure CO₂ but phase change materials (PCMS) that hold sub zero temperatures and can be reused. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right solution.
Composition and temperature
Solid dry ice: Made of pure carbon dioxide, it provides extremely cold temperatures (-78.5 درجة مئوية) and sublimates directly to gas. It can over freeze sensitive items but is ideal for deep freeze requirements.
Flexible gel packs: These contain super cooled gels or PCMs that freeze between −12 °C and −18 °C and can be reused for more than 30 دورات مع أقل من 10 % فقدان القدرة. They remain flexible even when frozen and do not leak moisture.
Performance comparison
| ميزة | Flexible Gel Pack | الثلج الجاف الصلب | ماذا يعني لك |
| Cooling temperature | Holds −12 °C to −18 °C | Provides −78.5 °C | Choose gel packs for chilled or mildly frozen goods; choose dry ice for deep freeze items. |
| مدة التبريد | Maintains sub zero for up to 48 ساعات | Dry ice lasts longer but slowly dissipates; blocks hold longer than pellets | Gel packs give predictable duration; dry ice requires calculation and extra weight. |
| إعادة الاستخدام | Can be reused dozens of times; reduces waste and packaging costs by up to 75 % | Only reusable if some solid remains; leftover dry ice can be salvaged but not refrozen | Gel packs are more cost effective for repeat shipments. |
| أمان | Non toxic and easy to handle; no hazardous classification | Requires gloves and ventilation; classified as hazardous | Gel packs avoid regulatory paperwork and handling risks. |
| التأثير البيئي | Reusable and increasingly bio based; supply is not limited by CO₂ availability | Depends on CO₂ supply; demand grows 5 % per year while supply grows 0.5 % | Gel packs support sustainability goals; dry ice supply constraints may increase costs. |
Choosing between them
Select flexible gel packs when shipping refrigerated goods like dairy, cheese and ready to eat meals, or when you need to avoid classifying your shipment as hazardous. Opt for solid dry ice when shipping frozen goods (بوظة, اللحوم, اللقاحات) or when transit exceeds 48 ساعات. For many businesses, a combination of the two offers the best performance—gel packs provide baseline cooling while dry ice covers extreme conditions.
2025 Cold Chain Logistics Trends and Dry Ice Technology Developments
The cold chain industry is evolving rapidly, influenced by sustainability concerns, regulatory changes and technological innovation. The following trends are shaping long lasting dry ice packs in 2025:
Smart sensors and data monitoring
Real time monitoring devices integrated into dry ice packs track temperature and location throughout transit. IoT sensors enable businesses to respond quickly to temperature excursions and provide transparency for customers. This technology reduces waste and enhances compliance with pharmaceutical regulations.
Biodegradable and eco friendly coatings
Manufacturers are experimenting with biodegradable coatings and recyclable packaging materials for dry ice packs. These coatings minimize environmental impact while maintaining barrier properties, helping companies meet ESG goals.
Phase change materials and vacuum insulation
Innovations such as PCMs integrated into dry ice packs provide fine tuned temperature control, allowing shipments to remain within narrow ranges. لوحات عزل فراغ (كبار الشخصيات) reduce heat transfer, meaning less dry ice is needed to achieve the same effect.
Supply constraints and sustainability
The CO₂ supply used to make dry ice is constrained and demand is growing. Supply grows around 0.5 % per year while demand is increasing by 5 %. نتيجة ل, businesses are looking to reusable gel packs and hybrid systems to reduce reliance on dry ice. Regulators also encourage adoption of eco friendly solutions.
Regulatory changes and safety
Regulations for shipping dry ice are tightening, particularly for air cargo. PHMSA guidelines limit quantities to 2.5 كجم (5.5 رطل) per package unless special documentation is provided. New labeling requirements aim to improve carrier safety and prevent accidents.
Interactive Decision Guide: Which Cooling Solution Is Right for You?
Use this simple self assessment to help decide whether long lasting dry ice packs, gel packs or a combination fit your needs:
What is the temperature requirement?
If your product must remain frozen below −10 °C, choose dry ice packs.
If it must stay refrigerated (2-8 درجة مئوية) دون تجميد, choose gel packs.
For a range that allows for both chilled and frozen conditions, consider a hybrid of gel and dry ice packs.
How long is your shipment in transit?
≤ 24 ساعات: Gel packs are sufficient for chilled goods; dry ice may be overkill.
24-48 ساعة: Dry ice or a hybrid solution is appropriate; equal weight ratio ensures two day freezing.
≥ 72 ساعات: يستخدم 1.5 × payload weight of dry ice, and consider hybrid systems to moderate temperature
Does your product tolerate moisture?
If moisture will damage packaging or goods, avoid gel packs alone; dry ice’s sublimation prevents leaks.
Are there hazardous materials concerns?
If you want to avoid hazardous documentation, opt for gel packs or reusable PCM packs
Is sustainability a priority?
Reusable packs and hybrid systems reduce waste and reliance on CO₂ supply.
By answering these questions, you can design a cooling strategy tailored to your product, transit time and regulatory environment.
Best Practices for Reusing and Storing Flexible Ice Packs
Reusable gel and dry ice packs offer economic and environmental benefits, but proper care is essential:
Inspect and clean: After unpacking, check gel packs for punctures and wipe off condensation. Clean them before refreezing.
تجميد شقة: Lay gel packs flat in a freezer at −20 °C or colder for 6–12 hours to ensure even cooling.
Rotate inventory: Keep at least two sets of packs—one in use and one in the freezer—to maintain continuous operations.
Store safely: Keep unused packs in a dry, protected area away from sharp objects and sunlight.
Recover leftover dry ice: If any dry ice remains after shipment, transfer it with tongs to an insulated cooler with a loosely fitting lid and store in a ventilated area.
Plan reuse quickly: Leftover dry ice sublimates at 5–10 lbs per day even in insulated containers; reuse it within a couple of days.
التطبيقات عبر الصناعات
Long lasting dry ice packs are used in many sectors beyond food delivery and pharmaceuticals.
Food and beverage shipping
Perishable foods—seafood, ألبان, meat and desserts—benefit from the stable, moisture free cold that dry ice provides. Gel packs maintain the chilled conditions required for produce and ready to eat meals. للأطعمة المجمدة, combining gel and dry ice ensures both freezing and moisture management.
الرعاية الصحية, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology
اللقاحات, biologics and diagnostic kits need precise temperature control. Dry ice keeps ultra cold therapies like gene treatments stable, while gel packs protect products that must not freeze. IoT sensors and VIP insulation are increasingly used to monitor and maintain these temperatures.
Industrial and chemical applications
Sensitive chemicals, electronic components and industrial parts often require regulated cooling during shipping or processing. Dry ice is also used for blasting—cleaning surfaces using dry ice pellets—and for preserving temperature sensitive resins during transport.
الأسئلة المتداولة
س 1: How long do long lasting dry ice packs last?
In a well insulated container, dry ice sublimates at about 5–10 lbs per 24 ساعات. Using the weight ratio rule (half, equal or 1.5 times the payload weight) can provide 24, 48 أو 72 hours of freezing, على التوالى. Always factor in extra dry ice for delays.
Q2: Can I use dry ice packs for chilled goods?
Dry ice can over cool products meant to stay above freezing, such as cheese or fresh produce. For chilled shipments (2-8 درجة مئوية), use gel packs or hybrid packs that combine dry ice and gel to avoid freezing.
س 3: Are dry ice packs safe to use on airplanes?
يصنف الثلج الجاف على أنه مادة خطرة. You must follow PHMSA and IATA regulations, including weight limits (غالباً 2.5 كجم لكل حزمة) ووضع العلامات المناسبة. Check with your carrier for specific requirements.
س 4: هل يمكنني إعادة استخدام عبوات الثلج الجاف؟?
Reusable dry ice packs with durable outer shells can be used multiple times, but the dry ice itself sublimates and cannot be refrozen. You can salvage leftover pieces by transferring them to a ventilated cooler and using them within a couple of days.
س 5: What is the difference between long lasting dry ice packs and “flexible dry ice” packs?
Long lasting dry ice packs contain solid CO₂ and provide extreme cold (-78.5 درجة مئوية). Flexible packs use phase change gels that hold −12 °C to −18 °C and are reusable. Use solid dry ice for deep freeze shipments and flexible packs for moderately cold shipments or to avoid hazardous classification.
س6: How do I dispose of dry ice safely?
Allow leftover dry ice to sublimate in a well ventilated area away from people and pets. Do not pour it down drains or leave it in sealed containers. For large quantities, coordinate with your supplier or local waste facility for proper disposal.
ملخص وتوصيات
Long lasting dry ice packs are an indispensable tool for ensuring that frozen goods, biologics and other temperature sensitive products arrive safely. Their unique ability to maintain extremely low temperatures without leaking moisture makes them superior to gel and water packs for long duration or ultra cold shipments. To get the most out of dry ice, calculate the right quantity based on payload weight and transit time; follow safety protocols such as wearing gloves, ventilating containers and labeling packages correctly. Consider hybrid solutions and reusable packs to balance temperature control, cost and sustainability, especially as 2025 brings innovations like smart sensors, biodegradable coatings and vacuum insulation. When used thoughtfully, dry ice packs will help your products reach customers in perfect condition while reducing waste and optimizing logistics.
الخطوات التالية القابلة للتنفيذ
Assess your products: Determine whether they need to stay frozen or simply chilled. اختر الثلج الجاف, gel packs or a hybrid accordingly.
Calculate the quantity: Use the weight ratio rule and general 5–10 lbs per day guideline, and always include a buffer for delays.
Prepare your packaging: Pre freeze items, choose insulated containers and allow ventilation. Separate dry ice from products using dividers.
تدريب فريقك: Provide safety training on handling dry ice, including protective gear and regulatory compliance.
Embrace new technology: Explore reusable dry ice packs, smart sensors and eco friendly materials to improve efficiency and sustainability.
من خلال اتباع هذه الخطوات, you can optimize your cold chain operations and deliver high quality products to your customers.
Internal Linking Suggestions
Here are some related topics you can link to for deeper exploration:
الجليد الجاف مقابل. gel pack comparison: A detailed guide comparing thermal performance, safety and cost of gel packs versus dry ice.
How to pack cold chain shipments: Step by step instructions on preparing boxes, choosing insulation and labeling for compliance.
Reusable cold chain solutions: An overview of reusable gel packs, phase change materials and emerging eco friendly packaging.
Regulatory requirements for hazardous shipments: A summary of PHMSA, FAA and IATA rules for shipping with dry ice.
Cold chain trends in 2025: Analysis of market trends such as smart sensors, vacuum insulation panels and sustainability initiatives.
حول Tempk
Tempk is a specialist in temperature controlled packaging solutions. We design and manufacture reusable dry ice packs and insulated containers that maintain precise temperatures for food, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Our products combine ultra cold cores with durable, eco friendly materials to reduce waste and costs. لدينا ص&D team continually innovates with smart sensors, biodegradable coatings and modular designs, ensuring your cold chain operations remain efficient and compliant with evolving regulations. Whether you need gel packs for meal kits or heavy duty dry ice for vaccines, we provide tailored solutions backed by industry expertise.
دعوة إلى العمل: Ready to upgrade your cold chain? Contact Tempk for personalized advice on choosing the right cooling solution for your products and learn how our reusable dry ice packs can save you money and support your sustainability goals.
