When you need to ship vaccines, biologics or frozen foods, you can’t wait for your refrigerant to slowly chill down. Rapid freeze dry ice pack sheet technology delivers ultra low temperatures quickly, making it the go to choice for sensitive cold chain shipments. These packs reach −78.5 °C and keep products frozen for up to 72 hours without leaving any water behind. In this guide you’ll learn how they work, where they shine, and how to use them safely. We’ll also explore 2025 industry trends, market dynamics and practical tips so you can optimise your cold chain in a friendly, easy to read format.
Understand what rapid freeze dry ice pack sheets are and why sublimation matters, including differences from traditional ice packs and gel packs.
Learn how these packs compare to other cooling methods with tables that summarise temperature range, duration and suitability.
Discover practical usage tips like pre cooling containers, layering techniques and ventilation to maximise efficiency.
Stay safe with handling and disposal guidelines, covering gloves, تهوية, and emergency measures.
Explore 2025 trends and market insights, such as AI powered temperature management and sustainability initiatives.
What Is a Rapid Freeze Dry Ice Pack Sheet?
Rapid freeze dry ice pack sheets are flexible blankets filled with ثاني أكسيد الكربون الصلب (co₂). عندما تجميد, they deliver extreme cold by sublimating—turning directly from solid to gas—at about −78.5 °C. Unlike traditional ice packs that melt into water, dry ice sublimates without leaving any liquid residue. This unique property makes them ideal for pharmaceuticals, biologics and frozen foods that must remain below freezing throughout transit.
How Sublimation Powers Rapid Freezing
Sublimation absorbs a large amount of heat as the CO₂ transitions from solid to gas. This energy absorption keeps your cargo cold without any moisture. Traditional gel packs and water based ice packs are limited to 0 °C to 4 درجة مئوية, but dry ice can maintain temperatures down to −78.5 °C. الأدوية, vaccines and biotech samples require sub zero environments to stay potent, which is why rapid freeze dry ice sheets are commonly used for these high value shipments.
Distinguishing Dry Ice Sheets from Standard Ice Packs
Dry ice sheets differ from standard ice packs in several ways:
نطاق درجة الحرارة: Rapid freeze dry ice reaches −78.5 °C, whereas traditional ice packs hover around 0 درجة مئوية.
مدة التبريد: Dry ice packs maintain low temperatures for up to 72 ساعات, while standard ice packs last roughly 6–12 hours.
بقايا: Dry ice leaves no water behind; standard ice melts into water and can damage packaging.
إعادة الاستخدام: Dry ice is single use because it sublimates completely; gel packs can be reused but can’t reach sub zero temperatures.
Rapid Freeze vs. Traditional Cooling Methods – At a Glance
| ميزة | Rapid Freeze Dry Ice Pack Sheet | حزمة الثلج التقليدية | Significance to You |
| نطاق درجة الحرارة | -78.5 درجة مئوية (-109.3 درجة فهرنهايت) | 0 °C to 4 درجة مئوية | Dry ice enables ultra cold shipments that gel packs can’t handle. |
| مدة التبريد | حتى 72 ساعات | 6-12 ساعة | Longer durations mean fewer refills and lower risk of temperature excursions. |
| بقايا | لا أحد (يتسامى إلى الغاز) | ماء | No moisture prevents package damage and contamination. |
| إعادة الاستخدام | Single use | قابلة لإعادة الاستخدام | Dry ice costs more per shipment but offers extreme cold. |
| أفضل حالات الاستخدام | الأدوية, عينات التكنولوجيا الحيوية, الأطعمة المجمدة | Chilled foods and beverages | Use dry ice for goods requiring strict temperature control. |
Rapid freeze dry ice packs clearly outperform traditional ice packs for shipments requiring deep cold. لكن, each has its place: gel packs or PCMs work for refrigerated goods and may be reused, while dry ice is essential for sub zero shipments.
How Do Rapid Freeze Dry Ice Pack Sheets Work?
The power of rapid freeze dry ice lies in التسامي—the direct transition from solid to gas. As CO₂ sublimates at −78.5 °C, فهو يمتص الحرارة من البيئة المحيطة به, cooling the products. This process is continuous: as long as dry ice remains, it keeps absorbing heat, providing stable ultra low temperatures. Because sublimation requires no liquid water, there is no meltwater to leak or damage goods.
To use a dry ice sheet effectively, you hydrate the super absorbent polymer cells (if it’s an SAP type) or freeze the CO₂ filled cells. The sheet becomes rigid and can wrap around cargo like a blanket. This flexibility improves edge coverage compared to pellets or blocks, reducing warm corners and hot spots. Unlike pellets that blow off CO₂ when poured, sheets stay in place and are easier to handle, making them safer and more consistent during packing.
Why Sublimation Is Key to Ultra Low Temperatures
Heat absorption: عندما يسامي الثلج الجاف, it absorbs about 571 kJ per kilogram of heat—many times more than water-based ice absorbs when it melts. This large energy absorption is why rapid freeze dry ice can hold temperatures below −70 °C for extended periods.
لا المياه الذائبة: Because it transitions directly to gas, there is no risk of water pooling in your shipment, which can damage packaging or product labels.
Uniform cooling: Sheets wrap around the entire payload, providing uniform cooling compared with blocks that only contact one side. Uniform cooling prevents thermal gradients that might degrade sensitive goods.
Rapid Freeze vs Gel Packs and PCMs
While dry ice excels at very low temperatures, مواد تغيير المرحلة (PCMS) and gel packs cover other ranges. PCMs can maintain narrow temperature bands from −25 °C to +25 °C and last 24–96 hours. Gel packs are best for chilled goods at 0 °C to 5 °C and last 8–24 hours. Gel packs melt into water, so they can leak or freeze sensitive goods. PCMs require pre conditioning (freezing or heating) but offer reusable, التحكم في درجة الحرارة الدقيقة.
نصائح الاستخدام: Maximizing Performance
To get the most out of rapid freeze dry ice sheets, اتبع أفضل الممارسات:
Pre Cool Containers and Product
Always pre cool the shipping container and payload before adding dry ice. This prevents the ice from wasting energy cooling down the container itself. على سبيل المثال, refrigerate your insulated box overnight or add gel packs briefly to bring it close to the shipping temperature.
Layering Method – The Dry Ice “Sandwich”
استخدم sandwich method to achieve even cooling: place a layer of dry ice at the bottom, load the product in the middle and add another layer of dry ice on top. This layout ensures the entire payload remains within the required temperature range. For thin sheets, you can wrap them around the sides as well. Avoid direct contact between dry ice and the product by using a divider or dunnage; direct contact can freeze or crack glass vials.
ضمان التهوية المناسبة
كما يتصاعد الثلج الجاف إلى غاز ثاني أكسيد الكربون, it can pressurise sealed containers. Always ensure that your packaging has vent holes or breathable material to allow CO₂ to escape. Never seal dry ice in an airtight container; pressure build up can cause an explosion. على سبيل المثال, plastic coolers should have vent plugs removed or holes drilled.
Wear Protective Gear and Plan for Safety
Dry ice reaches extremely cold temperatures that can cause frostbite. Always wear insulated gloves and safety goggles when handling dry ice. Keep dry ice out of reach of children and pets and do not ingest or use it in drinks. In case of accidental ingestion or over exposure, seek medical attention immediately and watch for signs like panting, headaches or blue lips.
Disposal and Room Ventilation
When finished with dry ice, unwrap it and leave it to sublimate in a well ventilated area away from animals or children. Never throw dry ice into garbage or down a sink or toilet, as the cold temperature can damage plumbing. If you can’t leave it outside, place it on a solid surface, open windows and ensure the room is ventilated while the ice evaporates. Sublimation can take several hours to days depending on conditions.
Regulatory Compliance and Safety Standards
Shipping with dry ice is regulated because CO₂ release can displace oxygen. Solid CO₂ is classified as a Class 9 hazardous material under UN 1845. Packages must display the proper shipping name, UN number and net weight on the same surface as the hazard label. Labels must be at least 100 mm square. If the package contains more than 30 كجم من الجليد الجاف, the letters on the label must be at least 12 mm high. Air bills must state “UN 1845, Dry Ice” and list the number of packages and net weight. Only trained staff should prepare shipments and follow carrier rules; carriers like FedEx cap dry ice at 200 kg per package and require ventilation.
Safety Best Practices: Hazard vs Control
The table below summarises the main hazards associated with dry ice and the control measures you should follow:
| خطر | وصف | Control Measures |
| Frostbite and skin burns | Dry ice can freeze skin on contact | Wear insulated gloves and avoid direct contact when handling dry ice |
| تراكم CO₂ & اختناق | Sublimation releases CO₂ gas that displaces oxygen, causing suffocation | Use dry ice in ventilated areas; do not seal dry ice in airtight containers |
| Pressure explosion | Trapped gas builds pressure in sealed containers | Ensure packaging has vent holes or breathable materials; never seal dry ice |
| Improper disposal | Disposing in garbage, drains or toilets can damage plumbing | Allow dry ice to sublimate outdoors or in a ventilated room; avoid sealed bins |
2025 Market Dynamics and Trends
Supply and Demand Mismatch
According to Sonoco ThermoSafe, dry ice consumption is growing at about 5 % per year, yet CO₂ supply is only growing by 0.5 % سنويا. This mismatch has led to periodic shortages and price volatility, with spot prices surging by up to 300 % during supply crunches. Despite these challenges, demand continues to rise: the global dry ice market was valued at USD 1.54 مليار في 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2.73 مليار من قبل 2032. Drivers include food shipping, biologics and vaccine distribution, and industrial applications like cleaning and welding.
Industry Responses and Alternatives
To navigate supply shortages, manufacturers are building local production hubs and exploring on site CO₂ capture and reuse. Shippers and distributors mix dry ice with مواد تغيير المرحلة (PCMS) or improve insulation to extend cooling duration and reduce dry ice use. Long term supply contracts give priority access to pharmaceutical and food shippers during tight periods.
The market is also exploring greener CO₂ sources. Many companies capture CO₂ from bioethanol production and other industrial processes, creating a more circular and lower carbon dry ice supply chain. This renewable approach reduces reliance on fossil derived CO₂ and aligns with sustainability goals.
Emergence of Smart Packaging and AI
في 2025, cold chain logistics is embracing technology. AI powered temperature management uses sensors to monitor temperature and humidity in real time, optimizing the amount of dry ice needed and predicting fluctuations. IoT integration enables smart packaging to track shipments and ensures that dry ice performs optimally throughout transit. These advancements improve reliability and reduce waste.
Sustainability Initiatives
Businesses are shifting towards sustainable dry ice production using captured CO₂ and biodegradable packaging materials. Reusable insulation and hybrid solutions reduce the amount of dry ice needed. Some shippers pair dry ice with high performance PCMs or mechanical refrigeration units to optimize environmental impact while maintaining compliance.
Sizing Your Rapid Freeze Dry Ice Pack Sheets
Getting the right amount of dry ice is essential for safe and cost effective shipping. Here’s how to size your sheets effectively:
Determine Route Duration and Ambient Conditions
Start by mapping your shipping lane and noting the typical ambient temperatures. For 24–36 hour routes, أ 0.5 inch thick sheet may suffice. ل 48 ساعات, go up to 1 بوصة; and for 72 ساعات, يختار 1.25 inch sheets. These guidelines help you maintain the desired temperature without overspending on dry ice.
Consider Box Size and Coverage
Line all four walls of your container with dry ice sheets for consistent cooling. Use top and bottom sheets to create a sandwich effect. When shipping extremely sensitive goods, wrap the cargo with additional side sheets for extra insulation. More layers often improve performance more than thicker sheets alone—you can wrap multiple plies to increase hold time.
Plan for Delays and Buffer Time
إضافة أ 20 % buffer to your hold time to account for courier delays, hot weather or unexpected detours. على سبيل المثال, if you plan for a 48 hour trip, size your dry ice for 58 hours to avoid temperature excursions. Keep records of payload weight, ambient temperature and sheet thickness to refine your future calculations.
Sample Size Table
| Route Duration | Sheet Thickness | Layers Used | Practical Implication |
| 24-36 ساعة | 0.5 بوصة | Four wall panels + top sheet | Suitable for short routes and moderate weather; minimises waste. |
| 48 ساعات | 1.0 بوصة | Four wall panels + top and bottom sheets | Ideal for longer routes or higher ambient temperatures; adds extra buffer. |
| 72 ساعات | 1.25 بوصة | Full wrap with multiple plies | Provides maximum insulation for extended shipments; more expensive but critical for biologics. |
Practical Scenarios: How Rapid Freeze Dry Ice Sheets Help You
سيناريو 1: Vaccines Shipped During Heat Waves
You’re shipping vaccines across a state in summer. Ambient temperatures reach 35 °C and shipments take 48 ساعات. You choose 1 inch thick dry ice sheets, wrap the vials in a secondary container and use the sandwich method. Pre cooling the box reduces the dry ice load. When tested, the vaccines arrive at −20 °C, well within the required range. Without dry ice, the vaccines would have reached above −10 °C, compromising potency.
سيناريو 2: Frozen Meal Kits for DTC Customers
A meal kit company sends frozen entrées to customers in rural areas. The shipments require 72 hours of cold protection. They use 1.25 inch sheets to line the insulated boxes and add a top layer. Customers report that entrées arrive fully frozen even after 3 أيام. By adopting dry ice sheets, the company reduces customer complaints and avoids refunds.
سيناريو 3: Biotech Samples in Clinical Trials
A biotech firm needs to ship cryogenic samples for a clinical trial. The samples must remain below −70 °C for 24 ساعات. استخدام 0.5 inch rapid freeze sheets and a high performance cooler, the company maintains required temperatures. Because the dry ice leaves no water residue, sample labels remain intact, preventing confusion in the lab.
Real world case: In a multi clinic trial, rapid freeze dry ice sheets helped maintain temperature stability for 72 ساعات, allowing researchers to transport patient samples from remote sites to a central lab. This improved data reliability and accelerated trial timelines.
الأسئلة المتداولة
What is the difference between rapid freeze dry ice sheets and pellets?
Dry ice sheets use super absorbent polymer or mesh pockets to hold CO₂, allowing them to wrap around cargo. Pellets are loose pieces that can blow off and are harder to place evenly. Sheets provide more uniform coverage and are easier to handle.
How long do rapid freeze dry ice sheets last?
It depends on the amount used and insulation quality. A small sheet may last 18–24 hours, but in well insulated packaging the duration can extend up to 72 ساعات.
Can I reuse rapid freeze dry ice sheets?
لا. Dry ice sublimates completely, so the refrigerant is gone after use. لكن, you can reuse the outer insulation and the shipping container. Reusable PCMs or gel packs are available for non frozen shipments.
Are rapid freeze dry ice sheets food safe?
نعم, as long as the materials used (على سبيل المثال, super absorbent polymer film) are certified for food contact. Always confirm with your supplier and follow hygiene practices when packing food.
جاف آمن للتعامل مع?
نعم, but only if you follow safety guidelines: ارتداء القفازات المعزولة, avoid confined spaces, وضمان التهوية المناسبة. For accidental ingestion or over exposure, seek medical attention.
2025 Trends and Innovations
Rapid Production & Localisation
In response to supply shortages, manufacturers are investing in local pelletizing and sheet production to reduce transportation losses and align supply with regional demand. On site CO₂ capture and reuse at food processing plants is emerging as a way to secure feedstock. These innovations reduce supply chain risk and shorten lead times.
منظمة العفو الدولية, IoT and Data Driven Optimization
As technology matures, AI algorithms predict temperature fluctuations and adjust dry ice quantities accordingly. Smart packaging with sensors sends real time data to logistics teams, enabling proactive decisions. على سبيل المثال, if a container warms up faster than expected, you can adjust the route or add cooling at intermediate hubs.
Sustainable Materials and Circular CO₂
Manufacturers are exploring bio based CO₂ from bioethanol fermentation to produce dry ice. This reduces reliance on fossil fuels and aligns with corporate sustainability goals. بالإضافة إلى ذلك, biodegradable films and reusable insulation help lower environmental impact. Hybrid systems combine dry ice with PCMs or active refrigeration to reduce overall consumption.
Consumer Expectations and Regulation
Consumers increasingly demand eco friendly packaging and traceability. Regulations require more rigorous documentation, training and labeling for hazardous materials. E commerce growth pushes carriers to optimise pack sizes and reduce dimensional weight charges. This combination of consumer pressure and regulatory oversight is accelerating adoption of smart packaging and sustainable practices.
Market Outlook
Despite supply challenges, the dry ice market is forecast to grow steadily through 2032, driven by continued demand from the food, pharmaceutical and industrial sectors. Innovations in production, AI and sustainability will help stabilise supply and reduce volatility. Hybrid solutions using dry ice alongside PCMs and improved insulation will become common, enabling greater flexibility across temperature ranges.
ملخص & التوصيات
Rapid freeze dry ice pack sheets provide a powerful solution for cold chain logistics, offering ultra low temperatures down to −78.5 °C and holding power for up to 72 ساعات. Their sublimation process absorbs heat without leaving residue, making them superior to traditional ice packs. These sheets are essential for transporting pharmaceuticals, biologics and frozen foods requiring strict temperature control.
To use them effectively:
Define your lane and temperature goals. Determine route duration, ambient conditions and product requirements.
Size your sheets correctly. Select thickness based on hold time, pre cool your container and use the sandwich method for uniform cooling.
Follow safety and compliance rules. ارتداء معدات الحماية, ventilate your packaging and label shipments according to UN 1845 المبادئ التوجيهية.
Embrace technological and sustainable practices. Implement AI powered monitoring, integrate IoT sensors and choose bio based CO₂ or biodegradable materials when available.
Plan for contingencies. Add buffer time, track temperature data and maintain backup cooling methods such as PCMs or gel packs.
By following these steps you can maintain product integrity, reduce waste and align with evolving industry standards. Rapid freeze dry ice packs may cost more per shipment, but their reliability and cold performance can save you money by avoiding spoilage and claims.
حول Tempk
Tempk specialises in innovative cold chain solutions, including rapid freeze dry ice pack sheets designed for reliability and sustainability. We help businesses in pharmaceuticals, biotech and food logistics improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Our expertise spans packaging design, supply management and training, ensuring that your cold chain meets regulatory requirements while delivering value to your customers.
دعوة إلى العمل: Map your shipping lanes, determine your cooling needs and contact Tempk for a custom consultation. Get a sample kit and start optimising your cold chain today.
