If you need to ship vaccines, seafood or research samples across the UK, اختيار الحق UK dry ice pack sheet can be the difference between frozen and spoiled. Dry ice sheets deliver ultra cold temperatures around –78.5 °C and keep goods frozen for 24 - 72 ساعات. They are classified as hazardous, so shippers must follow strict labelling and weight limits (200 كجم لكل حزمة). This guide explains what these sheets are, how to use them safely and the latest 2025 market trends.
What is a UK dry ice pack sheet and how does it differ from gel packs? — introduces the refrigerant’s ultra cold performance and why it matters.
How to choose and use UK dry ice pack sheets safely for air and ground shipments? — step by step packing, weight and labelling guidelines.
Which size and quantity of dry ice pack sheets are right for your payload? — practical sizing rules and a simple calculator.
ما هي 2025 innovations and market trends for dry ice pack sheets in the UK? — sustainability, smart monitoring, AI and more.
What is a UK dry ice pack sheet and how does it work?
إجابة مباشرة: A UK dry ice pack sheet is a flexible blanket filled with pockets of solid carbon dioxide that sublimates (يتغير مباشرة من الصلب إلى الغاز). As the CO₂ escapes it absorbs heat, maintaining temperatures down to –78.5 °C for 24 - 72 ساعات. Unlike gel packs that melt at 0 درجة مئوية, dry ice sheets leave no water and can be cut or wrapped around irregular items. They are classified as Class 9 hazardous materials (UN1845) and are single use because all CO₂ eventually escapes.
التفسير الموسع: Each dry ice sheet contains numerous sealed cells filled with carbon dioxide. When you freeze the sheet, the CO₂ solidifies; during transit it sublimates, drawing heat away from your payload. This process is similar to wrapping a chilly sandwich with multiple cold towels — heat is pulled away from all sides. Because the sheet is flexible, you can wrap it around bottles, vials or odd shaped food parcels for even cooling. حزم هلام, على النقيض من ذلك, melt at 0 °C and produce liquid water that can damage labels or electronic components. With dry ice sheets you avoid condensation, which is why they are ideal for ultra cold shipments like vaccines, biologics and frozen seafood. Each sheet is designed for single use since the CO₂ gas escapes through vent holes; after sublimation the sheet loses its cooling power.
Dry ice pack sheet vs gel packs and PCMs
Dry ice sheets are not your only refrigerant option. Gel packs and phase change materials (PCMS) serve different temperature ranges. The table below compares them.
| المبرد | نطاق درجة الحرارة & مدة | خطر & إعادة الاستخدام | ماذا يعني لك |
| ورقة حزمة الثلج الجاف | ~–78.5 °C; 24 - 72 ح حسب العزل | فصل 9 خطرة; استخدام واحد | Provides ultra cold conditions for vaccines, biologics and frozen seafood. Requires venting, correct labelling and cannot be reused. |
| Phase change material (بي سي إم) | 2 - 8 °C or –20 °C; 24 - 96 ح | Non hazardous; قابل لإعادة الاستخدام | Ideal for clinical samples and reagents that need narrow temperature bands. Requires conditioning and reusable containers. |
| حزمة هلام | 0 - 4 درجة مئوية; 6 - 24 ح | Non hazardous; قابل لإعادة الاستخدام | Good for chilled foods and beverages. Risk of meltwater and shorter duration compared with dry ice sheets. |
Tips and Suggestion
اللقاحات & البيولوجيا: Pre cool your insulated container and use the “sandwich method” — place a layer of dry ice sheets at the bottom, your products in the middle and another layer on top. This technique ensures uniform temperature and is easy to follow.
المأكولات البحرية المجمدة & الأطعمة الذواقة: Allocate 5 - 10 رطل (2.3 - 4.5 كجم) of dry ice per 24 hour period and ensure the box is vented. Label the package “Carbon dioxide, صلب (الجليد الجاف)” with the net weight, and do not exceed 200 كيلوغرام من الثلج الجاف لكل علبة.
Laboratory samples & الإلكترونيات: Use insulated gloves and eye protection when handling dry ice. Because electronics and reagents can be moisture sensitive, dry ice sheets are preferable to gel packs since they sublimate and leave no meltwater. Consider adding a temperature logger for real time monitoring.
القضية الفعلية: A seafood exporter shipping frozen fish from France to Germany used dry ice pack sheets. By pre cooling containers, layering sheets around the product and venting properly, the exporter maintained product quality and avoided thawing. The shipment arrived fully frozen and met both safety regulations and customer expectations.
How to choose & use UK dry ice pack sheets safely?
إجابة مباشرة: Choosing the right quantity of UK dry ice pack sheets involves balancing duration, insulation and product heat load. A general rule is 5 - 10 رطل (2.3 - 4.5 كجم) من الجليد الجاف لكل 24 ساعات العبور. Smaller packages may need 1 - 2 lb per day. Always vent your container to allow CO₂ gas to escape, use strong insulated packaging and label the shipment with the UN1845 code and net weight. Never seal dry ice in an airtight box.
التفسير الموسع: When planning a shipment, consider the ambient temperature, insulation quality and the product’s heat capacity. Dry ice cools by sublimating; trapping the gas leads to dangerous pressure build up. Use rigid polystyrene or plastic containers and leave vents open. For air freight, تعليمات التعبئة IATA 954 limits dry ice to 200 كجم لكل حزمة. The package must be marked with “Carbon dioxide, solid” or “Dry Ice”, the UN number (UN1845), the net weight and the addresses of the shipper and consignee. FedEx and other carriers specify that the class 9 hazard label must be at least 100 مم × 100 مم. For shipments that include dangerous goods, a Shipper’s Declaration is required; when transporting only non hazardous goods chilled by dry ice, a note on the air waybill suffices. Always wear insulated gloves and store dry ice in a well ventilated area to avoid CO₂ buildup and frostbite risks.
UK regulations & compliance for 2025
Dry ice is classified as a Class 9 hazardous material under UN 1845. The table below summarises the key requirements for UK and international shipping:
| متطلبات | تفاصيل | معنى بالنسبة لك |
| التسمية UN1845 | Packages must display “Carbon dioxide, صلب (الجليد الجاف)” and the UN number; state the net weight of dry ice and attach a Class 9 رمز الخطر. | Ensures carriers recognise the package as hazardous; incorrect or missing labels can result in delays or fines. |
| تغليف التهوية | Containers must allow CO₂ gas to escape; packages should not be sealed airtight. | Prevents pressure build up and potential explosions. Never place dry ice inside sealed plastic bags or unvented coolers. |
| Weight limit (200 كجم) | IATA and FedEx restrict dry ice to 200 كجم لكل حزمة. | Stay within limits or split shipments into multiple packages to comply with air and road transport rules. |
| التوثيق | Non dangerous goods chilled with dry ice do not require a Shipper’s Declaration but must include a note on the air waybill. When transporting dangerous goods with dry ice, a full declaration is required. | Accurate paperwork speeds up customs clearance and ensures insurance coverage. |
| Handling training | Personnel preparing dry ice shipments must be trained in hazardous materials regulations. | Ensures compliance and reduces accidents. |
Tips and Suggestion
Pack in layers: Use the sandwich method and pre cool containers to extend the cooling duration. Cut sheets to fit snugly around your product for uniform coverage.
Weigh and document: Weigh your dry ice carefully to avoid exceeding the 200 kg limit and record the net weight on the package and paperwork.
Vent and label: Drill holes or keep vents open so CO₂ can escape. Attach the UN1845 label and Class 9 hazard symbol to two sides of the box; mark shipper and recipient addresses clearly.
دراسة حالة: A pharmaceutical firm in Italy improved audit scores and reduced delays by strictly following Packing Instruction 954. They vented containers, labelled packages correctly and kept dry ice weights within airline limits. Compliance not only satisfied regulators but also reduced claims due to temperature excursions.
Selecting the right UK dry ice pack sheet size & كمية
إجابة مباشرة: The number and size of UK dry ice pack sheets you need depends on your shipment’s weight, the insulation quality and transit duration. As a starting point, تخصيص 5 - 10 رطل (2.3 - 4.5 كجم) of dry ice per 24 hour period. For small parcels or overnight shipments, 1 - 2 lb may suffice. Always adjust for high ambient temperatures or poor insulation by adding more sheets. Remember that each sheet is single use and must be replaced once the CO₂ has sublimated.
التفسير الموسع: To estimate your dry ice requirements, consider three variables: the heat load of your product (how much heat it generates or retains), the effectiveness of your insulation and the expected transit time. على سبيل المثال, أ 5 kg box of frozen steaks with high thermal mass will need more dry ice than a 2 kg box of vaccines. If your shipment will travel through warm environments or experience delays, err on the side of extra dry ice within the 200 kg limit. Always place sheets above the payload because CO₂ gas sinks, so cooling from the top is more efficient. Use multiple layers for shipments lasting more than 48 ساعات. Temperature loggers can provide real time data and help you fine tune future shipments.
Sizing guide: duration vs dry ice weight
| مدة الشحن | Recommended dry ice weight | Example use case |
| 24 ح | 2.5 - 4.5 كجم (5 - 10 رطل) | Overnight delivery of vaccines or express food shipments. Pre cool the container and use two sheets (أعلى وأسفل). |
| 48 ح | 5 - 9 كجم (11 - 20 رطل) | Cross border shipments of seafood or high value biologics. Use three layers of sheets and high performance insulation. |
| 72 ح | 7.5 - 13.5 كجم (17 - 30 رطل) | Extended shipments or remote deliveries. Combine dry ice sheets with PCM for redundancy and monitor temperature continuously. |
Tips and Suggestion
Balance duration and weight: كلما زاد وقت العبور, the more dry ice you need. Use the table above as a guideline and adjust based on your specific conditions.
Cut to fit: Dry ice pack sheets are flexible; cut them along cell lines to wrap around irregular items or fill empty spaces to avoid warm pockets.
مراقبة درجة الحرارة: Use IoT sensors or data loggers to track temperature. If you notice a trend toward the upper limit of your product’s allowable range, add extra sheets or shorten transit time.
مثال العالم الحقيقي: A biotech company delivering gene therapy components across Europe used dry ice sheets combined with a portable cryogenic shipper. The new Cryoport HV3 unit launched in January 2025 can maintain temperatures below –150 °C. By pairing the shipper with properly sized dry ice sheets, the company ensured sample integrity and met regulatory requirements.
2025 latest UK dry ice pack sheet developments & الاتجاهات
نظرة عامة على الاتجاه: The dry ice market is growing rapidly. In Europe the market was valued at about USD 89.39 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 134.10 million by 2032, a compound annual growth rate of roughly 5.2 %. Demand is driven by frozen foods, vaccines and biologics, but supply constraints have caused CO₂ shortages, sending prices soaring up to 300 % during supply crunches. To reduce dependence on fossil based CO₂, companies are investing in bio based capture and on site dry ice generators. The UK follows these trends closely, with local producers like Ensus supplying CO₂ for dry ice manufacturing.
آخر تقدم في لمحة
المراقبة الذكية: Internet of Things sensors integrated into containers provide real time temperature data and evidence for insurers. Hybrid containers can run for over 270 hours while maintaining temperature.
التوثيق الرقمي: Electronic air waybills (eAWB) streamline compliance by recording dry ice weight, UN labels and flight details.
مواد مستدامة: Recyclable insulation like Climaliner provides 72 hours of thermal protection and meets EU recycling rules. Suppliers are developing biodegradable dry ice packaging and reusable shippers to align with the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
AI route optimisation: Delivery companies employ artificial intelligence to adapt packaging configurations based on weather and route data, reducing temperature excursions and packaging waste.
Portable generators: On site dry ice generation reduces reliance on external CO₂ supplies, ensuring availability even during shortages.
Market insights
The UK dry ice pack sheet market reflects broader European trends. The food & beverage sector leverages dry ice for cold treatment of wine, beer and gourmet foods. Healthcare and life sciences are expanding rapidly: nearly half of new medicines require cold chain logistics and advanced therapies need cryogenic conditions. The industrial sector, which accounts for about 57 % of dry ice demand, uses dry ice for equipment cleaning, meat processing and welding. Sustainability is also shaping the market; the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation mandates all packaging to be recyclable or reusable by 2030. British shippers therefore seek recyclable liners and biodegradable dry ice sheets to meet these targets. Demand is strong, but CO₂ supply constraints mean shippers must plan ahead and consider hybrid solutions combining dry ice with PCMs to extend duration.
الأسئلة المتداولة
سؤال 1: How long does a UK dry ice pack sheet last?
Dry ice pack sheets typically maintain ultra cold temperatures for about 24 hours per sheet. With multiple layers and quality insulation, you can extend cooling to 72 ساعات. Always monitor temperature and add extra sheets if transit lasts longer.
سؤال 2: Are UK dry ice pack sheets reusable?
لا. Dry ice sublimates completely, so the sheets are single use. For reusable alternatives, choose phase change materials or gel packs that can be reconditioned and reused.
سؤال 3: How do I calculate the amount of dry ice needed for my shipment?
A common rule is to allocate 5 - 10 رطل (2.3 - 4.5 كجم) من الجليد الجاف لكل 24 hours of travel. Adjust this based on your product’s heat load, insulation quality and ambient conditions.
سؤال 4: What makes dry ice pack sheets different from pellets or blocks?
Dry ice pack sheets are flexible blankets containing small pockets of CO₂; they wrap around products, provide even cooling and minimize empty space. Pellets and blocks deliver similar temperatures but are less adaptable and are better suited for industrial cleaning or bulk cooling.
ملخص
الوجبات الرئيسية: UK dry ice pack sheets keep goods at –78.5 °C for up to 72 hours and are ideal for vaccines, biologics and frozen foods. They require vented packaging, proper UN1845 labelling and weight limits not exceeding 200 كجم لكل حزمة. يختار 5 - 10 lb of dry ice per day of transit and tailor the amount to your shipment’s size and insulation. Sustainable materials and smart monitoring are transforming the market.
Action suggestions: Pre cool your container, use the sandwich method and cut sheets to fit snugly. Weigh and document your dry ice; stay within airline weight limits and attach the correct hazard labels. لرحلات أطول, combine dry ice sheets with PCMs and use temperature sensors. Explore recyclable insulation and portable dry ice generators to meet 2030 sustainability targets. If you’re unsure how to size your shipment, use a dry ice calculator or consult a cold chain specialist. Ready to ship? Reach out to the Tempk team for a tailored solution.
حول Tempk
We are a specialist manufacturer of cold chain packaging. لدينا ص&D centre designs UK dry ice pack sheets and insulated boxes that are both high performance and eco friendly. We test products against challenging ISTA 7D profiles, ensuring they keep payloads between –20 °C and –80 °C for 96 - 120 ساعات. Our GreenTherm range is 100 % recyclable and provides up to 96 hours below –20 °C. With robust vacuum insulated panels, ORCA Multi Use and Single Use shippers save you time and reduce your carbon footprint. We also offer PharmaTherm containers for larger shipments, maintaining temperature integrity up to 120 ساعات. Our mission is to help you deliver critical goods safely while meeting evolving regulations and sustainability goals.
Action call: For personalised advice or to order UK dry ice pack sheets, اتصل بنا اليوم. Our experts will help you select the right packaging, calculate dry ice requirements and ensure compliance with IATA and UK regulations.
