Keeping products frozen during transit is crucial for food, pharmaceuticals and high value samples. A Europe dry ice pack sheet combines ultra cold performance with flexible, recyclable design, making it indispensable for today’s cold chain. This guide explains how these sheets work, Warum sie wichtig sind, and how they align with EU regulations. You’ll learn about temperature control, safety requirements and 2025 trends so you can make confident decisions.
How does a Europe dry ice pack sheet maintain sub zero temperatures and what sets it apart from gel packs?
How to choose the right size and number of sheets for your shipment and comply with safety rules?
Which market trends and innovations are shaping Europe’s dry ice pack sheet industry in 2025?
Welche Sicherheit, regulatory and sustainability considerations should you know when using dry ice sheets?
What is a Europe Dry Ice Pack Sheet and How Does It Work?
A Europe dry ice pack sheet is a flexible blanket containing pockets of solid carbon dioxide that sublimate directly from solid to gas, absorbing heat and keeping your cargo cold down to −78.5 °C. Unlike gel packs that melt at 0 °C, dry ice sheets deliver ultra cold temperatures for up to 72 hours and leave no meltwater. This makes them ideal for transporting vaccines, biologics and frozen foods across the continent. The enthalpy of sublimation for dry ice (~571 kJ/kg) means each sheet absorbs substantial energy as it turns to gas. Because carbon dioxide gas disperses, properly vented containers prevent dangerous pressure build up.
Erweiterte Erklärung: when you freeze a dry ice pack sheet, the CO₂ inside solidifies. During transit, it sublimates—turning directly into gas—absorbing heat from the surrounding products. Gelpackungen, dagegen, simply melt from solid water to liquid at around 0 °C, creating water that can damage labels or packaging. Because a dry ice sheet contains multiple small pockets, you can cut or shape it to fit around irregular items, ensuring even cooling. This flexibility allows shippers in Europe to wrap vaccines, seafood and specialty desserts with uniform coverage and minimal warm spots. The absence of meltwater is particularly valuable for electronics and pharmaceuticals that must remain dry. Each sheet is designed for single use because all CO₂ escapes as gas.
Dry Ice Sheets vs. Gelpackungen und Phasenwechselmaterialien
When comparing refrigerants, dry ice sheets maintain sub zero temperatures of approximately −78.5 °C für 24 Zu 72 hours depending on sheet size and insulation, während gel packs hover around 0 °C and last 6–12 hours. Phasenwechselmaterialien (PCMs) offer narrower temperature ranges such as 2–8 °C or –20 °C and can last up to 96 Std.. Dry ice sheets are classified as Class 9 hazardous materials (UN1845) and require proper labeling, whereas PCMs and gel packs are generally non hazardous and reusable. Use the table below to decide which refrigerant fits your needs:
| Kältemittel | Temperaturbereich & Dauer | Hazard & Wiederverwendbarkeit | Was bedeutet dies für Sie |
| Dry ice pack sheet | ~−78.5 °C; 24–72 h depending on insulation | Klasse 9 hazardous; einzelne Verwendung | Ideal for vaccines, Biologika, gene therapies and frozen seafood. You must vent and label shipments but enjoy ultra cold performance. |
| Phase change material (PCM) | 2–8 °C or –20 °C; 24–96 h | Non hazardous; wiederverwendbar | Perfect for temperature sensitive goods requiring a narrow band (clinical samples, reagents). Conditioning and reusable containers are required. |
| Gel pack | 0–4 °C; 6–24 h | Non hazardous; wiederverwendbar | Best for chilled foods, beverages and other goods that only need refrigeration. Risk of meltwater and limited duration. |
Practical Tips and Usage Advice
Pre cool your container and payload: refrigerating your insulated box and products before loading them helps the dry ice sheet maintain cold longer.
Use the sandwich method: place a layer of dry ice sheets at the bottom, your items in the middle, and another layer on top. This simple technique keeps temperatures uniform.
Stellen Sie eine ordnungsgemäße Belüftung sicher: dry ice sublimates into CO₂ gas. Vent containers or leave vent plugs open to prevent pressure build up. Never seal dry ice in an airtight box.
Wear protective gear: handle dry ice with insulated gloves and eye protection to avoid frostbite.
Dispose safely: let unused dry ice sublimate in a well ventilated area. Never pour it down drains or discard in sealed bins.
Wirklicher Fall: A seafood exporter shipping frozen fish from France to Germany used dry ice pack sheets. By pre cooling insulated containers, layering sheets around the product and venting properly, the exporter maintained product quality and avoided thawing. The shipment arrived frozen and met both safety regulations and customer expectations.
How to Choose and Use Europe Dry Ice Pack Sheets Safely?
Selecting the right amount: a general rule is to use 5–10 lbs (2.3–4,5 kg) von Trockeneis pro 24 hours of shipment time. Smaller packages may need 1–2 lbs per day. Consider insulation quality, ambient temperature and the heat load of your product. You can cut sheets to fit snugly, wrapping them around bottles or boxes for even cooling. Dry ice sheets are single use; once the CO₂ has sublimated, you must replace them.
Compliance matters: in Europa, dry ice is classified as a Class 9 Gefahrgut (UN1845). The International Air Transport Association’s Packing Instruction 954 and the UN Dangerous Goods Regulations require proper venting, labeling and documentation. Airlines limit dry ice to 200 kg pro Paket, and shipments must include the UN1845 code, net weight and hazard symbol on one side of the package. Using a strong insulated container such as Styrofoam or plastic lined box helps it withstand extreme cold and allows CO₂ to escape.
Step by step packing:
Select an insulated container: choose a box that tolerates ultra cold temperatures. Styrofoam coolers and rigid plastic containers are common.
Vent the container: drill small holes or open vents so CO₂ gas can escape.
Place dry ice sheets correctly: position them above your products, because CO₂ gas sinks; layering sheets on top helps maintain temperature.
Siegel und Etikett: secure the container, ensure it remains vented and attach the UN1845 label, Klasse 9 hazard symbol and net weight information.
Verify weight: confirm your total dry ice weight does not exceed airline limits. Use checklists to document compliance.
Mistakes to avoid: failing to vent packages causes CO₂ build up and can rupture containers. Missing or incorrect labels result in delays or fines. Overloading packages beyond 200 kg triggers refusal of carriage. Using damaged insulation leads to temperature excursions. Always provide staff training on hazardous materials handling.
Safety and Regulatory Guidelines for Europe (2025)
| Erfordernis | Einzelheiten | Bedeutung für Sie |
| UN1845 label | Mark your package “Carbon dioxide, solide (Trockeneis)” with the net weight and Class 9 hazard symbol | Ensures regulators and carriers recognize your shipment contains dry ice, preventing delays and fines. |
| Entlüftungsverpackung | Containers must allow CO₂ gas to escape | Prevents pressure build up and explosions; Versiegeln Sie niemals Trockeneis in luftdichten Behältern. |
| Weight limit (200 kg) | Airlines restrict dry ice to 200 kg pro Paket | Stay within limits or use multiple packages to comply with air cargo rules. |
| Dokumentation | Shippers must specify the net weight and mark “Carbon dioxide, solid” on airway bills | Accurate paperwork supports audits, customs clearance and insurance claims. |
Beyond hazardous goods rules, the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (Pp) in Kraft getreten am 11 Februar 2025. It requires all packaging placed on the EU market to be recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030 and aims to increase recycled plastic content while reducing virgin materials. The PPWR also introduces restrictions on certain single use plastics and encourages take away businesses to accept reusable containers. Für kalte Kettenversender, this means choosing dry ice pack sheets and insulated boxes made of materials that can be recycled or reused. Look for suppliers offering curbside recyclable insulation and compostable liners.
Wirklicher Fall: A pharmaceutical firm in Italy improved audit scores and reduced shipping delays by following Packing Instruction 954. They vented containers, labelled packages correctly and limited dry ice to airline thresholds. Their compliance not only satisfied regulators but also reduced claims due to damaged goods.
Market Trends Shaping Europe Dry Ice Pack Sheets in 2025
Europe’s dry ice market is expanding as demand for biologics, vaccines and frozen foods surges. The market was valued at USD 89.39 Millionen in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 134.10 Millionen von 2032, growing at a compound annual rate of about 5.2 %. This growth is driven by increasing popularity of frozen foods, the beverage industry’s need for cold treatment of wine and beer, and the rise of advanced medicines requiring ultra cold transport. Cylindrical dry ice pellets dominate because they offer high density and food grade quality. The industrial segment accounts for about 57 % of end use demand, followed by transportation and healthcare. The combination of expanding e commerce, online grocery delivery and cross border shipping has increased the importance of reliable cold chain packaging.
Jedoch, the dry ice market also faces challenges. Demand for dry ice has been climbing roughly 5 % per year, but CO₂ supply has grown only about 0.5 %. This mismatch has led to periodic shortages, with spot prices surging by up to 300 % during supply crunches. Trotz dieses, the global market is forecast to grow from USD 1.54 billion in 2024 to USD 2.73 Milliarden von 2032, a CAGR of about 7.4 %. Companies are responding by building localized CO₂ capture plants, exploring bio based sources and mixing dry ice with phase change materials to stretch supply. In Europa, reliance on a few large CO₂ producers—such as the bioethanol plant Ensus in the UK—creates vulnerabilities. Geopolitical pressures and imports have threatened the viability of domestic CO₂ production, risking supply disruptions for food, beverage and industrial customers.
Latest Innovations at a Glance
Smart monitoring devices: IoT sensors integrated into containers stream real time temperature data, enabling proactive intervention during transport. Zum Beispiel, a hybrid container can run for 270 hours and provide insurers with evidence of temperature control.
Digital air waybills (Eld): e documentation simplifies compliance and reduces paperwork. Using digital systems ensures accuracy of dry ice weight and labeling.
Nachhaltige Materialien: Recyclable climaliner insulation launched in 2024 bietet 72 hours of thermal protection while meeting EU recycling requirements. Suppliers are also developing biodegradable dry ice packaging and reusable shippers to align with the PPWR.
AI powered route optimization: Delivery companies like HelloFresh use artificial intelligence to adapt packaging configurations to weather and route data, reducing temperature excursions and packaging waste. This technology could help you plan efficient European deliveries.
Portable dry ice generators: On site production reduces transportation emissions and ensures supply even during CO₂ shortages.
Market Insights and Sector Specific Drivers
Essen & Getränk: Europe has a large population of beverage consumers. Germany’s beer and France’s champagne industries store grapes and beverages in dry ice for cold treatment before fermentation. Frozen food consumption and online grocery deliveries continue to climb. Dry ice sheets offer a cost effective alternative to water based ice because they sublimate rather than melt.
Gesundheitspflege & Life Sciences: Nearly half of new pharmaceuticals require temperature control, and advanced therapies need cryogenic conditions well below –150 °C. Innovations like Cryoport’s HV3 cryogenic shipper, launched in January 2025, address this demand. As gene and cell therapies grow, demand for reliable ultra cold shipping solutions increases.
Transport & Industriell: The industrial segment dominates the Europe dry ice market with about 57 % share. Dry ice is widely used for cleaning equipment, preserving meat during processing and controlling temperature during welding. Shipping companies are optimizing insulation to reduce the amount of dry ice needed, creating hybrid solutions that combine dry ice with PCMs.
Nachhaltigkeit & Regulation: The PPWR requires packaging to be recyclable by 2030. Companies are investing in recyclable liners and biodegradable dry ice packaging. European shippers must balance ultra cold performance with environmental goals.
Case insight: A Dutch meal kit provider integrated AI driven weather data and recyclable insulation into its shipping operations. The company reduced packaging waste by 20 % and maintained temperature compliance during a heatwave—proof that innovation and sustainability can coexist.
2025 Latest Developments and Trends
The cold chain market is evolving rapidly. Mordor Intelligence forecasts the global cold chain packaging market to be worth USD 32.29 billion in 2025, growing to USD 48.93 Milliarden von 2030. Rising volumes of biologics, e commerce grocery expansion and global vaccine programs fuel this growth. Intelligente Sensoren, reusable packaging and bio based materials are key innovations. Consumers also demand more transparency; insurers encourage the use of smart indicators that record temperature excursions. In Europa, the PPWR’s timeline means manufacturers must redesign packaging for recyclability by August 2026. Expect more partnerships between packaging firms and recyclers and wider adoption of curbside recyclable shippers.
Latest Progress Overview
Portable cryogenic shippers: Products like Cryoport HV3 support gene therapy transport below –150 °C, reflecting the trend toward specialized ultra low temperature devices.
Bio based CO₂ capture: European companies explore capturing CO₂ from bioethanol plants and reuse it for dry ice production. This creates a circular supply chain and reduces dependency on fossil based CO₂ sources.
Wiederverwendbar, curbside recyclable liners: Climaliner and similar solutions provide 72 hour protection while meeting EU recycling requirements.
AI and digitalization: Real time monitoring, digital air waybills and AI route planning reduce waste and improve compliance.
Market Insight Snapshot
The market is shaped by several converging trends: biologics logistics, e commerce groceries and sustainability mandates. Über 50 % of new drugs now require cold chain handling, prompting investment in cryogenic shipping technologies. Online grocery sales in Europe grew at double digit rates in 2024, increasing demand for lightweight, high performance insulation. EU’s PPWR sets an ambitious goal for recycling and reduction of virgin plastics by 2030. Forward thinking companies adopt recyclable materials and digital tools to meet these expectations.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
Q1: How long does a Europe dry ice pack sheet last?
Dry ice pack sheets typically maintain ultra cold temperatures for 24 hours per sheet. When you use multiple layers and quality insulation, you can extend cooling up to 72 Std.. Combine sheets with proper packaging to maximize duration.
Q2: Are Europe dry ice pack sheets reusable?
NEIN. Dry ice sublimates completely, so the sheets are single use. If you need reusable solutions, choose phase change materials or gel packs which can be reconditioned and reused.
Q3: How do I calculate the amount of dry ice needed for my shipment?
A common rule is to allocate 5–10 lbs (2.3–4,5 kg) von Trockeneis pro 24 Stunden Reisen. Adjust this based on the size of your load, insulation quality and ambient conditions. Using too little may lead to temperature excursions; too much can breach weight limits.
Q4: What makes dry ice pack sheets different from loose pellets or blocks?
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. Pellets are ideal for industrial cleaning or bulk cooling, while sheets suit parcel shipments.
Q5: Do dry ice shipments need special paperwork when shipping within Europe?
Ja. You must include the net weight of dry ice and the description “Carbon dioxide, solid” on the airway bill, and affix the UN1845 hazard label and Class 9 Symbol. Some carriers may require a Dangerous Goods Declaration as well.
Zusammenfassung und Empfehlungen
Key Takeaways: Europe dry ice pack sheets deliver ultra cold temperatures around −78.5 °C and maintain cooling for 24–72 hours. They outperform gel packs and PCMs when deep freezing is needed but require compliance with Class 9 hazardous material rules. Europe’s dry ice market is growing at about 5.2 % annually and will reach roughly USD 134 Millionen von 2032, driven by the food and beverage industry, healthcare logistics and e commerce. Supply constraints and CO₂ shortages are prompting innovations like bio based CO₂ capture and hybrid cooling strategies. The EU’s PPWR mandates recyclable packaging by 2030, so choosing sustainable materials is essential.
Action guidance: assess your shipment’s temperature requirements first. If you need ultra cold conditions (unter –20 ° C.), dry ice pack sheets are the best choice. Calculate the weight of dry ice needed (5–10 lbs per day) and select an insulated, Entlüftungsbehälter. Ensure your packaging materials are recyclable to meet EU rules and attach the UN1845 label and necessary documentation. Explore smart monitoring devices and AI driven route planning to optimize temperature control and reduce waste. Endlich, partner with suppliers who offer sustainable materials and bio based CO₂ sources to future proof your cold chain.
Über Tempk
Tempk is a leading innovator in cold chain packaging. We design and manufacture reusable and recyclable insulated boxes, dry ice pack sheets and phase change materials. Our products are tested to meet the latest EU standards and hazardous goods regulations. We invest in R&D to reduce environmental impact and improve performance; Zum Beispiel, our new climaliner insulation provides 72 hours of protection while being curbside recyclable. We’re committed to helping you protect temperature sensitive goods, reduce waste and comply with emerging regulations.
Aufruf zum Handeln: Want to optimize your cold chain? Contact us for a tailored consultation and explore our range of sustainable dry ice pack sheets and packaging solutions.
