Keeping high value products frozen across Europe’s cold chain means juggling temperature control, regulatory compliance and sustainability. Europe dry ice packs provide ultra low temperatures without messy meltwater while complying with air and road transport rules. Europe’s food cold chain logistics market is expected to grow from about USD 74.70 Milliarden in 2025 to USD 114.78 Milliarden von 2030, and the Europe dry ice market is projected to reach roughly USD 134.10 Millionen von 2032. Understanding how these packs work, how to pack them correctly and what 2025 regulations require will help you deliver frozen goods safely and sustainably.
Compare Europe dry ice packs with gel packs and phase change materials to decide which refrigerant suits your shipment.
Folgen Iata Und ADR rules for labelling, venting and weight limits.
Use easy formulas to calculate the right amount of dry ice and pack shipments step by step.
Navigate the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (Pp) coming into force in 2025–2026.
Understand market trends, sustainability innovations and supply challenges shaping Europe’s cold chain.
Why choose Europe dry ice packs for cold chain shipping?
Schnelle Antwort: Europe dry ice packs offer reliable ultra cold performance and convenience while meeting ADR and IATA requirements. They maintain temperatures from −60 °C to −40 °C for 36–72 hours and leave no water residue, Daher sind sie ideal für Impfstoffe, Biologika, Meeresfrüchte und Gourmet-Desserts. Unlike loose dry ice pellets, these pre sealed packs minimise CO₂ vapour release, reduce frostbite risk and stack neatly in insulated boxes. This combination of performance and compliance explains their growing popularity in cross border shipments across Europe’s diverse climates.
How do dry ice packs work and what makes them different?
Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide that sublimates directly from a solid to a gas at −78.5 °C. In a dry ice pack, CO₂ is encased in a leak proof composite film with a super absorbent polymer matrix. As the CO₂ sublimates, Es nimmt Wärme aus der Umgebung auf, maintaining sub freezing temperatures for 24–72 hours, Abhängig von der Größe und Isolierung der Packung. Weil es kein Schmelzwasser gibt, Das Risiko einer Beschädigung der Verpackung oder der Produktetiketten ist geringer. The flexible design means packs remain pliable after freezing, allowing them to wrap around irregular items and fit tightly into insulated boxes. Lightweight construction reduces shipping weight and cost.
Comparison with gel packs and phase change materials
| Kühlmethode | Typischer Temperaturbereich & Dauer | HazMat status & Wiederverwendbarkeit | Was bedeutet dies für Sie |
| Trockeneisbeutel | −60 °C to −40 °C; 36–72 h | Gefährlich (Und 1845) es sei denn, es ist vollständig umhüllt; einzelne Verwendung | Provides ultra cold conditions for urgent shipments (Impfungen, Biologika, gefrorene Meeresfrüchte); requires venting and labelling but delivers superior cold stability |
| Gelpackung | 0 °C to −10 °C; 12–48 h | Ungefährlich; wiederverwendbar | Ideal for chilled foods, beverages and meal kits; risk of meltwater and limited duration |
| Phase change material (PCM) | +2 °C to −20 °C depending on formulation; 24–96 h | Ungefährlich; wiederverwendbar | Suitable for vaccines, biologics and high value drugs; higher upfront cost but supports specific temperature ranges |
Practical tips and benefits for you
Sub zero performance: Dry ice packs maintain ultra cold temperatures (−60 °C to −40 °C) so your vaccines and research samples stay frozen.
Leak proof film: The composite film prevents CO₂ crystals from escaping while allowing gas venting, reducing frostbite risk and avoiding dangerous pressure build up.
Flexible design: Packs remain pliable after freezing, making them easy to wrap around irregular products and maximise space.
Leichte Struktur: Thin layers and polymer matrices keep packs lightweight, lowering shipping costs and improving handling.
Non hazardous alternatives: Einige Packungen schließen CO₂-Schnee in versiegelten Zellen ein, Sie werden als ungefährlich eingestuft. This can bypass certain ADR/IATA rules and avoid hazmat surcharges.
Wirklicher Fall: A Los Angeles dessert company switched from loose dry ice to dry ice replacement pack sheets for shipments to Europe. By layering flexible packs in insulated boxes, they extended transit time from 36 Zu 60 hours and reduced CO₂ use by 20 %, avoiding hazmat fees and improving customer satisfaction.
How to pack and ship with Europe dry ice packs correctly?
Schnelle Antwort: Follow the IATA PI 954 weight limit of 200 kg pro Paket and use formulas to size your coolant. Vent packages to release CO₂ gas, label them with the UN 1845 code and net weight, and document the shipment. Pre cool products, use proper insulation and monitor temperatures to maintain cold chain integrity.
Step by step packing instructions
Pre freeze your product: Chill or freeze goods to at least −20 °C for ≥24 hours before packing. This reduces the initial cooling load.
Put on PPE: Kryohandschuhe tragen, goggles and an apron to avoid frostbite.
Calculate the required dry ice: Use the rule of thumb formula: Trockeneis (kg) = [Produktmasse (kg) × 1.1 × transit days] × 1.15 (Sicherheitspuffer). Zum Beispiel, Versand 5 kg of steak for 48 h requires ≈12.7 kg of dry ice.
Prepare the container: Select a double wall carton or insulated box; hinzufügen 30 mm EPS or foam liner. Drill small ventilation holes (≈6 mm) Co₂ Gas entkommen zu lassen.
Place the packs: Top load dry ice packs on all six sides (über, below and around the product). Use the “sandwich method”: one layer at the bottom, products in the middle, another layer on top.
Siegel und Etikett: Tape flaps but keep vents open; mark the package “UN 1845, Kohlendioxid, Solide, net __ kg” and attach a Class 9 Hazard -Etikett.
Dokumentation: Tick “Dry Ice” on the airway bill (no dangerous goods declaration required for non hazardous contents) and ensure the net weight is recorded.
Choosing the right amount of dry ice
The quantity of dry ice depends on the product’s mass, transit duration and insulation quality. The article on dry ice packaging suggests a quick calculator: multiply the product mass by 1.1, multiply by transit days, then multiply by 1.15 for a safety buffer. Another guideline for sheet packs is to use one 24 cell sheet for about 12 hours of cooling per 100 L Behältervolumen. Für kleinere Sendungen, roughly 5–10 lb (2.3–4,5 kg) of dry ice is needed per 24 Std..
Tips and mistakes to avoid
Pre cool containers and payloads: Refrigerate the insulated box and products before packing to maximise hold time.
Belüftung sicherstellen: Trockeneis niemals in luftdichten Behältern verschließen; small vent holes are essential.
Wear protective gear: Trockeneis kann schwere Erfrierungen verursachen; always use insulated gloves and eye protection.
Dispose safely: Let unused dry ice sublimate outdoors in a well ventilated area; do not pour it down drains or discard it in sealed bins.
Check carrier and country requirements: Some airlines impose stricter weight limits or require special approval. Always verify with carriers and national authorities.
Praxisbeispiel: A seafood exporter from France shipped frozen fish to Germany using dry ice pack sheets. By pre cooling containers, layering sheets and venting properly, they maintained product quality and avoided thawing.
Understanding Europe’s 2025 regulations for dry ice shipping
Schnelle Antwort: Europe’s regulatory landscape requires vented, labelled and recyclable packaging. Trockeneis wird als Klasse eingestuft 9 Gefahrgut (Und 1845) under ADR and IATA rules. Airlines limit dry ice to 200 kg per package and require packages to be vented, labelled with the UN number and net weight. The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (Pp) in Kraft getreten am 11 Februar 2025; its general application begins in August 2026. The PPWR aims to make all packaging recyclable by 2030, reduce virgin materials and increase recycled content.
Core ADR/IATA rules
Entlüftungsverpackung: Packages must allow CO₂ gas to escape; airtight containers are prohibited.
Gewichtsbeschränkungen: Lufttransporte dürfen diese Grenze nicht überschreiten 200 kg of dry ice per package and may be subject to lower limits on some airlines.
Marking and labelling: Packages must be marked “Carbon Dioxide, fest“ oder „Trockeneis“.,” display the UN 1845 number and show the net weight of dry ice. Eine Klasse 9 hazard label is required.
Dokumentation: Shippers must note dry ice on the airway bill and, bei Bedarf, provide a Dangerous Goods Declaration. Carriers like UPS may require an International Special Commodity (ISC) Vereinbarung.
Airline acceptance: The IATA 66th DGR Addendum notes that airlines limit dry ice carriage based on aircraft type; net weight must be provided during booking to ensure limits are not exceeded.
Gute Vertriebspraxis der EU (BIP) für Arzneimittel
Für pharmazeutische Sendungen, the EU GDP guidelines require temperature mapping and validation of storage and transport equipment, validated containers for specific temperature ranges (2–8 °C oder 15–25 °C) and quality management systems with supplier qualification and training. Data loggers must be calibrated and real time monitoring employed. Documentation of packaging validation, shipping routes and temperature data must be retained for inspection.
Verpackungs- und Verpackungsabfallverordnung (Pp)
The PPWR (EU 2025/40) replaces the Packaging Directive and introduces harmonised rules for all packaging placed on the EU market. It entered into force on 11 Februar 2025 and will apply after an 18 month transition period (general application from 12 August 2026). Zu den wichtigsten Bestimmungen gehören::
Design & volume efficiency: E commerce parcels must minimise empty space; empty space may not exceed 40 %.
Digital labelling: Aus 2027, packaging must carry digital identifiers (Z.B., QR -Codes) linking to environmental information.
Mandatory recycled content: Aus 2030, minimum recycled content thresholds will apply to various plastic packaging types.
Reusable shipping option: Aus 2030, online sellers must offer a reusable shipping option at checkout.
Extended scope: Non EU companies shipping directly to EU consumers must appoint an authorised representative in the EU.
The European Commission notes that packaging waste accounted for about 40 % of plastics used in the EU and 186.5 kg of waste per person in 2022. The PPWR aims to make all packaging recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030, increase recycled plastics and reduce virgin materials. It also sets recycling targets: von 2025, 50 % von Kunststoffverpackungen und 70 % von Metallen und Glas müssen recycelt werden; von 2030, mindestens 70 % aller Verpackungsabfälle müssen recycelt werden.
Selecting the right Europe dry ice pack: Faktoren und Formeln
Schnelle Antwort: Match your product’s temperature needs, transit duration and hazard classification with the appropriate pack type. Use formulas to estimate required cooling and consider sustainability and regulatory classification.
Key factors to consider
Temperature requirements: Ultrakalte Arzneimittel (mRNA-Impfstoffe oder Zelltherapien) need temperatures below −60 °C, while frozen foods typically require −20 °C to −40 °C. Dry ice packs deliver the latter range; deeper cold may require cryogenic gel packs or extra dry ice.
Duration and volume: Für lange Reisen (>48 H), estimate one 24 cell dry ice sheet per 12 Stunden Abkühlung für jeden 100 L Behältervolumen. For shorter trips or small parcels, Gelpackungen können ausreichen.
Gefahreneinstufung: Packs that encase CO₂ crystals inside sealed cells can be classified as non hazardous. Non hazardous packs simplify compliance but confirm classification with your supplier.
Wiederverwendbarkeit & Nachhaltigkeit: Wiederverwendbare PCM-Platten oder Gel-Packs sind mit höheren Vorabkosten verbunden, können aber mehrfach verwendet werden, Abfall reduzieren. Dry ice packs are single use but can be recycled through appropriate programmes.
Sustainability materials: Choose recyclable outer cartons, biodegradable insulation and suppliers offering curbside recyclable liners to align with PPWR goals.
Tisch: Factors influencing dry ice pack selection
| Faktor | Überlegungen | Practical advice |
| Temperaturbereich | Ultra cold (< −60 °C) vs. gefroren (−20 °C to −40 °C) | Use dry ice packs for frozen goods; combine dry ice with gel or PCM for ultra cold pharmaceuticals |
| Transit duration | <24 H, 24–48 h, >48 H | One 24 cell sheet per 12 h per 100 L of volume; add extra sheets for delays |
| Gefahreneinstufung | Hazardous vs. ungefährlich | Non hazardous packs reduce documentation; verify classification with the supplier |
| Wiederverwendbarkeit | Single use vs. wiederverwendbar | PCM plates/gel packs offer reusability; weigh cost vs. Abfall |
| PPWR compliance | Recyclability, recycelter Inhalt | Choose recyclable materials and packaging that meet EU recycling targets |
Benutzerorientierte Empfehlungen
Verderbliche Lebensmittel: Für gefrorene Meeresfrüchte oder Fleisch, use dry ice packs with foam or vacuum insulation. Add at least one pack per day of transit; tape the lid loosely to allow ventilation.
Pharmazeutika und Biologika: Combine cryogenic gel packs or PCM plates with validated temperature loggers; use regulated containers and follow EU GDP guidelines.
E-Commerce und Essenssets: Für die Lieferung über Nacht können Gelpackungen ausreichen; für 2–3 Tage, Ziehen Sie Trockeneisbeutel in Betracht, aber stellen Sie sicher, dass Kunden die Handhabungsanweisungen verstehen.
Forschungsexemplare: For ultra cold samples (< −70 °C), use dry ice packs or small amounts of loose dry ice in vented containers and ensure compliance with IATA documentation.
Praxisbeispiel: A biotech firm shipping gene editing materials from Germany to Spain used a combination of dry ice packs and PCM plates with a data logger. The hybrid solution maintained −70 °C for 60 Std., complied with ADR/IATA rules and satisfied EU GDP requirements.
Market outlook and trends for Europe’s cold chain and dry ice industry
Schnelle Antwort: Europe’s cold chain is growing rapidly, driven by e commerce, pharmaceuticals and frozen foods, while sustainability and digital innovations shape the future.
Growth of Europe’s cold chain logistics
Europe’s food cold chain logistics market is estimated at USD 74.70 Milliarden in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 114.78 Milliarden von 2030 (CAGR ≈ 8.97 %). Frozen meat and poultry lead the product segments, and refrigerated transportation accounts for more than half of revenue. Deutschland bleibt der größte Markt; Poland and other Eastern European countries are experiencing rapid growth thanks to e commerce expansion and cross border trade.
Entwicklungen auf dem Trockeneismarkt
The Europe dry ice market was valued at USD 89.39 Millionen in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 5.2 % aus 2025 Zu 2032, reaching about USD 134.10 Millionen von 2032. Pellet form holds the largest share due to high density and food grade suitability. The industrial segment accounts for about 57 % of end use demand, während des Transports (pharmaceuticals and online food deliveries) expandiert rasant.
Global demand for dry ice is growing about 5 % jährlich, but CO₂ supply has increased only around 0.5 %. This mismatch creates periodic shortages, with spot prices surging up to 300 % bei Versorgungsengpässen. The global market is forecast to grow from USD 1.54 Milliarden in 2024 to USD 2.73 Milliarden von 2032 (CAGR ≈7.4 %). To address supply issues, companies are investing in local CO₂ capture plants, bio based sources and mixing dry ice with PCMs to stretch supply.
Key trends shaping 2025 und darüber hinaus
Nachhaltigkeit und Kreislaufwirtschaft: The PPWR requires all packaging placed on the EU market to be recyclable by 2030. Manufacturers are redesigning dry ice pack materials to reduce virgin plastics, Integrieren Sie recycelte Inhalte und erleichtern Sie die Wiederverwendung. Reusable PCM plates and gel packs help reduce waste.
Digitale Temperaturüberwachung: Calibrated data loggers and real time monitoring systems are essential for maintaining quality and regulatory resilience. IoT sensors transmit data to dashboards, So können Verlader bei Temperaturschwankungen eingreifen.
Automatisierung und intelligente Verpackung: Automatisierte Verpackungslinien, pre conditioned pack dispensers and RFID tagged containers streamline operations and improve traceability.
Self venting VIP lids and on site pelletisers: New designs such as self venting vacuum insulated panel lids can withstand three times the IATA pressure spec, while on site pelletisers help mitigate CO₂ shortages and reduce Scope 3 emissions.
AI driven coolant dosing: Machine learning algorithms predict sublimation rates within ±5 % and optimise dry ice usage. AI lane modelling can reduce coolant spend by 10–15 %.
Recycelbare gepolsterte Versandtaschen: New R6.1 recyclable padded mailers keep −15 °C for 48 hours and are curbside recyclable.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
Q1: Benötige ich eine Gefahrstoffdeklaration für Trockeneis??
A: Not when dry ice is used to cool non dangerous goods. You must label the package with the UN 1845 code and net weight, but no declaration is required.
Q2: How long does 5 lb of dry ice last?
A: In a 30 mm EPS container at 21 °C ambient temperature, 5 lb (~2.3 kg) of dry ice lasts approximately 30–36 hours. Always add a 20 % buffer for unexpected delays.
Q3: Kann ich zu PCM wechseln, um Gefahrgutgebühren zu vermeiden??
A: Ja. PCM bricks at −22 °C are effective for goods that can tolerate −15 °C. Always test lane performance before switching.
Q4: What are the weight limits for shipping dry ice by air?
A: Airlines restrict dry ice to 200 kg per package and may set lower limits. Provide the net weight during booking so the carrier can determine aircraft limits.
Q5: How should customers dispose of dry ice?
A: Let unused dry ice sublimate outdoors in a well ventilated area; never dispose of it in sinks or closed rooms.
Zusammenfassung und Empfehlungen
Europe’s cold chain is expanding rapidly, and dry ice packs offer the ultra cold performance needed to keep vaccines, biologics and frozen foods safe during transport. Key Takeaways:
Ultra cold performance & Bequemlichkeit: Dry ice packs maintain −60 °C to −40 °C temperatures for 36–72 hours without meltwater. Their leak proof, flexible design offers handling and space advantages.
Follow packing rules: Pre cool products, calculate the right amount of dry ice and vent the container. Label shipments with the UN 1845 code and net weight..
Comply with regulations: Respect the 200 kg per package weight limit, ADR/IATA labelling and documentation requirements. Prepare for new EU PPWR rules on recyclability and recycled content.
Plan for sustainability: Choose recyclable packaging materials, consider reusable PCM plates and monitor temperature digitally to reduce waste and meet ESG targets.
Bleib informiert: The Europe dry ice market is growing but faces supply constraints; invest in hybrid solutions (Trockeneis + PCM), AI dosing tools and local CO₂ sources to optimise performance and mitigate shortages.
Umsetzbare nächste Schritte
Assess your shipment profile: Determine your product’s temperature range, transit time and volume to select the appropriate dry ice pack or alternative.
Use the dry ice calculator: Apply the simple formula (product mass ×1.1 × transit days × 1.15) to estimate required dry ice.
Invest in training and documentation: Train staff on ADR/IATA rules, implement checklists and document net weight and labelling to pass audits.
Explore sustainable materials: Start testing recyclable liners and reusable PCM plates to meet PPWR requirements and reduce carbon footprint.
Leverage technology: Adopt data loggers and AI driven tools to monitor temperature and optimise coolant usage.
Contact Tempk for expertise: Work with a cold chain specialist to customise solutions, conduct validation tests and ensure regulatory compliance.
Über Tempk
Tempk (Shanghai Huizhou Industrial Co., Ltd.) is a high tech enterprise specialising in cold chain packaging and temperature control products. Gegründet in 2011 mit einem Grundkapital von 30 Million, the company operates seven factories and serves major pharmaceutical groups and fresh food e commerce companies. Tempk’s dry ice packs are reusable, provide precise temperature control and save space in logistics operations. Their portfolio includes gel ice packs, Trockeneisbeutel, freezer bricks, Isoliertaschen, EPP and VIP containers. With a focus on research and development, Tempk liefert umweltfreundlich, reusable and recyclable cold chain solutions.
Aufruf zum Handeln: For tailored Europe dry ice pack solutions or to request a sample, contact Tempk’s cold chain specialists. They can help you design compliant packaging, reduce costs and achieve sustainable performance.
