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. Im Gegensatz zu normalem Eis, dry ice is solid carbon dioxide that stays around −78.5 °C (−109,3 °F) und untermauert direkt zu Gas, so there’s no liquid mess. In a well insulated container the sublimation rate is around 5–10 pounds every 24 Std., 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. Am Ende, 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, medizinische Exemplare, 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: Tragen Sie isolierte Handschuhe, 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?
Direkte Antwort: The key difference lies in the material: Trockeneis ist gefrorener Kohlendioxid, whereas regular ice and gel packs are water based. Dry ice packs remain around −78.5 °C (−109,3 °F) and sublimate directly from solid to gas, leaving no water behind. 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. Jedoch, dry ice is classified as a hazardous material, requires ventilation and specialized handling, and can over cool products not meant to freeze.
Erweiterte Erklärung: 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, auf der anderen Seite, turns into a carbon dioxide gas, absorbing heat from its surroundings. 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: Menge, Behälterisolierung, ambient temperature and pellet size. A general rule is that dry ice sublimates at 5–10 pounds (2.3–4,5 kg) jeder 24 Std.. 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:
| Trockeneismenge | Approximate Duration | What It Means for You |
| 0.5 × Nutzlastgewicht | ≈ 24 Std. | Use half the weight of your goods in dry ice for overnight deliveries or one day shipping. |
| 1 × Nutzlastgewicht | ≈ 48 Std. | Equal weight of dry ice to goods maintains frozen temperatures for up to two days. |
| 1.5 × Nutzlastgewicht | ≈ 72 Std. | One and a half times the payload weight extends freezing for about three days. |
| 5–10 lbs per day | Depends on insulation and environment | For small shipments (≤ 12.5 lbs), plan 5–10 lbs of dry ice per 24 Std.; 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.
Practical Tips
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?
Direkte Antwort: You should choose long lasting dry ice packs when your shipment must stay frozen for more than 24 Std., or when moisture from melting ice would damage your products. Dry ice is best for frozen food, Meeresfrüchte, Eiscreme, pharmaceuticals and biological specimens that require temperatures far below 0 °C. Gel- oder Wasserpackungen, 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.
Erweiterte Erklärung: 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. In solchen Fällen, dry ice or hybrid systems (dry ice plus phase change gel packs) help maintain the required range without fluctuation. Jedoch, 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 Std.. Dry ice’s long hold time (bis zu 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.
Tatsächlicher Fall: 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.
How Much Dry Ice Do You Need for Your Shipment?
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 (einschließlich Verpackung). If the payload weighs 10 kg, use that number for the calculations.
Apply the weight ratio rule. Für Übernachtsendungen, allocate dry ice equal to half the payload weight; for two day shipments, use one times the payload weight; for three day shipments, verwenden 1.5 mal.
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 lbs, follow Mercury’s recommendation of 5–10 lbs of dry ice per day.
Quantity table
| Nutzlastgewicht (kg) | Shipment Duration | Trockeneis benötigt (kg) | Reason |
| 5 kg | 24 Std. | ≈ 2.5 kg | Half the payload weight provides enough cooling for overnight shipping. |
| 5 kg | 48 Std. | ≈ 5 kg | Equal weight maintains frozen conditions for two days. |
| 5 kg | 72 Std. | ≈ 7.5 kg | 1.5 × weight ensures three day freezing. |
| 12.5 lbs (≈ 5.7 kg) | per day | 5–10 lbs (2.3–4,5 kg) | Mercury recommends 5–10 lbs per day for shipments of this size. |
Tipp: Always include a buffer of extra dry ice (um 25 % mehr) 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
Wear protective gear: Dry ice can cause frostbite. Verwenden Sie isolierte Handschuhe, goggles and protective clothing when handling it.
Belüftung sicherstellen: 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 Nummer. 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, was zu Gefrierbrand führen kann. UPS experts recommend letting dry ice “do its job” without touching the goods.
Schichtung: 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.
Überwachen Sie die Temperatur: Attach temperature sensitive labels or IoT sensors to track internal temperature, especially for long distance shipments.
Fallstudie: 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 Std., meeting regulatory requirements.
Advantages of Reusable Dry Ice Packs and Hybrid Solutions
Wiederverwendbare Trockeneisbeutel 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, Reduzierung der Versandkosten.
Kosteneinsparungen: 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.
Nachhaltigkeit: 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.
Verlängerte Dauer: Dry ice slows its own sublimation when paired with gel packs; the gel packs absorb initial heat, letting the dry ice last longer.
Nachhaltigkeit: Using reusable gel packs along with dry ice reduces overall CO₂ consumption and hazardous materials paperwork.
Praxisbeispiel: 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 für 48 Std., 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. Solid Dry Ice: Which Should You Choose?
In 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 °C) und untermauert direkt zu 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 cycles with less than 10 % capacity loss. They remain flexible even when frozen and do not leak moisture.
Performance comparison
| Besonderheit | Flexible Gel Pack | Solid Dry Ice | What It Means for You |
| 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. |
| Kühldauer | Maintains sub zero for up to 48 Std. | Dry ice lasts longer but slowly dissipates; blocks hold longer than pellets | Gel packs give predictable duration; dry ice requires calculation and extra weight. |
| Wiederverwendbarkeit | 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. |
| Sicherheit | Ungiftig und einfach zu handhaben; no hazardous classification | Requires gloves and ventilation; classified as hazardous | Gel packs avoid regulatory paperwork and handling risks. |
| Umweltauswirkungen | 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 (Eiscreme, Fleisch, Impfungen) or when transit exceeds 48 Std.. 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
Die Kühlkettenbranche entwickelt sich rasant weiter, 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. Vakuumisolationsgremien (VIPs) reduzieren die Wärmeübertragung, 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 %. Infolge, 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 kg (5.5 lbs) 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, Wählen Sie Trockeneisbeutel.
If it must stay refrigerated (2–8 ° C) without freezing, Wählen Sie Gelpacks.
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 Std.: Gel packs are sufficient for chilled goods; dry ice may be overkill.
24–48 Stunden: Dry ice or a hybrid solution is appropriate; equal weight ratio ensures two day freezing.
≥ 72 Std.: Verwenden 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.
Flach einfrieren: 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.
Anwendungen in Branchen
Long lasting dry ice packs are used in many sectors beyond food delivery and pharmaceuticals.
Food and beverage shipping
Perishable foods—seafood, Molkerei, 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. Für Tiefkühlkost, combining gel and dry ice ensures both freezing and moisture management.
Gesundheitspflege, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology
Impfungen, 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.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
Q1: How long do long lasting dry ice packs last?
In einem gut isolierten Behälter, dry ice sublimates at about 5–10 lbs per 24 Std.. Using the weight ratio rule (half, equal or 1.5 times the payload weight) can provide 24, 48 oder 72 hours of freezing, jeweils. 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 ° C), use gel packs or hybrid packs that combine dry ice and gel to avoid freezing.
Q3: Are dry ice packs safe to use on airplanes?
Trockeneis wird als Gefahrstoff eingestuft. You must follow PHMSA and IATA regulations, including weight limits (oft 2.5 kg pro Paket) and proper labeling. Check with your carrier for specific requirements.
Q4: Kann ich Trockeneisbeutel wiederverwenden??
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.
Q5: 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 °C). 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.
Q6: Wie entsorge ich trockenes Eis sicher?
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.
Zusammenfassung und Empfehlungen
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.
Umsetzbare nächste Schritte
Assess your products: Determine whether they need to stay frozen or simply chilled. Wählen Sie Trockeneis, 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.
Trainiere dein Team: 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.
Indem Sie diese Schritte befolgen, 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:
Trockeneis vs. 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.
Über 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. Unser r&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.
Aufruf zum Handeln: 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.
