Shipping frozen goods or temperature sensitive vaccines over two days is tricky. 48 paquetes de hielo seco de la hora offer a way to keep products frozen without leaks or mess, but many businesses don’t know how they work or how much dry ice to use. This guide explains everything you need to know about 48 hour dry ice packs – from how they maintain extremely cold temperatures to how to choose the right size for your shipment – so your products arrive safely and your customers stay happy. According to a WestAir guide, dry ice can maintain frozen temperatures for 24–72 horas depending on packaging quality, amount used and environmental conditions, and using the right amount of dry ice is key to reaching the 48 hour mark.
entender por qué 48 hour dry ice packs keep food, biologics and other products frozen longer than regular ice or gel packs.
Estimate how much dry ice is needed for a 48 hour shipment and learn best practices for packing and insulation, using data from industry sources.
Compare dry ice packs with gel packs and other alternatives, including phase change materials (PCM) and reusable cold packs.
Keep your staff safe with handling guidelines and regulatory requirements.
Learn about 2025 market trends, sustainability challenges and innovations shaping the future of dry ice logistics.
What makes 48 hour dry ice packs different from ordinary ice packs?
The science of sublimation and extreme cold
Dry ice packs maintain temperatures as low as −78.5 °C (-109,3 °F) because they are made from solid carbon dioxide. A diferencia del hielo normal, dry ice does not melt; él Susilimaciones directly from solid to gas, No dejando agua líquida. This property keeps shipments clean and prevents moisture damage to products. WestAir notes that 10 kilos (22 lb) of dry ice can remain effective for 1–2 days in a typical styrofoam cooler, while doubling that amount to 20 kilos (44 lb) extends cooling to 3–5 days. En contraste, gel or water based ice packs melt around 0 °C and may leak.
Dry ice sublimation also absorbs a large amount of heat. Because the dry ice turns into gas at –78.5 °C, it can absorb significant energy without raising its temperature, making it ideal for keeping shipments frozen for extended periods. paquetes de gel o water packs are designed for chilled (2–8 ° C) shipments and are best used for 24–48 horas. They cannot maintain sub zero temperatures and may allow products to thaw if used alone for frozen shipments.
Why 48 hour dry ice packs matter for cold chain logistics
Two day shipping has become the norm in e commerce, meal kits and pharma. Traditional ice packs can handle overnight deliveries but fall short when transit extends past 24 horas. 48 hour dry ice packs bridge this gap by extending the frozen period beyond what gel or water packs can achieve. They are especially valuable when shipping frozen foods, biologics or laboratory samples over weekends or to remote areas where transit times are unpredictable.
Because dry ice sublimes rather than melts, there is no risk of soggy packaging or compromised product quality. bolsas de hielo, even “no sweat” versions, eventually release water as they thaw. That liquid can damage cardboard boxes, ruin labels or contaminate food. Dry ice prevents such moisture issues altogether, keeping the shipment and the surrounding packaging clean.
Mesa 1 – Comparing dry ice and gel packs
| Característica | Paquetes de hielo seco | Gel/water packs | Lo que significa para ti |
| Rango de temperatura | –78,5 ºC (-109,3 °F) sublimación; maintains frozen environment | 2–8 ° C (35–46 ° F) melting range; chilled environment | Dry ice is essential for keeping products frozen; gel packs only maintain cool temperatures. |
| Duración | 24–72 hours depending on packaging, dry ice quantity and environmental conditions | 24–48 hours for chilled shipments | Dry ice packs provide extended freezing beyond 24 horas; gel packs are suitable for shorter or refrigerated shipments. |
| Residuo | Sublimates directly to CO₂ gas; sin residuos líquidos | Melts to liquid water; risk of leaks and moisture | Dry ice prevents soggy packaging and label damage. |
| Regulación | Considered hazardous material beyond 5.5 lb; subject to IATA/49 CFR rules | Generally unregulated and safe | Dry ice shipments require proper labeling and venting; gel packs are easier to handle for non frozen goods. |
Practical tips for selecting dry ice packs
Choose the right format: Blocks or large slabs sublimate slowly and are ideal for 48 hour or longer shipments. Pellets provide rapid cooling but dissipate faster; they are best for short hauls or pre chilling.
Match weight to payload: A rule of thumb from Insulated Products Corporation suggests using about one and a half times the payload weight in dry ice to achieve 72 hour shipping and less for 24–48 hours. Por ejemplo, 5 lb of dry ice on top of a 10 lb product maintains freezing for 24–48 hours.
Use at least 8–10 lb of dry ice per 24–48 hours in standard insulated coolers. For shipments lasting 48 horas o más, considerar 10–20 lb.
Pre condition your container: Pre chill the cooler or insulated box before loading to reduce initial sublimation.
Limit void space: Fill empty spaces with insulating material to reduce warm air pockets and slow sublimation.
How do 48 hour dry ice packs work in cold chain logistics?
Understanding sublimation and thermal transfer
Cuando el hielo seco se sublima, it absorbs heat from the surroundings, keeping the adjacent items cold. The rate of sublimation depends on external temperature, container insulation, and the amount and form of dry ice. WestAir explains that standard shipping with well insulated coolers can keep dry ice effective for up to 24 horas. Properly packaged dry ice can last 36–72 hours. Larger industrial shipments using specialized containers can extend effectiveness to 5 días.
For a two day (48 hour) envío, the goal is to slow sublimation enough that the dry ice lasts the entire journey. Insulation quality is critical: thick walls, tight seals and pre conditioned materials dramatically reduce heat ingress. Colocación is equally important. Dry ice should be placed on top of the payload, allowing cold air to sink and envelope the contents. This arrangement maximizes contact with the payload and reduces the risk of warm spots.
Best practices for packing a 48 hour dry ice shipment
Calculate the dry ice weight: Use at least 8–10 lb de hielo seco por 24 horas. For a 48 hour shipment, most suppliers recommend 10–20 lb, depending on the weight and thermal mass of the contents. For heavy or sensitive items, follow the Insulated Products Corporation table: p.ej., a 15 lb payload requires around 15 libra de hielo seco (arriba) to maintain frozen temperatures for 48–72 hours.
Use high performance insulation: Select containers made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) o poliuretano (Puro). Nordic Cold Chain Solutions notes that their EPS and PUR shipping coolers provide high insulation for 24–48 hour parcel durations. Use thick walls (al menos 1 inch) and ensure a tight lid closure.
Wrap products and add cushioning: Fulfyld recommends wrapping meat or other items in multiple layers of plastic or foil and adding cushioning materials to prevent direct contact and freezer burn. Use bubble wrap or foam liners between the dry ice and the container to prevent damage.
Aventer el contenedor: Dry ice releases CO₂ gas during sublimation. The container should not be sealed airtight; incorporate small vents or use specialized dry ice boxes that allow gas escape while retaining cold.
Monitor and record temperatures: Use temperature loggers to track internal conditions. Fulfyld suggests using data loggers for meat shipments to identify any temperature excursions.
Minimize door openings: If using dry ice in refrigerated trucks or storage, avoid unnecessary opening of the cooler. Each opening allows warm air in and accelerates sublimation.
Making a quick decision
To help you decide if 48 hour dry ice packs are right for your shipment, answer these questions:
Does the product need to stay below 0 °C (32 °F)? If yes, dry ice is the only passive refrigerant that can maintain sub zero temperatures for 48 horas o más. Gel packs or water packs cannot deliver this level of cooling.
Is the shipment time 48 hours or less? If your shipping time is shorter than 24 horas, a smaller amount of dry ice or a combination of gel packs may suffice. For 48 hour shipments, plan for at least 10 lb of dry ice on top of your payload.
Are there regulatory restrictions? In the US, envíos que contengan más de 5.5 lb (2.5 kilos) of dry ice are subject to Department of Transportation and IATA hazardous materials rules. If this is a concern, consider splitting shipments or using gel packs for items that only need to stay chilled.
Real world case study
A specialty meat supplier needed to ship 20 lb of frozen steaks from California to a customer in New York with a 48 hour transit time. By following the rule of thumb (20 lb payload → 20 lb dry ice for 24–48 hours) and using an EPS cooler with one inch walls, they achieved consistent internal temperatures below –10 °C. Temperature data loggers showed that the product remained frozen for 52 horas, with the dry ice fully sublimated by the time the package arrived. This underscores the importance of matching dry ice weight to payload and using proper insulation.
Choosing the right dry ice pack for 48 hour shipments: key factors
Tamaño, weight and format considerations
Dry ice packs come in various sizes (bloques, losas, slices, pellets and nuggets). Larger blocks or slabs have lower surface area relative to volume, causing them to sublimate more slowly and making them ideal for 48 hour shipments. Bandear y pepitas offer faster cooling due to higher surface area but vaporize quickly, so they are better for short or high heat loads. Thin slices provide a balance and can be layered to fill void spaces.
When determining the size of your dry ice pack:
Calculate the payload volume: Ensure that the dry ice and product fit comfortably inside the insulated container with minimal empty space.
Consider stacking: For large shipments, it may be beneficial to divide dry ice into several blocks layered throughout the package. This provides more even distribution and reduces warm pockets.
Use combination refrigerants: Insulated Products Corporation notes that combining paquetes de gel with dry ice can slow sublimation and extend coverage. Placing gel packs underneath or around the payload can reduce heat absorption by the dry ice, thereby prolonging its life.
Insulation quality and materials
The quality of insulation dramatically impacts dry ice performance:
Poliestireno expandido (EPS): Un peso ligero, rigid foam that provides good thermal insulation. Nordic Cold Chain Solutions says EPS and PUR coolers deliver stable internal temperatures for 24–48 horas. This makes them the default choice for many 48 hour shipments.
Poliuretano (Puro): Offers higher insulation (higher R value) than EPS and is more durable. Suitable for long journeys or extreme conditions.
Paneles de aislamiento de vacío (personaje) y Materiales de cambio de fase (PCM): These advanced materials can further reduce heat transfer and are sometimes combined with dry ice in high value pharmaceutical shipments.
Handling and safety considerations
Dry ice can cause frostbite or suffocation if mishandled. Safety steps include:
Use guantes aislados and tongs when handling dry ice.
Asegurar la ventilación in storage areas and shipping containers to prevent CO₂ buildup.
Evite los contenedores herméticos; always provide a vent for gas escape to prevent pressure buildup.
Label packages clearly: Indicate the presence and weight of dry ice as required by shipping regulations.
Following these guidelines protects workers and recipients and helps prevent accidents during transit.
Comparing dry ice to gel packs for 48 hour cold chain deliveries
When are gel packs more appropriate?
Gel packs contain a water based or polymer gel that freezes at a relatively high temperature (alrededor 0 °C) and slowly melts to maintain a chilled environment. Relocalize’s 2025 buyer’s guide explains that gel packs are best for 24–48 hour chilled shipments dentro del 2–8 °C range. Their pros include moderate cost, ease of disposal and lack of hazardous materials restrictions. Gel packs work well for meal kits, dairy products and pharmaceuticals that must be kept cool but not frozen.
En contraste, dry ice is essential for shipments requiring sub zero temperatures. Fulfyld’s meat shipping guide notes that using 10 lb of dry ice for a 20 lb meat shipment keeps it frozen for arriba a 48 horas. Gel packs alone cannot prevent thawing over such durations.
Hybrid strategies for extended shipping
Many shippers combine gel packs and dry ice to optimize performance. Gel packs can be placed around the product to absorb initial heat, while dry ice sits on top to maintain sub zero temperatures. Insulated Products Corporation explains that adding gel packs helps prolong the life of dry ice and provide more extended coverage. This hybrid approach is valuable for shipments that might encounter delays or require multi day transit.
Decision flow
Use this decision flow when choosing between dry ice and gel packs:
Determine temperature requirement: If the product must stay frozen, choose dry ice. If a chilled range (2–8 ° C) is sufficient, gel packs may be enough.
Consider shipment duration: For durations under 24 horas, gel packs or water packs are often sufficient. Para 48 horas o más, dry ice or a combination of dry ice and gel packs is recommended.
Account for handling and regulation: If hazardous materials compliance is a barrier, use gel packs. For shipments requiring extremely low temperatures or high product value, compliance is worth the effort.
Who benefits from 48 hour dry ice packs?
Food and meal kit companies
Meal kit subscription services and frozen food producers rely heavily on 48 hour dry ice packs to maintain product quality during shipping. Los EE. UU.. Servicio de seguridad e inspección de alimentos (FSIS) requires that raw meat and poultry be delivered at or below 40 °F (4 °C). Dry ice ensures that meats remain frozen below this threshold for the entire journey. When shipping desserts or chocolates, gel packs may be used to maintain a stable 2–8 °C range to avoid freezer burn.
Pharmaceutical and biotech industries
Vacunas, biologics and cell therapies must remain within strict temperature windows to maintain potency. The ThermoSafe 2025 market report notes that biologics and vaccines drive growing demand for dry ice, and manufacturers are adopting real time monitoring and barrier technologies to avoid supercooling. Reusable PCM shippers are gaining traction for less temperature critical medicines, but dry ice remains indispensable for ultra cold shipments.
Laboratories and diagnostics
Clinical labs often ship specimens on dry ice to maintain viability. Dry ice’s extremely low temperature prevents enzymatic activity and bacterial growth. Since many tests require samples to be frozen or kept below –20 °C, gel packs or PCMs alone are insufficient.
Industrial and food processing uses
Industrial users, such as welding contractors, use dry ice blasting to clean surfaces without abrasion. In the context of shipping, industrial food processors use dry ice during processing and transport to cool products quickly. Thin slices and pellets are used to chill products on processing lines, while large blocks are used for bulk transport.
Safe handling and compliance: regulations for 48 hour dry ice packs
El hielo seco se clasifica como un Material Peligroso under U.S. Department of Transportation regulations when shipped in quantities over 5.5 lb (2.5 kilos). Shippers must follow specific guidelines:
Mark packages with the weight of dry ice and the statement “Dry Ice – UN 1845” to comply with IATA and 49 CFR rules.
Provide ventilation: Packaging must allow gas to escape to prevent pressure buildup, which can cause containers to rupture.
Capacitar al personal: Employees handling dry ice should be trained on hazard recognition, personal protective equipment (PPE) and first aid. Fulfyld notes that direct skin contact with dry ice can cause severe frostbite, and tongs or insulated gloves should be used.
Observe carrier rules: Carriers such as UPS, FedEx and airlines may impose additional restrictions on dry ice shipments.
These regulations aim to protect handlers and ensure safe transit. For shipments under the 5.5 lb threshold, fewer markings are required and compliance is simpler.
2025 dry ice market trends and innovations
Market growth and supply challenges
El dry ice market is growing rapidly. ThermoSafe’s 2025 analysis reports that dry ice consumption has been increasing by about 5 % por año, while CO₂ supply has only grown 0.5 % anualmente. This mismatch has led to periodic shortages and price volatility, with spot prices surging arriba a 300 % durante las crisis de suministro. Despite these challenges, demand continues to rise: the global dry ice market was valued at Dólar estadounidense 1.54 mil millones en 2024 and is projected to reach Dólar estadounidense 2.73 mil millones por 2032, representando un compound annual growth rate (Tocón) de 7.4 %. Growth is driven by food shipping, biológicos, vaccines and industrial applications.
Sustainability pressures and bio based CO₂ sources
Environmental concerns are reshaping the dry ice industry. The ThermoSafe report notes that companies are exploring bio based CO₂ capture from bioethanol plants, turning fermentation by products into high purity CO₂ for dry ice production. This creates a more circular and low carbon supply chain. In the UK, the Ensus bioethanol plant currently provides 30–60 % of the country’s CO₂ supply, but the facility faces geopolitical and trade pressures that highlight the fragility of the supply chain.
Sustainability pressures also encourage hybrid cooling strategies. paquetes de gel, phase change materials and improved insulation are increasingly layered with dry ice to reduce sublimation and lower carbon footprints. Recycling programs for insulated containers and dry ice return schemes are gaining traction.
Innovations in insulation and phase change materials
To extend the life of dry ice and reduce weight, companies are investing in advanced insulation like paneles de aislamiento al vacío, bio derived foams y materiales reciclables. Materiales de cambio de fase (PCM) that maintain specific temperatures (p.ej., 2–8 °C o –20 °C) are used alongside dry ice in pharmaceutical shipments, creating hybrid solutions that offer more precise thermal control.
Sector specific trends for 2025
Food and meat processing: Shippers are using thinner dry ice slices and pellets for rapid cooling, while investing in better insulated boxes to reduce sublimation. For 48 hour dry ice packs, improved insulation and hybrid gel packs are key trends.
Pharmaceutical and labs: There is a shift toward real time temperature monitoring and barrier technologies to mitigate supercooling and CO₂ buildup. Reusable PCM shippers complement dry ice for less sensitive payloads.
Industrial and welding: Dry ice blasting remains a core application, but supply shortages have prompted contractors to invest in local pelletizing capacity and secure long term contracts.
Packaging innovations: Improved container design reduces sublimation; examples include pre conditioned durable containers and vacuum panels that reduce heat ingress.
These trends highlight the need for flexibility and innovation. Businesses using 48 hour dry ice packs should remain informed about market conditions and emerging technologies to optimize their logistics.
Preguntas frecuentes
Q1: How much dry ice do I need for a 48 hour shipment?
A common recommendation is 8–10 lb of dry ice for each 24 horas de tránsito. For a 48 hour shipment, preparar 10–20 lb depending on the weight and thermal mass of your product. Insulated Products Corporation suggests packing approximately one and a half times the product weight for shipments approaching 72 horas.
Q2: Can I combine gel packs with dry ice to extend duration?
Sí. Combining gel packs and dry ice slows sublimation and extends coverage. Gel packs absorb initial heat and moderate the internal environment, Ayudando al hielo seco a durar más.
Q3: Are 48 hour dry ice packs hazardous to ship?
Dry ice is classified as a hazardous material when shipping more than 5.5 lb (2.5 kilos). Etiquetado adecuado, venting and training are required. Gel packs have no hazardous classification and are easier to handle, though they cannot keep items frozen.
Q4: How does insulation affect dry ice performance?
High performance insulation reduces sublimation and extends the life of dry ice. EPS and PUR coolers can provide stable temperatures for 24–48 horas. Pre conditioning the container and minimizing void spaces further improve performance.
Q5: Are there sustainable alternatives to dry ice?
Sustainable alternatives include Materiales de cambio de fase, reusable PCM shippers, paneles de aislamiento al vacío y bio based gel packs. These options reduce dry ice usage and carbon footprint but may not reach the extreme cold needed for frozen goods.
Resumen y recomendaciones
This comprehensive guide shows that 48 hour dry ice packs are indispensable for shipping frozen goods and sensitive biological products over two day transit times. Dry ice maintains extremely low temperatures and sublimates rather than melting, eliminating liquid residue and protecting packaging. To achieve a full 48 hours of frozen protection, usar 10–20 lb of dry ice per shipment and select a high performance insulated container. Proper placement, pre conditioning and minimal void space are critical to slowing sublimation. Combining dry ice with gel packs can provide additional buffer time.
Siguientes pasos:
Assess your product’s temperature requirements: Determine if your shipment needs to remain frozen or just chilled.
Calculate dry ice quantity and choose the right container using the guidelines presented here.
Implement safety and compliance practices: Capacitar al personal, ventilate containers and label packages correctly.
Monitor market trends and innovations: Keep an eye on supply fluctuations, sustainability pressures and new insulation technologies. Adapting to these trends ensures your cold chain operations remain efficient and compliant.
Acerca de Tempk
En Templ, we develop innovative cold chain solutions for food, pharmaceutical and industrial customers. Our reusable dry ice packs, EPS/PUR coolers and phase change systems are engineered to provide reliable temperature control while minimizing environmental impact. En 2025, we introduced a new line of 48 hour dry ice packs that combine high density insulation with hybrid PCM technology. These packs deliver extended freezing power and reduce dry ice consumption, helping you ship with confidence and sustainability.
Llamado a la acción: Whether you ship frozen steaks, vaccines or delicate desserts, Templ can tailor a cold chain solution for your business. Reach out to our team for a personalized consultation and discover how our 48 hour dry ice packs can elevate your shipping strategy.
