How to Use Biodegradable Dry Ice Blocks for Frozen Shipping?
Shipping frozen seafood, ice cream or laboratory samples presents a tricky balancing act: you need to maintain ultra cold temperatures for days without causing moisture damage or generating mountains of plastic waste. A biodegradable dry ice block for shipping frozen goods delivers both performance and sustainability. These blocks encapsulate solid carbon dioxide in a biodegradable casing that decomposes 92 % within four years. They keep cargo below −78.5 °C for 24–72 hours and leave no messy meltwater because dry ice sublimates directly to gas. By choosing the right block size, packing correctly and following regulations, you can protect your products, satisfy eco conscious customers and comply with 2025 reglas de envío.
What makes biodegradable dry ice blocks different? – explore the materials, eco benefits and how they compare to gel packs and PCMs.
How to select and size blocks for frozen shipments? – learn weight ratios, thickness guidelines and route based formulas for accurate planning.
Step by step packing and safety procedures – follow an SOP to pack, vent and label boxes for regulatory compliance.
Trends and innovations shaping cold chain logistics in 2025 – discover smart sensors, hybrid cooling and recyclable insulation driving the market.
Answers to common questions – from shelf life to international shipping rules.
What Makes Biodegradable Dry Ice Blocks Different?
Biodegradable dry ice blocks combine ultra cold performance with sustainable materials. Conventional dry ice comes in pellets or blocks made from solid carbon dioxide; it sublimates at around −78.5 °C without leaving moisture. The biodegradable version encapsulates the dry ice inside a casing made from biodegradable EPS resin that decomposes by 92 % in four years. The casing uses plant based or recyclable films and super absorbent polymer cells to hold CO₂ pellets, so you get the same cooling power without persistent plastic waste. Consumers increasingly judge companies by their environmental practices, and with at least twelve U.S. states and two territories banning expanded polystyrene foam by May 2025, switching to sustainable coolants enhances your brand reputation.
Performance and Comparison
The block’s rango de temperatura extends from −78.5 °C to about −50 °C and holds for 24–72 hours, outperforming gel packs (2–8 °C for up to 48 horas) and many phase change materials (PCM). Porque el hielo seco se sublima directamente en gas., there is sin residuos líquidos to sog up packaging. Sin embargo, El hielo seco está clasificado como una Clase. 9 hazardous material and requires vented packaging and labeling, whereas gel packs and most PCMs are non hazardous but provide warmer temperatures. When selecting a coolant, consider whether your goods must stay frozen (hielo seco) or merely chilled (gel pack or PCM). The table below summarises the differences.
| Método de enfriamiento | Rango de temperatura & Duración | Hazard Classification | Practical Use | Beneficiarte para ti |
| Biodegradable dry ice block | –78.5 °C to –50 °C; holds 24–72 h | Clase 9 peligroso (Y 1845); vented packaging required | Frozen vaccines, helado, mariscos, muestras de laboratorio | Ultra cold, sin humedad, casing decomposes quickly |
| Paquete de gel | 0 °C–8 °C for up to 48 h | No peligroso | Refrigerated goods like chocolates, cheeses or vaccines that must not freeze | Manejo más seguro, reusable but heavier; leaves water residue |
| Paquete de pcm | Specific melting points (–20 °C to +25 °C) Dependiendo de la formulación | Generally non hazardous; some require special handling | Specialty foods, pharmaceuticals requiring precise +2 °C–8 °C or +15 °C–25 °C | Reusable and targeted, but heavier and more expensive |
Eco Benefits Beyond Cooling
The environmental advantages go deeper than the casing alone. Many suppliers source dry ice from recovered CO₂, reducing overall carbon emissions. Flexible block designs cut packaging volume and weight, lowering fuel consumption during transport. Because the casing decomposes within a few years instead of decades, these blocks reduce landfill burden and align with corporate sustainability goals. With the global sustainable packaging market projected to rise from US$270 billion in 2024 to US$490 billion by 2034, eco friendly cold chain solutions are becoming a competitive differentiator.
How to Select and Size Biodegradable Blocks for Frozen Shipments?
Sizing your dry ice block correctly is critical: underfill and your goods may thaw; overfill and you waste coolant and risk freezing items that only need to stay chilled. Match block weight to product weight, adjusting for transit time and ambient conditions.
Weight and Thickness Guidelines
Follow a 1:1 weight ratio for 24 to 48 hour shipments. A rule of thumb is 5–10 lb (2.3–4.5 kg) of dry ice sublimating every 24 horas. For biodegradable blocks, match the block weight to the product weight for overnight or two day delivery.
Increase thickness for longer durations. Elegir 12 mm thick blocks for 24 horas, 18 mm para 48 hours and 24 mm para 72 horas. Thicker blocks contain more dry ice and slow sublimation.
Add 10–20 % extra to account for potential delays; this buffer ensures goods remain frozen even if carriers encounter reroutes or weather events.
Consider ambient route temperatures. A 10 L box on a warm route (20–30 ºC) may require 1.1–1.5 kg of dry ice per 10 L per day; rutas calientes (30–40 °C) may need 1.5–1.9 kg. Multiply the rate by the box volume and transit days, then add your buffer.
Use the payload ratio table: por un 10 lb payload, use ~5 lb of dry ice for 24 horas, 10 lb for 48 hours and 15 lb for 72 horas o más.
Practical Sizing Example
Suppose you’re shipping 10 kg of frozen seafood in a 15 L insulated box for a 48 hour journey through moderate temperatures. The biodegradable block should weigh about 1:1 relative to the product – roughly 10 kg of dry ice – and be 18 mm thick. For hot summer routes, adjust to 1.2:1 (≈12 kg) and consider combining with a –10 °C PCM tile to prevent overfreezing.
Step By Step Packing and Safety Procedures
Handling dry ice safely protects your staff and customers. Follow this Standard Operating Procedure (COMPENSACIÓN) adapted to biodegradable blocks.
Packing SOP
Pre stage the box: Place a bottom pad or corrugated liner in the insulated container to reduce air circulation.
Prepare the core: Wrap products in a thin protective layer and remove excess air. Pre freeze goods to their final temperature; starting at –20 °C or colder reduces thermal shock.
Insert side pads: Add corner and side inserts to restrict movement.
Top load the blocks: Break the biodegradable block into manageable pieces and place them above and around the product; cold air sinks naturally. Do not place blocks directly on items that only need refrigeration; use a separator board.
Ventilarse la tapa: Use a vented lid or leave a small crack to allow CO₂ gas to escape. Never seal dry ice in an airtight cooler. Avoid glass or rigid plastic containers that can rupture under pressure.
Llenar los vacíos: Pack cushioning (crumpled paper, biodegradable peanuts) to minimize empty space and restrict shifting.
Label and weigh: Mark the package “Carbon Dioxide, Sólido, UN1845” with the net weight of dry ice. Record gross weight and packer ID. Include product information and handling instructions (“Keep Frozen”, “Perishable”).
Final shake test: Gently shake the box; if contents shift, add dunnage until snug.
Safety and Compliance Guidelines
Use equipo de protección: Handle dry ice with insulated gloves and eye protection to prevent frostbite; contact can cause burns in under 30 artículos de segunda clase. Train all staff in hazardous materials handling.
Ventilación: Store dry ice in a well ventilated area, never in enclosed spaces or car trunks. CO₂ gas can displace oxygen and cause suffocation.
Regulatory labeling: Packages must display the proper shipping name, UN number and net weight of dry ice; affix Class 9 hazard labels on two sides. Para transporte aéreo, include “Dry Ice, UN1845, X kg” on the air waybill. Some carriers require a shipper’s declaration for dangerous goods, usually in triplicate.
Límites de cantidad: Instrucción de embalaje de IATA 954 permite que 200 kg de hielo seco por paquete. Airlines and the U.S. Postal Service restrict dry ice to 5.5 lb (2.5 kilos) per passenger in checked baggage and may prohibit it in international mail.
Use purpose built containers: Insulated boxes designed for dry ice feature vent holes to prevent CO₂ buildup. Avoid cheap coolers without venting or adhesives that fail at −78.5 °C.
Desecho: Deje que el hielo seco no utilizado se sublime en un área bien ventilada.; never pour it down a drain or place it in an airtight container.
Real World Examples
A seafood distributor replaced gel packs with heavy duty biodegradable dry ice blocks for 48 hour cross country deliveries. By matching the block weight to the payload (1:1 ratio) and top loading the blocks, the company reduced spoilage from 12 % a 1 % and saved over $50,000 por año.
During a 48 hour shipment of blood samples, a field lab applied a 1.5:1 weight ratio and used an 18 mm block. The samples arrived at −70 °C with no water residue and zero packaging waste.
Regulatory and Safety Considerations
Dry ice is extremely cold and classified as a hazardous material, so shipments are regulated by international and domestic authorities. Understanding the rules prevents fines and delays.
Hazard Classification and Package Venting
El hielo seco es un Clase 9 Material Peligroso labeled as “Carbon Dioxide, Sólido, UN 1845”. Cuando el hielo seco se sublima, CO₂ gas can displace oxygen and build pressure in sealed containers. Packages must therefore be vented; avoid airtight coolers and rigid containers that can explode. Use purpose built insulated shippers with vent holes or loosely applied tape to allow gas escape.
Calificación, Etiquetado y Documentación
The outer package must display the proper shipping name, UN number and net weight. Place hazard labels on two opposing sides and ensure the shipper and consignee addresses are visible. Para transporte aéreo, add a note on the airway bill indicating the quantity of dry ice. When dry ice cools dangerous goods (p.ej., biological samples containing pathogens), include a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods. Some carriers or countries may require documentation for all dry ice shipments.
Quantity Limits and Training
Instrucción de embalaje de IATA 954 sets a limit of 200 kg per package for dry ice in cargo aircraft, but passenger airlines typically restrict each parcel to 5.5 lb (2.5 kilos) and may forbid dry ice in international mail. Hazardous materials training is mandatory for staff preparing these shipments. Training covers proper packaging, etiquetado, emergency procedures and the safe handling of frozen goods.
Combining Dry Ice with Other Coolants
To avoid over freezing products that only require refrigeration, combine smaller dry ice blocks with gel packs or PCMs. For shoulder seasons, a mix of 70–85 % dry ice and a −10 °C PCM smooths temperature spikes. When shipping mixed loads (p.ej., frozen fish and chilled sauces), place a barrier inside the box and position dry ice only around the frozen section while using gel packs for the chilled compartment.
Environmental Impact and 2025 Tendencias
Benefits of Biodegradable Blocks for the Environment
Traditional expanded polystyrene foam can persist for centuries, whereas biodegradable dry ice casings break down 92 % within four years. Many dry ice suppliers derive CO₂ from industrial processes, capturing carbon that would otherwise be released. Flexible block designs reduce packaging volume and weight, lowering fuel consumption. Reusable blocks offer more than 100 life cycles, spreading environmental impact over many shipments. For businesses pursuing ESG goals, these features support waste reduction and carbon footprint targets.
2025 Cold Chain Innovations
La industria de la cadena de frío está evolucionando rápidamente, y 2025 brings several innovations that affect biodegradable dry ice blocks:
Smart Packaging and IoT Monitoring: Integrated sensors allow real time tracking of temperature and location, enabling proactive intervention when shipments deviate from safe zones. Mini data loggers under $20 make lane validation affordable.
Hybrid Cooling Strategies: Combining dry ice with PCMs or gel packs reduces CO₂ usage and prevents over cooling. Hybrid systems can cut CO₂ usage by roughly 10 % while smoothing temperature spikes.
Advances in Insulation: Paneles aislados al vacío (personaje) and fiber reflective liners narrow the performance gap between foam and paper based insulation. These high R value materials reduce the amount of dry ice needed.
Materiales sostenibles: Biodegradable casings reflect a broader trend toward compostable materials. Packaging directives from the EU, A NOSOTROS. FDA and Asian regulators require recyclability and reduction of single use plastics.
Route Aware Packing Apps: Software now selects recipes (leve, cálido, caliente) based on weather forecasts and route profiles, helping packers choose the correct block size
Industry Adoption: North America leads sustainable healthcare packaging with 43.8 % de ingresos, while Asia–Pacific grows fastest at 18.7 % due to expanded healthcare infrastructure.
Ideas del mercado
Brands that maintain frozen product quality see higher repeat purchase rates. Right sizing packaging and adjusting recipes seasonally can reduce dry ice mass by 10–15 %. A one point drop in claims can finance stronger dry ice recipes for an entire summer season. Consumer expectations for sustainable packaging continue to rise; the biodegradable packaging market could grow from about US$527 billion in 2025 to nearly US$922 billion by 2034.
Preguntas frecuentes
Q1: How long will biodegradable dry ice blocks keep my shipment frozen?
Con un aislamiento adecuado, biodegradable blocks maintain ultra cold temperatures for 24–72 hours. Para duraciones más largas, use thicker blocks (24 milímetros) and add more weight or hybrid cooling.
Q2: Are biodegradable dry ice blocks safe to ship internationally?
Sí, but you must follow airline and carrier regulations. Dry ice is hazardous and is limited to about 5.5 lb (2.5 kilos) per package on passenger flights. Label packages with the UN 1845 designation and ensure venting.
Q3: Can I reuse biodegradable dry ice blocks?
Many high quality products offer more than 100 ciclos de reutilización. Inspect the casing after each trip; if integrity is intact, you can refill it with fresh dry ice.
Q4: How do I dispose of a biodegradable dry ice block?
Allow any remaining dry ice to sublimate in a well ventilated area. Recycle or compost the casing according to manufacturer instructions. Do not throw dry ice into trash compactors or drains.
Q5: When should I use gel packs instead of dry ice?
Use gel packs when shipping goods that must not freeze, such as chocolates or fresh produce. Gel packs maintain 2–8 °C and are non hazardous.
Resumen y recomendaciones
Biodegradable dry ice blocks offer a powerful combination of ultra cold performance and environmental responsibility. They keep goods frozen between −78.5 °C and −50 °C for up to 72 horas, leaving no water residue and decomposing by 92 % within four years. Proper sizing—matching block weight to product weight and adjusting for route conditions—ensures reliable temperature control. Following a structured packing SOP, venting and labeling packages correctly, and training staff mitigates hazards and ensures compliance. Market trends point toward smart packaging, hybrid cooling and recyclable insulation, and consumer demand for sustainable solutions continues to rise.
Próximos pasos viables
Assess your frozen product profile. Identify weight, volume, and temperature requirements to determine the appropriate block size and ratio.
Select biodegradable blocks. Choose products with proven decomposition rates and reuse cycles. Consider integrated sensors for high value shipments.
Implement the SOP. Train your team on pre freezing, top loading, venting and labeling. Ensure everyone understands hazard labels and documentation requirements.
Pilot hybrid recipes. Test combinations of dry ice and PCMs in shoulder seasons to minimize CO₂ usage while maintaining temperature stability.
Monitor and iterate. Use data loggers to track temperatures, adjust recipes for route bands and analyze claim rates. Right sizing can save you 10–15 % of dry ice mass per shipment.
Acerca de Tempk
Tempk is a leading provider of cold chain logistics solutions. We develop eco friendly cold chain products—including biodegradable dry ice blocks, paquetes de gel, vacuum insulated boxes and smart sensors—to help businesses ship temperature sensitive goods safely and sustainably. Nuestra R&D center focuses on reducing waste through materials innovation and optimizing thermal performance. With more than a decade of experience and a commitment to quality, we partner with food producers, pharmaceutical companies and laboratories worldwide to design cold chain solutions that meet the latest regulatory standards and customer expectations.
Ready to transform your cold chain? Tempk de contacto for a personalized consultation and discover how biodegradable dry ice blocks can enhance your frozen shipping operations.
