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Paquetes de hielo seco vs gel: Que es mejor para el envío de perecederos?

Shipping perishable goods, especialmente en la industria de la logística de la cadena de frío, requires careful consideration of the best cooling method. Dry ice and gel packs are the most commonly used materials, each having distinct advantages. En este artículo, we will explore the differences between these two cooling agents, guide you on when to choose each, and discuss their benefits and limitations based on the 2025 cold chain shipping trends.

Paquetes secos de hielo y gel

What Are Dry Ice and Gel Packs?

Hielo seco (Co₂ sólido):

Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide that sublimates directly from a solid to a gas at -78.5°C (-109.3°F), making it perfect for extremely cold environments. A diferencia del hielo tradicional, dry ice does not leave any liquid residue, preventing potential water damage to sensitive products.

Paquetes de gel:

Gel packs are flexible containers filled with a non-toxic gel, which freezes and releases cold gradually over time. They work by absorbing heat from the surrounding environment, maintaining temperatures typically in the 2-8°C range, ideal for refrigerated goods.


When Should You Use Dry Ice for Shipping?

Dry ice is the go-to option when shipping products that need to remain at sub-zero temperatures, like pharmaceuticals, muestras biológicas, o alimentos congelados. Its ability to sustain extremely cold temperatures for extended periods makes it ideal for long-distance shipments or shipments in hot climates.

Key Benefits of Dry Ice for Shipping:

  • Extreme Cold: Keeps items well below -78.5°C, essential for frozen foods and medical samples.

  • Long-Lasting: Sublimates slowly, offering prolonged cooling.

  • Sin residuos líquidos: Prevents potential product damage caused by melting.

Ejemplo práctico:

A pharmaceutical company shipping vaccines across the country may prefer dry ice to maintain the required ultra-low temperatures during the journey.


When Should You Choose Gel Packs for Shipping?

Gel packs work best for products that need to be kept cool, Pero no congelado. They are ideal for temperature-sensitive goods like chocolates, productos cosméticos, and certain medications. Gel packs offer a safer, non-toxic alternative to dry ice, and they don’t require specialized handling or packaging.

Key Benefits of Gel Packs for Shipping:

  • Manejo seguro: No risk of burns or suffocation, A diferencia del hielo seco.

  • Reutilizabilidad: Los paquetes de gel se pueden reutilizar, making them a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for frequent shipments.

  • Customizable Cooling: Gel packs can be tailored to maintain specific temperature ranges, such as 2-8°C for pharmaceutical products.


Paquetes de hielo seco vs gel: Pros and Cons Comparison

Característica Hielo seco Paquetes de gel
Rango de temperatura -78.5°C (-109.3°F) 2-8°C (32-46°F)
Duración del enfriamiento De larga duración, can last for days Típicamente 12-48 horas
Manejo de seguridad Requires caution (congelación, Acumulación de co₂) Seguro, no tóxico
Embalaje Requires ventilated packaging No special packaging needed
Uso ideal Alimentos congelados, productos farmaceuticos, muestras biológicas Chocolates, productos cosméticos, temperature-sensitive electronics

How to Choose Between Dry Ice and Gel Packs?

The decision on which cooling agent to use depends on several factors, including the temperature requirements of the product, the shipping duration, and the handling risks.

  1. Requisitos de temperatura: If the product requires freezing, dry ice is the only option. For products that need to stay cool but not frozen, gel packs are the best choice.

  2. Duración de envío: Dry ice is better for longer shipments, while gel packs are ideal for shorter, less critical shipments.

  3. Manejo de seguridad: If your team isn’t equipped to handle hazardous materials like dry ice, gel packs are a safer alternative.


2025 Tendencias de la cadena fría: Innovations and Sustainability

As the cold chain industry evolves, sustainability and technology are becoming more integral. En 2025, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional cooling methods, such as biodegradable gel packs and low-GWP dry ice, are gaining popularity. Embalaje inteligente, temperature tracking, and hybrid solutions combining dry ice and gel packs are also emerging as reliable methods to ensure the integrity of temperature-sensitive goods.

Key Trends for 2025:

  • Hybrid Solutions: Combining dry ice with gel packs to extend cooling duration.

  • Embalaje inteligente: Embedding sensors for real-time temperature tracking.

  • Sostenibilidad: Increased demand for biodegradable and reusable cooling solutions.


Preguntas frecuentes:

Q1: What is better for shipping temperature-sensitive products, Paquetes de hielo o gel?
Dry ice is best for frozen items requiring ultra-low temperatures, while gel packs are ideal for products that need to remain cool but not frozen.

Q2: How long can gel packs maintain the required temperature?
Gel packs typically maintain temperatures for 12 a 48 horas, depending on their size and cooling composition.


Conclusión y recomendaciones

Choosing between dry ice and gel packs for shipping depends on the nature of your product, el rango de temperatura requerido, and your shipment’s duration. Dry ice is essential for ultra-cold goods, while gel packs are more cost-effective and safer for cool, non-frozen items. For many shipments, hybrid solutions combining both methods may offer the best results.

Siguientes pasos:

  • Evaluate Your Products: Identify whether they need to be frozen or just kept cool.

  • Use Hybrid Solutions: Consider combining gel packs with a small amount of dry ice for longer shipments.

  • Adopt Sustainable Practices: Explore eco-friendly gel packs or low-GWP dry ice to reduce environmental impact.


Acerca de Tempk

Tempk is a leading provider of sustainable cold chain solutions, offering dry ice and gel packs for industries that demand reliable temperature control. Our innovative solutions ensure your goods arrive safely and in optimal condition. Reach out today for tailored advice on your cold chain shipping needs.

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