Realizar un envío delicado a través de Europa a menudo es como navegar por un laberinto de reglas y variables.. A Europe dry ice pack solves the temperature challenge by keeping goods at ultra low temperatures while complying with 2025 regulaciones. Descubrirá cómo estos packs especializados mantienen la calidad del producto., cumplir con las estrictas normas ADR e IATA y alinearse con las nuevas leyes de embalaje de la UE. Analizaremos datos reales del mercado., Compare hielo seco con gel y materiales de cambio de fase y brinde consejos adaptados a sus necesidades de envío..
Choose the right Europe dry ice pack for your product while complying with ADR and IATA regulations.
Understand how dry ice packs work and why sublimation is key to keeping goods frozen in transit.
Navigate new EU packaging and waste laws that come into force in 2025–2026.
Compare las bolsas de hielo seco con las de gel y los materiales de cambio de fase, destacando los rangos de temperatura y la sostenibilidad.
Explore market trends and growth forecasts for Europe’s cold chain and dry ice industries.
Encuentre respuestas a preguntas comunes sobre el manejo, eliminación y cumplimiento normativo specific to Europe.
Why choose a Europe dry ice pack for shipping in 2025?
Dry ice packs provide reliable, ultra cold conditions for high value shipments in Europe. They maintain temperatures well below freezing without liquid melt, haciéndolos ideales para vacunas, biológicos, mariscos y postres gourmet. Compared to loose dry ice pellets, dry ice packs are pre sealed and easier to handle; they minimise CO₂ vapour release and reduce frostbite risk. When saturated, a pack keeps its shape and can be stacked neatly in insulated boxes, saving space and weight. This combination of cold stability and convenience explains why dry ice packs are increasingly popular for cross border shipments.
Europe’s diverse climate and stringent regulations mean shippers need a solution that balances performance and compliance. ADR (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) and IATA rules govern dry ice because it’s classified as a hazardous material. Carriers like UPS remind customers that ground shipments must comply with ADR and air shipments must follow IATA rules; packaging must be correctly marked, labelled and documented. Dry ice packs simplify compliance because they are standardized and often incorporate proper labeling and weight markings from the manufacturer, but shippers still need to follow the rules described below.
How dry ice packs keep products frozen across Europe
El hielo seco es dióxido de carbono sólido. It sublimates directly from a solid to a gas at 78,5 ºC (109,3 °F), absorbing heat and leaving no liquid residue. A dry ice pack encases this solid CO₂ in a leak proof composite film. The pack’s outer layer protects the user’s hands and equipment, while a super absorbent polymer matrix traps the CO₂ crystals. Mientras el hielo seco se sublima, it draws heat from the surroundings, maintaining sub freezing temperatures for 24–72 horas, dependiendo del tamaño y el aislamiento del paquete. Porque no hay agua derretida, hay menos riesgo de dañar el embalaje o las etiquetas del producto.
The flexibility of dry ice packs is particularly valuable in the European logistics network. Cross border trucks, trains and last mile deliveries experience variable transit times; packs can be layered or combined with foam insulation to prolong cooling periods. A diferencia de los paquetes de gel, which freeze into solid bricks, dry ice packs remain flexible after freezing, making them easier to position around irregular items and enabling better contact with product surfaces. Their lightweight design reduces shipping costs compared with heavier alternativeseuropeanbusinessreview.com.
Mesa: Dry ice pack features and what they mean for you
| Característica | Por que importa | Tu beneficio |
| Sub zero temperature | Maintains 60 °C to 40 °C ranges depending on pack type | Mantiene las vacunas, seafood and research samples deeply frozen without thawing |
| Leak proof composite film | Prevents CO₂ crystals from escaping while allowing gas venting | Reduces frostbite risk and avoids dangerous gas build up |
| Flexible después de la congelación | Pack remains pliable, unlike hard dry ice blocks | Easy to wrap around irregular products and optimise spaceeuropeanbusinessreview.com |
| Estructura ligera | Uses thin layers and a polymer matrix | Lowers shipping costs and improves handlingeuropeanbusinessreview.com |
| Non hazardous alternative packs available | Algunos paquetes encierran nieve de CO₂ dentro de celdas selladas, clasificándolos como no peligrosos | Can bypass certain ADR/IATA requirements and avoid hazmat fees |
Consejos y consejos prácticos
Pre condition your product: Chill or freeze goods before packing to minimise the cooling load on the dry ice pack.
Estimate duration carefully: One dry ice pack sheet (24 células) often provides about 12 hours of cooling for a 100 L container; longer trips require multiple sheets or larger packs.
Posicionar estratégicamente: Place packs around and on top of items to ensure even cooling; Fregaderos de aire frío, so top placement helps maintain uniform temperature.
Monitorear y registrar temperaturas: Use calibrated data loggers and real time monitoring devices as required by EU GDP guidelines
Consulte las regulaciones locales: Some EU countries have additional requirements beyond ADR and IATA; always confirm with carriers or competent authorities.
Caso del mundo real: A Los Angeles dessert company switched from loose dry ice to dry ice replacement pack sheets for shipments to Europe. By layering flexible packs within insulated boxes, they extended transit times from 36 a 60 hours while reducing CO₂ use by 20 % and avoiding hazmat fees. The change improved customer satisfaction because cakes arrived intact and frost free.
Navigating Europe’s regulations for dry ice shipping
Europe has a multilayered regulatory landscape for dry ice shipments. Understanding the rules helps you avoid fines, delays and product damage.
ADR and IATA: core rules for transporting dry ice
Dry ice is listed under UN 1845 (Dióxido de carbono, sólido) and is regulated as a clase 9 Material Peligroso. For road transport within Europe, el ADR agreement lays out packaging, labelling and documentation requirements. Para transporte aéreo, el Regulaciones de mercancías peligrosas de IATA (Dgr) apply worldwide. Los puntos clave incluyen:
Envasado ventilado: Packages must allow gaseous CO₂ to escape. Airtight containers are prohibited because pressure build up can cause explosions.
Limitaciones de peso: Los envíos aéreos no pueden exceder 200 kg de hielo seco por paquete. Some airlines impose lower limits or require special approval.
Marcado y etiquetado: Each package must be marked “Carbon Dioxide, sólido” o “Hielo seco,” display the UN number (Y 1845) y mostrar el peso neto de hielo seco. Packages must also bear a class 9 etiqueta de peligro.
Documentación: Shippers must provide a Declaración del remitente para mercancías peligrosas when required and note the use of dry ice on the airway bill. Carriers may need an additional Intermodal/International Special Commodity (ISC) acuerdo.
Carrier guidelines: Companies like FedEx, UPS and DHL have their own protocols. UPS notes that dry ice shipments may not require a dangerous goods contract if the contents are not fully regulated, but you must still have an ISC agreement and follow labelling and quantity limits.
Buenas prácticas de distribución de la UE (PIB) para productos farmacéuticos
Pharmaceutical shipments face stricter requirements. Directrices del PIB de la UE emphasise maintaining product quality through all stages of distribution. Las disposiciones clave incluyen:
Temperature mapping and validation: Storage areas and transport vehicles must undergo temperature mapping and validation (Operational Qualification and Performance Qualification) to prove they maintain required ranges
Validated containers: Temperature sensitive medicines must be stored and transported in containers that maintain 2–8 °C o 15–25 °C for controlled drugs. Any deviations must be documented and investigated
Sistema de gestión de calidad: Companies must implement quality management systems that include supplier qualification, training and documented procedures. They should calibrate data loggers and use real time monitoring systems to detect
Documentación y trazabilidad: Records of packaging validation, shipping routes and temperature data must be kept for regulatory inspection.
New EU packaging and packaging waste rules (Páginas)
El Reglamento de Envases y Residuos de Envases (Páginas) 2025/40 replaced much of the earlier Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive. The regulation entered into force on 11 Febrero 2025 and will apply generally from Agosto 2026. Its objectives are to make all packaging on the EU market recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030, safely increase the use of recycled plastics and reduce virgin materials to put the sector on track toward climate neutrality. The PPWR includes:
Restrictions on single use plastics and substances of concern: Condiment sachets and similar single use items are restricted, and substances like PFAS are limited if they exceed thresholds.
Recyclability requirements: Packaging must meet design for recyclability criteria; de 2030, packaging with a recyclability rate below 70 % may not be placed on the market. Deposit return schemes and reusable packaging incentives are encouraged.
Waste reduction goals: EU statistics show that 40 % of plastics used in the Union are for packaging y aproximadamente 186.5 kg of waste per person was generated in 2022. The PPWR aims to cut this waste by promoting reuse, recycling and reduction.
Packaging directive recycling targets
Even though the PPWR supersedes much of Directive 94/62/EC, some provisions remain relevant. The directive set recycling targets for different materials: por 31 Diciembre 2025, 50 % de envases de plástico y 70 % de metales y vidrio deben reciclarse; por 2030, al menos 70 % de todos los residuos de envases deben reciclarse. For businesses shipping with dry ice packs, these targets encourage the use of recyclable outer cartons, biodegradable insulation and reusable gel or PCM alternatives.
Selecting the right dry ice pack: factores y fórmulas
Choosing the optimal dry ice pack requires balancing three variables: rango de temperatura, duración y regulatory classification. Considere los siguientes factores:
Requisitos de temperatura del producto: Productos farmacéuticos ultrafríos (p.ej., Vacunas de ARNm o terapias celulares) need temperatures below 60 °C. Para alimentos congelados, the target is typically 20 °C to 40 °C. Dry ice pack sheets deliver the latter range, while cryogenic gel packs or small amounts of dry ice may be necessary for deeper cold.
Shipping duration and volume: For long European journeys (>48 horas), estimate one 24 cell dry ice sheet per 12 horas de enfriamiento por cada 100 L de volumen del contenedor. For short trips or small parcels, a single gel pack may suffice.
Clasificación de peligro: Packs that encase CO₂ crystals inside sealed cells are often classified as no peligroso, meaning they may not require dangerous goods declarations. This can simplify compliance, but confirm classification with the manufacturer.
Reutilizabilidad y sostenibilidad: Las placas PCM reutilizables o los paquetes de gel tienen costos iniciales más altos, pero se pueden realizar ciclos varias veces., reducing waste and long term expenseshipmercury.com. Dry ice packs are typically single use but can be recycled through appropriate collection programs.
Mesa: Comparing dry ice packs, Paquetes de gel y materiales de cambio de fase. (PCM)
| Método de enfriamiento | Rango de temperatura típico | Duración | Estado de materiales peligrosos | Sostenibilidad | Mejor para |
| Paquete de hielo seco | -60 °C a -40 °C | 36–72 horas | Peligroso (Y 1845) a menos que esté completamente encerrado | De un solo uso; Emisiones de co₂ | Ultra cold foods, urgent pharmaceutical shipments |
| Paquete de gel (a base de agua) | 0 °C a -10 °C | 12–48 horas | No peligroso | Reusable but prone to melting and weight | Productos frescos, lácteos, kits de comida |
| PCM (material de cambio de fase) | +2 °C a -20 °C depending on formulationshipmercury.com | 24–96 horas | No peligroso | Reutilizable; can be engineered for specific temperatures | Vacunas, biológicos, high value drugs |
Recomendaciones orientadas al usuario.
Alimentos perecederos: Para mariscos o carnes congeladas, use dry ice packs in combination with foam or vacuum insulation. Add at least one pack per day of transit and tape the lid loosely to allow ventilation.
Productos farmacéuticos y biológicos.: Combine cryogenic gel packs or PCMs with validated temperature loggers. Use regulated containers and follow EU GDP guidelines for documentation and monitoring
Comercio electrónico y kits de comida.: Los paquetes de gel pueden ser suficientes para la entrega al día siguiente; durante 2 o 3 días, Considere las bolsas de hielo seco, pero asegúrese de que los clientes comprendan las instrucciones de manejo..
Especímenes de investigación: For ultra cold biological samples (< 70 °C), dry ice packs or small amounts of loose dry ice in vented containers are necessary. Ensure compliance with IATA documentation requirements.
Ejemplo práctico: A biotech firm shipping gene editing materials from Germany to Spain required consistent 70 °C temperaturas. They used a combination of dry ice packs and PCM plates, accompanied by a data logger. This hybrid approach maintained the required temperature for 60 hours and complied with ADR and IATA rules. The firm avoided product loss and satisfied EU GDP requirements by providing full temperature records.
Market outlook and trends for dry ice and cold chain logistics in Europe
Understanding market dynamics helps businesses plan investments and packaging strategies.
Growth of Europe’s cold chain logistics market
El European food cold chain logistics market se estima en Dólar estadounidense 74.70 mil millones en 2025 y se espera que crezca Dólar estadounidense 114.78 mil millones por 2030, representando un tasa de crecimiento anual compuesta (Tocón) de aproximadamente 8.97 %. Frozen meat and poultry lead product segments, while refrigerated transportation accounts for more than half of revenue. Alemania sigue siendo el mercado más grande, but Poland and other eastern countries show rapid growth thanks to e commerce expansion and cross border trade.
Evolución del mercado del hielo seco
El Europe dry ice market fue valorado en Dólar estadounidense 89.39 millones en 2024 y se prevé que crezca a un CAGR de 5.2 % de 2025 a 2032, llegando aproximadamente Dólar estadounidense 134.10 millones por 2032. Pellet form currently holds the largest share due to its high density and suitability for food and beverage applications. The industrial segment dominates at about 57 %, mientras el transporte, including pharmaceuticals and online food deliveries, se está expandiendo rápidamente. This growth signals increasing demand for dry ice packs and encourages investment in supply chains.
Key trends shaping Europe’s cold chain in 2025 y más allá
Sostenibilidad y economía circular: With the PPWR requiring all packaging to be recyclable by 2030, manufacturers are redesigning dry ice pack materials to reduce virgin plastics, incorporar contenido reciclado y facilitar la reutilización. Reusable PCM plates and gel packs reduce waste and carbon footprint, aligning with EU targets.
Monitoreo digital de temperatura: Hydropac notes that calibrated data loggers and real time monitoring systems are essential for maintaining quality and regulatory resilience IoT sensors transmit data to dashboards, permitir a los transportistas intervenir si las temperaturas se desvían.
Automatización y embalaje inteligente: Líneas de envasado automatizadas, pre conditioned pack dispensers and RFID tagged containers streamline operations and reduce human error. Some carriers integrate blockchain to record chain of custody information, mejorar la trazabilidad.
Alternative refrigerants and dry ice replacement: Growing awareness of CO₂ shortages and hazmat restrictions has spurred innovation. Paquetes de reemplazo de hielo seco—pack sheets containing sealed CO₂ crystals or cryogenic gel packs—offer 60 °C to 20 °C ranges with 36–72+ hour duration and are classified as non hazardous. Case studies show they reduce hazmat fees and CO₂ usage. PCMs offer energy efficient, reusable alternatives that maintain specific temperature bandsshipmercury.com.
Convergencia regulatoria: ADR updates for 2025 align more closely with UN Model Regulations, clarifying classification, embalaje y documentación. Combined with the PPWR, these changes push companies to adopt standardised, environmentally friendly packaging.
Preguntas frecuentes
Q1: Is a Europe dry ice pack considered hazardous?
Dry ice itself is classified as a material peligroso según la ONU 1845, so if the pack contains unencapsulated solid CO₂, it falls under ADR/IATA rules. Alguno dry ice replacement packs encase CO₂ in sealed cells, classifying them as non hazardous and exempt from many regulations. Always check the manufacturer’s safety data sheet.
Q2: How much dry ice do I need for a two day shipment from France to Italy?
Una regla común es one 24 cell dry ice sheet per 12 horas de enfriamiento por cada 100 L de volumen del contenedor. Por un 50 L cooler over two days (48 horas), two sheets should suffice. Adjust based on insulation quality and ambient temperatures.
Q3: ¿Puedo reutilizar paquetes de hielo seco??
Most dry ice packs are designed for single use because the CO₂ sublimes completely. Reusable alternatives exist—cryogenic gel packs and PCM plates—that can be refrozen and reused multiple timesshipmercury.com. These reduce waste and cost over time.
Q4: What are the new EU packaging waste rules and how do they affect me?
El Páginas (UE) 2025/40 requires all packaging to be recyclable by 2030 and restricts single use plastics and harmful substances. Businesses must design packaging to meet recyclability thresholds and may need to participate in deposit return or reuse schemes.
Q5: How does a dry ice pack compare with a gel pack for meal delivery?
Las bolsas de hielo seco mantienen temperaturas mucho más frías ( 60 °C to 40 °C), which may be unnecessary for meal kits. Gel packs provide 0 °C to 10 °C cooling for 12–48 hours and are generally adequate for food deliveries, lighter and non hazardous.
Conclusion and recommendations
Resumen de puntos clave:
Dry ice packs are a powerful tool for maintaining ultra cold temperatures in Europe’s complex logistics network. Ellos provide flexible, leak proof and lightweight cold control durante 24 a 72 horas, haciéndolos ideales para alimentos congelados, pharmaceuticals and research specimenseuropeanbusinessreview.com. ADR and IATA regulations mandate vented packaging, etiquetas claras, weight limits and documentation. El Directrices del PIB de la UE require validated containers, temperature mapping and real time monitoring for pharmaceuticals New packaging waste rules (Páginas) demand recyclable packaging by 2030 and restrict certain single use plastics. Market data shows that Europe’s cold chain logistics and dry ice markets are growing rapidly, while sustainable alternatives like PCMs and dry ice replacement packs gain tractionshipmercury.com.
Próximos pasos viables:
Assess your product’s temperature requirements and shipping duration. Use the one sheet per 12 hours per 100 L rule as a starting point.
Seleccione el embalaje adecuado: Combine dry ice packs with insulated containers that meet ADR/IATA venting and labelling standards. For non hazardous shipments, consider dry ice replacement packs or PCM plates to simplify compliance.
Implementar sistemas de monitoreo: Invest in calibrated data loggers and IoT solutions to track temperatures and comply with EU GDP requirements
Review your packaging design: Ensure outer packaging is recyclable and reusable to meet PPWR targets. Consider deposit return schemes or leasing arrangements to reduce waste.
Manténgase informado sobre las regulaciones: Monitor updates to ADR, IATA and EU packaging laws, and adjust your processes accordingly. Work with carriers and regulatory experts to maintain compliance.
Acerca de Tempk
Tempk es especialista en embalaje con temperatura controlada for cold chain logistics. Diseñamos y fabricamos bolsas de hielo seco., gel packs and PCM solutions that maintain precise temperature ranges for pharmaceuticals, food and research materials. Our engineers develop ligero, leak proof packs that comply with ADR and IATA rules and align with EU sustainability goals. With our in house testing and calibration facilities, we help clients validate packaging, monitor temperatures and meet EU GDP and PPWR requirements.
Llamado a la acción: If you need guidance on selecting the right Europe dry ice pack or want to explore sustainable alternatives, contacto Tempk. We offer custom solutions, regulatory support and real time monitoring tools to safeguard your products throughout the cold chain journey.
