How Next Day Dry Ice Packs Keep Goods Frozen Overnight
Envío de alimentos congelados, vaccines or biologic samples overnight means you need reliable cold that won’t melt before it reaches your doorstep. Next day dry ice packs use solid carbon dioxide that sublimates at around –78.5 °C, creating ultra cold temperatures for 24–72 horas without leaving a puddle. En 2025, innovations like smarter insulation and hybrid refrigerants are cutting the amount of dry ice you need. This guide explains everything from sizing and safety to market trends so you can choose the right pack for your next shipment.
What exactly are next day dry ice packs and how do they work? Learn why sublimation makes them ideal for overnight shipments.
How many dry ice packs do you really need? Discover sizing formulas and how weight ratios affect performance.
Are next day dry ice packs safe and compliant? Get tips on handling, ventilation and regulatory limits.
Dry ice vs gel packs vs PCM: which is best for overnight? Compare temperature ranges, durations and costs.
What are the biggest 2025 trends in dry ice logistics? Explore IoT monitoring, hybrid cooling and sustainability initiatives.
What are next day dry ice packs and how do they work?
Answer in brief: A next day dry ice pack is a sealed pouch of solid carbon dioxide designed to keep shipments frozen for up to one day. Dry ice sublimates—changes directly from solid to gas—at –78.5 °C. As it absorbs heat during transit, it releases cold CO₂ gas that keeps your products at ultra low temperatures without leaving meltwater. That dry gas surrounds your cargo, maintaining temperatures below –18 °C for 24–72 hours depending on the amount of ice and insulation used. Because there is no liquid runoff, packages stay clean and dry, making these packs ideal for shipping ice cream, mariscos, vaccines and biologics.
Explicación expandida: Imagine dry ice packs as mini freezers that fuel themselves by turning into gas. When dry ice is exposed to warmer air, él absorbs heat and skips the liquid phase, transitioning directly to CO₂ gas. This process is called sublimación, and it happens at about –78.5 °C. Because the gas sinks and circulates, the cold envelops your product, similar to how cool air flows around food in a home freezer. The absence of melting water means there’s no soggy mess—a big advantage over gel packs that thaw into liquid. Newer next day packs often include vented lids and pockets for data loggers, allowing you to monitor temperature and replenish dry ice if needed. For typical overnight shipments, one pack can keep items frozen for 24 horas; for two day travel, multiple packs may be used in combination with superior insulation.
Understanding sublimation and cold retention
Sublimation is the secret behind next day dry ice packs. Rather than melting like water ice, hielo seco (Co₂ sólido) sublimada directamente en gas at –78.5 °C. The resulting CO₂ gas is denser than air and sinks downward, blanketing your goods in cold. This phase change absorbs a large amount of heat energy, allowing a small amount of dry ice to maintain ultra cold temperatures for a surprisingly long time. For comparison:
| Método de enfriamiento | Rango de temperatura | Duración típica | Lo que significa para ti |
| Mini dry ice sheet | –78.5 °C to –18 °C | 24–48 H | Ideal for overnight shipments of pharmaceuticals or biologics that must remain frozen. |
| Disposable dry ice pack | –78,5 ºC | Arriba a 72 h | Perfect for frozen meats, seafood or vaccines; no melting water and one time use convenience. |
| Paquete de gel | 2–8 ° C | Arriba a 48 h | Keeps produce or medicines chilled but not frozen; reusable but may leak. |
| Traditional water pack | ≈ 0 °C | 24–36 horas | Cheapest option for short journeys but produces meltwater. |
Consejos y consejos prácticos
Pack placement matters: Position next day dry ice packs above your goods in the box. Because CO₂ gas sinks, placing packs on top lets cold air cascade down and envelop your items.
Insulate wisely: Use a thick insulated cooler or vacuum insulated panels to minimize sublimation. High R materials can cut dry ice consumption by up to 25 %, stretching each pack further.
Temperatura de monitor: Insert a data logger or IoT sensor to track internal temperature and spot potential deviations. Many next day packs now include pockets for loggers and vent windows for re icing.
Real world example: A gourmet ice cream shop ships pints across the country using next day dry ice packs. By arranging two packs on top of the pints and using a thick foam cooler, they keep the ice cream at –20 °C for 30 hours without any melting. A data logger alerts them when the temperature rises above –18 °C, prompting them to add an extra pack for long journeys.
How to choose the right size and number of next day dry ice packs?
Answer in brief: Determining the correct quantity of next day dry ice packs comes down to weight ratios y transit duration. A good rule of thumb is to use approximately the same weight of dry ice as your product weight for shipments under 48 horas. Por ejemplo, a 10 lb payload typically requires 5–10 lb of dry ice for a one day trip. Adjust up or down based on the ambient temperature, insulation quality and whether you expect delays.
Explicación expandida: Sizing your dry ice correctly ensures products arrive frozen without wasting material. Start by weighing your product and packaging. Para overnight deliveries, using a 1:1 ratio of dry ice weight to product weight is usually sufficient. In warm climates or poorly insulated containers, you may need up to 1.5 veces the product weight. En cambio, high R insulation or cooler outside temperatures allow you to use less. Always factor in tiempo de tránsito—for deliveries longer than 24 horas, double the dry ice or choose larger blocks. En 2025, smart calculators are built into some shipping platforms, automatically adjusting the amount of dry ice based on route, weather and container type.
Calculating dry ice needs for overnight shipping
To take the guesswork out of sizing next day dry ice packs, use the following table as a guideline. Remember these values are starting points; always test shipments and adjust as needed.
| Product weight | Recommended dry ice weight | Duración | Benefit to you |
| 5 lb payload | 3–5 lb dry ice | 24 h | Keeps small shipments of seafood, ice cream or specimens frozen overnight without overpacking. |
| 10 lb payload | 5–10 lb dry ice | 24–36 horas | Suitable for meal kits or biologic samples; ensures subzero temperatures into the next morning. |
| 20 lb payload | 10–20 lb hielo seco | 36–48 H | Provides headroom for slight delays; ideal for larger orders or longer routes. |
| 30 lb payload | 20–30 lb hielo seco | 48–72 h | For extended travel; consider hybrid cooling with phase change materials to reduce weight. |
Consejos y consejos prácticos
Pre chill products: Freeze your cargo before packing. Starting at –20 °C or colder reduces the amount of dry ice needed because the ice won’t be working as hard to cool down the products.
Avoid void spaces: Fill empty spaces with crumpled paper or foam. Air gaps accelerate sublimation by allowing warm air to circulate.
Plan de contingencias: Add an extra pack if your shipment may encounter delays or high ambient temperatures. It’s better to have a little excess than to risk thawing.
Real world example: A biotech lab regularly ships 5 lb batches of enzyme samples to researchers. They found that using 5 libra de hielo seco in a high R insulated shipper kept samples at –70 °C for a day and a half. When summer temperatures climbed above 32 °C, they increased the amount to 8 lb and added reflective liners to maintain stability.
Are next day dry ice packs safe and compliant with regulations?
Answer in brief: Yes—when handled properly. El hielo seco se clasifica como un material peligroso (Y 1845) and subject to strict weight and labeling rules. Airlines limit each package to 200 kg de hielo seco, and every box must be vented, labeled “Carbon Dioxide, Sólido,” and show the net weight. En casa, always wear insulated gloves, avoid sealed containers and keep dry ice out of reach of children. When you follow these guidelines, next day dry ice packs are safe for everyday use.
Explicación expandida: The extreme cold of dry ice can cause frostbite if touched with bare hands, and the CO₂ gas can displace oxygen in confined spaces. Para mantenerse a salvo:
La ventilación es clave: Nunca selle el hielo seco en recipientes herméticos.. Mientras sublima, pressure builds and could cause an explosion. Use containers with vent holes or slightly loosen lids.
Protective gear: Wear thick gloves and safety goggles when handling dry ice to avoid frostbite or eye injury.
Envíos de etiquetas: For commercial shipping, label boxes with Y 1845, include the net weight of the dry ice and attach hazard labels. This alerts carriers to the contents and ensures compliance.
Follow airline rules: Air carriers restrict dry ice to 200 kg por paquete and require special documentation. Para envíos al día siguiente, you’ll be well below this threshold, but proper paperwork is still necessary.
Safe disposal: Let remaining dry ice evaporate in a well ventilated area. Do not dispose of it in sinks, toilets or trash cans; the cold can damage plumbing.
Regulatory guidelines for shipping with dry ice in 2025
Use the following table as a quick reference when preparing next day dry ice packages for shipping:
| Requisito | Detalles | Significado para ti |
| Maximum dry ice per package | 200 kg for air transport | You’ll typically use far less, but exceeding this limit without proper paperwork can delay shipments. |
| Etiquetado | "Dióxido de carbono, Solid” and net weight must appear on the package | Proper labeling keeps carriers compliant and prevents fines. |
| Ventilación | Boxes must vent CO₂ to avoid pressure buildup | Choose insulated containers with vent holes or loosened lids. |
| Handler training | Employees must be trained on IATA and DOT rules | Ensures safe packing and compliance with hazardous materials regulations. |
| Equipo de protección personal | Guantes aislados y protección para los ojos | Protects against frostbite and eye injury. |
Consejos y consejos prácticos
Entrena a tu equipo: Provide clear instructions on handling dry ice, labeling and emergency procedures. A short training session reduces accidents.
Write disposal instructions: Include a note for recipients on how to safely handle and dispose of dry ice to prevent injuries at the destination.
Use sensors: Incorporate a CO₂ monitor in vehicles or storage spaces to ensure safe levels of oxygen during transport. Though not required for small shipments, it adds peace of mind.
Real world example: A pharmaceutical company shipping vaccines uses next day dry ice packs in compliance with IATA regulations. They print hazard labels and include weight statements on each box. Drivers wear protective gloves and check that venting holes are open. Durante el año pasado, they have reported zero incidents and maintain full regulatory compliance.
Dry ice vs gel packs vs PCM: which is best for overnight shipments?
Answer in brief: Next day dry ice packs deliver ultra low temperatures for frozen goods, while gel packs offer moderate cooling and Materiales de cambio de fase (PCM) provide stable, reusable temperature control. Dry ice sublimates at –78.5 °C and keeps shipments frozen for up to three days. Gel packs melt at 2–8 °C and are best for chilled items. PCMs can be engineered to hold specific ranges (2–8 °C o –20 °C) and are reusable, reducing hazardous waste. The right choice depends on your product’s temperature requirements, duración del envío, regulatory comfort and budget.
Explicación expandida: Each refrigerant has unique strengths and trade offs:
Next day dry ice packs: Provide the coldest temperatures (< –70°C), ideal for ice cream, mariscos congelados, gene therapy samples or other materials that must stay well below freezing. They are relatively inexpensive per shipment but single use and require compliance with hazardous materials regulations.
paquetes de gel: Filled with water based gel, these packs maintain refrigerated conditions (2–8 ° C). They’re reusable and non hazardous but cannot keep products frozen. Gel packs are perfect for produce, chocolates, insulin or other items that must stay cool but not frozen.
Materiales de cambio de fase (PCM): Los PCM absorben y liberan calor a temperaturas específicas, offering stable cooling for either chilled (2–8 ° C) or frozen (–20 °C) ranges. They’re reusable and typically non hazardous, reducing regulatory burdens. Sin embargo, PCMs require pre conditioning (freezing or heating to the desired phase) and cost more upfront.
Dry ice vs PCM vs gel: which to choose for next day shipping
| Refrigerante | Rango de temperatura | Duración típica | Ventajas | Contras | Best use cases |
| Next day dry ice packs | < –70°C | 24–72 h | Delivers ultra cold temperatures; inexpensive per shipment; Sin agua de fusión | Single use; hazardous materials rules; contributes to CO₂ emissions | Frozen meats, mariscos, helado, gene therapy samples, vacunas |
| paquetes de gel | 2–8 ° C | Arriba a 48 h | Reutilizable, no peligroso, económico | Cannot keep goods frozen; may leak if punctured | Producir, chocolates, insulina, biologics requiring refrigeration |
| Materiales de cambio de fase (PCM) | +2 °C to –20 °C | Arriba a 96 h | Reutilizable; temperatura estable; fewer regulations; greener option | Mayor costo inicial; requires pre conditioning; may need validation | Temperature sensitive pharmaceuticals, clinical trial kits, mixed load shipments |
Consejos y consejos prácticos
Combine refrigerants: For shipments with multiple temperature zones, use a hybrid approach—place dry ice near frozen goods and PCMs or gel packs near chilled items. Hybrid systems can cut dry ice weight and regulatory burdens.
Choose based on duration: For deliveries under 72 horas, PCMs or gel packs may suffice. Use next day dry ice packs when deep freeze conditions are essential or when shipping over long distances.
Considere la sostenibilidad: If reducing CO₂ emissions is a priority, PCMs may offer a greener solution. They’re reusable and avoid hazardous labeling.
Real world example: An e grocer ships meal kits containing both frozen meat and fresh produce. They place a small next day dry ice pack above the frozen meats and a Paquete de pcm near the produce. This hybrid approach keeps meat at –20 °C and vegetables at 4 °C, reducing total dry ice usage by 30 % while delivering safe, comidas frescas.
What are the biggest 2025 trends in next day dry ice packs?
Answer in brief: The cold chain industry is undergoing rapid change. En 2025, next day dry ice packs are benefitting from sensores inteligentes, blockchain tracking, greener materials and hybrid refrigeration solutions. These trends aim to enhance safety, reduce costs and lower environmental impact.
Explicación expandida: After the pandemic era, supply chains stabilised but capacity remains tight. Demand for e groceries and biologics continues to grow, pushing manufacturers to innovate. Las tendencias clave incluyen:
Smarter shippers: New next day dry ice packs come with vented lids, re ice windows and pockets for data loggers, enabling mid journey monitoring and refills.
Dynamic routing and digital tracking: Increased weekend hand offs and GPS tracking reduce delays but require better buffer planning.
Sustainability initiatives: CO₂ recovery at production plants and bio based capture están ganando tracción; customers increasingly ask for low carbon dry ice. Por ejemplo, bioethanol plants in the UK supply up to 60 % of domestic food grade CO₂.
Hybrid solutions: Combining dry ice with phase change materials or gel packs reduces the amount of dry ice required, cutting both cost and regulatory burdens.
Paquetes reutilizables: New materials allow dry ice packs to be refilled dozens or even hundreds of times, reducing waste and per shipment cost.
Emerging technologies and innovations
| Innovación | Descripción | Lo que significa para ti |
| IoT temperature loggers | Sensors integrated into next day dry ice packs transmit temperature and location data in real time. | Enables proactive intervention if temperatures rise; improves quality control and compliance. |
| Blockchain traceability | Digital ledgers record every handoff and environmental condition. | Enhances transparency and reduces fraud; ensures chain of custody documentation. |
| Paquetes de hielo secos reutilizables | Advanced materials allow packs to be refilled hundreds of times. | Cuts costs and waste; reduces reliance on single use plastics and CO₂ production. |
| Sistemas de enfriamiento híbrido | Combining dry ice, PCM and gel packs creates multi temperature zones. | Reduces dry ice consumption and regulatory hassle; supports mixed shipments. |
| Bio based CO₂ sourcing | Producers capture CO₂ from fermentation or other processes. | Provides greener dry ice and stabilizes supply; may lower carbon footprint. |
Consejos y consejos prácticos
Leverage data: Choose next day dry ice packs with built in temperature loggers. Tracking helps you pre empt issues and provides proof of compliance.
Ask suppliers about CO₂ origin: Support manufacturers that capture carbon from bio based sources or invest in CO₂ recycling.
Try hybrid packaging: Test shipments that combine dry ice and PCM to see if you can maintain quality with less dry ice. Many shippers report 10–25 % reductions in dry ice usage.
Real world example: A national seafood distributor adopted smart next day dry ice packs with GPS and temperature sensors. They receive real time alerts when shipments approach 0 °C, enabling them to reroute or add extra ice. By switching to reusable packs made with recyclable materials, they cut packaging waste by 40 % and saved 15 % in shipping costs.
Sustainability strategies for overnight cold chain shipments
Answer in brief: While dry ice offers unmatched cold, its production and single use nature raise environmental concerns. Sustainable strategies incluir upgrading insulation, combining refrigerants, using reusable packs y sourcing bio based CO₂. These approaches reduce CO₂ emissions, cut costs and ensure regulatory compliance.
Explicación expandida: Dry ice is produced by capturing carbon dioxide from industrial processes and compressing it into pellets or slabs. This consumes energy and releases CO₂. En 2025, sustainability pressures are encouraging companies to stretch each pound of dry ice further and explore greener alternatives. Here’s how you can make your overnight shipments more sustainable:
Actualizar aislamiento: Investing in high performance foam, vacuum insulated panels or reflective liners reduces heat transfer and cuts dry ice consumption by up to 25 %.
Use hybrid cooling: Combine next day dry ice packs with PCMs or gel packs. Hybrid systems reduce the amount of dry ice required while maintaining temperature zones.
Adopt reusable packs: Refillable dry ice packs or hydrate dry ice sheets can be used many times, reducing single use waste.
Choose sustainable CO₂: Source dry ice from suppliers that recover CO₂ from bio based processes or capture carbon from fermentation.
Monitor and optimize: Use IoT sensors and analytics to track performance and adjust packouts. Data driven improvements can lead to better route planning and less waste.
Sustainability improvements at a glance
| Strategy | Descripción | Benefit to you |
| High R insulation | Use vacuum insulated panels, reflective liners or foam boxes | Reduces sublimation by 25 %, lowering dry ice consumption. |
| Refrigerantes híbridos | Combine next day dry ice packs with PCM or gel packs | Maintains multiple temperature zones and reduces dry ice weight. |
| Paquetes de hielo secos reutilizables | Refill packs dozens or hundreds of times | Cuts packaging waste and reduces CO₂ production. |
| Bio based CO₂ sources | Purchase dry ice from suppliers using captured or fermented carbon | Lowers carbon footprint and enhances supply stability. |
| Monitoreo de IoT | Track temperature and location in real time | Enables proactive interventions, optimizing pack size and reducing waste. |
Consejos y consejos prácticos
Audit your packaging: Evaluate how long your shipments actually take and how cold they need to be. Over packing with dry ice wastes resources.
Educate customers: Include instructions on how to handle dry ice and encourage recipients to dispose of or reuse packaging responsibly.
Look for certification: Seek suppliers who adhere to sustainability standards or have documentation on carbon capture and recycling.
Real world example: A national meal kit company switched from single use dry ice packs to refillable hydrate sheets. Combined with improved insulation, they reduced their dry ice usage by 30 % and cut annual carbon emissions by 15 %. Customer feedback improved because packages arrived dry, and disposal instructions were simple.
2025 latest developments and trends in cold chain packaging
The cold chain sector is seeing significant growth and innovation. The global dry ice market was valued at US $1.54 mil millones en 2024 and is projected to reach US $2.73 mil millones por 2032, a compound annual growth rate of 7.4 %. Al mismo tiempo, consumption is growing roughly 5 % por año, while CO₂ supply increases by only 0.5 %, leading to occasional shortages and price volatility. This supply–demand imbalance drives the need for hybrid solutions and sustainable practices.
Últimos avances de un vistazo
Smarter shippers: Packages now feature vented lids, re ice windows and pockets for data loggers.
Dynamic routing and digital tracking: GPS tracking and weekend hand offs require buffer planning.
Sustainability initiatives: CO₂ recovery and bio based capture methods are gaining traction.
Regionalisation: Local production reduces transport distances and improves pellet availability.
Hybrid solutions: Combining PCMs, gel packs and better insulation cuts dry ice use and regulatory burdens.
Ideas del mercado
Supply–demand imbalance: Consumption of dry ice is growing faster than CO₂ supply, causing occasional shortages and spot prices that can surge 300 % durante las crisis de suministro.
Market growth: The dry ice market is expected to grow from A NOSOTROS $1.54 mil millones en 2024 to US $2.73 mil millones por 2032.
Consumer preferences: Buyers are requesting proof of greener CO₂ sources and sustainable packaging.
Shift away from dry ice: Industry conferences report increased interest in reusable and hybrid solutions, signalling a gradual move away from heavy reliance on dry ice.
Preguntas frecuentes
What makes next day dry ice packs different from regular ice packs?
Next day dry ice packs use solid carbon dioxide that sublimates at –78.5 °C, providing ultra cold temperatures for 24–72 hours. Regular ice or gel packs melt at higher temperatures and only keep items cool, no congelado.
How long will a next day dry ice pack keep my shipment frozen?
In a well insulated container, most next day dry ice packs maintain subzero temperatures for 24–48 horas. Starting with 12–20 lb of dry ice can keep a 48 hour shipment at –20 °C.
How much dry ice should I use for an overnight delivery?
Use roughly equal weight of dry ice to product weight. Por un 10 lb payload, embalar 5–10 lb of dry ice. Increase the amount in summer or when using low R insulation.
Are next day dry ice packs safe for home use?
Yes—if you follow safety guidelines. Use guantes aislados, avoid sealed containers and allow the gas to vent. Keep dry ice away from children and pets.
Can I reuse a next day dry ice pack?
Traditional packs are single use. Sin embargo, reusable dry ice packs and hydrate sheets are emerging in 2025, allowing you to refill them dozens of times.
What’s the difference between dry ice and PCM for overnight shipping?
Dry ice provides ultra cold temperatures (< –70°C) but is single use and regulated. PCMs offer specific temperature ranges and can be reused, making them greener and easier to ship.
Is it possible to ship frozen goods overnight without dry ice?
Yes—hybrid solutions that combine PCMs with high performance insulation can maintain –20 °C for a day. Some active shippers use powered refrigeration for small parcels.
Resumen y recomendaciones
Next day dry ice packs are powerful tools for keeping your shipments frozen overnight. They work by sublimating solid CO₂ at –78.5 °C, creating a dry cold that lasts up to 72 horas. Choosing the right amount of dry ice—usually equal to your payload weight—ensures reliability. Safety is critical: always vent containers, label packages and follow hazardous materials regulations. When considering alternatives, remember that gel packs are best for chilled goods and PCMs offer reusable, stable temperatures. El 2025 landscape is shifting toward smarter, soluciones más ecológicas, with IoT monitoring, reusable packs and bio based CO₂ leading the way.
Siguientes pasos
Evalúa tus necesidades: Identify your product’s required temperature range and expected transit time. Use the sizing table as a starting point and adjust based on your route and insulation.
Upgrade your packaging: Invest in high R insulation and consider hybrid packouts to reduce dry ice consumption.
Train and comply: Ensure everyone handling dry ice understands safety protocols and regulatory requirements.
Explorar opciones sostenibles: Test reusable dry ice packs, PCMs and bio based CO₂ sources to cut emissions and waste.
Leverage technology: Incorporate IoT sensors and blockchain tracking to monitor shipments, reduce risk and provide proof of compliance.
Acerca de Tempk
Tempk specialises in innovative cold chain packaging solutions. We design and manufacture next day dry ice packs, paquetes de gel, insulated bags and high performance box liners. Nuestra R&D center leverages recycled CO₂ and advanced insulation to deliver reliable, eco friendly cooling. With decades of experience, we help customers ship perishable goods safely while reducing waste and cost. Our solutions come with personalised support, from calculating dry ice needs to implementing IoT monitoring. Working with us means staying ahead of the latest cold chain trends and ensuring that your packages arrive safely and sustainably.
Llamado a la acción: Ready to optimize your overnight shipments? Contact Tempk’s specialists for a personalised consultation and discover how next day dry ice packs and hybrid solutions can elevate your cold chain.
