Imagínese enviar una caja de vacunas o mariscos frescos a través de continentes sin preocuparse por el hielo derretido o el empaque empapado.. A sublimation dry ice pack sheet makes that possible by taking advantage of dry ice’s unique property of sublimation—transitioning from solid to gas at –78.5 °C (–109.3 °F). This process absorbs heat without leaving liquid residue, maintaining ultra cold temperatures between –20 °C and –78 °C for up to 72 horas. In this article you’ll learn how these sheets work, how to use them safely and why they’re a smart choice for 2025 cold chain operations. Ready to keep your cargo dry and your business compliant? Let’s get started.
What is a sublimation dry ice pack sheet? Learn how these sheets harness CO₂ sublimation for moisture free freezing.
How does sublimation ensure consistent ultra cold temperatures? Understand the science and find out how to maximize performance.
What types of sublimation packs exist and when should you use each? Compare pellets, pack sheets, gel sheets and PCMs.
How can you handle, pack and transport these sheets safely? Follow step by step guidance to minimize risks.
What are the cost considerations and latest trends for 2025? See how market dynamics and sustainability goals shape your choices.
What Is a Sublimation Dry Ice Pack Sheet and How Does It Work?
A sublimation dry ice pack sheet is a protective enclosure containing solid carbon dioxide (hielo seco) that gradually turns into gas, keeping your shipment extremely cold without creating meltwater. Cuando se expone a temperaturas más cálidas, the dry ice inside the sheet sublimates at –78.5 °C, absorbing heat from the environment while releasing carbon dioxide gas. Because there’s no liquid phase, moisture sensitive products—such as vaccines, cell cultures or seafood—stay dry and undamaged. Vented packaging allows the gas to escape so pressure doesn’t build up.
Why Sublimation Beats Melting Ice
Dry ice sublimation is fundamentally different from water ice melting. Water ice melts at 0 °C and produces liquid water, which can damage packaging or dilute pharmaceuticals. En contraste, dry ice is solid CO₂ and its sublimation temperature of –78.5 °C ensures that goods remain frozen. The outer shell of a sublimation pack sheet slows the sublimation rate, allowing it to maintain extremely cold conditions for 24–72 horas. Some designs incorporate a gel layer around the dry ice core to distribute cold evenly and further slow sublimation.
Think of a sublimation dry ice pack sheet as a batería fría: it stores ultra cold energy and releases it gradually by turning solid CO₂ into gas. There’s no leakage to clean up and no soggy packaging to ruin your products.
Types of Sublimation Cooling Solutions
Not all sublimation packs are created equal. Manufacturers offer different formats tailored to shipment size, temperature requirements and duration. The main types are summarized below:
| Método de enfriamiento | Rango de temperatura | Duración típica | Importancia práctica |
| Dry ice pellets | –78,5 ºC | 24–48 horas | Provide immediate flash freezing for vaccines and biotech samples; require protective gear and venting due to rapid sublimation |
| Dry ice pack sheets | –40 °C to –60 °C | 36–72 horas | Offer gradual cooling and longer hold times; reusable and easier to handle than pellets; minimize CO₂ exposure |
| Gel sheet dry ice packs | –78.5 °C to –20 °C | 24–48 horas | Combine a dry ice core with a gel layer to slow sublimation and distribute cold evenly |
| paquetes de gel (water based) | 0 °C to –20 °C | 12–24 horas | Suitable for chilled goods; reusable and inexpensive but not cold enough for frozen shipments |
| Materiales de cambio de fase (PCM) | Personalizable (2–8 ° C, –20 °C, etc.) | 24–96 hours | Maintain stable temperatures without being hazardous; higher upfront cost but reusable and easier to comply with regulations |
User Tips and Suggestions
Vaccine shipments: Use pellet based sublimation packs inside high performance vacuum insulated shippers. Vaccines often need temperatures below –70 °C; pellets deliver rapid cooling and, when combined with insulation, maintain stability for 48 horas.
Frozen seafood and meat: Choose pack sheets or gel sheet packs for –29 °C to –40 °C shipments lasting two to three days. These packs are reusable, reduce CO₂ exposure and minimize freezer burn.
Hybrid cooling for long routes: For journeys beyond 72 horas, combine pellets, pack sheets and PCMs. Layer pellets at the bottom, pack sheets around the cargo and PCMs on top; this can extend hold time by 25 % and reduce dry ice consumption by about 18 %.
Caso del mundo real: A biotech firm shipping mRNA vaccines uses 8 kg of dry ice pellets at the bottom of a 30 L vacuum insulated shipper, two 24 cell dry ice sheets around the vials and PCM packs on top. This hybrid system maintains temperatures below –70 °C for 60 horas and cuts dry ice usage by roughly 20 % compared with pellets alone.
How to Use Sublimation Dry Ice Pack Sheets Safely and Comply With Regulations?
Sublimation dry ice pack sheets are safe when handled correctly, but misuse can cause frostbite, asphyxiation or pressure explosions. Because dry ice turns into CO₂ gas, you must provide ventilation and avoid airtight containers. Proper labeling and adherence to airline and shipping regulations are also essential.
Direct Safety Guidelines
Use equipo de protección: Always handle dry ice packs with insulated gloves, goggles and long sleeves to prevent frostbite.
Use ventilated containers: Vented or semi vented packaging allows CO₂ gas to escape, preventing pressure buildup that could cause an explosion.
Etiqueta y documento: Packages should be labeled “Dry Ice” or “Carbon Dioxide, Sólido,” include net weight and the UN 1845 hazard identifier. Sigue aquí es 954 and DOT guidelines; passenger aircraft often restrict dry ice to 2.5 kg por paquete, while cargo flights allow up to 200 kilos.
Expanded Safety Explanation
Solid CO₂ poses three main hazards: asphyxiation, frostbite and explosion. As CO₂ gas accumulates, it can displace oxygen in confined spaces; por lo tanto, always handle dry ice in well ventilated areas and avoid storing it in closed refrigerators or vehicles. At –79 °C, direct skin contact causes frostbite almost instantly, so insulated gloves and tongs are necessary. Dry ice expands approximately 1:554 when converting from solid to gas; sealing it in airtight containers can cause pressure buildup and explosions, so use specialized shippers with vent holes. Packages must include hazard labels and emergency contact information.
Step by Step Packing Process
Preparación: Hydrate reusable pack sheets (Si corresponde), soak them and freeze flat. Freeze your product to the desired temperature.
Pre chill the container: Place the insulated box in a freezer or pre chill it with gel packs. Preconditioning can reduce sublimation by up to 15 %.
Lower layer: Add the required amount of pellets or a pack sheet at the bottom.
Buffer layer: Place a cardboard or foam layer over the dry ice to prevent direct contact with your product and avoid freezer burn.
Load your items: Insert products, filling voids with cushioning material to prevent warm air pockets.
Upper layer: Add more pack sheets or pellets on top to maintain uniform temperature.
Vent and close: Ensure the container is vented and close the lid without sealing it airtight.
Etiqueta y documento: Attach hazard labels, note the net weight of dry ice and include emergency contact information.
Practical Tips and Suggestions
Ventilation matters: Do not place dry ice in passenger compartments. Transport it in the trunk or cargo area with windows slightly open to allow CO₂ gas to escape.
Equipo de protección personal: Children should not handle dry ice; adults must use insulated gloves, goggles and tongs.
Training and emergency planning: Only trained personnel should handle dry ice shipments. Always include emergency response information with the package.
Caso real: An international shipping company reduced packaging incidents by 30 % after implementing mandatory PPE and ventilation guidelines for all shipments involving sublimation dry ice pack sheets.
What Cost Factors Should You Consider When Choosing Sublimation Dry Ice Pack Sheets?
Evaluating Upfront and Lifecycle Costs
Sublimation dry ice packs may have higher upfront costs than traditional pellets, but the overall lifecycle savings can be substantial. Packs with protective shells and gel layers slow sublimation, reducing the amount of dry ice required and minimizing waste. Reusable pack sheets also spread their cost across multiple shipments. En cambio, pelletized dry ice is single use and must be replaced each time.
When calculating costs, considerar:
Material and manufacturing cost: Dry ice pellets are inexpensive per pound, but require constant replenishment. Pack sheets cost more but can be reused.
Handling and training expenses: Sublimation packs reduce the need for special handling gear and extensive training, lowering labor costs.
Cumplimiento regulatorio: Hazardous materials regulations require documentation and labeling. Each non compliant shipment can result in fines and delays.
Waste and disposal: Dry ice pellets leave behind no residue but generate CO₂ gas; disposal requires vented facilities. Hybrid solutions using pack sheets and PCMs reduce overall dry ice usage.
Optimizing Your Budget
A few strategies can stretch your budget:
Use hybrid cooling: As the real world case shows, combining pack sheets, pellets and PCMs can reduce dry ice consumption by 20 % mientras mantiene el rendimiento.
Bulk purchasing: Partner with suppliers to secure long term contracts or bulk pricing. In times of CO₂ shortage, priority access to dry ice ensures consistency and cost control.
Improved insulation: Invest in high quality vacuum insulated shippers and reflective covers; improved insulation can lower the amount of dry ice needed.
Reuse and refurbishment: Some suppliers offer take back programs for pack sheets; refurbishing extends their lifespan and spreads cost across shipments.
Ejemplo del mundo real: During a CO₂ shortage in 2025, a global vaccine distributor signed a long term supply contract and adopted hybrid cooling systems. By mixing sublimation pack sheets with PCMs, they cut dry ice usage by 25 % and avoided price spikes.
Implementation Strategy: How to Integrate Sublimation Dry Ice Pack Sheets Into Your Operations?
Adopting sublimation packs requires a structured approach to maximize their benefits. Follow these steps for smooth integration:
Assess your thermal requirements: Identify the target temperature range, shipment duration and product sensitivity. If your products need –70 °C or colder for less than 72 horas, pack sheets or hybrid systems may suffice; for extended durations, integrate PCMs.
Pilot and test: Start with small shipments to fine tune the number of packs and layering sequence. Monitor temperature data with data loggers to ensure compliance.
Standardize procedures: Create packing instructions, checklists and training materials. Standard procedures reduce mistakes and help staff handle the packs safely.
Monitor and improve: Collect performance data and calculate sublimation rates per route. Adjust pack quantities or add insulation as needed. Pre chill containers and products to reduce sublimation by up to 15 %.
Evaluate ROI: Compare costs and outcomes with pellet-only or gel-pack solutions. Factor in savings from reduced waste, mano de obra, training and compliance costs.
Estudio de caso: A regional seafood exporter implemented a pilot program using sublimation pack sheets and found that consistent pre-chilling and standardized packing reduced product damage claims by 40 %. This data justified a full rollout across all routes.
2025 Trends and Developments in Sublimation Dry Ice Pack Sheets
Descripción general de la tendencia
The dry ice market is evolving rapidly in 2025. CO₂ supply constraints, cost volatility, geopolitical pressures and sustainability goals are shaping the cold chain landscape. Dry ice consumption has grown aproximadamente 5 % por año, while CO₂ supply has increased only 0.5 %. Spot prices can surge arriba a 300 % durante las crisis de suministro. Despite these challenges, demand for dry ice is projected to drive the market from Dólar estadounidense 1.54 mil millones en 2024 a Dólar estadounidense 2.73 mil millones por 2032—a compound annual growth rate of 7.4 %. Growth is fueled by food shipping, vaccine distribution and industrial applications such as dry ice blasting.
Últimos desarrollos de un vistazo
Localized CO₂ capture: Manufacturers are building on-site CO₂ capture facilities at food processing plants to secure dry ice supply and reduce transportation losses.
Diversification of cooling strategies: Shippers mix dry ice with PCMs and improve insulation to stretch each pound further. Hybrid solutions reduce reliance on dry ice during supply constraints.
Bio-based carbon capture: Bioethanol plants capture CO₂ released during fermentation and convert it into food-grade dry ice, creating a circular and lower-carbon supply chain.
Ideas del mercado
Sustainability and regulatory pressures encourage the adoption of reusable pack sheets, PCMs and hybrid cooling systems. Buyers demand lower-carbon dry ice produced via bio-based or direct-air capture processes. Improved insulation materials—such as vacuum insulated panels and curbside-recyclable foams—reduce dry ice requirements. As supply remains tight and environmental expectations rise, sublimation pack sheets paired with PCMs offer resilience and sustainability.
Preguntas frecuentes
How long do sublimation dry ice pack sheets typically last?
Most pack sheets maintain ultra cold temperatures for 36–72 horas depending on size and insulation. Hybrid systems with pellets and PCMs can extend duration beyond 72 horas.
Can I reuse sublimation pack sheets?
Sí. Pack sheets are designed for reuse; clean and refreeze them according to manufacturer guidelines. Con el tiempo, the protective shell may wear, so inspect for damage before each use.
What’s the sublimation rate of dry ice?
Dry ice sublimates at about 3–8 pounds per day in typical containers. In insulated shippers, the rate is roughly 10 lbs per 24 horas for every 100 libras de hielo seco. Pre-chilling and using pack sheets can reduce sublimation by 15 % o más.
Do I need to label shipments using pack sheets?
Sí. Even though pack sheets contain dry ice, you must label packages as “Dry Ice” with net weight and include the UN 1845 identificador. Passenger aircraft limit dry ice to 2.5 kg por paquete, while cargo flights allow up to 200 kilos.
Are sublimation pack sheets environmentally friendly?
Pack sheets are reusable and reduce the amount of dry ice required, which lowers CO₂ emissions and waste. Sin embargo, dry ice is still derived from industrial CO₂, so sourcing from bio-based capture can further reduce carbon footprint.
Resumen y recomendaciones
Sublimation dry ice pack sheets leverage solid CO₂’s unique ability to sublimate at –78.5 °C, providing moisture free, ultra cold temperatures for 36–72 hours. Their protective shells and optional gel layers slow sublimation, making them safer and easier to handle than pellets. When used correctly, these packs minimize product damage, extend hold times y reduce CO₂ exposure. To implement them successfully, pre chill containers, seguir layering protocols y adhere to safety guidelines. Hybrid cooling strategies combining pack sheets, pellets and PCMs can extend duration and cut dry ice consumption by up to 20 %. Given the volatile CO₂ market y growing sustainability expectations, investing in sublimation pack sheets now positions your business for resilience in 2025 y más allá.
Próximos pasos viables
Evaluate your shipments: Identify which products require –20 °C to –70 °C conditions and for how long.
Select the right pack format: Choose pellets for rapid freezing, pack sheets for longer durations, or gel sheets for balanced cooling.
Adopt hybrid solutions: Layer pellets, pack sheets and PCMs to optimize performance and reduce CO₂ use.
Entrena a tu equipo: Implement standardized procedures for activation, packing and safety.
Monitor market trends: Stay informed about CO₂ supply, pricing and sustainability innovations.
Siguiendo estos pasos, you’ll ensure your shipments stay ultra cold, your staff stays safe and your operations remain cost effective.
Acerca de Tempk
En Templ, Nos especializamos en soluciones innovadoras de envasado en cadena de frío, including sublimation dry ice pack sheets, gel packs and phase change materials. With decades of expertise and a global research and development center, we design products that balance thermal performance, seguridad y sostenibilidad. Our reusable packs and hybrid systems help customers reduce dry ice consumption, lower regulatory burdens and maintain product integrity across food, pharma and biotech industries.
Our team is here to help you choose the right solution for your unique cold chain challenges. Get in touch to discuss your requirements or request a customized quotation.
