72 Hour Dry Ice Pack: How to Keep Goods Frozen for 72 Heures
Introduction: When you need to ship frozen food, vaccines or lab samples across the country, maintaining sub zero temperatures for three days is no small task. A 72 hour dry ice pack can keep products frozen for up to 72 hours when combined with the right insulation and handling. Understanding how dry ice works, how much is needed and how to comply with safety rules is essential. This article explains everything you need to know about using a 72 hour dry ice pack—from simple calculations to cutting edge 2025 innovations—so your products arrive frozen and safe.
What is a 72 hour dry ice pack and how does it work? — explore solid carbon dioxide and sublimation properties.
How do you calculate the amount of dry ice for 72 hour shipping? — learn simple rules of thumb based on payload weight and transit time.
Which insulated packaging works best for 72 hour dry ice packs? — compare materials and designs for long duration shipping.
What safety and regulatory rules apply to 72 hour dry ice packs in 2025? — understand labeling, hazardous material limits and handling tips.
Quelles sont les dernières 2025 trends and innovations for long duration dry ice shipping? — discover smart sensors, hybrid cooling and market growth.
What is a 72 hour dry ice pack and how does it work?
Réponse directe: UN 72 hour dry ice pack is a shipping method that uses dry ice to keep products frozen for approximately three days. Glace sèche est le dioxyde de carbone solide (Co₂) that sublimates—turns directly from a solid to a gas—at −78.5 °C. Because it doesn’t melt into water, dry ice provides cold without moisture and can maintain goods below freezing for 24 72 hours depending on quantity and insulation. This makes it ideal for shipping frozen foods, biological samples or pharmaceuticals over long distances.
Detailed explanation: Quand la glace sèche sublime, it absorbs large amounts of heat, keeping the surrounding environment cold. The sublimation rate depends on ambient temperature, container insulation and the size of the dry ice pieces. Plus petit, uniform pieces sublimate more slowly because they have less exposed surface area. In a 72 hour dry ice pack, the dry ice is typically placed on top of the payload inside an insulated container; puits d'air froid, so positioning the dry ice above the goods ensures even freezing. Pour des durées plus longues, dry ice may be placed both above and below the product. Contrairement aux packs de gel, which maintain temperatures above 0 °C, dry ice can keep contents below zero for days. Cependant, it must be handled carefully—unventilated containers can explode, and direct contact with dry ice can cause frostbite.
Dry ice chemistry and sublimation
Dry ice sublimates because CO₂ molecules transition directly from solid to gas at low pressure. At sea level, this transition occurs at −78.5 °C. Sublimation absorbs heat from the surroundings (latent heat of sublimation ~571 kJ/kg), which draws thermal energy away from your shipment. The absence of liquid water means there’s no messy melt water to damage packages or products. Dry ice pieces for shipping are available as blocks, slices or pellets. Blocks last longer but are harder to pack around irregularly shaped products; pellets provide better distribution but sublimate faster. A typical 72 hour dry ice pack usages 1.5 times the product’s weight in dry ice and high performance insulation.
| Dry Ice State | Sublimation Point | Cooling Time Range | Avantages pratiques pour vous |
| Block or Slice | −78,5 ° C (−109.3 °F) | 48–72 hours with good insulation | Lasts longest; ideal for large payloads that need sustained freezing. |
| Boulettes | −78,5 ° C | 24–48 heures | Provides uniform cold distribution but sublimates faster due to greater surface area. |
| Chips/Crushed | −78,5 ° C | <24 heures | Fills voids easily; useful for short shipments or filling gaps but not suitable for 72 heures. |
Conseils et suggestions pratiques
Choose proper dry ice form: Pour un 72 hour dry ice pack, opt for blocks or large slices rather than pellets, as they sublimate more slowly and maintain cold longer.
Position dry ice correctly: Place most of the dry ice on top of the payload since cold air sinks. For heavy shipments (>30 kg), place some dry ice at the bottom as well.
Ne sceller pas hermétique: Always vent the container; CO₂ gas must escape. Use insulated containers with venting features or leave small gaps in the lid.
Exemple de cas: A biotech firm shipped vaccine samples cross country by packing vials in a polyurethane insulated box with 1.5 fois le poids du produit en neige carbonique. They used vented packaging and followed International Air Transport Association (Iata) labeling rules. The shipment maintained temperatures below −20 °C for 72 hours and arrived intact.
How do you calculate dry ice for a 72 hour shipment?
Réponse directe: You calculate dry ice for a 72 hour dry ice pack by multiplying the payload weight by 1.5. Industry guidelines recommend using half the product’s weight of dry ice for overnight shipments (24 heures), equal weight for 48 heures, et 1.5 times the weight for 72 heures. Par exemple, un 10 lb payload requires 15 lb of dry ice to stay frozen for up to 72 heures.
Detailed explanation: Dry ice sublimates at a rate of 5–10 lb per 10–15 lb of goods per 24 heures. Température ambiante, insulation quality and starting temperature influence this rate. The table below provides a rule of thumb for different payloads and durations, :
| Charge utile | Dry Ice for <12 h | Dry Ice for 24–48 h | Dry Ice for 48–72 h | Practical meaning |
| 5 kg | 3 kg | 5 kg | 10 kg | Small packages need more ice for longer trips; doubling the weight extends frozen time. |
| 10 kg | 5 kg | 10 kg | 15 kg | Equal weight keeps items frozen for two days; ajout 5 lb ensures 72 heures. |
| 20 kg | 10 kg | 20 kg | 30 kg | Larger payloads require proportional dry ice; 1.5× weight for 72 heures. |
| 40 kg | 15 kg (haut), 5 kg (bas) | 25 kg (haut), 15 kg (bas) | 40 kg (haut), 20 kg (bas) | Positioning more ice on top improves performance; bottom layer helps for heavy loads. |
Tips for accurate calculations
Test your packout: Conditions vary. Conduct a test shipment with temperature data loggers to verify that 1.5× weight maintains temperatures for the full 72 heures.
Factor in delays: UPS recommends adding enough dry ice for an extra 24 hours to cover possible transit delays.
La taille compte: Use smaller, uniform dry ice pieces to slow sublimation and achieve consistent distribution.
Exemple: Shipping a 20 lb box of frozen fish requires about 30 lb of dry ice for a 72 hour trip. Lieu 20 lb on top and 10 lb at the bottom for optimal cooling.
Which insulated packaging works best for a 72 hour dry ice pack?
Réponse directe: The best insulation for a 72 hour dry ice pack is a high performance box made of expanded polystyrene (PSE), polyurethane foam or vacuum insulated panels. Insulation slows heat transfer from the environment, allowing dry ice to last longer. Thick foam or vacuum panels are recommended for shipments longer than 48 heures.
Detailed explanation: Insulated boxes come in several materials, each offering different thermal resistance (R value) et durabilité. Here are common options:
| Matériel | Performance thermique (R value) | Applications typiques | Meaning to you |
| EPS foam coolers | Modéré (≈3.6 per in) | Expéditions de nourriture, médicaments | Abordable et largement disponible; suitable for shipments up to 48 h. |
| Mousse de polyuréthane | Haut (≈6–7 per in) | Produits pharmaceutiques de grande valeur, échantillons de biotechnologie | Provides better insulation for 72 hour shipments but costs more. |
| Corrugated cardboard + foil liners | Variable | Kits de repas, épiceries | Léger et recyclable; use for short shipments or when weight matters. |
| Vacuum insulated panels (Vips) | Très élevé (25–30 per in) | Expéditions spécialisées (vaccins, biologique) | Extremely efficient; extends 72 hour dry ice pack performance but expensive. |
Conseils et suggestions pratiques
Choose thickness: Une isolation plus épaisse prolonge le temps de transit. Pour les expéditions au-delà 48 heures, use multi piece foam panels or vacuum insulated boxes.
Leave space for dry ice: The box should provide room for dry ice above the goods and cushioning around the sides.
Utilisez des doublures réfléchissantes: Reflective materials reduce radiant heat gain and can enhance performance, especially in hot climates.
Real world tip: For a 72 hour dry ice pack, a 1.5 inch thick polyurethane box with a vacuum insulated panel insert can reduce ice consumption by up to 20 %, but costs more. If cost is a concern, an EPS foam box with a foil liner provides a good balance for 72 hour durations.
What safety and regulatory rules apply to 72 hour dry ice packs in 2025?
Réponse directe: Handling a 72 hour dry ice pack requires compliance with hazardous material regulations and proper safety gear. NOUS. règlements (49 CFR) and IATA rules classify dry ice as a Class 9 matières dangereuses. Packages must display the UN 1845 étiquette, declare the net weight of dry ice and use ventilated containers. International shipments on passenger aircraft are limited to 2.5 kg (5.5 kg) of dry ice per package, tandis que les vols cargo permettent jusqu'à 200 kg. Shippers must wear protective gloves, goggles and bibs to avoid frostbite.
Detailed explanation: Dry ice safety covers several areas:
Labeling and marking: Packages must carry the “UN 1845” designation and a Class 9 étiquette de danger. The net weight of dry ice must be marked. This ensures compliance and alerts handlers to potential hazards.
Ventilation: Containers must allow CO₂ gas to escape. Airtight containers risk pressure buildup and rupture.
Limites de poids: Envois non médicaux contenant plus de 5.5 kg (2.5 kg) de glace carbonique aux États-Unis. must comply with 49 CFR rules. The IATA restricts dry ice to 2.5 kg par colis sur les vols passagers et jusqu'à 200 kg sur les vols cargo. UPS suggests adding extra dry ice for transit delays and provides high density EPS foam containers to reduce sublimation.
Handling equipment: Wear goggles, insulated gloves and protective clothing when handling dry ice. Avoid direct skin contact to prevent frostbite. Use tongs or scoops for transferring dry ice.
Stockage: Store dry ice in a well ventilated area using non airtight containers. Never store dry ice in a completely sealed cooler or basement without ventilation.
Élimination: Allow leftover dry ice to sublimate in a safe, ventilated space. Never flush it down a sink or put it in a closed trash bin.
Practical example: When shipping a 72 hour dry ice pack via air, you’ll need to weigh the dry ice and include that number on the hazardous materials declaration. Pour un 15 lb payload requiring 22.5 LB de glace sèche, seulement 5.5 lb can be included in a single package on a passenger flight; the rest would need to be distributed or shipped on cargo aircraft.
Additional tips for safe handling
Combine dry ice with gel packs or PCMs for stability: Hybrid packouts can reduce dry ice usage while maintaining temperature.
Train staff: Anyone involved in packing or handling must be trained in hazardous material regulations. Provide clear instructions for opening packages safely.
Use CO₂ sensors: Smart sensors can detect CO₂ buildup and alert handlers to vent the package if necessary.
How to combine dry ice with gel packs or PCMs for 72 hour shipping?
Réponse directe: Combining dry ice with gel packs or phase change materials (PCMS) can extend the duration of a 72 hour dry ice pack and reduce CO₂ emissions. Gel packs maintain temperatures near 2–8 °C and are ideal for chilled goods, while PCMs maintain specific temperature ranges (Par exemple, 0 °C, 5 °C, −20 °C). By pairing dry ice with PCMs, you create a hybrid packout that provides stable temperatures and reduces the amount of dry ice needed.
Detailed explanation: Hybrid cooling works by using dry ice to reach ultra low temperatures and PCMs to buffer temperature fluctuations. PCMs are substances that absorb or release heat as they change phase, maintaining a constant temperature. Par exemple, a PCM with a melting point of −20 °C can keep goods at that temperature when dry ice starts to sublimate. Using PCMs also reduces the weight and hazard classification of shipments because less dry ice is required.
Tips for hybrid packouts
Select the right PCM temperature: Choose a PCM that matches your product’s required temperature range (Par exemple, 0 °C for chilled goods or −20 °C for frozen goods). This ensures effective buffering.
Use gel packs for last mile: Gel packs can be added for the last 12–24 hours of transit to maintain temperature once dry ice dissipates.
Balance weight and cost: PCMs and gel packs add weight; calculate the combined cost and shipping weight to ensure it’s economical.
Exemple: A medical courier shipping vaccines uses 10 lb of dry ice and a −20 °C PCM panel. The PCM absorbs heat and limits temperature spikes, allowing the shipment to maintain −20 °C for 72 hours with only 10 lb of dry ice instead of 15 kg. This reduces hazardous material paperwork and carbon emissions.
2025 trends and innovations for 72 hour dry ice packs
Aperçu de la tendance
L'industrie de la chaîne du froid évolue rapidement. Dans 2025, capteurs intelligents, sustainable dry ice production and hybrid packaging are transforming how 72 hour dry ice packs are designed and used. Shipments are smarter, greener and more efficient than ever before.
Derniers développements en un coup d'œil
Sustainable dry ice production: Suppliers are adopting greener manufacturing by capturing CO₂ from industrial processes like ammonia synthesis. Renewable energy sources are also being used to produce dry ice, lowering its carbon footprint.
Hybrid packaging and PCMs: Combining dry ice with PCMs or gel packs reduces CO₂ usage and shipping weight. This approach supports longer durations without increasing the hazard classification.
Smart packaging and tracking: New packaging features smart CO₂ sensors and QR coded labels that provide real time temperature and location data. Some systems integrate with blockchain, recording every step of the cold chain for traceability.
Automation and AI in logistics: Automated systems handle dry ice packaging to reduce human error. AI-driven tools predict weather impacts and optimize dry ice quantities, helping reduce waste.
Croissance du marché: Les États-Unis. cold chain packaging market was valued at USD 7.97 milliards en 2024 et devrait croître à un taux de croissance annuel composé (TCAC) de 15.6 % entre 2025 et 2030. Demand for processed foods, online grocery shopping and strict pharmaceutical standards drive this growth. Packs froids (packs de gel, PCMS) are expected to grow at a CAGR of 17.6 %.
Insistance au marché
Consumers and regulators are pushing for greener, more reliable cold chain solutions. The shift towards eco friendly dry ice production and recyclable insulation materials reflects increasing sustainability concerns. Entre-temps, the rise of meal kits and direct to consumer frozen foods means more businesses need accessible 72 hour dry ice pack options. Investing in smart sensors and hybrid packaging can reduce returns and spoilage, improving profitability.
Questions fréquemment posées
Question 1: How much dry ice do I need for a 72 hour shipment?
Utiliser 1.5 times the weight of your product. Par exemple, un 10 lb payload requires about 15 LB de glace sèche. Add extra dry ice for delays.
Question 2: Can I combine dry ice with gel packs?
Oui. Combining dry ice with gel packs or PCMs slows sublimation and extends cooling. Hybrid packouts are especially useful when products must not be exposed to extremely low temperatures.
Question 3: Est-il sécuritaire d’expédier de la neige carbonique à l’international?
Dry ice can be shipped internationally but must comply with IATA rules. Passenger aircraft allow only 2.5 kg (5.5 kg) par forfait, tandis que les vols cargo permettent jusqu'à 200 kg.
Question 4: What insulation should I use for 72 hour shipping?
Use high performance insulation such as polyurethane foam or vacuum insulated panels for shipments over 48 heures.
Question 5: Comment puis-je me débarrasser des restes de neige carbonique?
Let dry ice sublimate in a well ventilated area. Do not place it in a sink or sealed container.
Question 6: De quel équipement de sécurité ai-je besoin?
Portez des gants isolés, goggles and protective clothing when handling dry ice. Avoid skin contact and keep dry ice away from children and pets.
Question 7: Does dry ice leave moisture?
Non. Dry ice sublimates directly into carbon dioxide gas, leaving no liquid water. This prevents packaging damage and makes clean up easier.
Question 8: Combien de temps dure la glace sèche?
Dry ice can maintain cold for 24–72 hours depending on the quantity and insulation. For 72 hour shipments, utiliser 1.5 fois le poids du produit en neige carbonique.
Question 9: Puis-je réutiliser les packs de glace sec?
Non. Dry ice sublimates and cannot be reused. Cependant, insulated containers and PCM panels can often be reused with new dry ice.
Question 10: What is the difference between dry ice and gel packs?
Dry ice keeps goods below freezing for days, while gel packs maintain chilled temperatures above 0 °C. Gel packs are not classified as hazardous and are easier to handle but cannot keep products frozen.
Résumé et recommandations
Le 72 hour dry ice pack is an effective way to ship frozen goods across long distances. Remember these key points:
Understand dry ice: Solid CO₂ sublimates at −78.5 °C and keeps goods frozen without moisture.
Calculate correctly: Utiliser 1.5 times the product’s weight in dry ice for 72 heures. Conduct test shipments and add extra dry ice for delays.
Choose the right insulation: High performance boxes made from EPS, polyurethane foam or vacuum insulated panels extend the life of your 72 hour dry ice pack.
Follow safety rules: Label packages with UN 1845, vent containers and wear protective gear, .
Embrace innovation: Emballages hybrides, smart sensors and sustainable dry ice production reduce costs and environmental impact, .
Actionable guidance
To implement a successful 72 hour dry ice pack shipment:
Assess your product’s needs: Determine whether your goods must remain frozen or simply chilled.
Select insulation: Choose an insulated box with appropriate material and thickness for 72 heures. Polyurethane or vacuum insulated panels are ideal for long trips.
Calculate dry ice: Use the 1.5× rule and add a buffer for delays. Place the ice on top and, for heavy loads, add some at the bottom.
Prepare packaging: Pre condition the box and dry ice. Wrap products in leak proof bags and use cushioning. Assurer la ventilation.
Label and ship: Marquez le package avec l'ONU 1845, declare the dry ice weight and follow IATA/49 CFR limits.
Monitor in transit: Use temperature sensors and data loggers to track the shipment. For cross country trips, use carriers with reliable transit times and route optimization.
À propos du tempk
Tempk is a trusted provider of cold chain packaging solutions, offering insulated boxes, gel ice packs and 72 hour dry ice pack systems for food, industries pharmaceutiques et biotechnologiques. We operate a CNAS certified lab and R&D center to ensure product quality and innovation. Our eco friendly cold chain products are reusable and recyclable, and our packaging solutions are certified through international standards and Sedex compliance. We specialize in customized insulation products, from gel packs to vacuum insulated boxes, tailored to meet the temperature and duration requirements of your shipments. Avec tempk, you benefit from scientific expertise and reliable delivery—a partner committed to keeping your goods safe during transit.
Appel à l'action
Prêt à expédier en toute confiance? Contact the Tempk team today for a free consultation and customized 72 hour dry ice pack solution. We’ll help you choose the right insulation, calculate dry ice and implement cutting edge technology to protect your products. Que vous expédiiez des aliments surgelés, pharmaceuticals or research specimens, Tempk has the tools and expertise to ensure safe, sustainable delivery.
