Quand vous devez expédier des vaccins, seafood or lab samples across a vast country like Canada, temperature control is non negotiable. Canada dry ice pack sheets provide ultra cold temperatures by using solid carbon dioxide (Co₂) that sublimates at −78.5 °C. Contrairement aux packs de glace ou de gel ordinaires, these sheets keep goods frozen for 24–72 hours without producing meltwater【270798852816686†L140-L139】. This article explains how Canada dry ice pack sheets work, how to size and handle them safely, Et quoi 2025 trends you should know to maintain the integrity of your shipments.
What makes Canada dry ice pack sheets effective? Discover the science of sublimation and why ultra cold temperatures matter.
How do you size and choose the right dry ice pack sheet for your shipment? Learn weight formulas, payload ratios and the effects of insulation.
How can you use Canada dry ice pack sheets safely and efficiently? Follow step by step packing and handling practices.
How do dry ice pack sheets compare to gel packs and phase change materials (PCM)? Understand temperature ranges, duration and reusability.
Quoi 2025 innovations and sustainability trends affect Canada’s cold chain? Explore smart packaging, recycled CO₂ and hybrid systems.
What Makes Canada Dry Ice Pack Sheets So Effective?
Sublimation and Ultra Cold Temperatures
Canada dry ice pack sheets are made from compressed solid CO₂ that sublimates directly into gas at about −78.5 °C. This means they bypass the liquid phase entirely, so there is no water to leak or soak your products. Dry ice offers colder temperatures and longer duration than gel packs or water ice, keeping vaccines, biologique, seafood and genetic samples safely below their critical thresholds. High quality dry ice sheets can maintain frozen temperatures for up to 72 heures【270798852816686†L140-L139】, enabling shipments to cross long distances without thawing.
Gel packs and water ice freeze around 0 °C. As they melt, they release moisture and warm gradually, which may damage sensitive products or labels. Dry ice sublimation avoids these problems, forming a protective blanket of cold gas around your goods and preventing freezer burn. For goods requiring refrigeration (2–8 ° C) rather than freezing, gel packs remain suitable because they are non hazardous and easier to handle.
Types of Canada Dry Ice Pack Formats
Different formats suit different shipments. Blocks or slabs (2–10 lb) sublimate slowly and provide endurance for 24–72 hours. Pellet bags offer rapid cooling but sublimate quickly, making them good for pre conditioning containers. Scored sheets or mini slabs are flexible, allowing you to wrap dry ice around irregular loads without wasting space. Choosing the right format helps you manage sublimation rate and cold duration.
Comparing Cooling Media
| Milieu de refroidissement | Changement de phase | Plage de température | Durée typique | Practical Implications |
| Glace sèche (Co₂) | Sublimates directly from solid to gas | ≈ −78.5 °C | 24–48 h (jusqu'à 72 h with high quality sheets)【270798852816686†L140-L139】 | Provides ultra cold temperatures without liquid residue; ideal for vaccines, biologics and frozen foods. |
| Packs de gel | Melt from solid to liquid | Around 0 °C (32 °F) | 6–24 h | Non hazardous, reusable and suitable for products that must not freeze; durée plus courte. |
| Matériaux à changement de phase (PCM) | Solid–liquid transition at specific setpoints | 2–8 °C or −20 °C | 24–96 h | Reusable and precise temperature control; ideal for refrigerated goods; easier regulatory compliance. |
How to Size and Choose Canada Dry Ice Pack Sheets for Your Shipment
General Sizing Rules
Sizing your Canada dry ice pack sheets correctly ensures goods stay frozen without wasting refrigerant. A common rule is to use 5–10 lb (2.3–4,5 kg) de glace sèche par 24 heures de transit. For vaccines and biologics requiring ultra cold temperatures, use the upper end of this range; for frozen meals or meats, less may suffice. Another simple guideline is to match the weight of dry ice to the product weight for 48 hour shipments, adjusting for season and route complexity.
Insulation quality significantly affects dry ice requirements. Upgrading from basic EPS foam to vacuum insulated panels can reduce dry ice needs by 10–25 %. En pratique, containers with 2–3 inch thick walls hold cold longer and require less dry ice than thin boxes. Start with the general formulas below, then adjust based on container type and ambient conditions.
Recommended Dry Ice Weight by Payload and Duration
| Poids de la charge utile | Dry Ice for 24 h | Dry Ice for 48 h | Dry Ice for 72 h | Ce que cela signifie pour vous |
| 10 lb payload | 5 lb de glace sèche | 10 lb de glace sèche | 15 lb de glace sèche | Enough to ship vaccines or gene therapy samples for two day transit. |
| 20 lb payload | 10 lb de glace sèche | 20 lb de glace sèche | 30 lb de glace sèche | Suitable for frozen meats or seafood up to three days. |
| 50 lb payload | 25 lb de glace sèche | 50 lb de glace sèche | 75 lb de glace sèche | Used for large meat shipments or industrial deliveries. |
These numbers serve as starting points. Increase the amount by 20–30 % during summer or when shipping through multiple hubs, and decrease by 10–25 % if using high performance insulation. Testing different pack outs on your longest route can help refine your calculations.
Product Specific Recommendations
Ultra cold vaccines and biologics: Utiliser 5–10 lb of dry ice per day. Maintain temperatures below −70 °C; add extra weight in hot climates.
Seafood and premium meats: 1–2 lb of dry ice per day suffices for small shipments; double this for larger containers.
Frozen meals and desserts: 2–3 lb of dry ice per day keeps frozen meals solid for up to 72 heures.
Using Formulas to Estimate Needs
A simple formula from logistics carriers is:
Glace sèche (kg) ≈ (Transit time in hours ÷ 24) × (Average consumption per day)
If you plan a 36 hour shipment and need 5 lb per day for vaccines, the calculation is (36/24) × 5 = 7.5 kg. Rounding up ensures a buffer. Use this formula along with your product’s thermal mass and insulation quality to size your dry ice pack sheet properly.
Safe Handling and Regulatory Compliance in Canada
Handling Precautions and Ventilation
Dry ice is safe when handled correctly, but misuse can cause frostbite, asphyxiation or container explosions. Always wear insulated gloves and eye protection when handling Canada dry ice pack sheets. Because dry ice releases CO₂ gas, work in a well ventilated area or crack vehicle windows to avoid oxygen displacement. Never store dry ice in airtight containers or sealed coolers; venting holes or self venting lids allow gas to escape and prevent pressure buildup.
Packaging and Labeling Requirements
La glace sèche est classée comme un Classe 9 matières dangereuses for air transport. Packages must display the UN 1845 hazard diamond and list the net weight of dry ice. For passenger flights, IATA allows travelers to carry up to 2.5 kg (5.5 kg) de glace carbonique par personne without a declaration. Commercial shipments can carry up to 200 kg but must follow strict documentation and packaging rules. Ground shipments within Canada and the USA face fewer restrictions but still require safe handling.
When shipping infectious substances or biological samples, follow the triple packaging rule: a watertight primary receptacle, a secondary watertight package with absorbent material, and a strong outer container. Each layer must be leak proof and the outer container labelled with the dry ice weight and hazard classification.
Handling Best Practices
Portez un équipement de protection: Utilisez des gants isolés, goggles and long sleeves to avoid frostbite and cold burns.
Ventilate workspaces: Always provide ventilation when packing, transporting or storing dry ice.
Label shipments: Mark packages with “Dry Ice” and “Carbon Dioxide, Solide,” including the net weight and UN 1845.
Store responsibly: Keep dry ice in a cooler or insulated container that allows gas to escape. Avoid glass or sealed plastic containers that may burst.
Plan for emergencies: Provide instructions for dealing with frostbite—immerse the affected area in warm water and seek medical help.
Packing and Layering: How to Use Canada Dry Ice Pack Sheets Efficiently
Step by Step Packing Procedure
Pre condition the container: Chill your cooler or insulated box before adding dry ice to slow sublimation. Placing dry ice in a warm container wastes cooling energy.
Prepare and cut your sheets: Hydrate the dry ice pack sheets (si nécessaire) and freeze them flat. When ready, cut the sheets to fit your container using a serrated knife while wearing gloves.
Layer insulation: Place a layer of cardboard or foam at the bottom of the container to prevent direct contact between dry ice and your products.
Position dry ice strategically: Placing dry ice on top of your goods allows cold air to sink and ensures uniform cooling. For products that cannot freeze on top, you can place dry ice at the bottom and sides and use a barrier to protect goods.
Remplir les vides: Use bubble wrap, foam or additional dry ice slices to eliminate empty space. Minimizing voids improves cold retention.
Vent and seal properly: Close the container securely but leave venting holes or use a self venting lid. Use tape to secure the lid without making it airtight.
Étiquette et document: Attach the hazard diamond and include the net weight of dry ice and the shipper’s declaration when required.
Erreurs courantes pour éviter
Sealing dry ice in a non vented container: This can cause a dangerous explosion.
Underestimating weight limits: Airlines allow only 2.5 kg par passager; larger shipments may require special declarations.
Using generic boxes: Thin cardboard or non insulated boxes accelerate sublimation and risk product loss.
Ignoring thermal mass: Big payloads require proportionally more dry ice; don’t assume one size fits all.
Real World Case Example
UN Canadian biotech firm shipped temperature sensitive vaccines across the country using high quality dry ice sheets in a vacuum sealed insulated box. The pack sheets were placed above and below the vials, and a data logger monitored internal conditions. This setup maintained temperatures below −70 °C for over 72 hours and prevented spikes during transit, demonstrating how careful layering and monitoring can protect sensitive cargo.
Canada Dry Ice Pack Sheets vs. Gel Packs and Phase Change Materials
When to Use Each Refrigerant
Dry ice packs deliver ultra cold temperatures (below −70 °C) and are ideal for frozen biologics, gene therapy products, ice cream and seafood. They offer high cooling capacity relative to weight and leave no liquid residue. Cependant, dry ice is single use and requires hazardous material labeling.
Gel packs maintain temperatures just above freezing (autour 0 °C) for 6–24 hours, making them a good choice for fresh produce, dairy or pharmaceuticals that must not freeze. They are non hazardous and reusable but may leak water and require more packs for longer durations.
Matériaux à changement de phase (PCM) hold narrow temperature bands, typically 2–8 °C or −20 °C, pendant 24 à 96 heures. PCMs are reusable and non hazardous, offering precise control and simplifying regulatory compliance. Their high upfront cost is offset by long term savings and reduced waste.
Comparative Overview
| Facteur | Packs de glace sec | Packs de gel | PCM |
| Plage de température | Ultra cold (≈ −78.5 °C) | Near 0 °C | 2–8 °C or −20 °C |
| Durée | 24–72 h【270798852816686†L140-L139】 | 6–24 h | 24–96 h |
| Classe de danger | Classe 9 dangereux; requires labeling | Non hazardous | Non hazardous |
| Réutilisabilité | Single use; container reusable | Often reusable but may leak | Highly reusable |
| Best use cases | Ultra cold biologics, fruits de mer gelés, glace | Chilled foods, pharmaceuticals that must not freeze | Vaccins, biologics requiring stable 2–8 °C or −20 °C |
Hybrid Approaches
Pour les charges mixtes, combining dry ice packs with gel packs or PCM can extend cooling duration and create multi temperature zones. Par exemple, you can maintain ultra cold conditions for biologics in one compartment while keeping other items chilled at 2–8 °C. Hybrid packaging reduces total dry ice consumption and eases regulatory burdens, making it ideal for shipments with varied temperature requirements.
Sustainability and Environmental Considerations
Recycled CO₂ and Circular Production
Dry ice sublimation releases CO₂ gas, which can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Most industrial dry ice is produced from recycled CO₂ captured during processes such as ammonia synthesis and ethanol production. Recycling repurposes waste CO₂ and avoids the need for new fossil based CO₂ sources, thus reducing environmental impact. When selecting suppliers, ask whether they use bio sourced or captured CO₂. The Canada dry ice industry is investing in local production and CO₂ capture to reduce transportation emissions and build supply resilience.
Reducing Dry Ice Consumption
Efficient use of Canada dry ice pack sheets minimizes environmental impact. Upgrading insulation and using hybrid packouts with PCM can reduce dry ice requirements by 10–25 %. Sizing packs carefully and adding only 5–10 lb per 24 heures—with adjustments for season and route complexity—prevents excess CO₂ release. Dry ice calculators or interactive tools can help customers estimate the right amount, reducing waste and shipping costs.
Sustainable Alternatives and Hybrid Solutions
Sustainable packaging is gaining traction in 2025. Manufacturers are developing recyclable thermal shippers and biodegradable gel packs. Phase change materials offer reusable cooling without hazardous classification and provide precise temperature control. By combining dry ice with PCM, shippers can extend hold time, lower CO₂ emissions and simplify compliance.
Market Dynamics and Supply Constraints
The dry ice market continues to grow, but supply volatility remains a concern. Consumption has grown about 5 % par année, while CO₂ production has increased only 0.5 %, causing occasional shortages and price surges. The global dry ice market is projected to grow from USD 1.54 milliards en 2024 en USD 2.73 milliards 2032, un 7.4 % TCAC. Investments in local production hubs and CO₂ capture technology aim to stabilise supply, but customers should still plan ahead and secure contracts to ensure continuous access.
Industry Applications and Case Studies
Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Sector
Vaccins, biologics and diagnostic kits often require temperatures below −70 °C. Canada dry ice pack sheets are essential for shipping mRNA vaccines and gene therapy vectors. Laboratories also use them to transport genetic materials and cell cultures, ensuring they remain frozen during research and clinical trials. In one example, a biotech company shipping gene therapy vectors maintained temperatures between −65 °C and −70 °C for 72 hours by layering dry ice blocks and pellets in a conditioned container.
Industrie des aliments et des boissons
Fruit de mer, ice cream and meat products rely on dry ice to stay frozen and maintain quality during transit. Dry ice’s lack of meltwater prevents soggy packaging. For e commerce companies shipping frozen meals across remote regions of Canada, dry ice allows deliveries without refrigerated trucks. A seafood exporter used dry ice sheets between wet paper towels to ship live lobsters from Canada to Japan; the crustaceans arrived fresh because the moisture remained separate from the dry ice.
Electronics and Biotechnology Research
Temperature sensitive electronics such as semiconductors and microchips can be damaged by heat. Dry ice pack sheets protect these components by maintaining ultra cold conditions. Diagnostic reagents, DNA samples and enzymes shipped for research also benefit from dry ice because they degrade quickly at higher temperatures.
E Commerce and Meal Kit Deliveries
As home delivery services expand, dry ice helps maintain product quality during the last mile. Meal kit companies use mini dry ice sheets to keep meals at −20 °C for 24 heures. Pairing dry ice with vacuum insulated liners ensures customers receive frozen goods even in remote areas. One start up integrated a dry ice calculator into its ordering system; customers entered location and meal selection and received an automatic suggestion for the number of dry ice packs required, reducing returns due to melted products by 30 %.
Scientific Research and Medical Testing
Research institutions and medical laboratories ship blood samples, plasma and other specimens on dry ice to prevent degradation. Consistent cold prevents enzymes from breaking down and ensures reliable test results. A research lab shipping genetic samples from Vancouver to Toronto labelled the package with the Class 9 hazard diamond, declared the dry ice weight and used venting holes. Par conséquent, the shipment arrived on time and avoided fines.
Optimising Your Cold Chain: Tips and Decision Making Framework
Use Quality Packaging and Insulation
High quality insulation is the foundation of a stable cold chain. Vacuum sealed insulated bags can maintain cold for 48–72 hours, while styrofoam containers provide 24–48 hours and rigid insulated boxes can exceed 72 heures. Reflective liners and aerogels further reduce heat gain and extend duration. Investing in quality packaging pays off by reducing dry ice consumption and preventing spoilage.
Monitor Temperature in Real Time
Use data loggers or IoT sensors to track internal temperatures during transit. IoT enabled packages send alerts when the temperature deviates from the safe range. This allows you to intervene quickly if delays occur or if dry ice is consumed faster than expected. Integrating sensors with cloud platforms provides centralized monitoring across shipments.
Plan Efficient Routes and Buffer for Delays
Efficient routing reduces transit time and exposure to extreme temperatures. Work with carriers experienced in handling hazardous materials and cold chain logistics. Ajouter un 20–30 % marge de sécurité to your dry ice quantity to cover possible delays. When shipments involve multiple temperature zones, hybrid packaging with PCM ensures each product stays in its required range.
Decision Making Checklist
Determine temperature requirements: Choose between ultra cold (≤ −70 °C), congelé (−20 °C), réfrigéré (2–8 ° C) ou réfrigéré (> 0 °C) conditions.
Estimate shipment duration: If it’s less than 72 heures, PCM or gel packs may suffice; au-delà 96 heures, La glace sèche est essentielle.
Consider regulatory complexity: If you wish to avoid hazardous goods paperwork, choose PCM or gel packs. If you require ultra cold conditions, be ready to comply with Class 9 règlements.
Align with budget and sustainability goals: Reusable PCM has higher upfront cost but lower lifetime cost; dry ice has lower initial cost but must be replenished each shipment.
Assess product sensitivity: Determine whether your product can tolerate freezing. Some pharmaceuticals or electronics cannot, so gel packs or PCM may be safer.
Interactive Tools and User Engagement
Consider adding a Dry Ice Quantity Calculator to your website, allowing users to input shipment weight, type de conteneur, ambient temperature and transit time and receive a customized recommendation. This reduces guesswork, improves user engagement and decreases returns due to under or over packing. You could also offer self assessment quizzes to help users determine whether dry ice or PCM is the best choice for their products.
2025 Trends and Innovations in Canada Dry Ice Pack Technology
Le secteur de la chaîne du froid évolue rapidement, and staying informed helps you remain competitive. Below are key developments shaping 2025:
Smart packaging and IoT sensors: Real time temperature monitoring devices integrated into packaging send alerts when temperatures deviate, allowing proactive intervention.
Sustainable dry ice production: Manufacturers are capturing industrial CO₂ emissions to produce dry ice, réduire l'empreinte environnementale. Some producers use bio based CO₂ captured during ethanol fermentation.
Automation and logistics efficiency: Robots and automated packing lines optimize placement of dry ice sheets and reduce human error. Logistics software helps predict optimal routing and schedule re icing.
Hybrid PCM–dry ice solutions: Combining dry ice with PCM creates multi temperature zones and extends cooling duration, reducing CO₂ usage.
Matériaux d'isolation avancée: Aerogels, vacuum insulation panels and reflective coatings improve thermal performance and reduce package weight.
Market growth and consumer preferences: The cold chain refrigerants market is expected to grow from $1.69 milliards en 2025 à $2.92 milliards 2032. Consumers demand sustainability and transparency, pushing companies to disclose CO₂ sources and invest in eco friendly solutions.
Supply chain resilience: Dry ice consumption is growing at around 5 % par année, while CO₂ production grows only 0.5 %, causing occasional shortages. Manufacturers build regional production hubs and capture emissions to secure supply.
Questions fréquemment posées
Q1: How long do Canada dry ice pack sheets last?
High quality dry ice pack sheets can keep goods cold for 24–72 heures, Selon le montant utilisé, insulation quality and ambient temperature. Blocks typically last 24–48 hours, while sheets can extend duration to 72 heures.
Q2: What’s the general rule for sizing dry ice relative to product weight?
A common guideline is 5–10 lb de glace sèche par 24 heures or a 1:1 ratio of dry ice weight to product weight for 48 hour shipments. Adjust by adding 20–30 % more for hot weather or complex routes.
Q3: Can I reuse Canada dry ice pack sheets?
Non. Dry ice sublimates completely, leaving nothing to reuse. Cependant, the outer packaging and insulation can be reused. For reusable cooling, consider PCM or gel packs, which can be refrozen.
Q4: Are dry ice pack sheets safe to handle?
Oui, Si géré correctement. Always use insulated gloves and goggles, work in a ventilated area, and never seal dry ice in an airtight container. The CO₂ gas must escape to prevent asphyxiation or explosion..
Q5: Can I combine dry ice with gel packs or PCM?
Absolument. Hybrid systems extend cooling duration and create multiple temperature zones. Gel packs slow dry ice sublimation, while PCM provides stable intermediate temperatures.
Q6: What regulations govern dry ice shipping in Canada?
La glace sèche est un Classe 9 matières dangereuses and must be labelled with “Dry Ice” or “Carbon Dioxide, Solid” and the net weight. IATA allows up to 2.5 kg par passager without a declaration, while commercial shipments can carry up to 200 kg. Ground shipments face fewer restrictions but still require safe handling.
Q7: How can I reduce the environmental impact of using dry ice?
Source dry ice made from recycled or bio captured CO₂, use only what you need, and adopt hybrid packouts with PCM to reduce total dry ice consumption. Recycle or reuse insulation materials and educate recipients on proper disposal..
Résumé et recommandations
Canada dry ice pack sheets offer unparalleled ultra cold performance, keeping shipments frozen for up to 72 hours without leaving water residue. They work by sublimating solid CO₂ at −78.5 °C, delivering continuous, dry cooling that protects vaccines, biologique, seafood and electronics. To size them correctly, utiliser 5–10 lb par 24 heures or match dry ice weight to payload weight. Upgrade insulation and consider hybrid packouts with PCM to reduce consumption by 10–25 %. Manipulez toujours la glace sèche avec des gants, provide ventilation and comply with regulations. With increasing demand, sustainability trends, et 2025 innovations—such as IoT sensors and recycled CO₂ production—Canada dry ice pack sheets remain a critical tool for maintaining cold chains.
Conseils exploitables
Évaluez les besoins en température de votre produit and select the appropriate refrigerant (dry ice for ultra cold, gel packs for chilled, PCM for precise control).
Calculer la quantité de glace carbonique using the formulas provided, adding a buffer for delays.
Prepare and pack carefully: Pre chill containers, isolation de la couche, position dry ice properly and vent containers.
Use data logging and sensors to monitor shipments and adjust pack outs in real time.
Choose sustainable options: Partner with suppliers that use recycled CO₂ and incorporate PCM or recyclable packaging.
Educate your team and customers about handling dry ice safely and disposing of it responsibly.
À propos du tempk
Rotation is a Canada based cold chain packaging specialist known for its high quality dry ice packs, packs de gel, insulated boxes and smart containers. Our focus on sustainability means many of our products are made from Co₂ recyclé and designed to minimise environmental impact. We serve pharmaceuticals, biotechnologie, food and e commerce sectors, providing validated packaging solutions, regulatory expertise and real time monitoring technology. Contact our experts to explore Canada dry ice pack sheets and custom cold chain solutions that keep your shipments safe, compliant and eco friendly.
