When you ship frozen foods, biologics or high value samples, maintaining ultra low temperatures is non negotiable. Delivered dry ice pack sheets offer a flexible, moisture free way to keep shipments at –78.5 °C (–109,3 ° F) pour jusqu'à 72 heures. Unlike ordinary ice that melts at 0 °C and lasts only a day, these sealed pouches of solid carbon dioxide sublimate directly from solid to gas, preserving your products without leaving puddles. This comprehensive guide explains what these pack sheets are, how to size and pack them, safety and regulatory requirements, sustainability considerations and the latest innovations for 2025. À la fin, you’ll know how to select and use delivered dry ice pack sheets to keep your goods frozen longer and cut cold chain costs.
Understand what delivered dry ice pack sheets are and how they differ from mini dry ice sheets, disposable packs, gel packs and water ice. We’ll clarify temperature ranges, typical durations and moisture performance.
Choose and size the right packs using rules of thumb like a 1:1 ratio of dry ice weight to payload for 48 hour deliveries, adjustment factors for season and route, and payload specific guidelines.
Pack and ship safely by following step by step instructions: pre freeze goods, isolation de la couche, allow ventilation, label with the UN 1845 hazard class, and comply with IATA/49 CFR rules.
Stay compliant and minimise risks by learning about CO₂ sublimation hazards, limites de poids, packaging materials and disposal methods.
Explore sustainability and 2025 innovations, including reusable packaging, captured CO₂ dry ice, smart sensors and hybrid refrigeration systems that reduce dry ice consumption.
Answer common questions like how long pack sheets last, whether they’re suitable for pharmaceuticals and how to dispose of used dry ice responsibly.
What Are Delivered Dry Ice Pack Sheets and How Are They Different?
Definition and Function
Delivered dry ice pack sheets are flexible, sealed pouches filled with solid carbon dioxide pellets or slabs. Unlike gel packs that freeze around 0 °C and thaw into a watery mess, La glace sèche sublime directement du solide au gaz, absorbing heat and keeping shipments dry. This sublimation maintains temperatures from –78.5 °C up to –18 °C for 24–48 hours in mini sheets and jusqu'à 72 hours in thicker disposable packs when properly insulated. Parce que le CO₂ s'échappe sous forme de gaz, there’s no liquid residue to damage packaging. The absence of moisture makes them ideal for shipping frozen foods, vaccines and biologics that must stay below –18 °C.
How They Differ from Other Cooling Solutions
Dry ice pack sheets are often compared to gel packs and traditional ice. Gel packs maintain 2–8 °C for up to 48 hours and are suitable for chilled goods but not for frozen shipments, and they can leak as they melt. Traditional water ice melts at 0 °C and lasts only 12–24 hours, making it unsuitable for long deliveries. Mini dry ice sheets are thin and lightweight, designed for pharmaceuticals or small biologics requiring constant ultra low temperatures (–78.5 °C to –18 °C) for 24–48 hours. Disposable dry ice packs are thicker and deliver –78.5 °C cooling for up to 72 heures, ideal for long distance shipments of frozen meat, seafood or vaccines. Understanding these differences helps you select the right cooling medium for your delivery.
Understanding Sublimation
La glace sèche est la forme solide de dioxyde de carbone. At atmospheric pressure it does not melt into liquid but sublimer directement dans le gaz, absorbing heat as it transitions. This property provides two key advantages: prolonged ultra cold temperatures and moisture free performance. Cependant, the gas can accumulate in confined spaces and displace oxygen, so containers must allow venting. Later sections outline how to pack for safe venting and avoid buildup.
Table de comparaison
The following table summarises how delivered dry ice pack sheets compare to other cooling mediums you might consider. It clarifies temperature ranges, typical durations and key benefits for each option.
| Cooling solution | Plage de température | Durée typique | Practical benefit |
| Mini dry ice sheet | –78.5 °C to –18 °C | 24–48 h | Léger, fits small parcels; perfect for vaccines and biologics requiring constant ultra cold temperatures |
| Disposable dry ice pack | –78,5 ° C | Jusqu'à 72 h | Moisture free cooling for long distance shipments of frozen meat, seafood or pharmaceuticals |
| Pack de gel | 2–8 ° C | Jusqu'à 48 h | Maintains refrigerator temperatures for produce or dairy; reusable but can leak |
| Traditional ice pack | 0 °C | 12–24 h | Cheap and easy for short deliveries; not suitable for frozen goods |
Practical Tips and Advice
Plan for the journey: Consider transit time, météo, payload size and desired temperature to decide between mini sheets and disposable packs. Par exemple, small vaccine shipments may only require a mini sheet for 24–48 hours, while cross country seafood deliveries need thick packs to maintain –18 °C for 72 heures.
Align with regulations: If your shipment travels by air, note that some carriers limit dry ice to 2.5 kg (5.5 kg) per parcel and require hazard labels. Choose pack formats that meet weight restrictions.
Use hydration for some flexible sheets: Certain dry ice sheets require hydration before freezing. Soak them in water for several minutes, freeze for six to eight hours, then insert into your insulated liner. Always follow manufacturer instructions for optimum performance.
Étude de cas: A specialty seafood exporter switched from gel packs to disposable dry ice pack sheets for 72 hour deliveries across the U.S. By layering thick pack sheets on top of a pre frozen product and using high density insulation, the company kept fillets below –18 °C throughout transit. Customer complaints about thawed seafood dropped from 12 % à 1 % and spoilage losses decreased significantly.
How to Size and Choose Delivered Dry Ice Pack Sheets
Selecting the correct type and quantity of dry ice pack sheets is critical to maintain temperature without over packing or wasting cost. Use the following rule of thumb formulas and adjust for product needs and shipping conditions.
Rule of Thumb Sizing Formula
Le 1:1 règle states that for 48 hour shipments you should start with dry ice weight equal to the weight of the product. Par exemple, un 5 kg frozen cake would require about 5 kg of dry ice pack sheets when shipped in temperate conditions with adequate insulation. This guideline provides a baseline but must be adjusted for several factors:
Season and ambient temperature – Add more dry ice during summer or for hot routes. In tropical regions you may need 20–30 % extra dry ice for the same duration.
Insulation quality – High density expanded polystyrene (PSE) or vacuum insulated panels (VIP) reduce sublimation and allow you to decrease dry ice weight by up to 25 %. If using thin cardboard or low density foam, increase dry ice accordingly.
Transit distance and service level – For a 72 hour shipment, increase dry ice weight to about 1.5–2× the product weight. Short overnight deliveries might require only half the product weight in dry ice.
Product’s starting temperature – Always pre freeze your goods to their target temperature before packing. Pre chilled payloads reduce heat load and cut dry ice requirements.
Tableau: Recommended Dry Ice Weight Based on Shipment Duration
| Payload weight | Shipment duration | Suggested dry ice weight | Notes |
| ≤ 10 kg | 24 h | 5 kg | Short journeys may require only half the product weight, especially with high density insulation |
| ≤ 10 kg | 48 h | 10 kg | Start with a 1:1 ratio for typical conditions; adjust ±20 % for season |
| ≤ 10 kg | 72 h | 15 kg | Increase to 1.5× product weight for long durations or extreme heat |
| 10–20 kg | 48 h | 12–20 kg | Range depends on insulation and outside temperature; heavy goods need more dry ice to absorb heat |
| > 20 kg | 48–72 h | 1× to 2× payload | Perform lane testing and monitoring; consider splitting shipments or using multiple packages |
Calculating Ice Sheets vs. Paquets jetables
To convert dry ice weight into pack sheets, check the manufacturer’s weight per sheet. Par exemple, a typical disposable pack sheet might weigh 1 kg when frozen. Si vous avez besoin 10 kg de glace sèche, you would pack ten sheets. Mini dry ice sheets weigh less (0.5 kg or less) but provide shorter cooling; combine multiple sheets to reach the target weight for your load.
Sizing Tools and Testing
Digital calculators: Several logistics software platforms offer dry ice calculators that consider payload mass, box dimensions, insulation R value and ambient temperature. Input your parameters to get a precise estimate and avoid over estimating.
Field testing: Conduct lane trials using temperature loggers or IoT sensors (discussed later). Monitor temperature curves and adjust pack quantity, insulation thickness and placement accordingly. A small trial before scale up saves money and ensures compliance.
Étude de cas: A biotech lab shipping mRNA vaccines ran a series of lane tests using mini dry ice sheets. In winter, the vaccines stayed below –20 °C with a 1:1 ratio of sheet weight to product weight. In summer, adding a second layer of sheets and upgrading to VIP insulation extended performance to 48 hours without temperature excursions. The lab fine tuned its packouts and avoided product loss during a heatwave.
Manipulation sûre, Packaging and Regulatory Compliance
Dry ice is considered a hazardous material because of its extreme cold and carbon dioxide gas release. Mishandling can cause frostbite or asphyxiation, and improper packaging can lead to pressure build up. Follow these best practices to keep yourself, carriers and customers safe.
Sécurité de manipulation
Wear personal protective equipment (EPP): Always use insulated gloves and safety goggles when handling dry ice. Contact with skin can cause severe frostbite.
Ventilate work areas: CO₂ gas released during sublimation is heavier than air and can displace oxygen. Work in a well ventilated environment and never store dry ice in confined spaces.
Never seal dry ice in airtight containers: The gas needs to escape; sealed containers can explode under pressure.
Train staff: Only trained employees should handle, pack or ship dry ice, as required by carriers like FedEx and UPS.
Packaging Steps
Pre freeze or pre chill goods: Ensure your product is already at its target temperature (frozen or refrigerated). Packing warm goods dramatically increases dry ice consumption and can lead to partial thawing.
Select an appropriate container: Use a sturdy outer box such as corrugated fiberboard, plastic or wooden crates lined with high density EPS or vacuum insulation panels (VIP). Do not use sealed plastic bags or metal drums.
Insert an inner liner or bag: Place the product in a leak proof bag or wrap to prevent contamination if condensation occurs. Keep the product separate from direct contact with dry ice to avoid freezer burn.
Position dry ice pack sheets: Lay pack sheets on top of the product, not underneath. L'air froid coule, so placing dry ice above ensures the entire payload stays cold. Pour les expéditions longues, surround the payload with additional sheets.
Remplir les vides: Use dunnage such as bubble wrap or crumpled paper to minimize air gaps. Empty space accelerates sublimation.
Leave ventilation: Do not seal the inner or outer box airtight. Create small holes or use lids with venting features so CO₂ can escape.
Seal outer packaging: Secure with tape while preserving ventilation holes. Ensure the box is robust enough for transport but not hermetically sealed.
Étiquetez le colis: Marque «Glace sèche» ou «Dioxyde de carbone, solide", include the UN 1845 identifier and net weight in kilograms on the outside. Apply a Class 9 hazard diamond at least 100 mm × 100 mm.
Complete shipping documents: Air shipments require declarations under IATA Packing Instruction 954; ground shipments must comply with 49 CFR 173.217. Carriers may impose additional documentation and weight limits (Par exemple, 200 kg maximum per FedEx package).
Notify the recipient: Let your customer know when to expect the package and instruct them to handle the dry ice safely upon receipt. Provide guidance on ventilation, PPE and disposal.
Regulatory Highlights for 2025
Limites de poids: Airlines typically cap dry ice at 2.5 kg (5.5 kg) par colis. FedEx autorise jusqu'à 200 kg in certain ground shipments but requires training and hazard labels.
Tailles des étiquettes: The Class 9 hazard diamond must be at least 100 mm per side, and the net weight must be clearly marked.
Carrier requirements: Hauts, FedEx and DHL each have unique guidelines. Par exemple, UPS requires ventilation holes and prohibits sealing packages with heavy tape that could block gas escape; FedEx uses fiberboard or plastic outer boxes; DHL emphasises not sealing inner boxes and using appropriate cushioning.
Hazmat training: Employees handling or signing off on dry ice shipments must complete hazardous materials training, including recognising CO₂ hazards, packaging practices and emergency procedures.
Practical Scenarios and Advice
Shipping frozen seafood to a home customer: Pre freeze the seafood to –18 °C, pack in an insulated polystyrene box, place two to three disposable dry ice pack sheets on top (approx. equal to product weight for 48 heures), fill voids and seal. Label as “Dry Ice, Et 1845, 2 kg” with hazard diamond. Notify the customer to use gloves when unpacking.
Delivering biologics or vaccines: Use mini dry ice sheets combined with a temperature logger. Pack in a pre conditioned VIP shipper to reduce dry ice consumption; pour 24 hours at –20 °C, un 1:1 ratio may suffice, alors que 48 hours may require 1.3–1.5× weight. Ensure compliance with Good Distribution Practice (PIB) lignes directrices.
Pharmaceutical samples requiring –70 °C: Choose high density dry ice slabs or pack sheets in layered formation. Use reflective liners to reduce heat gain. Validate performance using data loggers and adjust based on results.
Exemple du monde réel: A life science company shipped gene therapy vials requiring –70 °C stability for 60 heures. They used multiple mini dry ice sheets layered above and around the vials with VIP insulation. A CO₂ venting lid prevented pressure build up. Temperature loggers showed the samples remained below –65 °C throughout transit. The approach enabled cost savings of 15 % compared to shipping with expensive liquid nitrogen dry shippers.
Environmental Impact and Sustainable Alternatives
Dry ice is manufactured from recycled carbon dioxide captured from industrial processes, such as ethanol fermentation or ammonia production. While it doesn’t produce new CO₂, its manufacture and use still have environmental considerations. Companies and regulators are exploring ways to reduce footprint and incorporate sustainability.
Sustainability Considerations
Source of CO₂: Look for suppliers who produce dry ice from captured biogenic CO₂ rather than fossil fuels. Some firms capture CO₂ from bioethanol fermentation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Packaging materials: Replace single use EPS boxes with reusable EPP (polypropylène expansé) or VIP containers. These durable containers can cut dry ice consumption by 20–30 % while reducing waste.
Right sizing shipments: Avoid shipping oversized boxes; extra void increases sublimation and packaging waste. Choose shipping volumes that fit your product closely and adjust dry ice accordingly.
Hybrid solutions: Combine dry ice with phase change materials (PCMS) ou packs de gel. Par exemple, a layer of PCM at –20 °C can reduce dry ice required and extend overall performance. Hybrid packouts reduce regulatory burdens because part of the cooling load is carried by non hazardous materials.
Circular economy: Some companies offer returnable dry ice pack sheets or collect used packaging for refurbishment. Consider participating in programmes that reclaim and recycle insulation materials.
Emerging Sustainability Innovations
Bio based CO₂ capture: Innovations in capturing CO₂ from agricultural waste or algae could produce carbon negative dry ice. This technology aims to sequester carbon while providing cooling capacity.
Compostable gel layers: Some hybrid dry ice packs incorporate gel layers made from biodegradable polymers. Once the dry ice sublimates, the gel can be composted, reducing landfill impact.
Smart dosing: AI enabled tools assess weather, transit time and payload to calculate just enough dry ice, avoiding waste. Au fil du temps, machine learning can reduce dry ice usage by up to 25 % while maintaining temperature compliance.
2025 Trends and Innovations for Delivered Dry Ice Pack Sheets
The cold chain industry is evolving rapidly. Dans 2025, several technological and market trends are shaping how companies deliver frozen goods using dry ice pack sheets.
Aperçu de la tendance
Researchers and industry analysts predict that the global cold chain market will exceed $1.6 trillion by 2033, with shipments of frozen foods, biologics and specialty chemicals driving growth. Demand for reliable dry ice solutions continues to rise, but the industry is also adopting smarter, greener and more efficient approaches. Les principales tendances comprennent:
Smart Monitoring and IoT – Wireless temperature loggers and CO₂ sensors track real time conditions during transit. These devices alert carriers to temperature excursions or gas build up so corrective actions can be taken quickly. IoT platforms integrate data into supply chain dashboards for improved visibility and predictive planning.
Ready to Use Kits and E Commerce – As home grocery delivery grows, ready to use dry ice kits become more popular. These kits include pre measured pack sheets, doublures isolées, labels and instructions, simplifying packing for small businesses and home shippers.
Automated Dosing and Robotics – Automated pack lines can weigh payloads and dispense the exact number of dry ice sheets needed, reducing human error and speeding up operations. Robotics also assist in loading heavy slabs and securing boxes.
Sustainable Packaging and Reuse – Reusable EPP containers, VIP shippers and recyclable liner bags help reduce waste. Some logistics providers operate pooling networks where containers are retrieved, sanitised and recirculated.
Hybrid Refrigeration Systems – Combining dry ice with active cooling (battery powered compressors) or PCMs extends performance while reducing the amount of dry ice used. Par exemple, pairing a -20 °C PCM with dry ice may keep goods frozen for 96 heures.
Résilience de la chaîne d’approvisionnement – Market reports note that dry ice supply can fluctuate; consumption grows about 5 % per year while CO₂ supply increases only 0.5 %, leading to occasional shortages and price spikes. Companies are therefore investing in local dry ice production, on site pelletisers and alternative cooling strategies to reduce dependence.
Derniers développements en un coup d'œil
AI enabled packout design: Software uses machine learning to recommend pack sheet combinations, insulation types and shipping routes. Predictive models cut waste and maintain compliance.
Self venting lids: New container designs include integrated vents and CO₂ scrubbers that manage gas release safely while protecting against contamination.
Traçabilité de la blockchain: Some logistics networks use blockchain to record temperature data and chain of custody, ensuring authenticity for pharmaceutical shipments.
Reusable dry ice sheet systems: Manufacturers are developing durable, refillable dry ice sheet cartridges that can be recharged at local distribution centres.
Insistance au marché
Industry data suggests that dry ice packs remain the preferred solution for ultra cold shipping, but hybrid systems using phase change materials and active cooling are gaining share. Companies are also exploring recovery of dry ice after delivery; Par exemple, collecting unused sheets at grocery drop off points for re freezing and reuse. Entre-temps, consumer demand for sustainable packaging is pressuring shippers to phase out single use polystyrene and adopt recyclable materials.
Questions fréquemment posées (FAQ)
Q1: How long do delivered dry ice pack sheets last?
Most disposable dry ice pack sheets keep items frozen for jusqu'à 72 heures when properly insulated and packed. Mini dry ice sheets provide 24–48 hours of ultra cold performance. Duration depends on weight, insulation and external conditions; always test your packout to confirm.
Q2: Can delivered dry ice pack sheets be used for pharmaceuticals and vaccines?
Oui. Mini and disposable dry ice pack sheets maintain –78.5 °C to –18 °C, suitable for biologics and vaccines requiring ultra cold storage. Ensure that the packaging complies with Good Distribution Practices and that the quantity of dry ice meets the product’s thermal requirements.
Q3: Do dry ice pack sheets leave moisture or soak your packaging?
Non. La glace sèche sublime directement du solide au gaz, so there is no liquid residue. Cependant, condensation may form on the outside of the insulation if the box is exposed to humid air; use moisture resistant liners to protect your product.
Q4: Are dry ice pack sheets reusable?
Dry ice itself cannot be reused because it sublimates. Some durable dry ice packs encase pellets in a shell that can be refilled, but typical disposable packs are single use. You can, cependant, reuse the insulation container and choose hybrid designs that include refillable gel layers.
Q5: What’s the difference between dry ice packs and gel packs?
Dry ice packs maintain ultra low temperatures (–78.5 °C to –18 °C) and last up to 72 heures. Gel packs keep goods at refrigerator temperatures (2–8 ° C) and last up to 48 heures. Dry ice requires more safety precautions and is classified as a hazardous material; gel packs are non hazardous but may leak.
Q6: How should I dispose of used dry ice pack sheets?
Allow any remaining dry ice to sublimate in a well ventilated area away from people and pets. Once the CO₂ has completely dissipated, dispose of the plastic or film in accordance with local recycling regulations. Do not pour dry ice down drains or place it in enclosed trash bins; pressure build up could cause the container to burst.
Résumé et recommandations
Dry ice pack sheets offer a powerful, moisture free solution for transporting frozen goods in 2025. They maintain temperatures as low as –78.5 °C for up to 72 heures, outperforming gel packs and traditional ice for ultra cold shipments. Utiliser un 1:1 ratio of dry ice weight to product weight for 48 hour deliveries and adjust based on season, insulation quality and transit time. Always pre freeze your goods, placer de la glace carbonique sur le dessus, allow ventilation and label packages correctly to comply with regulations. Explore sustainable options—such as reusable containers, hybrid refrigeration and captured CO₂ dry ice—to reduce environmental impact. Incorporate IoT monitoring and smart packout design to enhance reliability and reduce waste. With proper planning and adherence to safety guidelines, delivered dry ice pack sheets can give you a competitive edge in the cold chain market.
Étapes suivantes
Évaluez vos besoins d’expédition: Identify product weight, target temperature and transit duration. Utiliser le 1:1 rule as a starting point and adjust for conditions.
Choose the right pack sheet: Select mini sheets for short, ultra cold shipments and disposable packs for long journeys. Evaluate hybrid options if regulatory burden and sustainability are concerns.
Invest in quality insulation: Upgrade to VIP or EPP containers to reduce dry ice usage and protect your shipment.
Develop a packing checklist: Train staff to follow the step by step packing procedure outlined above. Include pre freezing, superposition, ventilation, labeling and documentation.
Monitor and optimise: Use temperature loggers and IoT sensors to validate performance. Iterate your packout design and adjust dry ice quantity based on real data.
Consider sustainability: Explore suppliers using captured CO₂, reusable containers and compostable materials. Participate in return programmes to reduce waste.
Plan for growth: Restez informé sur 2025 trends such as smart kits, automated dosing and local dry ice production. Incorporate innovations into your logistics strategy to maintain competitiveness.
À propos du tempk
Tempk specialises in cold chain solutions that help businesses transport temperature sensitive goods safely. We design and manufacture a range of feuilles de glace carbonique, packs de gel, phase change materials and insulated containers tailored for food, industries pharmaceutiques et biotechnologiques. Our engineers and researchers continuously innovate packaging materials with high R values and low environmental impact. From pre qualified shippers to IoT enabled smart kits, we provide complete cold chain ecosystems that simplify logistics. En partenariat avec Tempk, you gain access to expertise, reliable products and compliant documentation to ensure your shipments remain cold and compliant.
Appel à l'action: Ready to optimise your cold chain? Contact Tempk’s experts for a free consultation and sample kit. We’ll help you select the right combination of dry ice pack sheets and insulation to meet your specific needs.
