Difference Between Dry Ice and Gel Pack: Which Is Right for Your Needs?

Choosing between dry ice and gel packs is a common dilemma when it comes to shipping temperature-sensitive goods. Both options are designed to keep products cool, but they work differently and are suited for specific needs. Dans ce guide, we’ll explore the key differences between dry ice and gel packs, helping you determine which option best suits your cold chain requirements.

How dry ice and gel packs differ in cooling methods
Best applications for dry ice and gel packs
Cost and environmental considerations for each option
When to choose one over the other based on your shipment’s needs
Practical tips for safely using both dry ice and gel packs

How Do Dry Ice and Gel Packs Differ in Cooling?

Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide (CO₂) that sublimates at –78.5°C, making it ideal for ultra‑cold shipping, keeping products frozen for extended periods. En revanche, gel packs use a phase-change material (PCM) to keep contents cool, typically between 0–8°C, and are designed for refrigerated goods rather than frozen items.

While dry ice offers longer cooling durations at much lower temperatures, gel packs are easier to handle, more environmentally friendly, and typically more cost‑effective for shorter durations.

Dry Ice vs Gel Packs: Key Differences

Cooling Method	Temperature Range	Ideal Use	Durée de refroidissement
Dry Ice	–78.5°C	Frozen food, médicaments, biologique	24–72 hours
Packs de gel	0–8°C	Refrigerated goods, medical supplies	12–48 hours

Practical Tips

For frozen goods: Dry ice is your best option for maintaining subzero temperatures over extended periods.
For refrigerated goods: Gel packs are perfect for keeping products within the 2–8°C range for 1–2 days.
For mixed shipments: Use both—dry ice for frozen products and gel packs for refrigerated items.

Real‑Life Example: A logistics company successfully shipped vaccines using gel packs for refrigerated items and dry ice for biologics that required freezing temperatures, ensuring that both stayed within optimal temperature ranges.

When Should You Use Dry Ice Over Gel Packs?

Dry ice is the go‑to solution when you need to keep items frozen at subzero temperatures. This makes it ideal for long shipments of frozen foods, médicaments, et des échantillons biologiques that must stay below –20°C or colder.

Dry ice provides a powerful cooling effect and is typically used for shipments that last more than 24 heures. Cependant, dry ice requires proper ventilation and handling to avoid carbon dioxide buildup, making it less convenient for smaller shipments or short durations.

Best Uses for Dry Ice

Frozen Foods: Use dry ice to keep ice cream, viandes surgelées, or seafood solid for days.
Pharmaceuticals and Biologics: Certain medications, like vaccines, need to stay at low temperatures, which dry ice can easily provide.
Long‑Term Transport: Dry ice is perfect for shipments that need to remain frozen for extended periods.

When to Choose Dry Ice for Your Shipment

Shipment Type	Dry Ice Effectiveness	Gel Packs Effectiveness	Best Use
Frozen Foods	Highly effective	Ineffective	Dry ice for extended trips
Médicaments	Highly effective	Ineffective	Dry ice for frozen shipments
Biologics	Highly effective	Ineffective	Dry ice for temperature control

When Should You Use Gel Packs Over Dry Ice?

Gel packs are ideal for refrigerated goods that need to stay at temperatures between 0–8°C. This makes them perfect for shorter shipments of food, médicaments, or personal care products that don’t require freezing temperatures.

Gel packs are also easier to handle et non-toxic, making them suitable for a wider range of goods. They are often the more cost-effective option for short-term temperature control compared to dry ice.

Best Uses for Gel Packs

Medical Supplies: Keep medications such as insulin or antibiotics cool for short durations.
Perishable Food: Use gel packs for fruits, laitier, and vegetables that need refrigeration but not freezing.
Consumer Goods: Ideal for cosmetics or personal care products that need a cool, stable temperature.

When to Choose Gel Packs for Your Shipment

Shipment Type	Gel Packs Effectiveness	Dry Ice Effectiveness	Best Use
Refrigerated Foods	Highly effective	Ineffective	Gel packs for shorter trips
Médicaments	Highly effective	Ineffective	Gel packs for refrigerated meds
Cosmetics	Highly effective	Ineffective	Gel packs for temperature‑sensitive items

Cost and Environmental Considerations: Dry Ice vs Gel Packs

Dry ice is more effective for ultra‑cold shipping, but it comes with higher costs and environmental concerns due to the CO₂ emissions. Dry ice also needs to be replenished regularly, especially during long shipments.

Gel packs are more environmentally friendly et réutilisable, which makes them a cost-effective solution for shorter transit times. They don’t require special handling, are less likely to cause safety issues, and can be easily disposed of without environmental harm.

Cost Comparison: Dry Ice vs Gel Packs

Cooling Method	Average Cost per Shipment	Impact environnemental	Best Use
Dry Ice	$25–$50	Haut (CO₂ emissions)	Long‑term frozen goods
Packs de gel	$10–$30	Low (non-toxic, réutilisable)	Short‑term refrigerated goods

2025 Trends in Cold Chain Logistics: Innovations and Regulations

As the cold chain industry evolves, 2025 trends highlight the growing demand for sustainable and efficient cooling solutions. Gel packs are becoming more eco-friendly with recyclable or biodegradable options, et new dry ice technologies are being developed to reduce sublimation rates and minimize environmental impact.

Latest Trends

Sustainable packaging: New biodegradable gel packs and insulation materials are becoming more common.
Smart cooling technology: Temperature monitoring systems integrated with dry ice and gel pack shipping solutions to ensure product integrity.
Energy-efficient logistics: Companies are seeking ways to reduce the carbon footprint of long‑distance shipments.

Market Insight: The global demand for sustainable cold chain solutions has risen 20% dans 2024, driven by stricter environmental regulations and consumer demand for eco‑friendly products.

Questions fréquemment posées {#faq}

Q: Can I use gel packs for items that need to stay frozen?
Non, gel packs are designed for refrigeration (0–8°C). For freezing requirements, dry ice is necessary.

Q: How long do gel packs last during shipping?
Gel packs can keep items cool for 12–48 hours, depending on the insulation and outside temperature.

Q: Are there any environmental concerns with using dry ice?
Oui, dry ice releases CO₂ gas as it sublimates, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Proper handling and disposal are required.

Summary & Takeaways

Dry ice and gel packs are both essential for temperature-sensitive shipments, but they are suited for different needs. Use dry ice for freezing temperatures and longer shipments. Opt for gel packs when you need to maintain cooler temperatures for shorter durations. Consider cost, environmental impact, and your specific shipping requirements when making the decision.

What to Do Next

Calculate your shipment’s cooling needs using our guide.
Order gel packs or dry ice from Tempk for your next shipment.
Share this guide with your logistics team to ensure the best cooling solution.

About Tempk

Tempk provides advanced cold chain logistics solutions, offering gel packs, glace carbonique, and customized temperature-controlled packaging. We ensure your temperature-sensitive shipments arrive at their destination in optimal condition, whether you’re shipping pharmaceuticals, nourriture, or biologics.

Need tailored cold chain solutions? Contact us for expert advice and guidance.