Auparavant, expédier vos produits à des températures ultra basses impliquait de traiter avec de la neige carbonique. Cependant, supply constraints and safety concerns are pushing businesses toward dry ice replacement dry ice packs. Ces emballages flexibles maintiennent des températures aussi basses que −40 °C jusqu'à 72 heures sans les dégâts ni les dangers du CO₂ solide. La consommation de glace carbonique augmente de 5 % par an, tandis que l'offre de CO₂ n'augmente que de 0,5 %, provoquant des flambées de prix. Si vous avez besoin d'un moyen fiable de conserver les aliments, produits pharmaceutiques et matériels biologiques congelés 2025, il est temps d'explorer des alternatives modernes. Ce guide explique tout ce que vous devez savoir : ce que sont ces packs, pourquoi ils sont meilleurs que la neige carbonique à l'ancienne, et comment choisir, emballez-les et utilisez-les en toute sécurité.
Pourquoi les packs de remplacement de glace carbonique sont-ils un choix plus intelligent que la glace carbonique traditionnelle?
Comment sélectionner le bon pack de remplacement de glace carbonique pour divers produits sensibles à la température?
Quelles techniques d'emballage maximisent les performances de refroidissement et la sécurité?
Lequel 2025 innovations, market trends and regulations affect dry ice replacement?
What are the most common questions about safety, usage and sustainability?
Why Choose Dry Ice Replacement Packs Over Traditional Dry Ice?
Dry ice has been the go to refrigerant for decades, but its extreme cold and sublimation behavior pose significant risks. Dry ice replacement packs deliver comparable cooling without hazardous handling or environmental drawbacks. This section explains why these alternatives are gaining ground in 2025.
Avantages par rapport à la glace carbonique traditionnelle
Dry ice replacement dry ice packs maintain sub zero temperatures for 36–72 hours and eliminate liquid residue. Instead of loose pellets that sublimate rapidly, packs encase CO₂ snow or engineered refrigerant in durable cells. This design extends cooling duration, minimizes CO₂ vapor release and allows reuse. By avoiding direct contact with solid CO₂, the packs reduce frostbite risk and simplify handling. Contrairement à la glace sèche traditionnelle, which qualifies as a Class 9 hazardous material requiring hazmat training and strict labeling, most replacement packs are non hazardous and exempt from stringent regulations.
Dry ice replacement packs also address supply concerns. Global dry ice demand is rising around 5 % annuellement, alors que l'offre de CO₂ n'augmente que 0.5 %, causing shortages and price surges of up to 300 %. Replacement packs use fewer CO₂ resources and incorporate phase change materials (PCMS) or gel refrigerants, offering a more sustainable supply chain.
Understanding How Replacement Packs Work
Replacement packs come in several formats:
| Type de pack | Core Cooling Material | Plage de température | Durée typique | Avantage clé |
| Feuilles de glace carbonique | Solid CO₂ pellets sealed in flexible cells | −40 °C to −60 °C | 36–72 heures | Conception réutilisable; minimizes vapor release |
| Packs de gel/PCM | Phase change gels formulated to melt/freeze at set temperatures | 0 °C à −20 °C (glacé) or −15 °C to −26 °C (congelé) | 24–96 heures | Bandes de température stables; reusable and non hazardous |
| Cryogenic gel packs | Cryo Ice™ proprietary gel refrigerant | Below −3 °C, staying under 25 °F (−3.9 °C) during thaw | Jusqu'à 48 heures | Manipulation sûre, no hazmat training required |
| Eutectic plates | Pre cooled plates containing PCM | Personnalisable (frozen or chilled) | 36–72 heures | Robust, reusable and ideal for repeated shipments |
Comment ils fonctionnent: Each pack type absorbs heat as it melts or as CO₂ sublimates inside the pack, maintaining a steady internal temperature. Dry ice sheets combine rapid cooling from CO₂ pellets with extended hold times due to the sealed cells. Gel packs and PCMs absorb latent heat during phase change, providing narrow temperature ranges that prevent over freezing of sensitive products. Some hybrid packs blend CO₂ cells and PCMs to deliver both ultra cold startup and sustained cooling.
Comparing Dry Ice and Replacement Packs
| Métrique | Glace sèche traditionnelle | Replacement Dry Ice Pack |
| Température | −78,5 ° C (boulettes) | −60 °C to −20 °C depending on design |
| Durée de refroidissement | 24–48 heures | 36–72 heures (emballer des feuilles); 24–96 heures (PCMS) |
| Classification réglementaire | Dangereux (Et 1845, Classe 9) requiring hazmat labeling and training | Généralement non dangereux; simpler documentation and handling |
| Handling Risks | Gelure, CO₂ build up leading to asphyxiation or explosion | Minimal frostbite risk due to sealed design |
| Réutilisabilité | Usage unique; sublimates entirely | High quality sheets and PCM packs can be refrozen and reused |
| Supply Constraints | Dependent on CO₂ availability; price volatility up to 300 % | Diversified sources such as gel refrigerants and PCMs; less sensitive to CO₂ shortages |
Scénario du monde réel
Étude de cas: A specialty dessert company in Los Angeles shipped frozen cakes nationwide. Dans 2024 they relied on dry ice pellets but faced shortages and price hikes. After switching to dry ice pack sheets combined with PCM gel packs, they extended transit times from 36 à 60 heures, reduced CO₂ use by 20 % and eliminated hazmat fees. Customer complaints dropped because cakes arrived intact without freezer burn or water residue.
Practical Tips for Choosing Alternatives
Assess temperature needs: If your products require ultra cold conditions (en dessous de −60 °C), a small amount of dry ice or cryogenic gel may still be necessary. Pour la plupart des aliments surgelés, PCMs or pack sheets maintain −20 °C to −40 °C effectively.
Tenez compte de la durée de l'expédition: Pack sheets and PCM plates can be layered to reach 72 heures ou plus; for longer transits or international shipping, combine with active refrigeration or add extra packs.
Optimize reusability: Choose durable packs that can be refrozen—these reduce waste and lower long term costs.
Check regulatory status: Confirm whether the pack is classified as hazardous. Non hazardous alternatives avoid the labeling, documentation and training requirements mandated for dry ice.
How to Select the Right Dry Ice Replacement Pack for Your Shipment
Choosing the perfect replacement pack depends on product type, durée de l'expédition, and regulatory constraints. This section offers a clear framework to guide your decision.
Facteurs clés à considérer
- Sensibilité à la température– Different goods require specific temperature ranges. Ultra cold pharmaceuticals need temperatures below −60 °C, while frozen foods typically need −20 °C to −40 °C. Dry ice pack sheets and cryogenic gel packs deliver the lower range, whereas PCM gel packs maintain narrower bands around −20 °C.
- Durée d'expédition– The longer the trip, the more refrigerant you’ll need. A rule of thumb is 5–10 kg of dry ice (or equivalent pack capacity) par 24 heures pour 100 liters of container volume. When using pack sheets, estimez une feuille de 24 cellules par 12 heures de refroidissement. For long distance or international shipments, consider layering pack types and using additional insulation to stretch cooling time.
- Product size and weight– Larger shipments require more cooling power. Tableau 2 adapts weight and sheet recommendations from industry guidelines.
| Volume du conteneur | Suggested CO₂ Pellets | Number of Pack Sheets | Temps de maintien prévu |
| 10 L | 0.75–1 kg | 1 feuille | ≈12 hours |
| 20 L | 1.5–2 kg | 2 feuilles | ≈24 hours |
| 30 L | 2.5–3,0 kg | 3–4 feuilles | ≈36 hours |
| 40 L | 4–5 kg | 4–5 draps | ≈48–72 hours |
- Regulatory and safety requirements– Air transport restricts dry ice to 2.5 kg per passenger aircraft and up to 200 kg sur les vols cargo. Non hazardous packs bypass these limits and simplify paperwork. Si vous expédiez à l’international, verify compliance with International Air Transport Association (Iata) rules and customs regulations.
- Objectifs de durabilité– Environmental pressures are driving companies to reduce CO₂ emissions. PCMs and gel packs produce less carbon emissions, and some suppliers use renewable bio based CO₂ captured from ethanol fermentation. Evaluate the carbon footprint and recyclability of the packs you choose.
Selecting by Product Category
Aliments surgelés et kits de repas
Pour les fruits de mer, meats and prepared meals requiring −20 °C to −40 °C, feuilles de glace carbonique sont idéaux. They maintain freezing conditions for 24–48 hours without producing melt water. Because they release CO₂ gradually, pack sheets prevent freezer burn and maintain product texture. Combine with PCM gel packs to extend duration beyond 72 hours or to maintain specific temperature bands for delicate foods.
Pharmaceutiques et biologiques
Pharmaceuticals often demand ultra cold temperatures (−70 °C or below). Granulés de glace carbonique remain indispensable for vaccines and biologics that cannot tolerate warmer conditions. Cependant, combining pellets with pack sheets can reduce overall dry ice consumption while maintaining required temperatures. For less temperature critical medicines, reusable PCM shippers are gaining traction because they avoid hazardous classification and offer more stable temperature profiles.
Biotechnology and Lab Samples
Biotech samples and cryogenic materials require precise temperature control and fast cooling. Pellets deliver rapid temperature drops and allow precise dosage adjustments. To extend hold times, pair pellets with PCM plates or gel packs and use vacuum insulated containers. Capteurs en temps réel (Appareils IoT) can monitor temperature deviations during transit.
Aliments de spécialité & Desserts
Products such as gourmet chocolates and ice cream need a narrow temperature band to avoid texture and appearance changes. PCM gel packs designed for −15 °C to −20 °C maintain stability without over freezing. Because gel packs don’t sublimate, they prevent condensation and maintain product quality.
Tips to Maximize Cooling Performance
Pre condition containers: Chill your cooler or carton before packing to slow sublimation and extend cooling by up to 15 %.
Couper correctement: Place pellets or pack sheets at the bottom, Ajouter un tampon (carton ou mousse), then your product, and finish with more packs on top. L'air froid coule, so top layers ensure even cooling.
Remplir les espaces vides: Use bubble wrap or dunnage to eliminate air pockets that accelerate heat transfer.
Autoriser l'aération: Provide vent holes or breathable insulation; never seal CO₂ in an airtight box—pressure build up can cause rupture.
Exemple du monde réel: A biotech start up shipping enzyme samples pre chilled its insulated boxes overnight, added a corrugated buffer and layered three 24 cell pack sheets. Temperature logs showed the payload stayed at −25 °C for 60 heures, meeting regulatory requirements without using any dry ice.
Packing and Handling Dry Ice Replacement Packs Safely
Proper packing maximizes performance and ensures worker safety. Although dry ice replacements are less hazardous than traditional dry ice, they still require care.
Preparation and Freezing
Hydrate reusable sheets: Soak reusable dry ice sheets in water before freezing to activate the cells. Freeze them flat to ensure an even shape.
Freeze PCM and gel packs completely: Always freeze packs for the recommended time—typically 24–48 hours—to reach the intended temperature range.
Organize by size and weight: Prepare the right number of packs based on container volume and shipment duration (see Table 2 au-dessus de).
Packing Sequence
Couche inférieure: Place pellets or a pack sheet at the bottom of the insulated container for rapid cooling.
Couche tampon: Add cardboard or foam board to prevent direct contact and freezer burn.
Placement de produit: Position your product with cushioning materials to eliminate empty spaces.
Couche supérieure: Add additional pack sheets or pellets on top; puits d'air froid, so top placement ensures even cooling.
Ventilation: Ensure the container isn’t airtight to allow CO₂ gas to escape; some designs include built in vents.
Équipement de protection individuelle (EPP)
While dry ice replacements reduce frostbite risk, porter des gants et des lunettes isolants during packing to protect skin and eyes. For gel packs kept below −20 °C, gloves will prevent cold burns; goggles protect against accidental splashes when hydrating reusable sheets.
Étiquetage et conformité
Dry ice replacement packs are generally non hazardous, yet clear labeling helps handlers understand temperature management. For shipments using both dry ice and replacement packs, include the net weight of dry ice and hazard labels as required by IATA. Always list the number of packs and recommended handling instructions on the manifest.
Disposal and Reuse
Recongeler: High quality pack sheets and PCM packs can be refrozen and reused multiple times.
Gel pack disposal: If the gel is biodegradable, follow local waste rules; some can be punctured, drained and disposed of with normal waste.
Dry ice disposal: Si vous avez des restes de glace sèche, let it sublimate in a well ventilated area. Do not store in sealed containers.
Étude de cas: A pharmaceutical distributor trained its staff to hydrate, freeze and pack reusable dry ice sheets. After switching from loose pellets, the team reduced injuries and regulatory paperwork, while packaging waste dropped by 30 %. Inventory management improved because the packs could be frozen in bulk and used on demand without the rush to beat dry ice sublimation.
2025 Trends and Innovations in Dry Ice Replacement
La logistique de la chaîne du froid évolue rapidement, et 2025 brings new technologies, sustainability initiatives and market dynamics that influence how you cool and ship products.
Industry Dynamics and Market Growth
The dry ice market faces supply constraints and sustainability pressure. Demand has been climbing roughly 5 % par an alors que l'offre de CO₂ n'augmente que 0.5 %, creating shortages and spot price spikes of up to 300 %. Le marché mondial de la glace carbonique était évalué à USD 1.54 milliards en 2024 et devrait atteindre USD 2.73 milliards 2032 avec un taux de croissance annuel composé de 7.4 %.
Cependant, le dry ice alternative solutions market is growing even faster. Recent research reports that this market reached USD 2.34 milliards en 2024 and is expected to grow at 8.7 % annuellement, atteinte USD 5.01 milliards 2033. Growth is driven by regulatory pressure for eco friendly logistics, e commerce expansion and rising demand for temperature sensitive products.
Sustainability and CO₂ Capture
Sustainability is shaping cold chain strategies. Clients expect suppliers to cut carbon emissions, prompting manufacturers to explore bio based CO₂ sources and carbon capture. Bioethanol plants capture high purity CO₂ released during fermentation and convert it to dry ice. This creates a circular supply chain and reduces reliance on fossil derived CO₂. Toujours, over dependence on a few producers risks supply disruptions—such as the UK example, where major CO₂ producers faced geopolitical and trade pressures.
Systèmes de refroidissement hybrides
Hybrid cooling systems that combine dry ice, pack sheets and PCMs are gaining traction. Layering pellets, pack sheets and PCM packs extends hold times by 25 % tout en réduisant la consommation de glace carbonique de 18 %. Dans 2025, shippers are also investing in improved insulation (vacuum panels and curbside recyclable materials) to reduce refrigerant needs.
Emballages intelligents et capteurs IoT
IoT technology is transforming cold chain monitoring. Sensors embedded in packaging provide real time data on temperature, humidité et emplacement, permettant une intervention proactive et la conformité réglementaire. Smart packages can alert recipients if the temperature deviates from set ranges, réduire la détérioration et garantir l’intégrité du produit.
Regulatory and Safety Trends
Stricter environmental regulations are encouraging adoption of non hazardous refrigerants and recyclable materials. Some countries are limiting CO₂ emissions or imposing taxes on carbon intensive logistics, pushing businesses toward gel packs and PCM solutions. Entre-temps, IATA continues to enforce weight and labeling limits on dry ice shipments.
Market Insights by Region
Amérique du Nord dominates the dry ice alternative market due to advanced logistics infrastructure and stringent environmental regulations.
Europe follows closely, driven by sustainability mandates. Bio based CO₂ supply and innovations in packaging are helping mitigate supply constraints.
Asie-Pacifique is emerging as a lucrative market because of rapid urbanization, growing healthcare demand and expanding e commerce.
Questions fréquemment posées (FAQ)
Q1: Are dry ice replacement packs safe to handle?
Oui. Replacement packs are generally non hazardous and safer than traditional dry ice. They eliminate direct contact with solid CO₂, reducing frostbite risk. Néanmoins, wear insulated gloves when handling packs chilled below −20 °C, and ensure adequate ventilation when using dry ice‐based sheets.
Q2: How long do replacement packs stay cold?
Duration depends on pack type and conditions. Dry ice pack sheets hold temperatures for 36–72 hours, while PCM gel packs can provide 24–96 hours of cooling. Layering multiple packs and pre conditioning containers can extend this period.
Q3: Can I reuse dry ice replacement packs?
High quality pack sheets and PCM packs are designed for multiple uses and can be refrozen. Gel packs may be reused as long as the packaging remains intact; eventually, performance diminishes and packs should be replaced.
Q4: Are replacement packs environmentally friendly?
Oui. Many packs use biodegradable gels or recyclable materials and produce less carbon emissions than traditional dry ice. PCMs and gel packs avoid CO₂ vapor release and reduce reliance on fossil derived CO₂. En plus, some manufacturers capture CO₂ from bioethanol plants, creating a circular supply chain.
Q5: When should I still use traditional dry ice?
Dry ice remains necessary for ultra cold conditions (en dessous de −70 °C) comme certains vaccins, cryogenic samples and industrial cleaning. Dans ces cas, combining pellets with pack sheets and PCM packs can reduce total dry ice usage while maintaining required temperatures.
Résumé et recommandations
Dry ice replacement packs offer a safer, more sustainable and versatile solution for cold chain logistics in 2025. Their ability to maintain sub zero temperatures for 36–72 hours, reduce CO₂ use and minimize regulatory burdens makes them a smart choice for food, expéditions de produits pharmaceutiques et biotechnologiques. Lors de la sélection d'un pack, evaluate your product’s temperature needs, durée de l'expédition, container volume and sustainability goals. Hybrid systems combining pellets, pack sheets and PCMs can extend hold times by up to 25 % while reducing dry ice consumption.
Étapes exploitables
Évaluez vos besoins: Define the required temperature range and shipping duration for your product. Use Table 2 to estimate the number of packs or pellet weight.
Choose the right pack type: Pour les envois ultra froids, consider dry ice pellets and pack sheets. For typical frozen foods or pharmaceuticals, PCM or gel packs suffice.
Plan packing logistics: Conteneurs de pré-refroidissement, layer packs correctly and ensure ventilation to maximize performance.
Surveiller et optimiser: Use IoT sensors to track temperatures and adjust pack quantities accordingly.
Adopter des pratiques durables: Source packs made from recyclable or bio based materials and evaluate suppliers that capture CO₂ from renewable sources.
À propos du tempk
Tempk is a leading provider of advanced cold chain solutions, specializing in dry ice replacement packs, gel packs and smart packaging systems. We combine scientific expertise with rigorous testing to deliver products that maintain precise temperatures, reduce waste and comply with international regulations. Our reusable dry ice pack sheets and PCM gel packs are engineered for 36–72 hours of cooling, offering reliable performance for food, expéditions de produits pharmaceutiques et biotechnologiques. En mettant l’accent sur la durabilité, Tempk sources bio based CO₂ and recyclable materials, helping clients reduce their environmental footprint.
Appel à l'action
Prêt à améliorer votre chaîne du froid? Contact Tempk’s experts to discuss dry ice replacement dry ice pack options tailored to your needs. We’ll help you choose the right pack type, plan shipment logistics and stay ahead of 2025 tendances.
