Keeping high value products frozen across Europe’s cold chain means juggling temperature control, regulatory compliance and sustainability. Europe dry ice packs provide ultra low temperatures without messy meltwater while complying with air and road transport rules. Europe’s food cold chain logistics market is expected to grow from about USD 74.70 milliards en 2025 en USD 114.78 milliards 2030, and the Europe dry ice market is projected to reach roughly USD 134.10 millions par 2032. Understanding how these packs work, how to pack them correctly and what 2025 regulations require will help you deliver frozen goods safely and sustainably.
Compare Europe dry ice packs with gel packs and phase change materials to decide which refrigerant suits your shipment.
Suivre Iata et ADR rules for labelling, venting and weight limits.
Use easy formulas to calculate the right amount of dry ice and pack shipments step by step.
Navigate the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) coming into force in 2025–2026.
Understand market trends, sustainability innovations and supply challenges shaping Europe’s cold chain.
Why choose Europe dry ice packs for cold chain shipping?
Réponse rapide: Europe dry ice packs offer reliable ultra cold performance and convenience while meeting ADR and IATA requirements. They maintain temperatures from −60 °C to −40 °C for 36–72 hours and leave no water residue, making them ideal for vaccines, biologique, seafood and gourmet desserts. Unlike loose dry ice pellets, these pre sealed packs minimise CO₂ vapour release, reduce frostbite risk and stack neatly in insulated boxes. This combination of performance and compliance explains their growing popularity in cross border shipments across Europe’s diverse climates.
How do dry ice packs work and what makes them different?
Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide that sublimates directly from a solid to a gas at −78.5 °C. Dans un sac de glace carbonique, CO₂ is encased in a leak proof composite film with a super absorbent polymer matrix. As the CO₂ sublimates, it absorbs heat from the surroundings, maintaining sub freezing temperatures for 24–72 hours, en fonction de la taille du paquet et de l'isolation. Because there is no melting water, there is less risk of damaging packaging or product labels. The flexible design means packs remain pliable after freezing, allowing them to wrap around irregular items and fit tightly into insulated boxes. Lightweight construction reduces shipping weight and cost.
Comparison with gel packs and phase change materials
| Cooling method | Plage de températures typique & durée | HazMat status & réutilisabilité | Ce que cela signifie pour vous |
| Paquet de glace sec | −60 °C to −40 °C; 36–72 h | Dangereux (Et 1845) unless fully encased; à usage unique | Provides ultra cold conditions for urgent shipments (vaccins, biologique, fruits de mer gelés); requires venting and labelling but delivers superior cold stability |
| Pack de gel | 0 °C to −10 °C; 12–48 h | Non hazardous; réutilisable | Ideal for chilled foods, beverages and meal kits; risk of meltwater and limited duration |
| Phase change material (PCM) | +2 °C to −20 °C depending on formulation; 24–96 h | Non hazardous; réutilisable | Suitable for vaccines, biologics and high value drugs; higher upfront cost but supports specific temperature ranges |
Practical tips and benefits for you
Sub zero performance: Dry ice packs maintain ultra cold temperatures (−60 °C to −40 °C) so your vaccines and research samples stay frozen.
Leak proof film: The composite film prevents CO₂ crystals from escaping while allowing gas venting, reducing frostbite risk and avoiding dangerous pressure build up.
Flexible design: Packs remain pliable after freezing, making them easy to wrap around irregular products and maximise space.
Lightweight structure: Thin layers and polymer matrices keep packs lightweight, lowering shipping costs and improving handling.
Non hazardous alternatives: Some packs encase CO₂ snow within sealed cells, classifying them as non hazardous. This can bypass certain ADR/IATA rules and avoid hazmat surcharges.
Vraie cas: A Los Angeles dessert company switched from loose dry ice to dry ice replacement pack sheets for shipments to Europe. By layering flexible packs in insulated boxes, they extended transit time from 36 à 60 hours and reduced CO₂ use by 20 %, avoiding hazmat fees and improving customer satisfaction.
How to pack and ship with Europe dry ice packs correctly?
Réponse rapide: Follow the IATA PI 954 weight limit of 200 kg par forfait and use formulas to size your coolant. Vent packages to release CO₂ gas, label them with the UN 1845 code and net weight, and document the shipment. Pre cool products, use proper insulation and monitor temperatures to maintain cold chain integrity.
Step by step packing instructions
Pre freeze your product: Chill or freeze goods to at least −20 °C for ≥24 hours before packing. This reduces the initial cooling load.
Put on PPE: Wear cryo gloves, goggles and an apron to avoid frostbite.
Calculate the required dry ice: Use the rule of thumb formula: Glace sèche (kg) = [product mass (kg) × 1.1 × transit days] × 1.15 (safety buffer). Par exemple, expédition 5 kg of steak for 48 h requires ≈12.7 kg of dry ice.
Prepare the container: Select a double wall carton or insulated box; ajouter 30 mm EPS or foam liner. Drill small ventilation holes (≈6 mm) pour permettre au gaz CO₂ de s'échapper.
Place the packs: Top load dry ice packs on all six sides (au-dessus de, below and around the product). Use the “sandwich method”: one layer at the bottom, products in the middle, another layer on top.
Sceller et étiqueter: Tape flaps but keep vents open; mark the package “UN 1845, Dioxyde de carbone, Solide, net __ kg” and attach a Class 9 étiquette de danger.
Documentation: Tick “Dry Ice” on the airway bill (no dangerous goods declaration required for non hazardous contents) and ensure the net weight is recorded.
Choosing the right amount of dry ice
The quantity of dry ice depends on the product’s mass, transit duration and insulation quality. The article on dry ice packaging suggests a quick calculator: multiply the product mass by 1.1, multiply by transit days, then multiply by 1.15 for a safety buffer. Another guideline for sheet packs is to use one 24 cell sheet for about 12 hours of cooling per 100 L of container volume. For smaller shipments, roughly 5–10 lb (2.3–4,5 kg) of dry ice is needed per 24 heures.
Tips and mistakes to avoid
Pre cool containers and payloads: Refrigerate the insulated box and products before packing to maximise hold time.
Assurer la ventilation: Never seal dry ice in airtight containers; small vent holes are essential.
Portez un équipement de protection: Dry ice can cause severe frostbite; always use insulated gloves and eye protection.
Éliminer en toute sécurité: Let unused dry ice sublimate outdoors in a well ventilated area; do not pour it down drains or discard it in sealed bins.
Check carrier and country requirements: Some airlines impose stricter weight limits or require special approval. Always verify with carriers and national authorities.
Practical example: A seafood exporter from France shipped frozen fish to Germany using dry ice pack sheets. By pre cooling containers, layering sheets and venting properly, they maintained product quality and avoided thawing.
Understanding Europe’s 2025 regulations for dry ice shipping
Réponse rapide: Europe’s regulatory landscape requires vented, labelled and recyclable packaging. Dry ice is classified as a Class 9 matières dangereuses (Et 1845) under ADR and IATA rules. Airlines limit dry ice to 200 kg per package and require packages to be vented, labelled with the UN number and net weight. The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) entered into force on 11 Février 2025; its general application begins in August 2026. The PPWR aims to make all packaging recyclable by 2030, reduce virgin materials and increase recycled content.
Core ADR/IATA rules
Emballage ventilé: Les colis doivent permettre au gaz CO₂ de s'échapper; airtight containers are prohibited.
Weight limitations: Les expéditions aériennes ne peuvent pas dépasser 200 kg of dry ice per package and may be subject to lower limits on some airlines.
Marking and labelling: Packages must be marked “Carbon Dioxide, solid” or “Dry Ice,” display the UN 1845 number and show the net weight of dry ice. Une classe 9 hazard label is required.
Documentation: Shippers must note dry ice on the airway bill and, when necessary, provide a Dangerous Goods Declaration. Carriers like UPS may require an International Special Commodity (Isc) agreement.
Airline acceptance: The IATA 66th DGR Addendum notes that airlines limit dry ice carriage based on aircraft type; net weight must be provided during booking to ensure limits are not exceeded.
EU Good Distribution Practice (PIB) for pharmaceuticals
For pharmaceutical shipments, the EU GDP guidelines require temperature mapping and validation of storage and transport equipment, validated containers for specific temperature ranges (2–8 °C or 15–25 °C) and quality management systems with supplier qualification and training. Data loggers must be calibrated and real time monitoring employed. Documentation of packaging validation, shipping routes and temperature data must be retained for inspection.
Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)
The PPWR (UE 2025/40) replaces the Packaging Directive and introduces harmonised rules for all packaging placed on the EU market. It entered into force on 11 Février 2025 and will apply after an 18 month transition period (general application from 12 Août 2026). Key provisions include:
Conception & volume efficiency: E commerce parcels must minimise empty space; empty space may not exceed 40 %.
Digital labelling: Depuis 2027, packaging must carry digital identifiers (Par exemple, Codes QR) linking to environmental information.
Mandatory recycled content: Depuis 2030, minimum recycled content thresholds will apply to various plastic packaging types.
Reusable shipping option: Depuis 2030, online sellers must offer a reusable shipping option at checkout.
Extended scope: Non EU companies shipping directly to EU consumers must appoint an authorised representative in the EU.
The European Commission notes that packaging waste accounted for about 40 % of plastics used in the EU and 186.5 kg of waste per person in 2022. The PPWR aims to make all packaging recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030, increase recycled plastics and reduce virgin materials. It also sets recycling targets: par 2025, 50 % of plastic packaging and 70 % of metals and glass must be recycled; par 2030, au moins 70 % of all packaging waste must be recycled.
Selecting the right Europe dry ice pack: factors and formulas
Réponse rapide: Match your product’s temperature needs, transit duration and hazard classification with the appropriate pack type. Use formulas to estimate required cooling and consider sustainability and regulatory classification.
Key factors to consider
Temperature requirements: Ultra cold pharmaceuticals (mRNA vaccines or cellular therapies) need temperatures below −60 °C, while frozen foods typically require −20 °C to −40 °C. Dry ice packs deliver the latter range; deeper cold may require cryogenic gel packs or extra dry ice.
Duration and volume: Pour de longs voyages (>48 h), estimate one 24 cell dry ice sheet per 12 hours of cooling for every 100 L of container volume. For shorter trips or small parcels, gel packs may suffice.
Classification des dangers: Packs that encase CO₂ crystals inside sealed cells can be classified as non hazardous. Non hazardous packs simplify compliance but confirm classification with your supplier.
Réutilisabilité & durabilité: Reusable PCM plates or gel packs have higher upfront costs but can be cycled multiple times, Réduire les déchets. Dry ice packs are single use but can be recycled through appropriate programmes.
Sustainability materials: Choose recyclable outer cartons, biodegradable insulation and suppliers offering curbside recyclable liners to align with PPWR goals.
Tableau: Factors influencing dry ice pack selection
| Facteur | Considérations | Practical advice |
| Plage de température | Ultra cold (< −60 °C) contre. congelé (−20 °C to −40 °C) | Use dry ice packs for frozen goods; combine dry ice with gel or PCM for ultra cold pharmaceuticals |
| Transit duration | <24 h, 24–48 h, >48 h | One 24 cell sheet per 12 h per 100 L of volume; add extra sheets for delays |
| Classification des dangers | Hazardous vs. non hazardous | Non hazardous packs reduce documentation; verify classification with the supplier |
| Réutilisabilité | Single use vs. réutilisable | PCM plates/gel packs offer reusability; weigh cost vs. déchets |
| PPWR compliance | Recyclabalité, recycled content | Choose recyclable materials and packaging that meet EU recycling targets |
User oriented recommendations
Perishable foods: For frozen seafood or meat, use dry ice packs with foam or vacuum insulation. Add at least one pack per day of transit; tape the lid loosely to allow ventilation.
Pharmaceuticals and biologics: Combine cryogenic gel packs or PCM plates with validated temperature loggers; use regulated containers and follow EU GDP guidelines.
E commerce and meal kits: Gel packs may suffice for overnight delivery; for 2–3 days, consider dry ice packs but ensure customers understand handling instructions.
Research specimens: For ultra cold samples (< −70 °C), use dry ice packs or small amounts of loose dry ice in vented containers and ensure compliance with IATA documentation.
Practical example: A biotech firm shipping gene editing materials from Germany to Spain used a combination of dry ice packs and PCM plates with a data logger. The hybrid solution maintained −70 °C for 60 heures, complied with ADR/IATA rules and satisfied EU GDP requirements.
Market outlook and trends for Europe’s cold chain and dry ice industry
Réponse rapide: Europe’s cold chain is growing rapidly, driven by e commerce, pharmaceuticals and frozen foods, while sustainability and digital innovations shape the future.
Growth of Europe’s cold chain logistics
Europe’s food cold chain logistics market is estimated at USD 74.70 milliards en 2025 and is projected to reach USD 114.78 milliards 2030 (CAGR ≈ 8.97 %). Frozen meat and poultry lead the product segments, and refrigerated transportation accounts for more than half of revenue. Germany remains the largest market; Poland and other Eastern European countries are experiencing rapid growth thanks to e commerce expansion and cross border trade.
Dry ice market developments
The Europe dry ice market was valued at USD 89.39 millions en 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 5.2 % depuis 2025 à 2032, reaching about USD 134.10 millions par 2032. Pellet form holds the largest share due to high density and food grade suitability. The industrial segment accounts for about 57 % of end use demand, while transportation (pharmaceuticals and online food deliveries) is expanding rapidly.
Global demand for dry ice is growing about 5 % annuellement, but CO₂ supply has increased only around 0.5 %. This mismatch creates periodic shortages, with spot prices surging up to 300 % during supply crunches. The global market is forecast to grow from USD 1.54 milliards en 2024 en USD 2.73 milliards 2032 (CAGR ≈7.4 %). To address supply issues, companies are investing in local CO₂ capture plants, bio based sources and mixing dry ice with PCMs to stretch supply.
Key trends shaping 2025 et au-delà
Sustainability and circular economy: The PPWR requires all packaging placed on the EU market to be recyclable by 2030. Manufacturers are redesigning dry ice pack materials to reduce virgin plastics, incorporate recycled content and facilitate reuse. Reusable PCM plates and gel packs help reduce waste.
Digital temperature monitoring: Calibrated data loggers and real time monitoring systems are essential for maintaining quality and regulatory resilience. IoT sensors transmit data to dashboards, allowing shippers to intervene if temperatures deviate.
Automation and smart packaging: Automated packaging lines, pre conditioned pack dispensers and RFID tagged containers streamline operations and improve traceability.
Self venting VIP lids and on site pelletisers: New designs such as self venting vacuum insulated panel lids can withstand three times the IATA pressure spec, while on site pelletisers help mitigate CO₂ shortages and reduce Scope 3 emissions.
AI driven coolant dosing: Machine learning algorithms predict sublimation rates within ±5 % and optimise dry ice usage. AI lane modelling can reduce coolant spend by 10–15 %.
Recyclable padded mailers: New R6.1 recyclable padded mailers keep −15 °C for 48 hours and are curbside recyclable.
Questions fréquemment posées
Q1: Do I need a hazmat declaration for dry ice?
UN: Not when dry ice is used to cool non dangerous goods. You must label the package with the UN 1845 code and net weight, but no declaration is required.
Q2: Combien de temps dure 5 lb of dry ice last?
UN: In a 30 mm EPS container at 21 °C ambient temperature, 5 kg (~2.3 kg) of dry ice lasts approximately 30–36 hours. Always add a 20 % buffer for unexpected delays.
Q3: Can I switch to PCM to avoid hazmat fees?
UN: Oui. PCM bricks at −22 °C are effective for goods that can tolerate −15 °C. Always test lane performance before switching.
Q4: What are the weight limits for shipping dry ice by air?
UN: Airlines restrict dry ice to 200 kg per package and may set lower limits. Provide the net weight during booking so the carrier can determine aircraft limits.
Q5: How should customers dispose of dry ice?
UN: Let unused dry ice sublimate outdoors in a well ventilated area; never dispose of it in sinks or closed rooms.
Résumé et recommandations
Europe’s cold chain is expanding rapidly, and dry ice packs offer the ultra cold performance needed to keep vaccines, biologics and frozen foods safe during transport. Principaux à retenir:
Ultra cold performance & commodité: Dry ice packs maintain −60 °C to −40 °C temperatures for 36–72 hours without meltwater. Their leak proof, flexible design offers handling and space advantages.
Follow packing rules: Pre cool products, calculate the right amount of dry ice and vent the container. Label shipments with the UN 1845 code and net weight..
Comply with regulations: Respect the 200 kg per package weight limit, ADR/IATA labelling and documentation requirements. Prepare for new EU PPWR rules on recyclability and recycled content.
Plan for sustainability: Choose recyclable packaging materials, consider reusable PCM plates and monitor temperature digitally to reduce waste and meet ESG targets.
Rester informé: The Europe dry ice market is growing but faces supply constraints; invest in hybrid solutions (glace carbonique + PCM), AI dosing tools and local CO₂ sources to optimise performance and mitigate shortages.
Prochaines étapes réalisables
Assess your shipment profile: Determine your product’s temperature range, transit time and volume to select the appropriate dry ice pack or alternative.
Use the dry ice calculator: Apply the simple formula (product mass ×1.1 × transit days × 1.15) to estimate required dry ice.
Invest in training and documentation: Train staff on ADR/IATA rules, implement checklists and document net weight and labelling to pass audits.
Explore sustainable materials: Start testing recyclable liners and reusable PCM plates to meet PPWR requirements and reduce carbon footprint.
Leverage technology: Adopt data loggers and AI driven tools to monitor temperature and optimise coolant usage.
Contact Tempk for expertise: Work with a cold chain specialist to customise solutions, conduct validation tests and ensure regulatory compliance.
À propos du tempk
Rotation (Cie industrielle de Shanghai Huizhou., Ltd.) is a high tech enterprise specialising in cold chain packaging and temperature control products. Fondée en 2011 avec un capital social de 30 million, the company operates seven factories and serves major pharmaceutical groups and fresh food e commerce companies. Tempk’s dry ice packs are reusable, provide precise temperature control and save space in logistics operations. Their portfolio includes gel ice packs, packs de glace sec, freezer bricks, sacs isolés, EPP and VIP containers. With a focus on research and development, Tempk offre respectueux de l'environnement, reusable and recyclable cold chain solutions.
Appel à l'action: For tailored Europe dry ice pack solutions or to request a sample, contact Tempk’s cold chain specialists. They can help you design compliant packaging, reduce costs and achieve sustainable performance.
