Frozen Goods Dry Ice Packs Guide 2025: Expédition en toute sécurité

Keeping frozen goods fresh and safe during transit can be challenging. Frozen goods dry ice packs deliver the extreme cold needed to transport seafood, viande, ice cream and delicate pharmaceuticals over long distances without melting or leakage. Dry ice sublimates directly to gas at −78.5 °C, eliminating messy liquid and providing powerful, longduration cooling. This guide explains why dry ice packs remain vital for frozen shipments, how to select the right type, safety regulations, ways to reduce sublimation, sustainable alternatives and the latest trends shaping cold chain logistics in 2025. À la fin, you will be able to plan shipments confidently and protect your cargo.

Understand the role of dry ice packs – learn how dry ice keeps frozen goods at ultralow temperatures and compare it with other cold packs.

Select the right dry ice pack – determine quantities, pellet sizes and pack formats for different shipment durations using industrybacked recommendations.

Follow safety and regulatory guidelines – ensure compliance with marking, labeling and ventilation requirements for class 9 Et 1845 expéditions.

Reduce sublimation and maximize efficiency – adopt best practices for packaging, storage and handling to prolong cooling and minimize waste.

Explore sustainable alternatives and 2025 tendances – understand reusable packaging markets, phasechange materials and biobased CO₂ supply innovations.

Why Use Frozen Goods Dry Ice Packs for Shipping?

Dry ice packs provide unmatched cooling power. Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide that sublimates at −78.5 °C, delivering temperatures far below conventional ice and gel packs. Because it transitions directly to gas, La glace sèche ne laisse aucun résidu liquide, preventing soggy packaging or crosscontamination. This makes it ideal for frozen goods like seafood, viande, ice cream and biological samples that must stay below freezing. Businesses favour dry ice packs for longdistance transportation because they maintain product integrity, reduce spoilage and support customer satisfaction. Compared with gel or water packs, dry ice offers extended cooling duration and can maintain deepfreeze conditions for several days.

DeepFreeze Performance for HighValue Goods

When shipping premium products, reliability matters. La glace carbonique se sublime lentement – Mercury’s guidelines suggest 5–10 lbs of dry ice can maintain temperatures for items up to 12.5 lbs for roughly 24 heures, and a twoday shipment typically requires at least 20 lbs. In wellinsulated boxes, large blocks of dry ice can hold temperatures long enough for transcontinental flights or multiday road trips. The absence of liquid also reduces risk of fungal or bacterial growth. Ultracold temperatures are particularly critical for shipping vaccines, cell therapies and biologics, where even slight temperature excursions can ruin a shipment. Seafood and gourmet meat producers also rely on dry ice to ensure their products arrive in perfect condition, preserving texture and flavour.

Practical Tips and Advice

Shipping seafood or gourmet meat: Use large dry ice blocks above and below your product, and choose insulated containers with foam liners to minimize temperature gradients. Account for 5–10 lbs per day and add extra for safety margins.

Transporting pharmaceutical specimens: Combine dry ice packs with validated insulated boxes or active temperature loggers to meet regulatory requirements; avoid overfilling to allow CO₂ ventilation.

International exports: Verify destination rules for dry ice quantities and documentation; some countries limit dry ice per package to 5 kg in mail shipments.

Exemple de cas: A seafood exporter ships 20 kg of salmon fillets from Seattle to Tokyo. En utilisant 30 lbs of dry ice and a highquality insulated chest, the fillets arrive fully frozen after a 48hour transit, maintaining −25 °C core temperature and avoiding any melting. This ensures premium quality and justifies higher retail prices.

How to Choose the Right Dry Ice Pack for Frozen Goods?

Selecting the right frozen goods dry ice pack involves balancing pack size, quantité, shipment duration and product sensitivity. Larger blocks sublimate more slowly than pellets because of their lower surface area, while pellets offer more uniform cooling but sublimate faster. The type and thickness of insulation also influence performance. Here’s how to decide:

Determine shipment duration and weight. Use Mercury’s rule: 5–10 lbs of dry ice per 12.5 lbs of goods per day. Longer trips require more dry ice or larger blocks.

Choose format: Blocs (5–10 lb slabs) for multiday journeys, boulettes (½ inch diameter) for shorter shipments requiring even temperature distribution, or highdensity nuggets for quick freezing.

Check container insulation: Thick urethane foam or vacuum panels drastically reduce sublimation. Prechill the box to minimize initial sublimation and avoid halffilled spaces that allow warm air pockets.

Plan ventilation: Do not seal dry ice in airtight plastic bags; packages must allow gas to escape. Ventilation holes in coolers prevent pressure buildup.

Weight and Pellet Size Considerations

Different forms of dry ice serve specific needs. Large slabs last longer due to lower surface area, making them ideal for crosscountry shipments or international flights. Pellets or nuggets provide more immediate cooling and are often used in medical shipments where uniform temperature is critical. Cependant, increased surface area accelerates sublimation; plan accordingly by using additional pellets or combining pellets with slabs to balance distribution and duration. Always secure dry ice above the product and fill voids with insulation for optimal results.

Practical Tips and Advice

Calculate quantity carefully: Pour un 25 lb shipment of frozen meat lasting 48 heures, plan to use at least 40 livres de glace carbonique (5 lbs par 12.5 lb goods per day × 4 units).

Mix formats: For mixed products, place slabs at the bottom and pellets between items. This combination maintains base temperature while providing uniform cooling.

Prechill products and container: Freezing goods and cooling the box before adding dry ice extends cooling duration and reduces initial sublimation.

Realworld scenario: A biotech company shipping temperaturesensitive enzymes uses pellets around vials for uniform cooling, adding a single slab at the top. This hybrid method keeps samples below −20 °C for 36 hours and meets compliance requirements.

Safety and Regulatory Guidelines for Shipping with Dry Ice

Dry ice is classified as a hazardous material under Classe 9 Et 1845, meaning shipments must comply with strict packaging, marking and labeling rules. Regulations are designed to protect workers and carriers from CO₂ buildup and pressure hazards.

Conditionnement, Marking and Labeling

FedEx’s 2025 dry ice job aid and IATA guidelines require:

Emballage ventilé: Dry ice releases CO₂ gas that can build up and rupture containers. Do not use sealed plastic bags or steel drums. Use strong fiberboard, plastic or wooden boxes with ventilation holes. Polystyrene or foam inserts can insulate but must not seal airtight.

Maximum quantity: For general commercial shipments, FedEx autorise jusqu'à 200 kg de glace sèche par colis. Postal services may limit to 5 kg per mailpiece.

Required markings: Packages must display the proper shipping name («Glace sèche» ou «dioxyde de carbone, Solide"), le Et 1845 nombre, the net weight of dry ice in kilograms, and the names and addresses of shipper and recipient. Markings should be on the same surface as the Class 9 étiquette.

Classe 9 étiquette de danger: A minimum 100 mm × 100 mm diamond label is required. Do not write inside the diamond border.

Ventilation and training: Adequate ventilation in transport vehicles is crucial to prevent CO₂ buildup, and handlers must be trained in hazardous materials regulations.

Handling and Safety Precautions

Dry ice can cause frostbite and asphyxiation if misused. To protect yourself:

Wear gloves and use tongs when handling dry ice to prevent skin contact and severe burns.

Assurer une bonne ventilation; never store dry ice in airtight rooms or containers as CO₂ gas can displace oxygen.

Keep out of reach of children and pets; dry ice is not a toy and can be dangerous.

Do not seal containers; always allow gas to escape and avoid sealed plastic bags.

Document and communicate; include safety data sheets and hazard declarations for carriers and customs.

Practical Tips and Advice

Étiqueter clairement: Use bold markers or preprinted labels to list the UN number, net weight and contact information; secure them on the same side as the hazard label.

Vent holes: If using a plastic cooler, leave the plug open or drill small holes to vent CO₂ gas while still insulating.

Entraînement: Ensure staff who pack and ship dry ice have completed accredited dangerous goods training; this reduces risk of fines or delays.

Practical example: A mealkit company shipping ice cream adds a Class 9 label with “Dry Ice UN 1845 2 kg” and both addresses on the box. Vent holes in the lid prevent pressure buildup. Trained packers wear gloves and ensure no sealed bags contain dry ice, complying with FedEx and IATA rules.

Réduction de la sublimation: Maximizing the Performance of Dry Ice Packs

Sublimation—the process where solid carbon dioxide turns directly into gas—is inevitable, but effective strategies can extend the life of frozen goods dry ice packs and reduce waste. According to ThermoSafe, dry ice typically sublimates at 3–8% per day, depending on container insulation and external temperature.

Understanding Sublimation Factors

Several factors influence sublimation rate:

Température ambiante: Higher outside temperatures accelerate heat transfer and sublimation.

Surface area: Dry ice with larger surface area (small pellets) sublimates faster.

Air movement: Air circulation enhances heat transfer and increases sublimation.

Insulation quality: Poor insulation allows more heat to penetrate, causing rapid sublimation.

Best Practices to Minimize Sublimation

Use specialized containers: Opt for dry ice chests or shipping boxes with thick urethane foam or vacuuminsulated panels to reduce thermal conductivity.

Create a tight seal: A snug lid limits airflow; cependant, ensure vent holes to prevent pressure buildup.

Prechill your packaging: Cooling the container before loading reduces initial temperature gradients and slows sublimation.

Layer dry ice properly: Place dry ice above the goods; puits d'air froid, so this configuration ensures optimal cooling while allowing gas to vent.

Remplir les vides: Reduce empty space with insulating materials or additional dry ice to minimize warm air pockets.

Limiter les ouvertures de couvercle: Each opening introduces warm air and speeds sublimation; plan to open chests only when necessary.

Bundle dry ice blocks together: Grouping blocks reduces exposed surface area and slows sublimation.

Store in cool environments: Keep containers in shaded or airconditioned areas during storage and transit.

Practical Tips and Advice

Expéditions courtes: For shipments under 24 heures, pellets may suffice; use 10–15 lbs and insulated packaging to keep goods frozen.

Expéditions longues: Combine slabs and pellets in a prechilled chest; wrap goods in insulating bubble wrap or kraft paper and fill voids with additional material.

Return logistics: If using reusable dry ice containers, have a plan for returning and recharging them quickly to maintain cycle efficiency.

Étude de cas: A pharmaceutical distributor shipping frozen samples across the U.S. uses dry ice chests with urethane insulation and reflective liners. Precooling the chest overnight and bundling dry ice blocks reduces sublimation to 4% par jour, extending hold time to 72 heures. Par conséquent, fewer shipments require replenishment, saving costs.

Sustainable Alternatives and Hybrid Solutions

Alors que frozen goods dry ice packs remain essential for ultracold shipments, companies are exploring alternative refrigerants and hybrid strategies to reduce environmental impact and mitigate CO₂ supply constraints. Dry ice consumption has grown roughly 5% par année, but CO₂ supply has increased only about 0.5%, resulting in supply pressures and price volatility. Demand from carbon capture projects further tightens availability. The following innovations offer complementary or substitute solutions:

Packs de gel, Water Packs and PhaseChange Materials (PCMS)

Packs de gel: Flexible pouches filled with refrigerant that maintain 2–8 °C chilled conditions for 24–48 hours. They are safe and nontoxic but may leak if punctured and cost more than water packs.

Water packs (packs de glace): Pouches filled with frozen water; bon marché, easy to dispose of and safe for food and pharma. They provide moderate cooling and are ideal for short, chilled shipments.

Matériaux à changement de phase: PCMs absorb or release heat at specific temperatures. In cold chain packaging, PCM packs can hold goods within the 2–8 °C range for extended periods and are reusable. Market forecasts indicate strong growth; the reusable cold chain packaging market is expected to expand from USD 4.97 milliards en 2025 à USD 9.13 milliards 2034, avec un TCAC de 6.98%. Advancements in IoT tracking and vacuum insulation drive adoption.

Hybrid Cooling Strategies

Many shippers combine dry ice with other cooling methods to optimize performance:

Glace sèche + PCMS: Using dry ice for initial deep freeze and PCM gel packs for maintenance can reduce the amount of dry ice needed and moderate temperatures during final stages.

Improved insulation: Vacuum panels and recyclable materials reduce the thermal load, lowering the amount of dry ice required.

Active refrigeration units: Batterypowered containers provide controlled temperatures without consumable refrigerants, though they involve higher upfront costs.

Sustainability considerations also extend to CO₂ sourcing. Bioethanol plants capture CO₂ as a byproduct, offering a renewable feedstock for dry ice production. In the UK, one bioethanol facility supplies 30–60% of the nation’s CO₂, highlighting both the potential and vulnerability of relying on a few suppliers. Diversifying supply and investing in carbon capture can strengthen resilience and reduce carbon footprints.

Practical Tips and Advice

Evaluate product sensitivity: Use water or gel packs for dairy, cheese or pharmaceuticals that must stay cool but not freeze.

Adopt reusable packaging: Deploy durable insulated containers and PCM packs for subscription or mealkit services to reduce waste and longterm costs.

Leverage IoT tracking: Monitor temperature and location to optimize cooling strategies and reduce dry ice consumption.

Exemple: A mealkit company switched from singleuse gel packs to reusable PCM containers paired with small dry ice pouches. This hybrid approach maintained frozen items, reduced total dry ice consumption by 40%, and improved customer perception of sustainability.

2025 Latest Developments and Trends

Aperçu de la tendance

Le dry ice and cold chain industries are evolving rapidly. According to Sonoco ThermoSafe, global dry ice consumption is increasing by around 5% per year while CO₂ supply grows just 0.5%, creating periodic shortages and price surges. The market for dry ice was valued at USD 1.54 milliards en 2024 et devrait atteindre USD 2.73 milliards 2032, a compound annual growth rate (TCAC) de 7.4%. Entre-temps, the reusable cold chain packaging market shows strong momentum, expected to rise from USD 4.97 milliards en 2025 en USD 9.13 milliards 2034. Sustainability pressures, CO₂ sourcing challenges and the need for resilient supply chains drive innovation.

Dernières avancées

Localized CO₂ Capture and BioBased Supply: Bioethanol plants capture CO₂ emissions and convert them into dry ice; one UK facility supplies up to 60% of the country’s CO₂. Diversifying supply reduces dependence on fossilbased CO₂ and mitigates shortages.

Matériaux d'isolation améliorés: Vacuum insulation panels and recyclable foam materials reduce the amount of dry ice required and support circular packaging models.

IoTEnabled Cold Chain: Sensors track temperature, humidité et localisation en temps réel, enabling dynamic adjustments and reducing waste.

Hybrid Refrigeration Systems: Combining dry ice with PCMs and active cooling extends duration while reducing environmental impact.

Insistance au marché

Cold chain logistics continues to expand, driven by growth in ecommerce meal kits, biologique, and global seafood demand. North America currently dominates the reusable packaging market, while Asia–Pacific is expected to see rapid growth. Regulatory scrutiny is increasing, with stricter labeling and sustainability requirements. Businesses that invest in advanced insulation, realtime monitoring and renewable CO₂ sources will be better positioned to navigate supply constraints and environmental regulations.

Questions fréquemment posées

What are frozen goods dry ice packs used for?
Frozen goods dry ice packs maintain ultralow temperatures to preserve seafood, viande, glace, vaccines and biological samples during shipping. Dry ice sublimates directly to CO₂ gas, leaving no liquid residue and delivering deepfreeze conditions.

How much dry ice should I use per shipment?
General industry guidelines recommend using 5–10 lbs of dry ice per 12.5 lbs of product per 24 heures. For a twoday shipment of 25 lbs, plan to use at least 40 livres de glace carbonique. Adjust for insulation quality and ambient temperature.

Do I need special labels when shipping dry ice?
Oui. Shipments must display the proper shipping name («Glace sèche» ou «dioxyde de carbone, Solide"), l'ONU 1845 nombre, the net weight of dry ice in kilograms, and the name and address of shipper and recipient. Une classe 9 étiquette de danger (100 mm × 100 mm) must also be affixed.

Is it safe to handle dry ice without gloves?
Non. Always wear insulated gloves and use tongs when handling dry ice to prevent frostbite. Avoid direct skin contact and ensure adequate ventilation to prevent CO₂ buildup.

Can I combine dry ice with gel or water packs?
Oui. Hybrid cooling strategies pair dry ice with gel packs or phasechange materials to moderate temperatures and reduce dry ice consumption. This approach offers flexibility for shipments that include both frozen and chilled goods.

Résumé et recommandations

Dry ice packs remain indispensable for shipping frozen goods. Their deepfreeze capability, long duration and clean sublimation protect the integrity of seafood, viande, ice cream and biologics. To use them effectively, select the appropriate format (blocks or pellets) based on shipment duration, calculate quantity carefully, and invest in quality insulation. Follow safety regulations: Utiliser un emballage ventilé, mark packages with UN 1845 étiquettes, and train staff to handle hazardous materials. Reduce sublimation by bundling dry ice, prechilling containers and minimizing air exchange. Explore sustainable alternatives such as reusable PCM packs and hybrid solutions to cut waste and adapt to CO₂ supply constraints. Staying informed about industry trends—like biobased CO₂ capture and improved insulation—ensures you stay competitive and compliant.

Étapes suivantes

Assess your product requirements: Determine whether your goods require deepfreeze dry ice packs or if gel/water packs suffice.

Calculate dry ice needs: Use the 5–10 lbs per 12.5 lbs per day guideline to estimate quantity.

Upgrade packaging: Invest in insulated containers or reusable PCM packaging to reduce sublimation and waste.

Formez votre équipe: Ensure personnel are certified in dangerous goods regulations to comply with Class 9 Et 1845 exigences.

Adopter des solutions hybrides: Combine dry ice with PCMs or active cooling to balance performance and sustainability.

About TemPk

TemPk is a specialist in cold chain packaging solutions. We develop insulated containers, dry ice shipping boxes and phasechange materials that help businesses transport perishable goods safely and efficiently. Our products include medical cooler bags with temperature monitoring, insulated backpacks for delivery bikes and durable cargo covers. Our expertise spans food, pharmaceutical and biotech logistics, allowing us to offer tailored solutions that meet regulatory compliance and sustainability goals. By combining innovative materials with engineering knowhow, we help customers extend hold times, reduce waste and minimize carbon footprints.