Gel Packs vs Dry Ice: Which Cooling Method is Best for Your Shipment?

Shipping temperature-sensitive products like food, médicaments, or biological samples demands careful selection of the appropriate cooling method. When it comes to cooling solutions, gel packs and dry ice are two of the most commonly used options. Dans ce guide complet, we’ll delve into the differences between these cooling agents, the benefits and drawbacks of each, and the factors that will help you determine which is best suited for your needs.

• Understand the primary differences between gel packs and dry ice

• Learn when each method is most effective

• Explore the 2025 cold chain shipping trends that will influence your decision-making

What Are Gel Packs and Dry Ice?

Packs de gel

Packs de gel are flexible and reusable cold packs filled with a water-based gel that freezes to provide cooling during transit. They are commonly used for shipping refrigerated items like fresh food, médicaments, and medical supplies that need to stay cool but not frozen.
Key Characteristics:

• Composition: A water-based gel sealed in a puncture-resistant outer layer.

• Plage de température: Typiquement, gel packs maintain temperatures between 32°F (0°C) et 40°F (4°C), ideal for items that require refrigeration.

• Réutilisabilité: Gel packs are reusable and can be refrozen multiple times.

• Sécurité: Gel packs are generally safe to handle, non toxique, and do not release gases or require special ventilation.

Glace sèche

Glace sèche est la forme solide de dioxyde de carbone (Co₂), which sublimates directly from solid to gas at -109.3°F (-78.5°C). This makes it the go-to solution for products requiring deep freezing, such as frozen foods, certain pharmaceuticals, et des échantillons biologiques.
Key Characteristics:

• Composition: Solid CO₂, which sublimates into gas without melting into liquid.

• Plage de température: Dry ice maintains extremely low temperatures, ideal for deep freezing requirements, often reaching -109.3°F (-78.5°C).

• Sublimation: Comme la glace sèche sublime, it releases CO₂ gas, which requires careful packaging and ventilation to avoid safety hazards.

• Exigences réglementaires: Dry ice is classified as hazardous material and subject to strict shipping regulations, including special labeling and ventilation requirements.

Gel Packs vs Dry Ice: Which Cooling Method Should You Choose?

Shipping Duration and Distance

For short-haul shipments or deliveries within a single day, packs de gel are often sufficient, as they provide cooling for 6-24 hours depending on the conditions.
Cependant, if your shipment is likely to be delayed or requires long-distance travel over several days, glace carbonique is typically the better choice. Dry ice’s longer cooling duration (jusqu'à 48 heures ou plus) can maintain freezing conditions over long trips or under higher ambient temperatures.

Temperature Sensitivity of Products

• Packs de gel are designed for items that need to stay cool but not frozen. They are best for products like fresh produce, laitier, and medical supplies that need to stay within a narrow temperature range of 2-8°C (35-46°F).

• Glace sèche is ideal for items that require sub-zero temperatures such as frozen foods, vaccins, and certain biological samples that demand ultra-low temperatures (below -18°C (0°F)).

Safety and Handling Requirements

• Packs de gel are non-hazardous and do not pose any significant risks. They are easy to handle without gloves, though it’s still advisable to wear them for prolonged exposure.

• Glace sèche, cependant, requires careful handling due to its extremely low temperatures and the risk of frostbite or burns. It also releases Gaz coag Pendant la sublimation, necessitating proper ventilation and handling procedures. Always use insulated gloves and ensure adequate ventilation when handling dry ice.

Cost and Sustainability

• Packs de gel tend to be more affordable upfront and are reusable for multiple cycles, making them an eco-friendly choice for low-cost, short-term shipments. They are also less regulated, reducing paperwork and shipping complications.

• Glace sèche is more expensive both in terms of purchase price and shipping costs due to its hazardous material classification. Cependant, for shipments requiring prolonged freezing or long-distance transport, dry ice may be worth the additional investment.

2025 Tendances de l'expédition de la chaîne du froid

As cold chain shipping continues to evolve, several trends are shaping the future of how temperature-sensitive products are transported:

Focus sur la durabilité

Environmental impact is becoming a major concern, with an increasing shift toward sustainable cold chain packaging solutions. Companies are turning to biodegradable gel packs et plant-based packaging materials to minimize waste. En outre, advancements in dry ice production methods are reducing CO₂ emissions, helping companies meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.

Smart Packaging and IoT Integration

Smart sensors and IoT-enabled packaging are becoming mainstream in the cold chain logistics industry. Real-time tracking allows companies to monitor temperature, humidité, and location throughout the transit process, improving efficiency and ensuring products stay within safe temperature ranges. This innovation also helps comply with regulatory standards, ensuring products like pharmaceuticals and biologics maintain their integrity.

Automation and Robotics

The automation of cold chain logistics, y compris robotic handling in warehouses and packaging, is improving operational efficiency. Automated systems streamline packaging processes, enhance product safety, and ensure uniformity in the packaging of gel packs and dry ice.

Gel Packs and Dry Ice in Cold Chain Logistics: Advantages and Disadvantages

Questions fréquemment posées

Q1: Can I use gel packs for shipping frozen food?
Gel packs are generally not suitable for frozen food that requires ultra-low temperatures. Pour les aliments surgelés, dry ice is the better option to maintain sub-zero conditions.

Q2: Are gel packs environmentally friendly?
Oui, gel packs are often made from non-toxic materials and are reusable, which makes them an eco-friendly option. Many manufacturers are also incorporating biodegradable materials to reduce their environmental impact.

Q3: Can dry ice be reused?
Non, dry ice cannot be reused. It sublimates completely and disappears as gas, so fresh dry ice must be used for each shipment.

Q4: What should I do if dry ice is not available?
If dry ice is unavailable, look for Matériaux à changement de phase (PCMS) or other cooling alternatives that can provide similar cooling effects, depending on your specific needs.

Conclusion et recommandations

To choose the best cooling solution for your shipment, consider factors such as the temperature sensitivity of your products, the duration of transit, coût, sécurité, et l'impact environnemental.

• Pour chilled goods requiring moderate cooling, packs de gel are cost-effective and convenient.

• Pour frozen products or items requiring ultra-low temperatures, glace carbonique is necessary despite its higher cost and handling complexity.

By staying informed on the latest trends and innovations in cold chain logistics, you can optimize your packaging solutions to ensure safe, efficace, and compliant deliveries.

À propos du tempk

À Rotation, we provide reliable and eco-friendly cold chain solutions for businesses that require precise temperature control. Notre packs de gel et Solutions de glace sèche meet industry standards and offer long-lasting performance to ensure your goods arrive at their destination safely and securely. Contact us today to explore our innovative cold chain shipping products and services.