Qu'est-ce qu'un sac de glace carbonique de remplacement de la glace et comment peut-il vous aider?

Lorsque vous expédiez des produits surgelés ou réfrigérés, the cooling medium is just as critical as the packaging. Un ice substitute dry ice pack fills the gap between traditional gel packs and dry ice by delivering sustained cold without the extreme temperatures or hazardous handling rules of dry ice. By choosing the right ice substitute, you can save money, reduce waste and protect your products during transit. In this guide you’ll discover how these alternatives work, why they matter for your business and what the latest trends mean for 2025.

Compare alternatives to dry ice tels que les packs de gel et les matériaux à changement de phase (PCMS) to understand their temperature ranges and ideal use cases.

Choose the right ice substitute dry ice pack by considering shipment duration, sensibilité au produit, regulations and budget constraints.

Follow safety and handling guidelines to protect employees and customers when using dry ice or substitutes.

Restez à jour sur 2025 tendances in reusable packaging, durabilité, smart sensors and selfrefrigerated containers to futureproof your cold chain operations.

Obtenez des conseils pratiques and case studies showing how real businesses switched to reusable solutions and improved efficiency.

What Makes an Ice Substitute Dry Ice Pack Different?

An ice substitute dry ice pack is a cooling element designed to mimic the cold power of dry ice without its risks. Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide that sublimates (passe du solide au gaz) at −78.5 °C and is effective for deepfreeze shipments. Cependant, dry ice is classified as a hazardous material and requires specialized labeling, training and ventilation. Le contact peut provoquer de graves engelures, and sublimation in enclosed spaces can displace oxygen.

En revanche, ice substitute packs use phase change materials or gels that freeze at warmer temperatures. Matériaux à changement de phase (PCMS) absorber et libérer de la chaleur à des températures spécifiques and can be engineered to maintain 2 °C à 8 °C ou –20 °C. Ils sont réutilisables, classified as nonhazardous, and avoid the strict regulations of dry ice. Gel packs are pouches filled with nontoxic gel that freeze and thaw to keep products cool. They are costeffective and safe to handle. These options serve as ice substitutes by providing controlled cooling without the hazards.

Comparing Cooling Technologies

Why Ice Substitutes Matter

Most cold chain shipments aren’t destined for ultralow temperatures. Produits surgelés comme les fruits de mer, prepared meals and biologics often need stable refrigeration rather than the extreme cold of dry ice. Using an ice substitute dry ice pack allows you to maintain the correct temperature range without dealing with hazardous materials. Plus, these substitutes support your sustainability goals by being reusable and generating less carbon dioxide during use.

How Do Ice Substitute Dry Ice Packs Work?

The core technology behind ice substitutes is phase change. PCMs and gel packs store latent heat during freezing and release it during thawing. When a PCM melts, it absorbs energy, keeping its surroundings cold until the material is fully liquid. The process reverses when the PCM is refrozen. Because PCMs can be engineered to solidify at specific temperatures, they maintain tight tolerances (Par exemple, 2–8 °C pour les vaccins) without risk of freezing sensitive products. Gel packs use a similar approach but with a broader temperature band and typically freeze around 0 °C.

You typically precondition these packs—freeze them in a controlled environment until they reach the desired phase. Once integrated into an insulated container, le ice substitute dry ice pack starts absorbing heat from the product and ambient air, keeping the payload within the required range. Contrairement à la glace sèche, there’s no sublimation gas buildup, so the container doesn’t need venting. Après livraison, the packs can be refrozen and reused, making them an economical choice for frequent shipments.

Temperature Range and Stability

PCMs come in formulations for common cold chain ranges:

2–8 ° C for refrigerated biologics and vaccines.

–20 ° C for frozen pharmaceuticals, diagnostic kits and cell therapies.

10–24 °C for ambient shipping where slight cooling is sufficient.

These materials are stable over multiple cycles, ensuring reliable performance. Par exemple, Mercury notes that PCM packs maintain precise ranges and are reusable, reducing longterm costs and waste compared with dry ice. Gel packs are less precise but still effective for maintaining temperatures just below 0 °C.

Packaging System Integration

An ice substitute dry ice pack performs best when paired with quality insulation. Boîtes isolées, liners and vacuuminsulated panels slow down heat transfer, giving the pack time to absorb heat and keep goods cold. Many reusable containers incorporate PCMs into modular panels or pouches that slide into a liner. This design reduces packing time and ensures consistent placement. In shipping tests, PCMs showed lower peak exposures and more uniform temperatures than dry ice.

What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing Between Dry Ice and Ice Substitutes?

Choosing the right cooling medium is a balance of product requirements, durée de l'expédition, regulatory considerations and sustainability goals. Here are the key factors:

1. Exigences de température

La glace carbonique offre des températures ultra froides (en dessous de –70 °C) and is the only option when shipping materials that must remain frozen solid, such as certain biologics or CRISPR reagents. If your products need refrigeration rather than deep freezing, PCMs and gel packs provide better control. Mercury’s PCM solutions cover 2–8 °C and –20 °C ranges, ideal for vaccines and diagnostics.

2. Shipment Duration and Distance

Ice substitute dry ice packs are effective for shipments lasting 24–72 hours. For longer journeys or extreme climates, you may need additional packs or higherperformance insulation. Dry ice can last longer in insulated containers but may require replenishment for shipments beyond 48 heures. Hybrid solutions that combine PCM panels with a small amount of dry ice offer extended performance while minimizing hazardous material handling.

3. Regulatory Complexity and Safety

La glace sèche est classée comme une matière dangereuse. Carriers require labeling and documentation and limit the quantity per shipment. Staff must wear gloves and eye protection and handle dry ice with tongs. Improper storage may lead to pressure buildup and explosion.

Ice substitute dry ice packs—especially PCMs and gel packs—avoid these regulations because they’re nonhazardous. That simplifies compliance and lowers training costs. Businesses can ship internationally more easily and avoid regulatory delays.

4. Coût et durabilité

Gel packs are inexpensive and widely available. PCMs have higher upfront costs but can be reused hundreds of times, réduire le coût total de possession. Entre-temps, dry ice must be replenished for each shipment, incurring recurring expenses and producing CO₂ emissions. Reusable ice substitutes support sustainability initiatives by reducing waste and carbon footprint, s'aligner sur les objectifs de l'économie circulaire.

5. Customer Experience and Disposal

Dry ice can be intimidating for customers unfamiliar with handling it. It requires ventilation and safe disposal; leftover dry ice should never be placed in a sink or trash bin. Gel packs and PCMs are easy to handle, nontoxic and can even be reused by end users. They also avoid the condensation sometimes associated with dry ice shipments.

Safety Guidelines for Dry Ice and Ice Substitutes

Regardless of the cooling method, safety comes first. Here are best practices drawn from university safety guidelines and industry standards:

Manipuler la glace carbonique en toute sécurité

Wear proper personal protective equipment (EPP): Utiliser des vêtements amples, gants isolés thermiquement, goggles and a face shield when handling dry ice. Ne touchez jamais la glace carbonique à mains nues.

La ventilation est essentielle: Dry ice sublimation releases carbon dioxide gas. Store and transport it in wellventilated areas to prevent asphyxiation. Do not place dry ice in sealed containers; l'accumulation de pression peut provoquer des explosions.

Élimination appropriée: Let residual dry ice sublimate in a wellventilated space. Never dispose of it in sinks or trash cans to avoid damaging plumbing or causing hazards.

Transport: Use nonairtight containers and clearly label shipments with dry ice weight and hazard labels. Suivre les réglementations du transporteur (Par exemple, Iata, POINT, Et).

Handling Gel Packs and PCMs

Avoid punctures: Although gel packs and PCMs are durable, sharp objects can puncture them. Inspect packs before each use.

Precondition correctly: Freeze packs according to manufacturer guidelines, ensuring they solidify at the intended temperature.

Recycling and reuse: Many gel packs are made of recyclable materials. Verify local recycling guidelines and encourage customers to reuse or recycle them.

Hygiène: Clean packs between uses, especially when transporting food or pharmaceuticals, to prevent contamination.

2025 Tendances: What’s New for Ice Substitutes and Cold Chain Packaging?

L’industrie de la chaîne du froid connaît une transformation rapide. Durabilité, digitization and reusable solutions drive innovation. Reports indicate that the global reusable cold chain packaging market is expected to grow from USD 4.97 milliards en 2025 en USD 9.13 milliards 2034, avec un taux de croissance annuel composé de 6.98%. That growth reflects wider adoption of ice substitute dry ice packs and reusable containers across industries.

Sustainable and Circular Packaging

Sustainability is the top driver for 2025. Companies are moving away from singleuse EPS (polystyrène élargi) toward reusable, matériaux recyclables et biosourcés. Closedloop models like crate pooling enable reusable containers to circulate among suppliers and customers. Biodegradable and plantderived insulation materials, such as biofoam and wool liners, gagnent en popularité. This trend aligns with corporate ESG (environnement, social et gouvernance) goals and reduces waste.

Smart and Active Packaging

Internet des objets (IoT) technology is now embedded in cold chain packaging. Reusable containers with sensors for temperature, humidity and GPS tracking provide realtime visibility. Innovations like selfrefrigerated smart boxes (Par exemple, Cube de braise) maintenir 2 à 8 °C pendant plus de 72 hours using battery power and transmit live data. Active packaging elements—such as antimicrobial films, oxygen scavengers and thermochromic inks—extend shelf life and enable condition monitoring.

Material and Insulation Innovation

Matériaux à changement de phase (PCMS) and vacuuminsulated panels are being optimized for performance and weight. Les PCM biosourcés dérivés d'huiles végétales ou de protéines laitières offrent un impact environnemental moindre tout en maintenant l'efficacité thermique.. Vacuuminsulated panels enable thinner walls and more payload space. Reusable gel packs are being redesigned to reduce weight and improve recyclability.

Conteneurs auto-réfrigérés

Batterypowered containers with builtin cooling systems are eliminating the need for external ice substitutes. These units maintain precise temperatures for 48–72+ hours. They are ideal for highvalue pharmaceuticals and biologics where digital proof of temperature integrity is required. Although costly, they support multiple shipments and integrate IoT sensors for data logging and remote monitoring.

MultiTemperature and Hybrid Solutions

New shippers can carry products requiring different temperature zones in one box. Multizone containers combine PCMs set to various temperatures or integrate both PCMs and dry ice for deepfrozen and refrigerated items. Hybrid solutions balance extreme and moderate ranges while minimizing hazardous materials. This flexibility helps logistics providers consolidate shipments, réduire les coûts et les émissions.

RealTime Data and Blockchain Traceability

Cold chain shipments increasingly use NFC, RFID, Bluetooth Low Energy and GPS to log temperature excursions and location data. Some companies are adopting blockchain technology to create tamperproof records for regulatory compliance. Pour les produits pharmaceutiques, digital records are essential for 21 Partie CFR 11 conformité.

AutomationFriendly Designs

Automated warehouses and robotic picking systems require containers that are machinecompatible. Reusable crates and totes with standardized footprints facilitate automated stacking and retrieval. This improves efficiency and reduces labor costs in distribution centers.

Practical Tips and Advice for Using Ice Substitute Dry Ice Packs

Tailoring the Cooling Mix

Map your temperature profile: Use temperature loggers to understand how long your shipments are exposed to ambient heat. Based on that data, select PCM formulations or gel pack quantities that maintain the desired range.

Combine PCMs with gel packs: For shipments needing both chilled and frozen zones, pair PCMs (2–8 ° C) avec des packs de gel (autour 0 °C) or small amounts of dry ice. This hybrid approach maintains multiple temperature zones and reduces the quantity of hazardous material.

Precondition thoroughly: Freeze packs for the recommended time; incomplete freezing reduces performance. Always handle PCMs and gel packs carefully when removing them from freezers.

Enhancing Insulation and Packaging

Utiliser des panneaux isolés sous vide (Vips) for highvalue shipments that require minimal temperature fluctuation. VIPs reduce the number of ice substitute packs needed and maximize payload space.

Choose rightsized containers: Oversized boxes create air pockets that accelerate warming. Match container size to product volume.

Add outer insulation: Use insulated mailers or corrugated cartons with foam liners. The additional layers slow down heat transfer and improve pack efficiency.

Logistics and Operations

Develop packing protocols: Create stepbystep instructions for loading ice substitute dry ice packs. Uniform placement ensures consistent performance.

Former le personnel: Educate employees on handling PCMs, des packs de gel et (si nécessaire) glace carbonique. Include safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Monitor and audit: Use IoT sensors or data loggers to verify temperature compliance. Review data after each shipment to finetune your packaging strategy.

Customer Experience and Branding

Communicate handling instructions: Provide a brief card explaining how to safely handle and dispose of ice substitute packs. Encourage customers to reuse or recycle them.

Offer return programs: Collect used packs and containers for cleaning and reconditioning. This strengthens your sustainability credentials and reduces costs.

Brand your packaging: Print your logo and instructions on PCM panels or gel packs to enhance brand recognition. Include QR codes linking to a temperature tracking portal or recycling information.

Exemple du monde réel: A biotech manufacturer shipping vaccines switched from gel packs to PCM containers for 2–8 °C shipments. After implementing PCMs, they experienced no temperature excursions and achieved a 40% réduction des coûts après 10 expéditions. The reusable PCM system simplified compliance and eliminated the need for dry ice documentation, proving that ice substitute dry ice packs can improve both reliability and cost efficiency.

Questions fréquemment posées

Question 1: How long does an ice substitute dry ice pack last in transit?
A properly conditioned PCM or gel pack can maintain temperature for 24–72 hours, depending on the formulation and insulation. For extended durations or extreme conditions, additional packs or hybrid systems may be necessary.

Question 2: Are ice substitute dry ice packs safe for food shipments?
Oui. Gel packs and PCMs are nontoxic and do not release harmful gases, ce qui les rend idéaux pour expédier des fruits de mer, viande, dairy and produce.

Question 3: Can I reuse ice substitute dry ice packs?
Most gel packs and PCMs are designed for multiple uses. After receiving a shipment, you can refreeze them and use them again, as long as the packs remain intact and clean. Au fil du temps, reusability reduces costs and waste.

Question 4: What are the environmental benefits of switching from dry ice to ice substitutes?
Ice substitutes reduce carbon dioxide emissions since they don’t sublimate like dry ice and are often reusable. Many companies are adopting reusable packaging to cut waste and comply with sustainability goals.

Question 5: Do I need special packaging when using PCMs?
You should pair PCMs with insulated containers such as foam boxes, VIP panels or insulated mailers. The combination slows heat transfer and ensures the PCM maintains the target temperature range.

Question 6: How do I decide between gel packs and PCMs?
Consider your product’s temperature range, shipment duration and budget. Gel packs are economical for short, expéditions réfrigérées, while PCMs provide precise control for pharmaceutical and biologic products.

Question 7: Can ice substitute dry ice packs be shipped internationally?
Oui. PCMs and gel packs are nonhazardous and typically not subject to the hazardous material regulations that govern dry ice shipments. Always check the destination country’s import rules and label your shipments accordingly.

Question 8: What role does IoT play in managing shipments with ice substitutes?
IoT sensors embedded in packaging monitor temperature, humidité et emplacement. They provide realtime alerts if a deviation occurs and create digital records for compliance and audits. Lorsqu'il est utilisé avec des PCM, IoT enhances reliability and helps you finetune the number of packs needed.

Résumé et recommandations

Principaux à retenir:

Ice substitute dry ice packs—such as gel packs and PCMs—offer safer, reusable alternatives to hazardous dry ice. They maintain specific temperature ranges (2–8 ° C, –20 ° C) and avoid costly regulations.

Choosing the right cooling method depends on your product’s temperature needs, durée de l'expédition, environnement réglementaire et objectifs de développement durable. Dry ice is suitable for ultracold shipments; PCMs and gel packs are ideal for most refrigerated and frozen goods.

La sécurité est primordiale: Always wear PPE when handling dry ice, Assurer une bonne ventilation, and follow disposal guidelines. Ice substitutes require careful preconditioning but are easy to handle and reuse.

Emballage réutilisable, matériaux biosourcés, smart sensors and selfrefrigerated containers are shaping the future of cold chain logistics. Embrace these trends to stay competitive and meet customer expectations.

Étapes suivantes:

Assess your current cold chain requirements. Map out temperature ranges, shipment durations and product sensitivity. This will guide whether you need dry ice, packs de gel ou PCM.

Start small with hybrid solutions. If you’re using dry ice exclusively, introduce PCMs or gel packs for shipments requiring moderate cold. Evaluate performance using temperature loggers and adjust as needed.

Invest in reusable containers and IoT sensors. Partner with suppliers offering reusable PCM panels and trackandtrace solutions to improve compliance and reduce waste.

Éduquez votre équipe et vos clients. Provide clear handling instructions for dry ice and substitutes. Encourage customers to return or reuse packaging.

Explore emerging technologies. Keep an eye on selfrefrigerated smart boxes, biobased insulation and blockchain traceability. Adopting innovative solutions early can enhance efficiency and sustainability.

À propos du tempk

Tempk est un leader dans les solutions d'emballage à température contrôlée. We develop reusable PCM panels, gel packs and insulated containers that help businesses ship perishables safely and sustainably. Our products are designed to maintain precise temperature ranges and reduce waste. We also integrate IoT sensors to provide realtime temperature and location data, ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Avec des décennies d’expérience dans la logistique de la chaîne du froid, we help clients—from food producers to pharmaceutical manufacturers—optimize their shipping strategies and improve customer satisfaction.

Appel à l'action: Prêt à améliorer votre chaîne du froid? Contact Tempk’s experts to discuss how our ice substitute dry ice packs and reusable packaging solutions can improve your shipping efficiency. We’ll help you choose the right solution, integrate smart tracking and achieve your sustainability goals.