L’expédition de marchandises congelées ou sensibles à la température pose un défi unique: vous devez maintenir un environnement ultra froid tout en empêchant l'eau fondue d'endommager la cargaison. UN leak proof dry ice pack sheet solves both problems because dry ice sublimates directly into gas rather than liquid and the sheet’s multilayer design keeps that gas contained. In this guide you’ll discover how these sheets work, how much dry ice you really need, and what regulations apply when using them.
What makes leak proof dry ice pack sheets different from other coolants? Understanding their multilayer structure and sublimation properties helps you choose the right refrigerant.
How do you select the right size and weight for your shipment? A simple calculator and real world examples show you how much dry ice is needed to keep goods frozen.
What regulations govern shipping with dry ice? Learn about IATA, DOT and USPS limits—such as the 2.5 kg exception for air shipments and labeling requirements.
Are reusable PCM sheets better than traditional gel packs? Comparez les plages de température, environmental impact and reusability.
Which innovations will shape leak proof dry ice pack sheets in 2025 et au-delà? Explorez les capteurs IoT, sustainable materials and AI driven analytics that improve cold chain efficiency.
What sets leak proof dry ice pack sheets apart from other refrigerants?
Réponse directe
Leak proof dry ice sheets provide ultra cold temperatures without water damage by combining solid CO₂ with a protective, multilayer pouch. Dry ice sublimates at around –78.5 °C and never melts into liquid, so the sheet stays dry. The outer layers include a tough polyethylene (Pe) film and a breathable non woven fabric; à l'intérieur, a super absorbent polymer (SÈVE) locks in water during hydration and freezes to form a flexible ice layer. Comme la glace sèche sublime, CO₂ gas escapes through vents in the sheet, empêcher l'accumulation de pression. This design means goods stay frozen and packaging remains intact, eliminating moisture related spoilage.
Plus de détails
In a traditional gel pack, the refrigerant is water based; when it melts it produces liquid that can seep through packaging. Par contre, a leak proof dry ice sheet uses solid carbon dioxide sealed inside a multilayer pouch. The outer PE film and composite barrier provide puncture resistance, while the inner SAP layer absorbs hydration water and becomes a gel when frozen. When placed in a freezer, the hydrated sheet turns into a solid, flexible pad. Because dry ice turns directly into gas as it warms, there is no meltwater; plutôt, CO₂ escapes through venting channels. That venting also prevents pressure build up, which is why regulations require packages to be non airtight.
Key characteristics explained
| Caractéristiques | Leak proof dry ice sheet | Pack de gel | Avantage pratique |
| Plage de température | –78,5 ° C (ultra froid) | 0 °C–10 °C | Conserve les produits biologiques, vaccines and seafood deeply frozen |
| Risque de fuite | Minimal—dry ice sublimates into gas and is contained by the pouch | Moderate—gel can leak if punctured | Prevents wet packages and product spoilage |
| Impact environnemental | CO₂ is reused industrial gas; outer pouch can be recyclable; no toxic gel | Gel often contains polymers that are hard to dispose of | Easier disposal and lower carbon footprint |
| Réutilisabilité | Single use dry ice; pouch may be reused, but dry ice sublimates | Usage unique (gel degrades after one trip) | Encourages proper cold chain without repeated purchases |
| Statut réglementaire | Classe 9 matières dangereuses; requires marking and weight limits | Pas dangereux; easier to ship | Must follow IATA/DOT rules but offers ultra cold performance |
Conseils pratiques et exemples
Préhydrater et congeler: Soak the sheet in water for at least 15 minutes to fully activate the SAP layer, puis congeler jusqu'à ce qu'il soit solide. Cela garantit une capacité de refroidissement maximale.
Position correctly: Arrange sheets around the product or place them on top so cold air sinks; leave space for CO₂ gas to vent.
Utiliser une bonne isolation: Pair dry ice sheets with high quality insulated boxes or vacuum panel inserts to slow sublimation and extend holding time.
Étude de cas: A pharmaceutical distributor switched from gel packs to leak proof dry ice sheets and saw a 20 % réduction des excursions de température et 15 % fewer packaging complaints. The dry sheet prevented moisture damage to labels and ensured vaccines stayed frozen during cross country shipments.
How do you select the right size and weight for your shipment?
Réponse rapide
Choose the dry ice quantity based on shipment duration, cargo weight and required temperature range, using about 1–2 lb (0.5–1 kg) of dry ice per 24 hour period for typical frozen foods and 5–10 lb (2.3–4,5 kg) per day for ultra cold pharmaceuticals. Start with a rule of thumb calculation, then adjust using data loggers and lane trials.
Explanation and examples
Durée estimée: Determine how long the shipment will be in transit. For each 24 hour period, allocate 5–10 lb of dry ice for deep frozen goods. For shorter trips or goods requiring temperatures just below freezing (–10 °C à –18 °C), 1–2 lb per day may suffice.
Calculate load: Multiply the per day estimate by the number of transit days and adjust for insulation and ambient temperature. Par exemple, a 48 hour shipment in a moderate climate might require 10–20 lb of dry ice plus a buffer.
Match pack size: Dry ice sheets come in different lengths and cell counts. Select a sheet that matches your cooler dimensions and weight allowance. Remember that carriers limit the net mass of dry ice: pour les expéditions d'air, packages must not exceed 5.5 kg (2.5 kg) of dry ice unless special arrangements are made; for cargo shipments by certain carriers, 200 kg limits apply.
Utilisez une simple calculatrice: Démarrer le chargement = (5–10 lb × hours/24) × insulation factor × ambient factor + 5–10 lb buffer. Par exemple, shipping frozen seafood for 48 hours in a polystyrene cooler (facteur d'isolation 1.0) à 30 °C (ambient factor 1.2) yields roughly 17–34 lb of dry ice. Round up to the nearest whole sheet to stay safe.
Decision table for typical shipments
| Type d'envoi | Dry ice weight per 24 h | Plage de température | Regulatory notes | Real world significance |
| Produits pharmaceutiques/vaccins | 5–10 lb (2.3–4,5 kg) | –20 °C à –70 °C | Must comply with IATA/DOT; 2.5 kg exception for air shipments | Ensures ultra cold conditions without damaging labels |
| Fruits de mer/aliments surgelés | 1–2 livres (0.5–1 kg) | –18 °C à –20 °C | Mark “Food, Congelé » et « Glace sèche, UN1845”; permettre la ventilation | Keeps seafood fresh and prevents water leakage |
| Échantillons de biotechnologie | ~ 5 lb (2.3 kg) | –20 °C à –50 °C | Document chain of custody; follow carrier limits | Maintains sample viability for research |
| Livraisons de repas | 2–3 lb (0.9–1,4kg) | –10 °C à –18 °C | Avoid freezing refrigerated items; label per food safety rules | Prevents food from thawing while avoiding freezer burn |
Practical advice and checklist
Calculate accurately: Use the above table and calculator to estimate dry ice quantity. En cas de doute, add an extra day’s worth of dry ice to account for delays.
Prep your container: Pre freeze the product to ≤–18 °C, line the cooler to prevent direct contact with dry ice, and top load if possible for improved temperature uniformity.
Étiqueter clairement: Mark packages “Dry Ice” or “Carbon dioxide, solide (UN1845)” and indicate the net weight of dry ice.
Surveiller en transit: Use temperature data loggers and IoT sensors to track internal temperatures and make adjustments on repeat shipments. Many carriers now offer real time monitoring services.
Exemple de cas: A biotech firm shipping genetic samples internationally uses 5 lb of dry ice sheets for a 24 hour flight. They pack the samples in a ventilated fibreboard box, attach the UN1845 label and net weight, insert a temperature logger and inform the airline. Following these protocols ensures regulatory compliance and preserves sample integrity.
What regulations govern shipping with dry ice pack sheets?
Direct summary
Shipping with dry ice is tightly regulated. Packages must allow CO₂ gas to vent and cannot be sealed airtight. Pour la plupart des expéditions aériennes, il y a un 2.5 kg (5.5 kg) limit per package, as specified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Et les États-Unis. Ministère des Transports. Packages must display a Class 9 hazard label and include the proper shipping name (Glace carbonique ou dioxyde de carbone, solide) et l'ONU 1845 nombre.
Explication élargie
DOT and e CFR: Titre 49 CFR § 173.217 states that carbon dioxide, solide (glace carbonique) used as a refrigerant must be packed in vented packaging and marked with the net weight and contents. Packages with ≤ 2,5 kg (5.5 kg) of dry ice used to refrigerate contents are excepted from many hazardous materials requirements, provided they are correctly marked.
FAA & règles des compagnies aériennes: The FAA’s PackSafe guidance echoes the same limit: each passenger may transport up to 2.5 kg of dry ice in carry on or checked baggage if the package allows for venting. Airlines also require the package to bear the “Dry Ice” label and weight.
Variations des porteurs: Some cargo carriers, such as American Airlines Cargo, enforce a 5.5 kg (2.5 kg) limit per piece for dry ice unless it accompanies medical shipments. When paired with medical commodities, there is no limit on dry ice, but the combined piece may not exceed 50 kg.
Federal Express and IATA: Instruction d'emballage de l'IATA 954 couvre la glace carbonique à 200 kg par forfait for general air cargo and requires vented packaging, a Shipper’s Declaration and proper labeling. FedEx similarly requires a Class 9 label and states that packages may not contain more than 200 kg of dry ice without special approval.
USPS: The Postal Service allows up to 5 lb of dry ice per mailpiece for domestic air shipments (Instruction d'emballage 9A) and prohibits dry ice in international mail.
Important compliance steps
Ventilation: Never seal dry ice inside airtight containers; always allow CO₂ to escape.
Limites de poids: Stay within the 2.5 kg exception for most air shipments. If the package contains more dry ice, follow hazardous materials documentation and airline arrangements.
Marques: Apposer une classe 9 hazard label and mark the package with “Dry Ice” or “Carbon dioxide, solide,” the net weight of dry ice and the names and addresses of shipper and consignee.
Documentation: For shipments solely containing dry ice and non hazardous goods, a Shipper’s Declaration may not be required. Cependant, some carriers require an Air Waybill note referencing UN1845 and net mass.
Entraînement: Anyone preparing dry ice shipments must be trained on hazardous materials regulations to avoid fines and rejected shipments.
Regulatory recap table
| Authority | Limit/requirement | Key citation | À retenir pratique |
| POINT (49 CFR 173.217) | ≤2.5 kg of dry ice per package is exempt if vented and labeled | Mark package with UN1845 and net weight; emballage de ventilation | |
| FAA PackSafe | 2.5 kg per passenger in carry on/checked baggage | Must obtain airline approval; label package accordingly | |
| Voici pi 954 | ≤ 200 kg de glace sèche par paquet; ventilation requise; AWB must list UN1845 and net kg | Larger shipments need shipper’s declaration and operator variations | |
| USPS (Instruction d'emballage 9A) | ≤5 lb dry ice per mailpiece for domestic air; interdit à l'international | Use only for domestic mail; follow labeling rules | |
| Carrier examples | American Airlines Cargo: 5.5 lb per piece; unlimited if paired with medical goods, but total piece ≤50 lb | Check carrier’s policy before shipping |
Are reusable PCM sheets better than gel packs or dry ice?
Réponse courte
Reusable phase change material (PCM) sheets can maintain temperatures between –20 °C and 5 °C jusqu'à 72 hours and significantly reduce waste, but they cannot achieve the ultra low temperatures of dry ice. For shipments requiring deep freezing, dry ice sheets remain unmatched; for moderate temperatures and sustainability, PCMs are often the superior choice.
In depth comparison
Reusable dry ice packs integrate a PCM or reusable refrigerant with a high latent heat capacity into a durable casing. Contrairement aux packs de gel, PCMs are engineered to change phase (solide ↔ liquide) à une température spécifique (Par exemple, –21 °C or 5 °C), releasing or absorbing heat to maintain a narrow temperature range. They are often biodegradable and can be refrozen hundreds of times, reducing packaging waste by up to 60 %. Packs de gel, en revanche, are water based and may leak or sweat; they are usually single use and less eco friendly.
Here’s a comparative overview:
| Type de réfrigérant | Plage de température | Risque de fuite | Impact environnemental | Réutilisabilité | Practical implication |
| Packs de gel traditionnels | 0 °C–10 °C | Modéré; gel can leak | Polymers are hard to dispose of | Usage unique | Suitable for chilled products but not for freezing |
| Feuille de glace carbonique | –78,5 ° C | Minimal if vented | CO₂ is reused; packaging can be recycled | Usage unique (glace carbonique); pouch may be reused | Ideal for deep freeze shipments such as vaccines and seafood |
| Feuille PCM | –20 °C à 5 °C | Négligeable; materials don’t leak | Biodegradable PCMs reduce waste by 60 % | Hautement réutilisable (≥500 cycles) | Good for refrigerated or lightly frozen goods; avoids hazardous labels |
Conseils pratiques
Match temperature needs: Use dry ice for shipments requiring deep freeze (Par exemple, vaccines at –70 °C). Use PCM sheets for goods that need 2–8 °C (réfrigéré) or –20 °C (frozen but not ultra cold).
Check latent heat capacity: Higher latent heat PCMs hold cold longer. Par exemple, a PCM sheet rated at –20 °C with high latent heat may maintain temperature for 72 hours versus only 48 hours for a lower density product.
Look for sustainability: Choose PCMs with biodegradable casings and FDA or EU MDR certifications; they reduce packaging waste by up to 60 % and are safer for end users.
Formez votre équipe: Reusable packs require proper cleaning, refreezing and handling; training can extend life beyond 500 cycles.
Aperçu du monde réel: A meal kit company swapped disposable gel packs for biodegradable PCM sheets and reduced packaging waste by 60 %. Pairing PCMs with IoT sensors reduced temperature excursions by 25 % et économisé sur $5,000 per distribution facility annually.
What innovations will shape leak proof dry ice pack sheets in 2025 et au-delà?
Trend summary
The cold chain industry is rapidly adopting emballage intelligent et matériaux durables. IoT sensors integrated into dry ice pack sheets provide real time temperature, données d'humidité et de localisation, permettre des interventions proactives lorsque des écarts se produisent. Sustainable materials—such as biodegradable PCMs and recyclable outer films—reduce waste and carbon emissions. AI driven analytics analyze sensor data to predict temperature excursions and optimize pack design, while customizable pack sizes and PCM formulations tailor solutions to specific temperature ranges.
Dernières avancées en un coup d'œil
Surveillance activée par l'IoT: Embedded sensors send continuous temperature and location data, alerting shippers to potential issues before goods spoil.
Matériaux durables: Recyclable films and biodegradable PCMs cut emissions by up to 25 % and support circular economy goals.
Analyses basées sur l'IA: Machine learning algorithms analyze shipping data to predict thermal excursions and optimize refrigerant loading.
Solutions personnalisées: Manufacturers offer bespoke sheet sizes and PCM formulations to meet specific temperature requirements.
Croissance du marché: The cold chain logistics market is projected to reach $500 milliards 2025, and the cold chain refrigerants market is expected to grow from $2.01 milliards en 2025 à $4.28 milliards 2034 à un TCAC de 7.7 %. Rising demand for biologics and fresh foods drives investment in smarter, more sustainable refrigerants.
Insistance au marché
Comme la demande de produits biologiques, vaccines and online grocery deliveries continues to surge, businesses must balance temperature control, impact environnemental et coût. Consumers are increasingly aware of sustainable packaging, and regulators are tightening waste and emissions standards. Companies that adopt smart, reusable dry ice or PCM solutions with integrated sensors will be better positioned to meet both consumer expectations and regulatory requirements.
Questions fréquemment posées
Q1: How long do leak proof dry ice sheets keep items frozen?
A well hydrated and frozen sheet can keep items frozen for 24–72 heures, en fonction de l'isolation et de la température ambiante. Larger shipments or hotter environments may require additional sheets.
Q2: Can you reuse leak proof dry ice sheets?
The dry ice itself sublimates, so it cannot be reused. Cependant, the outer pouch can often be refilled with water and refrozen; for frequent shipping, consider PCM sheets that can be reused hundreds of times.
Q3: Are dry ice sheets allowed on airplanes?
Oui, but airlines and the FAA limit each package to 2.5 kg (5.5 kg) of dry ice and require non airtight packaging. Packages must display “Dry Ice” and the net weight.
Q4: How do you dispose of used dry ice sheets?
Allow any remaining dry ice to sublimate in a well ventilated area away from people and animals. Then recycle or dispose of the outer pouch according to local regulations; many sheets use recyclable plastics.
Q5: Why might PCMs be preferred over dry ice?
PCMs maintain specific temperature ranges without hazardous labels or CO₂ release, ce qui les rend plus faciles à expédier à l’international et plus durables. They are ideal for products that need refrigerated (2–8 ° C) or moderately frozen conditions.
Résumé et recommandations
Leak proof dry ice pack sheets are powerful tools for protecting temperature sensitive goods. Their multi layer construction prevents leaks, keeps products ultra cold and avoids water damage. Pour maximiser les performances:
Match the sheet size and dry ice quantity to your shipment. Use 1–2 lb per day for frozen foods and 5–10 lb per day for pharmaceuticals.
Suivre la réglementation. Keep packages ventilated, stay within the 2.5 kg per package exception for most air shipments and label properly.
Consider reusable alternatives. For shipments that don’t need –78 °C, PCM sheets provide long lasting cold with less waste.
Invest in smart technologies and sustainable materials. Capteurs IoT, biodegradable PCMs and AI analytics will improve cold chain efficiency and compliance.
Prochaines étapes réalisables
Évaluez les exigences de température de votre produit. Determine whether you need deep freeze conditions (glace carbonique) or moderate refrigeration (PCM). Use the provided calculator to estimate refrigerant weight.
Choisissez le bon emballage. Select leak proof dry ice sheets sized to your cooler and pair them with high quality insulation. Ensure there is room for gas to vent.
Étiquette et document. Marquez les colis avec « Glace sèche » ou « Dioxyde de carbone », solide,” including the UN1845 code and net weight. Prepare any required declarations.
Surveiller les expéditions. Use data loggers or IoT sensors to validate temperature performance and refine your pack out. Review data after each shipment to optimize future loads.
Explorez les options durables. Contact suppliers about biodegradable PCMs and reusable sheets to reduce waste and improve environmental performance.
À propos du tempk
At Tempk we design advanced cold chain solutions that safeguard your products from origin to destination. Notre leak proof dry ice pack sheets, reusable PCM sheets et conteneurs isolés combine high performance materials with smart technology to maintain precise temperatures and reduce waste. Nous nous engageons en faveur de la durabilité, offering biodegradable PCMs and recyclable packaging that cut emissions and decrease disposal costs. Partner with us to optimize your cold chain—contact our specialists for a tailored solution or request a free consultation today.
