Local dry ice pack sheet: Why care about sourcing, size and sustainability?
When you need to keep products frozen during transit, local dry ice pack sheets offer a practical solution. Sourced from nearby suppliers, these sheets wrap around your goods like a blanket, maintaining sub zero temperatures without leaving condensation. Because dry ice sublimates at around −78.5 °C, these sheets stay colder than gel packs, deliver moisture free cooling and reduce shipping emissions by shortening the supply chain. In this guide you’ll learn why local supply matters, how to size and pack sheets correctly and what the 2025 regulations mean for you.
What is a local dry ice pack sheet? Understand the difference between true dry ice sheets and SAP based alternatives and why they’re useful for frozen shipments.
Dimensionnement & packing: Learn how to calculate thickness and coverage for routes of 24–72 hours and how local sourcing affects total weight.
Sécurité & conformité: Find out how to comply with 2025 regulations on venting, étiquetage (Et 1845) and maximum weight.
Local sourcing & durabilité: See how buying from nearby suppliers cuts greenhouse gases, supports local economies and improves product freshness.
Tendances 2025: Explore new materials, reusable packages and AI driven tools shaping the cold chain.
What is a local dry ice pack sheet and why should you choose one?
Réponse directe: A local dry ice pack sheet is a flexible blanket filled with either solid carbon dioxide or hydrated super absorbent polymer (SÈVE) cellules. When sourced locally, the sheets have shorter transit times to reach you, reducing supply chain disruptions and ensuring fresher materials. True dry ice sheets maintain temperatures as low as −78.5 °C because solid CO₂ sublimates directly into gas, leaving no melting water. SAP based sheets, which freeze at around 0 °C, offer flexibility without hazardous labels but deliver shorter hold times. Choosing a local supplier means fewer shipping miles, lower carbon emissions and better traceability.
Explication élargie: Dry ice pack sheets differ from gel packs and phase change materials (PCMS) both in composition and performance. Gel packs contain water based gels that freeze around 0–5 °C and are designed for chilled shipments; PCMs use engineered chemicals to maintain narrow temperature ranges between −25 °C and +25 °C. A dry ice pack sheet combines solid carbon dioxide pellets or hydrated SAP cells inside a multilayer polymer film. Quand il est gelé, the blanket wraps around cargo, eliminating air pockets and providing uniform cooling. This configuration minimizes CO₂ blow off, maintains sub zero temperatures for 24–72 hours and leaves no residue. Local sourcing adds value: shorter supply chains reduce transportation delays and greenhouse gas emissions, while boosting support for local jobs and economies. According to Constellation’s 2025 analysis, 90 % of a business’s environmental impact can stem from its supply chain; sourcing nearby reduces that footprint and strengthens supply resilience.
How do dry ice pack sheets work?
Dry ice pack sheets rely on sublimation and insulation. Solid CO₂ absorbs heat as it changes directly from solid to gas, keeping temperatures low without creating liquid water. SAP based sheets, en revanche, absorb water and freeze into a rigid blanket that stays flexible. The sheet’s design typically includes:
| Composant | Description | Role | Practical benefit |
| Gel sheet layer | Flexible polymer or textile around the refrigerant | Moderates sublimation and distributes cold evenly | Ensures uniform temperature distribution and reduces “hot spots” |
| Dry ice or SAP core | Solid CO₂ pellets or hydrated polymer cells | Source of ultra cold or chilled temperatures | Maintains sub zero or chilled ranges for 24–72 hours |
| Protective outer shell | Durable film or textile | Prevents leaks and damage | Provides safe handling and allows venting |
Conseils pratiques:
Pre chill everything: Cool your shipper and payload before inserting the sheet so the dry ice isn’t used to pull down warm cargo.
Wrap then cap: Line the side walls, load the product, then place the top sheet to protect against warm air from above.
Avoid gaps: Fill voids with foam or dunnage to minimize air pockets; gaps accelerate sublimation.
Étude de cas: A regional seafood market switched from loose pellets to locally sourced dry ice sheets. By lining their insulated boxes with 0.5 inch sheets and covering the top, they maintained products below −10 °C for two days and reduced product drip. Shorter supply lines meant they could receive sheets on demand, cutting storage costs and lowering emissions.
How do you size and pack local dry ice pack sheets correctly?
Réponse directe: Start by matching sheet thickness to route duration: 0.5 inches for 24–36 hours, 1 inch for about 48 hours and 1.25 inches for up to 72 heures. Pre chill your shipper, line all walls, insert your product, then place one or two top sheets. For each day in transit, plan on 5–10 pounds of dry ice or equivalent refrigerant per 24 heures. Local sourcing allows just in time delivery, so you can order thicker sheets only when needed and reduce inventory.
Explication élargie: Sizing a dry ice sheet depends on transit time, ambient temperature and product sensitivity. A simple rule of thumb is to use half inch sheets for one day lanes, one inch sheets for two day lanes and 1.25 inch sheets for three day routes. Thicker sheets contain more dry ice or hydrated polymer, extending hold times but adding weight. In many cases adding extra panels around the sides is more effective than simply increasing thickness. Lors de l'emballage, line the bottom and sides of your insulated shipper to eliminate hot spots; then place your product, add a top sheet and close the lid. Use dunnage or foam inserts to keep sheets snug and reduce movement. Because sublimation accelerates in warm environments, pre chilling the box and avoiding direct sunlight can extend duration.
Dimensionnement & packing cost model (simplified)
| Sheet thickness | Environ. durée | Relative weight & coût | For your needs |
| 0.5 inch | 24–36 h | Lightest and cheapest | Ideal for local or overnight routes; reduces weight and shipping costs |
| 1.0 inch | ≈48 h | Modéré | Suitable for two day ground shipping; good balance between cost and duration |
| 1.25 inch | 60–72 h | Heaviest and costlier | Best for long haul or remote areas; pair with local top off service |
Useful suggestions:
Pilot test your pack out: Run a small batch under worst case conditions (heat waves or long weekends) and adjust sheet thickness and coverage.
Add a top booster sheet: For 48–72 hour lanes, one or two top sheets provide a buffer against delays.
Use a cost calculator: Evaluate the total delivery cost: sheet cost + box cost + travail + fret + failure rate. A thicker sheet that reduces failure from 4 % à 1 % may pay for itself.
Leverage local suppliers: By sourcing sheets near your facility, you can order smaller quantities more often, reducing waste and storage requirements. Local suppliers can also customise sheet sizes to fit your specific boxes, improving efficiency and reducing scrap.
Exemple: A meal kit company shipped frozen entrées across a two state region. Using locally produced 1 inch sheets, they lined all four walls, added a bottom sheet and a top booster sheet. Data loggers showed temperatures stayed below −15 °C for 60 heures. Because the supplier was nearby, they placed weekly orders, avoided stockouts and cut shipping emissions.
Sécurité, compliance and disposal: What are the rules for 2025?
Réponse directe: Dans 2025, dry ice pack sheets containing solid CO₂ are regulated as Class 9 matières dangereuses (Et 1845). Packages must be vented to allow carbon dioxide gas to escape. The outer box must be strong enough to withstand transit, display the proper shipping name («Glace sèche» ou «dioxyde de carbone, Solide"), le numéro ONU, the net weight in kilograms and a Class 9 étiquette de danger. The maximum amount of dry ice per package is generally 200 kg, though local carriers may set lower limits. Shippers must complete an airbill or airway bill stating “Dry Ice, 9, UN 1845" et le poids net. When shipping locally, you may avoid some paperwork for SAP based sheets since they are not regulated.
Explication élargie: Safety starts with understanding the hazards of dry ice. La glace sèche sublimait le dioxyde de carbone, which can displace oxygen and cause suffocation; direct contact may cause frostbite. University guidance emphasises that packaging must allow gas venting; never seal dry ice in airtight containers. Packages should be made from robust fibreboard, plastic or wood; foam inserts may be used as insulation but must not be airtight. FedEx’s 2025 job aid specifies that the maximum amount of dry ice per package is 200 kg and that packages must carry the proper shipping name, Et 1845 and net quantity on the same surface as the Class 9 étiquette. When filling out an airbill, include the number of packages and net weight. Markings must be legible; for packages over 30 kg, the UN letters must be at least 12 mm de hauteur.
Proper disposal requires letting dry ice sublimate outdoors in a well ventilated area; never place leftover pieces in sinks, toilets or airtight trash bins. Wear insulated gloves and eye protection when handling; use tongs to avoid direct contact. Work in ventilated spaces to prevent CO₂ build up; concentrations above 5 000 ppm over eight hours exceed occupational exposure limits. When shipping with SAP based sheets, many regulatory requirements are bypassed because no solid CO₂ is present, though local regulations may still require basic labeling.
Safety checklist for local dry ice pack sheets
Vent your package: Ensure the outer box or cooler has holes or vent disks; do not seal dry ice in jars or sealed bags.
Mark clearly: Print “Dry Ice” or “Carbon Dioxide, Solide", “UN 1845” and the net weight in kilograms on two opposite sides.
Limit quantity: Adhere to carrier rules and never exceed 200 kg par forfait.
Fill out the airbill: Include the statement “Dry Ice, 9, Et 1845, number of packages × net weight” on the airway bill.
Train your staff: Hazardous material training is required by federal law; fines for non compliance can exceed $25 000.
Éliminer de manière responsable: Let remaining dry ice sublimate outdoors or contact a licensed disposal service.
Vraie cas: A laboratory attempted to ship genetic samples using sealed ice bricks. Sans ventilation, pressure built up and the box ruptured during transit. After switching to vented fibreboard boxes, printing the UN 1845 label and net weight, and limiting each package to 10 kg of dry ice, they achieved 100 % acceptance rates.
Why buy locally? The case for local dry ice pack sheet sourcing
Réponse directe: Buying dry ice pack sheets from local suppliers shortens supply chains, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and supports community economies. Local sourcing cuts transportation distance, decreases lead times and lowers carbon footprints. It delivers fresher products, provides better traceability and enables fast problem resolution. Industries that prioritise freshness and quality, comme la nourriture et les produits pharmaceutiques, benefit from sourcing nearby.
Explication élargie: Long global supply chains add complexity, risk and environmental impact. Local sourcing shifts procurement to regional or nearby suppliers, trimming miles travelled and shrinking emissions. Maersk notes that local sourcing aims to reduce transportation costs, lead times and carbon footprints while supporting local economies. When you purchase from local suppliers, you stimulate job creation and keep money circulating in your community. Local suppliers often offer unique products and can tailor sheet dimensions to match your packaging. Constellation’s 2025 study reports that roughly 90 % of environmental impact comes from the supply chain. Buying locally helps lower that footprint and provides more transparency: you can visit facilities, understand production methods and make ethical choices. Shorter supply chains reduce inventory risk and allow smaller, more frequent shipments, saving warehousing costs.
Benefits of sourcing locally
| Avantage | Description | Pourquoi ça compte |
| Reduced emissions | Lower shipping miles decrease transportation related greenhouse gases | Cuts your carbon footprint and supports sustainability goals. |
| Supply chain resilience | Shorter chains are less vulnerable to geopolitical events or port congestion | Helps maintain consistent production and delivery schedules. |
| Fraîcheur & qualité | Products travel less distance, ensuring better quality | Important for pharmaceuticals and perishable goods. |
| Support for local economy | Purchasing locally creates jobs and keeps money circulating in the community | Enhances brand reputation and fosters community goodwill. |
| Better traceability & contrôle | It’s easier to visit nearby suppliers and monitor processes | Enables transparency, ethical sourcing and customisation. |
| Lower logistics cost | Local sourcing reduces shipping fees, import tariffs and warehousing | Improves margins and allows flexible inventory management. |
Local sourcing tips:
Use supplier directories: Many cold chain suppliers publish lists of certified local distributors; call them to verify inventory and custom sizes.
Negotiate minimums: Because you are nearby, you can arrange smaller order quantities or on demand deliveries, Réduire les déchets.
Communicate your needs: Local suppliers may be more responsive to custom dimensions, thickness or packaging instructions than distant manufacturers.
Promote your commitment: Tell your customers about your local sourcing strategy to enhance brand loyalty; surveys show that 60 % of Americans will go out of their way to support local businesses.
Balance risk: While local sourcing offers many benefits, diversify within your region to avoid overdependence on a single supplier.
Exemple: A bakery shipping artisanal gelato within a 100 mile radius partnered with a nearby dry ice sheet manufacturer. Short transit times meant sheets arrived frozen and ready to use, eliminating the need for large freezers. Customers appreciated the reduced packaging waste and the company’s commitment to the local economy.
2025 trends shaping local dry ice pack sheet usage
Aperçu de la tendance: The cold chain is evolving rapidly. Three forces dominate 2025: sustainability pressures, digitisation and AI driven logistics, et regulatory clarity. The McKinsey Institute notes that corporate supply chains account for up to 90 % of environmental damage. Governments and consumers now demand sustainable packaging; reusable shippers and recyclable thermal covers are gaining traction. Advances in sensors, remote monitoring and AI allow companies to track temperature, predict sublimation and optimise route planning. Entre-temps, new regulations, such as updated IATA and DOT guidelines, standardise labeling, net weight printing and training requirements.
Derniers développements en un coup d'œil
Réutilisable & modular packaging: Manufacturers are launching dry ice sheets designed for reuse. Some systems feature replaceable covers and refillable CO₂ capsules, which reduce waste and long term cost. Sustainable supply chains encourage using recyclable pallet covers and reusable shippers.
AI guided sizing tools: Interactive calculators integrate ambient temperatures and transit times to suggest optimal sheet thickness and coverage, minimizing waste.
Stricter labeling & entraînement: Updated guidelines call for larger type sizes (≥12 mm for packages >30 kg) and standardised airbill entries. Training compliance is enforced with higher fines.
Hybrid cold chain solutions: Companies are combining dry ice sheets with PCM bricks to provide multistage cooling profiles – ultra cold for the first 48 hours and chilled thereafter. Hybrid designs reduce weight and support cross temperature shipments.
Community based supply networks: Local producers form co ops, sharing manufacturing lines and distribution to improve efficiency. These networks support just in time delivery and respond quickly to demand spikes.
Insistance au marché: The global dry ice market is projected to rise from USD 1.66 milliards en 2025 en USD 2.73 milliards 2032. Much of this growth comes from healthcare and food delivery, especially for direct to consumer meal kits. On the sustainability front, cold chain leaders are exploring reusable thermal covers and pallet shippers and emphasising supply chain audits to reduce waste. En même temps, consumers are pressuring companies to adopt local sourcing and transparent practices; research shows 42 % of customers will pay a premium for local goods.
Questions fréquemment posées
How long do dry ice pack sheets last?
It depends on thickness and ambient conditions. A 0.5 inch sheet can maintain frozen conditions for about 24–36 hours, a 1 inch sheet for roughly 48 hours and a 1.25 inch sheet for up to 72 heures. Pre chilling and adding a top sheet extend duration. For longer routes, combine sheets with additional insulation or plan local top offs.
Do I need special labels for dry ice sheets?
Oui, if your sheet contains solid CO₂. Packages must display “Dry Ice” or “Carbon Dioxide, Solide", l'ONU 1845 number and the net weight in kilograms. Apposer une classe 9 hazard label on a vertical side. If your sheet uses hydrated SAP and no solid CO₂, it may be exempt from hazardous material regulations, but check local rules.
Where can I find local dry ice pack sheet suppliers?
Start with cold chain packaging manufacturers in your region; many publish directories of certified distributors. Contact local gas suppliers, packaging companies and food service suppliers. Search for “dry ice sheet supplier” plus your city. Local sourcing networks also exist: le CHIPS and Science Act and similar initiatives encourage businesses to bring supply chains closer to home.
Are dry ice sheets safe for food?
Oui, when produced by reputable manufacturers. Par exemple, Techni Ice heavy duty sheets are FDA approved for use with food and perishables and consist of four ply cells with non toxic refrigerant polymer. Always separate dry ice from food with a barrier to prevent freezer burn.
Can I reuse dry ice sheets?
Some designs are intended for multiple uses; others are disposable. Heavy duty reusable sheets, such as Techni Ice HDR, are internationally patented and used by government agencies worldwide. Reusable sheets must be inspected before each use and pre frozen according to manufacturer guidelines.
Résumé et recommandations
Points clés: Local dry ice pack sheets combine the ultra cold properties of dry ice with the flexibility of a blanket. Sourcing them from nearby suppliers reduces transportation emissions and ensures fresher, customised products. When sizing sheets, match thickness to transit time—0.5 inch for 24–36 hours, 1 inch for about 48 hours and 1.25 inch for up to 72 hours—and always pre chill your shipper and payload. Compliance is critical: vent packages, print “Dry Ice” and “UN 1845” on the box, list net weight and follow carrier limits. Investing in local supply and reusable solutions supports sustainability and builds resilience in your cold chain.
Action steps:
Auditez vos voies: Determine transit times, ambient temperatures and payload sensitivity; then select sheet thickness accordingly.
Find local suppliers: Use industry directories and local contacts to source sheets near your facility and negotiate minimum order quantities.
Develop SOPs: Create step by step pack out cards, include vent checks and ensure that the net weight and hazard labels are printed on each box.
Train and test: Provide hazardous material training for staff; pilot shipments with data loggers to validate performance and refine coverage.
Communicate sustainability: Share your local sourcing efforts and environmental benefits with customers to build loyalty and differentiate your brand.
À propos du tempk
Tempk designs and manufactures cold chain packaging, including dry ice sheets, gel packs and insulated boxes. We specialise in local and sustainable solutions that balance performance with cost. Our reusable dry ice pack sheets are made with FDA approved food safe polymers and are used by government agencies and medical providers around the world. By working with a network of regional distributors, we deliver on demand quantities, reduce carbon footprints and help our customers maintain compliance with 2025 règlements.
Prochaine étape: Contact us for a lane assessment and prototype local dry ice pack sheet tailored to your route. We will recommend thicknesses, packaging and local suppliers to improve your cold chain.
