Keeping perishable goods at the right temperature during transport can be daunting, mais temperature control dry ice pack feuilles make it easier than ever. These flexible blankets filled with solid carbon dioxide provide ultra cold conditions down to −78.5 °C and keep goods frozen for days without leaving a watery mess. As global demand for biologics, vaccines and frozen foods surges, the cold chain packaging market is expected to reach USD 32.29 milliards 2025, driving innovation in temperature controlled packaging. This guide explains what dry ice sheets are, Comment ils fonctionnent, Pourquoi ils comptent, and how to use them safely. You’ll learn about the latest regulations, emerging trends, and practical steps to protect your shipments—so you can ship confidently and sustainably.
What is a temperature control dry ice pack sheet? Understand how solid CO₂ sublimates to cool your products and why these sheets are different from gel packs.
How do you use dry ice sheets safely? Learn best practices for packing, ventilation, protective gear and disposal.
When should you choose dry ice over phase change materials or gel packs? Compare temperature ranges, durée, hazards and sustainability.
Which regulations apply in 2025? Get a concise overview of IATA PI 954, UN1845 and other safety rules.
What are the latest innovations and market trends? Explore IoT monitoring, smart packaging and sustainability initiatives driving growth.
What are temperature control dry ice pack sheets and how do they work?
Temperature control dry ice pack sheets are flexible blankets or sheets that contain pockets of solid carbon dioxide. When the sheets are activated and frozen, the solid CO₂ sublimates—that is, it turns directly from a solid to a gas—absorbing a large amount of heat from the environment. This process keeps your cargo extremely cold without leaving any liquid water behind. Unlike traditional gel packs that melt around 0 °C, dry ice sheets maintain temperatures down to −78.5 °C for up to 72 heures, making them ideal for shipping vaccines, biologics and frozen foods.
These sheets work because the enthalpy of sublimation for dry ice is about 571 kJ/kg. When CO₂ sublimates, it absorbs this energy, abaisser la température ambiante. The sheets’ flexible design allows them to wrap around cargo, providing uniform cooling and minimizing warm spots. Because the CO₂ sublimates directly to gas, there is no meltwater to leak or damage packaging, a major advantage over water based ice packs.
Dry ice sheet vs. traditional ice pack: key differences
The table below highlights how dry ice pack sheets outperform conventional gel or water based ice packs:
| Fonctionnalité | Dry ice pack sheet | Traditional ice pack | Signification pour vous |
| Plage de température | Maintains ultra cold temperatures around −78.5 °C | Hovers near 0 °C (frozen water) | Dry ice enables shipping of vaccines, biologics and other goods that need sub zero temperatures, whereas gel packs are limited to refrigerated goods. |
| Durée de refroidissement | Stays cold for up to 24 - 72 hours depending on sheet size and insulation | Typically lasts 6–12 hours | Fewer refills and reduced risk of temperature excursions mean lower logistics costs and better product quality. |
| Résidu | Sublimates directly to gas—no liquid residue | Melts to water, leaving wet packaging | No moisture prevents product contamination and damage to labels or electronics. |
| Réutilisabilité | Single use; dry ice sublimates completely | Reusable gel packs can be refrozen | Dry ice costs more per shipment but delivers ultra cold temperatures; gel packs save money for refrigerated loads. |
| Best use cases | Vaccins, biologique, frozen foods and research samples | Chilled foods, beverages and other goods that only require refrigeration | Selecting the right refrigerant ensures regulatory compliance and preserves product efficacy. |
Practical tips and usage advice
Pre cool containers and products: Refrigerate your insulated box and payload before adding dry ice. This prevents the refrigerant from being wasted on cooling the container.
Use the sandwich method: Place a layer of dry ice at the bottom, your goods in the middle, and another layer on top. For thin sheets, wrap them around the sides for more uniform cooling.
Assurer une bonne ventilation: La glace sèche sublime dans le gaz co₂. Always use vented containers or remove vent plugs so gas can escape. Never seal dry ice in an airtight box; pressure buildup can cause an explosion.
Portez un équipement de protection: Dry ice is extremely cold and can cause frostbite. Wear insulated gloves and goggles when handling it and avoid direct skin contact.
Éliminer en toute sécurité: Let unused dry ice sublimate in a well ventilated area. Do not place it in sinks or garbage where it could damage plumbing.
Vraie cas: A seafood exporter used dry ice pack sheets to ship frozen fish across the country. By pre cooling containers, layering the sheets, and venting properly, the company maintained product quality and avoided thawing, meeting both safety regulations and customer expectations
Why choose dry ice pack sheets over phase change materials or gel packs?
Dry ice offers ultra low temperatures that alternative refrigerants cannot match. Matériaux à changement de phase (PCMS) are engineered substances that absorb and release heat at specific temperature ranges, typically 2 °C à 8 °C or –20 °C. Packs de gel (water or glycol based) freeze near 0 °C and deliver modest cooling. The table below contrasts these options:
| Réfrigérant | Plage de température | Durée | Classification des dangers | Réutilisabilité | When to choose |
| Dry ice pack sheet | ≈ −78.5 °C | 24 - 72 h depending on insulation | Classe 9 matières dangereuses (UN1845) | Single use (Limères soudantes) | Ideal for ultra cold shipments such as vaccines, biologique, gene therapies and frozen foods. |
| Phase change material (PCM) | 2 °C à 8 °C or –20 °C | 24 - 96 h with reusable containers | Généralement non dangereux | Réutilisable; requires conditioning | Suitable for temperature sensitive goods that must stay within narrow ranges (biologique, réactifs, clinical samples). |
| Pack de gel | 0 °C à 4 °C | 6 - 24 h | Non hazardous | Réutilisable | Best for chilled foods, drinks and non critical perishable goods. |
Dry ice produces deeper cold because CO₂ sublimates at –78.5 °C. PCMS, while reusable, cannot achieve such low temperatures and require pre conditioning before use. Gel packs are inexpensive and reuse friendly but risk melting and leaking water. En plus, PCMs and gel packs are not classified as hazardous, simplifying shipping compliance. Dry ice requires hazardous goods labeling and documentation under IATA, DOT and UN regulations.
Phase change materials and gel packs: when they matter
PCMs are a smart choice when you need to maintain a strict temperature range—such as 2 °C à 8 °C for vaccines—or –20 °C for certain biologics. PCMs solidify or melt at these set points, delivering thermal stability over many hours. They are reusable and typically classified as non hazardous, reducing shipping restrictions and disposal concerns.
Gel packs offer modest cooling and are best suited for chilled goods like meal kit deliveries, beverages and fresh produce. They are widely available, inexpensive and safe to handle. Cependant, they cannot maintain frozen conditions and leave water residue when they melt.
Exemple de cas: A biotech manufacturer shipping clinical trial kits at 2 °C à 8 °C switched from gel packs to PCM containers. The result was no temperature excursions and a 40 % cost reduction after ten shipments thanks to the reusability of PCM packs.
Key safety and regulatory requirements for 2025
Shipping with dry ice is regulated because solid CO₂ is classified as a Class 9 hazardous material under UN1845. L'Association du transport aérien international (Iata) Instruction d'emballage 954 and the Dangerous Goods Regulations outline how dry ice must be packed, labeled and declared. Dans 2025, the rules tighten further:
Key requirements
Ventilation: Packages must allow the escape of CO₂ gas to prevent dangerous pressure buildup. Never use airtight containers for dry ice shipments.
Étiquetage approprié: Every shipment must carry the UN1845 code, the net weight of dry ice, Et la classe 9 hazard symbol. Les étiquettes doivent être au minimum 100 mm square and placed on the same side of the package as the shipping name.
Packaging materials: Use strong, insulated containers that can withstand the extreme cold and permit safe sublimation, such as Styrofoam coolers or plastic lined boxes.
Weight limits: Air carriers limit dry ice to 200 kg par forfait. Overloading can result in fines or refusal of carriage.
Documentation: Shippers must specify the net weight of dry ice and mark “Carbon dioxide, solid” on airway bills. Some shipments may require a Dangerous Goods Declaration.
Step by step packing process
Select an insulated container: Choose a container that can tolerate extreme cold without cracking. Styrofoam or plastic coolers are common choices.
Évacuer le conteneur: Drill or open vent holes to allow CO₂ gas to escape. Never seal the container completely.
Place the dry ice sheet on top: Position dry ice above the product; because CO₂ gas sinks, placing it on top helps maintain the correct temperature.
Sceller et étiqueter: Secure the container, ensuring it remains vented, and attach the UN1845 label, Classe 9 symbol and net weight information.
Verify weight: Confirm that the total dry ice weight does not exceed the airline’s 200 limite de kg.
Use checklists: Follow the IATA checklist or your company’s SOP to document compliance.
| Exigence | Détails | Ce que cela signifie pour vous |
| UN1845 label | Mark the package “Carbon dioxide, solide (glace carbonique)” with net weight | Ensures regulators and carriers know your shipment contains dry ice. |
| Emballage ventilé | Containers must allow CO₂ gas to escape | Prevents pressure buildup and explosions. |
| Weight limit | No more than 200 kg de glace sèche par colis | Staying within limits avoids flight restrictions and fines. |
| Documentation | Accurate net weight and shipper details must appear on the airway bill | Essential for audits, customs clearance and insurance claims. |
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Improper ventilation: Failing to vent packages can cause CO₂ accumulation and package rupture. Always include ventilation holes or breathable materials.
Incorrect labeling: Missing or incorrect UN1845 labels delay shipments or trigger fines. Double check labeling before dispatch.
Overloading: Exceeding the 200 kg weight limit can lead to non compliance and canceled flights. Verify weight and use multiple packages when needed.
Poor packaging materials: Using unapproved or damaged insulation causes temperature fluctuations. Invest in high quality containers designed for dry ice.
Skipping training: Staff must be trained on handling hazardous materials. Provide regular SOP updates and safety refreshers.
Vraie cas: A pharmaceutical company improved audit scores and reduced shipping delays by strictly following PI 954 guidelines—venting containers, labeling correctly, and limiting dry ice weight.
Latest developments and trends for 2025
Aperçu de la tendance
The cold chain packaging market is expanding rapidly. Mordor Intelligence reports that the market will be worth USD 32.29 milliards en 2025 and grow to USD 48.93 milliards 2030, a CAGR of 8.67 %. Growth is fueled by rising biologics volumes, e commerce grocery expansion and global vaccine programmes. These drivers demand validated packaging, advanced temperature monitoring and sustainable materials.
Latest innovations at a glance
Smart monitoring devices: Passive containers now integrate IoT sensors that transmit live temperature data. SkyCell’s hybrid container can run for 270 hours and stream data in real time, attracting insurers who reward risk reduction.
Digital air waybills and e documentation: More regions are adopting eAWB, which requires precise digital tracking and reduces paperwork.
Matériaux durables: Bio based phase change materials and recyclable insulation are gaining share. Curbside recyclable climaliner liners launched in 2024 livrer 72 hours of thermal protection while meeting recycling requirements. Companies are moving toward biodegradable dry ice packaging and reusable shippers.
AI powered route optimisation: Delivery companies such as HelloFresh use AI to adapt packaging configurations to weather and route data, reducing temperature excursions and packaging waste.
Portable dry ice generators: Portable generators allow on site production of dry ice, reducing transportation emissions and costs.
Insistance au marché
The market is driven by several factors:
Biologics and gene therapy logistics: Nearly half of new pharmaceuticals require temperature control, and advanced therapies need cryogenic conditions below –150 °C. Products like Cryoport’s HV3 cryogenic shipper launched in January 2025 illustrate the need for specialised designs.
E commerce groceries: The explosion of online grocery and meal kit delivery increases demand for space efficient, lightweight insulation that withstands last mile variability. AI driven packaging helps optimise for weather and route conditions.
Global vaccine programmes: Initiatives by Gavi, UNICEF and WHO require validated cold chain packaging that works in remote areas. Solar powered clinics in Ethiopia highlight infrastructure challenges and drive innovation in portable cooling technologies.
ESG and sustainability: Corporate environmental goals spur adoption of reusable passive shippers and bio based materials. Regulations in the EU now require full recyclability of packaging by 2030, pushing suppliers toward fibre based solutions.
Smart indicators and insurance: Insurer driven adoption of smart indicators (Par exemple, Timestrip’s semaglutide sensor) helps monitor temperature excursions and reduce claims.
Questions fréquemment posées
Q1: How long do temperature control dry ice pack sheets last?
Dry ice sheets typically maintain ultra cold temperatures for 24 hours per sheet; multiple sheets or layers can extend cooling up to 72 heures. Combine them with high quality insulation to maximize duration.
Q2: Are dry ice pack sheets reusable?
Non. Dry ice sublimates completely, so the sheets are single use. If you need reusable solutions, choose phase change materials or gel packs.
Q3: How do I calculate the amount of dry ice needed?
En règle générale, use 5–10 lbs (2.3–4,5 kg) de glace sèche par 24 hours of shipment. Adjust based on shipment volume, insulation quality and ambient temperature.
Q4: What safety precautions should I follow when handling dry ice?
Portez toujours des gants et des lunettes isolés; direct skin contact can cause severe frostbite. Ensure proper ventilation to avoid CO₂ buildup and asphyxiation.
Q5: Can dry ice pack sheets replace gel packs or PCMs for all shipments?
Non. Dry ice provides ultra cold temperatures suited to frozen goods and biologics, but it is hazardous and single use. Gel packs and PCMs are better for refrigerated goods and are reusable.
Résumé et recommandations
Temperature control dry ice pack sheets are powerful tools for cold chain logistics. They deliver temperatures down to –78.5 °C, provide long cooling durations without leaving moisture, and are indispensable for shipping vaccines, biologics and frozen foods. Cependant, they are single use and classified as hazardous goods, nécessitant une manipulation minutieuse, venting and labeling. Alternatives like PCMs and gel packs offer reusable, non hazardous options for shipments that need more moderate temperatures.
To ensure success:
Match the refrigerant to your product: Use dry ice sheets for ultra cold shipments and PCMs or gel packs for refrigerated goods.
Suivre la réglementation: Comply with IATA PI 954, UN1845 and other rules—venting, labeling and weight limits must be observed.
Invest in quality packaging and monitoring: High quality insulation, IoT sensors and AI driven logistics tools improve performance and reduce waste.
Embrace sustainability: Adopt reusable materials and biodegradable packaging to meet ESG goals.
Formez votre équipe: Educate staff on safe handling, compliance and best practices to minimize risks and improve efficiency.
À propos du tempk
Tempk specializes in advanced cold chain logistics solutions. The company’s dry ice pack sheets and temperature monitoring devices help businesses maintain shipment integrity, meet compliance requirements and reduce environmental impact. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, Tempk provides customized guidance on selecting the right refrigerants, packing methods and monitoring tools. If you’re ready to improve your cold chain operations, reach out to Tempk’s experts for tailored support.
Calls to action
Consult with a cold chain specialist: Evaluate your current shipping processes and discuss how temperature control dry ice pack sheets can improve efficiency.
Use our dry ice calculator: Estimate how many sheets you need based on shipment weight, duration and ambient temperature.
Take the compliance quiz: Test your understanding of PI 954 and UN1845 regulations to ensure you’re ready for audits.
