Wet and Dry Dry Ice Pack Sheet: How to Choose and Use in 2025?
Introduction
When transporting temperature sensitive goods, choosing the right refrigerant matters. Should you use a wet and dry dry ice pack sheet or stick with gel or traditional ice? This comprehensive guide answers that question. You’ll learn what these products are, why dry ice can reach temperatures around –78.5 °C and why some products need the moisture free cold that dry ice provides. À la fin, you’ll be ready to select the best solution for your 2025 cold chain challenges.
What is a wet and dry dry ice pack sheet and how does it work? — includes the science of sublimation and how gel layers slow down dry ice evaporation.
When should you choose a dry ice pack sheet instead of a wet gel pack? — learn why dry ice stays at –78.5 °C and leaves no moisture, while gel packs maintain 2 - 8 °C.
How to safely use and hydrate dry ice pack sheets? — covers step by step activation, ventilation and protective gear.
2025 cold chain trends and innovations — automation, AI driven logistics and sustainable packaging.
FAQs and expert recommendations — answers to common questions and actionable tips.
What Are Wet and Dry Dry Ice Pack Sheets?
Réponse directe
UN wet and dry dry ice pack sheet refers to two types of refrigerant packs used in cold chain logistics: water based gel packs (the “wet” type) and sheets containing dry ice particles (the “dry” type). Dry ice pack sheets keep products frozen because dry ice sublimates directly from solid carbon dioxide to gas at about –78.5 °C, ne laissant aucune humidité derrière. Packs de gel, en revanche, freeze water and maintain temperatures near 0 °C à 8 °C. By combining these materials into a flexible sheet, shippers can select a cooling method that meets their product’s temperature range.
Explication élargie
Dry ice pack sheets are made by encasing dry ice pellets or flakes within a sealed, flexible polymer. Comme la glace sèche sublime (passe du solide au gaz), it absorbs heat and maintains a consistent low temperature. Because there is no melting, there is no moisture; this protects sensitive cargo such as electronics, pharmaceuticals or dry goods from water damage. Packs de gel, cependant, contain water based phase change material (PCM) that freezes at 0 °C. They are ideal for keeping goods cool (2 - 8 °C) without freezing them.
Recent market analysis explains that dry ice is odorless, slightly acidic and non flammable. Production involves compressing gaseous CO₂ into liquid and then pressing it into pellets or blocks. Because dry ice has a lower temperature than water based ice and leaves no residue, demand for dry ice has grown; the global dry ice market is projected to rise from USD 1.66 billion in 2025 to USD 2.73 milliards 2032. These trends underscore why dry ice pack sheets are gaining popularity.
Benefits of Dry Ice vs Traditional Ice
| Cooling method | Plage de température | Durée (env.) | Humidité | Practical benefit |
| Mini dry ice pack sheet | –78.5 °C to –18 °C | 24 - 48 h | Aucun (Limères soudantes) | Maintains ultra low temperatures for vaccines and biologics |
| Traditional ice pack (water based) | 0 °C | 12 - 24 h | Leaves water | Suitable for chilled products like produce but not for freezing requirements |
| Pack de gel | 2 - 8 °C | Varie (typically 24 h) | Minimal moisture when melted | Keeps goods above freezing; ideal for pharmaceuticals that must not freeze |
How Do Wet and Dry Dry Ice Pack Sheets Work?
Detailed information
Sublimation is the key to dry ice’s effectiveness. When solid CO₂ is exposed to room temperatures, it absorbs heat and converts directly to gas, maintaining cold temperatures without melting. Gel sheet dry ice packs combine this property with a flexible gel layer that slows down sublimation and distributes cold evenly. The typical structure includes:
| Composant | Description | Significance |
| Gel sheet layer | Flexible material that surrounds dry ice pellets | Prolongs cooling effect and ensures uniform temperature distribution |
| Dry ice core | Source of ultra cold temperatures via sublimation | Maintains low temperatures and prevents spoilage of sensitive cargo |
| Protective outer shell | Durable, lightweight polymer film | Provides safe handling and protects contents from physical damage |
Because the gel layer moderates sublimation, gel sheet dry ice packs offer extended cooling durations and reduce the risk of “hot spots.” In contrast, disposable dry ice sheets use pure dry ice and can maintain temperatures for 24 - 72 hours depending on the thickness and insulation.
Practical example
Consider a pharmaceutical company shipping mRNA vaccines that must remain at –70 °C. A mini dry ice pack sheet can maintain –78.5 °C for more than 48 heures, enabling the vaccines to arrive intact even during long international flights. Traditional gel packs, which maintain 2 - 8 °C, would be insufficient for such ultra low temperatures and would allow the vaccine to degrade.
User tips and advice
Pre chill packaging: Pre cool the shipping container before adding dry ice sheets to maximize cooling duration.
Use high quality insulation: Combine dry ice sheets with insulated containers or VIP panels to slow heat transfer.
Surveiller la température: Employ smart sensors or data loggers to track internal temperatures, Surtout pour les produits pharmaceutiques.
Combine with gel packs when necessary: For shipments that include both frozen and chilled items, use gel packs to buffer temperature gradients and slow dry ice sublimation.
Étude de cas: A biotech lab used gel sheet dry ice packs to transport genetic samples requiring −20 °C. By placing the gel sheet around samples and packing additional dry ice on top, they maintained the necessary temperature for 48 hours and reduced sample spoilage.
When Should You Choose a Dry Ice Pack Sheet Over a Wet Gel Pack?
Réponse directe
Choose a dry ice pack sheet when your cargo must remain frozen or near ultra low temperatures. Dry ice maintains about –109.3 °F (–78,5 ° C), making it ideal for frozen foods, glace, and pharmaceuticals that require sub zero conditions. Gel packs and other wet packs are better suited for goods needing refrigeration rather than freezing.
Explication élargie
The decision hinges on the temperature range and sensitivity of your products. Frozen meats, seafood and vaccines benefit from dry ice sheets because they remain well below freezing and prevent microbial growth. Dry ice also avoids the mess of melting water and reduces the risk of texture changes in frozen foods. Packs de gel, in contrast, preserve goods like chocolate, cosmetics and medicines that must not freeze. For products requiring controlled refrigeration (2 - 8 °C), gel packs keep temperatures stable without exposing items to extreme cold.
The general packing guideline is to use equal weight of dry ice and product for 48 hour frozen shipments and 1.5 times the product weight for 72 hour shipments. Pour les packs de gel, about one third of the product weight provides up to 48 hours of refrigeration.
Benefits and scenarios
| Scénario | Recommended pack | Raison |
| Shipping vaccines requiring –70 °C | Mini dry ice pack sheet | Provides ultra low temperature and moisture free cooling |
| Shipping fresh seafood above freezing | Hydrate dry ice pack (réutilisable)** or gel pack | Keeps seafood at 0 °C – 5 °C without freezing |
| Meal kit delivery (frozen meals at –18 °C) | Gel sheet dry ice pack | Maintains –20 °C for 24 heures |
| Chocolates and delicate cosmetics | Pack de gel standard | Maintains chilled temperatures without freezing |
Conseils et suggestions pratiques
Assess your product’s temperature threshold: If freezing would damage the product (Par exemple, fleurs, produits frais), opt for gel packs.
Factor in transit duration: Longer transit times may require larger or multiple dry ice sheets; for short deliveries, gel packs may suffice.
Consider regulatory limits: Non medical shipments containing more than 5.5 livres (2.5 kg) of dry ice must comply with IATA and U.S. règlements.
Cas réel: A meal delivery company shipping pre cooked frozen meals replaced bulky gel bricks with gel sheet dry ice packs. The new packs kept meals at –20 °C for 24 heures, reduced packaging weight and improved customer satisfaction.
Usage sûr, Hydratation, and Activation of Dry Ice Pack Sheets
Detailed information
Dry ice packs must be handled with care. Skin contact with dry ice can cause severe frostbite; always use insulated gloves or tongs when handling. Contrairement aux packs de gel, dry ice sheets release carbon dioxide gas as they sublimate; proper ventilation is critical.
Disposable dry ice pack sheets require activation:
Hydrate the sheet by immersing it in warm water until the polymer cells expand.
Freeze for at least 24 heures to reach the lowest possible temperature.
Pack with the fabric side facing the product and ensure the package is vented to allow CO₂ gas to escape.
Pour de meilleurs résultats, pre chill your products, use larger sheets for longer durations and choose high quality insulation. Dry ice sheets last 24 - 72 hours depending on thickness and insulation. They can be reused until the textile surface becomes unhygienic.
Safety practices and regulations
Ventilation: Use vented packaging to prevent pressure build up.
Personal protection: Wear insulated gloves and protective eyewear.
Conformité réglementaire: Follow IATA and domestic regulations for shipping more than 5.5 livres de glace carbonique.
Stockage: Store dry ice in a well ventilated area and never in airtight containers.
Élimination: Allow unused dry ice to sublimate in open, well ventilated spaces. Do not pour down sinks or drains, as the extreme cold can damage fixtures.
Expert tip: Always include clear instructions for the end user on handling remaining dry ice to prevent accidents.
Choosing the Right Pack Sheet for Different Industries
Pharmaceutical and biotech
The pharmaceutical industry requires precise temperature control. Vaccines and biologics often need temperatures between –70 °C and –20 °C. Gel sheet dry ice packs with a controlled sublimation rate maintain ultra low temperatures and reduce handling complexity. Dans 2025, predictive analytics and IoT sensors enable real time monitoring of pharmaceutical shipments. The North American pharmaceutical cold chain market is expected to reach USD 1,454 milliards 2029 avec un TCAC de 4.71 %.
Food and meal delivery
Aliments surgelés, seafood and meal kits require consistent freezing at –18 °C. Dry ice sheets can maintain –20 °C for 24 heures, ensuring meat and seafood remain safe. Gel packs protect perishable produce (0 - 5 °C) without freezing. As e commerce grows, the North American food cold chain market is projected to reach USD 86.67 billion in 2025. Investing in dry ice sheet solutions helps reduce food waste and improve customer satisfaction.
E commerce and meal kits
The rise of direct to consumer food and health products demands affordable and sustainable packaging. Disposable dry ice sheets are lightweight and reduce dimensional weight, cutting shipping costs. They also allow flexible sizing by cutting the sheet into smaller cells. Using smart technology, shipping systems can adjust the number of sheets per shipment based on predictive analytics.
Biotech and laboratory samples
Biotech samples require reliable cooling to maintain sample integrity. Gel sheet dry ice packs maintain low temperatures while providing cushioning to protect vials and tubes. Real time tracking can verify temperature compliance and provide audit trails.
Hydrate packs for daily use
Hydrate dry ice packs — reusable sheets that absorb water before freezing — are versatile for everyday cooling. Users soak the sheet, freeze it overnight and place it in coolers. These packs are reusable and suitable for picnics, camping trips or transporting seafood and fresh produce. They offer long lasting cooling and can even help maintain refrigerator temperatures during power outages.
2025 Cold Chain Trends and Innovations
The cold chain industry is evolving rapidly. Understanding these trends helps you select the right cooling solutions.
Automation and robotics
The industry faces labor shortages, prompting adoption of automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) and robotic handlers. Automation reduces labor costs, minimizes errors and maintains consistent temperature control. Studies show about 80 % of warehouses remain non automated, highlighting significant growth potential.
La durabilité comme valeur fondamentale
Environmental regulations and consumer demand push companies to adopt sustainable practices. Sustainable cold chain solutions help reduce carbon footprints and food waste. The global food cold chain infrastructure accounts for roughly 2 % of CO₂ emissions. Manufacturers are developing eco friendly gel packs, compostable packaging and recyclable dry ice sheets. Programs like Cryopak’s R3 Service offer reuse and recycling, saving clients millions of dollars and reusing hundreds of thousands of tons of materials.
End to end visibility and real time tracking
IoT enabled sensors provide continuous temperature, location and humidity data, allowing businesses to optimize routes and reduce waste. Real time visibility enhances customer satisfaction and ensures regulatory compliance.
Infrastructure modernization
Aging cold storage facilities require upgrades for energy efficiency and compliance. Investments in better insulation, data collection and on site renewable energy are essential.
AI and predictive analytics
Artificial intelligence optimizes routing, predicts equipment failures and forecasts demand. AI reduces costs and improves reliability by analyzing historical and real time data.
Growth in pharmaceutical cold chain
The pharmaceutical sector drives demand for ultra cold storage. À propos 20 % of new drugs are gene or cell based therapies requiring strict temperature control. The COVID 19 pandemic accelerated investment in cold chain capacity and highlighted the need for reliable dry ice solutions.
Last mile and fresh food logistics
Consumers expect fresh, high quality produce delivered quickly. The North American food cold chain market is projected to reach USD 86.67 billion in 2025. Online ordering and meal kits require efficient last mile delivery, prompting innovation in packaging and refrigeration.
Strategic partnerships and integration
Collaboration among food manufacturers, packaging suppliers and technology providers enhances efficiency and resilience. Par 2025, à propos 74 % of logistics data is expected to be standardized, enabling better integration across supply chains.
Green and sustainable materials
Sustainable materials such as compostable gel packs and recycled cardboard packouts reduce waste and carbon footprints. Innovations like NexBlu™ GPS use 20 % less material, incorporate 30 % recycled graphite beads and increase payload capacity by 25 - 30 %.
Smart technology integration
Dry ice and gel sheet packs now include sensors that monitor temperature and send alerts when deviations occur. Disposable dry ice sheets incorporate biodegradable materials and IoT monitoring, while AI recommends the optimal number of sheets per shipment.
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FAQ
Q1: How long do dry ice pack sheets last? Dry ice pack sheets typically maintain sub zero temperatures for 24 - 72 heures, depending on thickness and insulation. Test your configuration under real conditions to confirm performance.
Q2: Can dry ice pack sheets be reused? Oui. They can be reused until the textile surface becomes unhygienic. Always ensure that the sheet is fully rehydrated and frozen before each use.
Q3: Are dry ice pack sheets safe for air freight? Oui, dry ice sheets are permitted for air shipments when properly packaged and labeled. Keep shipments below 5.5 pounds of dry ice to minimize regulatory requirements.
Q4: What is the difference between gel sheet dry ice packs and regular gel packs? Gel sheet dry ice packs use dry ice to achieve ultra low temperatures, while regular gel packs rely on water based PCM and maintain 2 - 8 °C. Gel sheet dry ice packs are therefore ideal for frozen shipments, whereas gel packs suit refrigerated goods.
Q5: How can I maximize the efficiency of mini dry ice pack sheets? Pre chill the container, use high quality insulation, and monitor temperature with sensors. Adjust the number of sheets based on ambient temperature and transit duration.
Résumé et recommandations
To deliver temperature sensitive products safely, you need the right refrigerant. Dry ice pack sheets provide ultra low temperatures (–78,5 ° C) and leave no moisture, making them ideal for frozen foods, vaccins et produits biologiques. Gel packs maintain chilled temperatures (2 - 8 °C) without freezing and are perfect for products like chocolate or cosmetics. Combining these technologies in flexible sheets allows you to tailor cooling to your specific needs. Follow safety practices (gants, ventilation) and comply with regulations when shipping dry ice.
Dans 2025, cold chain logistics are being transformed by automation, durabilité, real time tracking and AI. Choosing eco friendly gel sheet dry ice packs and leveraging smart sensors can enhance your operations and meet rising customer expectations. Adopt modern solutions, evaluate your product temperature needs and collaborate with trusted suppliers to keep your shipments safe and efficient.
Actionable advice
Evaluate your shipments: Identify the temperature requirements and transit duration for each product.
Sélectionnez le bon réfrigérant: Use dry ice pack sheets for frozen or ultra cold shipments and gel packs for chilled goods.
Implement smart monitoring: Invest in IoT sensors and data loggers to ensure end to end temperature visibility.
Follow safety and regulatory guidelines: Wear protective gear, assurer la ventilation, and comply with weight restrictions on dry ice.
Prioritize sustainability: Choose recyclable or biodegradable pack sheets and participate in reuse programs like Cryopak’s R3 Service.
À propos du tempk
À Rotation, Nous nous spécialisons dans high performance temperature control solutions including mini dry ice pack sheets, gel sheet packs, hydration packs and insulated packaging. Notre R&D center and quality control laboratory ensure that every product meets rigorous standards. With innovative solutions like EcoGel™ gel packs and recyclable EcoPak™ packaging, we are committed to sustainability and efficiency. Si vous expédié les vaccins, seafood or meal kits, we provide custom solutions to keep your goods safe. Contact us today for expert advice on optimizing your cold chain logistics.
Appel à l'action
Ready to enhance your cold chain operations? Contact Tempk’s experts for a custom consultation and discover how wet and dry dry ice pack sheets can protect your temperature sensitive products.
