Enviar alimentos congelados não é tão simples quanto jogar um pouco de gelo em uma caixa. Para manter a qualidade e segurança, você precisa do método de resfriamento correto. UM pacote de gelo seco para envio frozen goods keeps products at temperatures below −10 °C by sublimating from solid carbon dioxide to gas. This guide helps you choose and use dry ice packs effectively, drawing on 2025 regulations and the latest innovations. No final, you’ll know how to size packs, pack boxes correctly and follow carrier rules.
How dry ice packs work and why they’re better than gel packs for frozen goods.
How much dry ice you need for different box sizes and routes.
Step by step instructions for packing and handling dry ice safely.
Differences between dry ice, gel packs and phase change materials and when to use each.
2025 trends in dry ice packs, including greener insulation and smart sensors.
How Do Dry Ice Packs Keep Frozen Goods Safe During Transit?
Responder: Dry ice packs consist of solid carbon dioxide stored in heavy duty plastic or non woven coverings. When exposed to warmer air, the solid CO₂ sublimates (transforma-se diretamente em gás) at around −78.5 °C. This process absorbs heat from the surrounding products, keeping them below freezing. A vented insulated shipper allows the CO₂ gas to escape while the insulation slows heat gain. Because dry ice never melts, there’s no messy water, making it ideal for frozen meat, frutos do mar, ice cream and lab specimens.
Frozen E commerce Lanes: Gelo seco vs.. Gel and PCM
The table below summarises which cooling method works best for different temperature ranges and typical use cases. Dry ice delivers the lowest temperatures and outperforms gel packs on hold time per litre, especially during hot afternoon delays. Gel packs are safer for chilled goods that shouldn’t freeze, while phase change materials (PCMs) maintain specific ranges and are often reusable.
| Método de resfriamento | Faixa de temperatura | Hazard Classification | Reutilização | Typical Use Cases |
| Pacote de gelo seco | < −70 °C | Hazardous (E 1845), requires labeling | Uso único; can combine with gel packs | Deep frozen biologics, sorvete, carnes congeladas |
| Pacote de gel | 0 °C a 8 °C | Não perigoso | Single use or limited reuse | Vaccines that must not freeze, chocolate, produtos frescos |
| Pacote pcm | 2 °C a 8 °C or −20 °C | Não perigoso | Reutilizável | Produtos farmacêuticos, clinical trials requiring precise control |
Dicas práticas:
Top load first: Place dry ice packs above the product so cold air sinks naturally.
Ventive a tampa: Never seal CO₂; use a vented lid or crack to allow gas escape.
Shrink the void: Minimise empty space with inserts to slow warm up.
Envolva a carga útil: Thin wraps prevent frost and keep cartons clean.
Test your lane: Use a low cost data logger to validate recipes before scaling.
Caso real: A specialty seafood brand switched to top loaded dry ice packs and added a 15 % buffer for weekend delays. Their summer claim rate dropped from 6.4 % para 1.9 % across three zones, while the unboxing experience remained consistent.
The Physics Behind Sublimation
Dry ice’s advantage lies in sublimation. When CO₂ transitions from solid to gas, it absorbs substantial heat—roughly 571 kJ/kg—without leaving liquid water. This absorption keeps nearby products frozen and removes humidity, inibindo o crescimento bacteriano. The extremely low temperature (−78.5 °C) allows hold times of 24–96 hours when combined with high R value insulation. For e commerce, the high heat sink per litre ensures goods stay frozen even during carrier reroutes or hub congestion.
| Recurso | Função | Beneficiar |
| Ultra cold core (−78.5 °C) | Keeps payloads below freezing | Longer preservation times; suitable for vaccines, biológicos e alimentos congelados |
| Sublimação (Sem líquido) | Solid CO₂ turns to gas, absorvendo calor | Reduces contamination and packaging damage |
| Durable outer layers | Multi layer materials resist punctures and regulate gas release | Prevents leaks and lowers risk of product damage |
| Lightweight design | Lower density than water ice | Saves space and freight costs; more goods per shipment |
| Customisable shapes | Blocos, pellets or sheets fit various containers | Flexibility for parcels, pallets and clinical kits |
User Tips and Suggestions
Entregas locais curtas: Use locally sourced dry ice packs for same day deliveries; they sublimate more slowly and reduce transport emissions.
Layered hybrid: For shoulder seasons, combine 70–85 % dry ice with a small −10 °C PCM to prevent over freezing.
Monitor shipments: Add a temperature logger or sensor to track conditions in real time.
Caso real: A catering business delivering frozen appetisers across town used fresh local dry ice packs with insulated bags. Filling void space with crumpled paper and adding ~5 kg of dry ice maintained quality and avoided soggy packaging.
How Much Dry Ice Do You Need for Shipping Frozen Goods?
Responder: The quantity of dry ice depends on internal box volume, ambient temperatures and transit time. For warm routes (20–30ºC), plano 1.1–1.5 kg of dry ice per 10 litres of internal volume per 24 horas. Usar 0.8–1.0 kg for mild routes (10–20 °C) e 1.5–1.9 kg for hot routes (30–40 °C). Add a 10–20 % buffer to account for delays.
Step by Step Method for Estimating Dry Ice
Measure internal volume: Calculate length × width × height of the insulated space in litres.
Select route band: Identify whether your shipment travels through mild (10–20 °C), esquentar (20–30ºC) or hot (30–40 °C) condições.
Use the rate table: Multiply the chosen kg/10 L/24 h rate by the box volume and number of days.
Add a buffer: Increase by 10–20 % to cover unexpected delays.
Document the weight: Round up and record the net kilograms of dry ice on the label.
| Route Band | Ambient Profile | kg per 10 L per 24 h | O que isso significa para você |
| Leve | 10–20 °C | 0.8–1.0 kg | Lower heat load; sublimação mais lenta |
| Esquentar | 20–30ºC | 1.1–1.5 kg | Typical e commerce routes and afternoon peaks |
| Quente | 30–40 °C | 1.5–1.9 kg | Long dwell, sun exposed delivery and heat waves |
Exemplo: UM 24 L shipper on a warm route for 48 hours needs approximately 7.1 kg de gelo seco. Comece com 1.3 kg × (24 L ÷ 10) × 2 days = 6.2 kg; em seguida, adicione um 15 % buffer to reach 7.1 kg.
Quantity Reference Table
Dry ice quantity also relates to payload weight. The table below provides an easy reference for a 10 Libra (≈4.5 kg) carga útil:
| Duração da remessa | Recommended Dry Ice | Exemplo (10 lb Payload) | O que isso significa para você |
| 24 horas (durante a noite) | 0.5 × peso da carga útil | ~5 lb dry ice | Ideal for local deliveries or next day courier service |
| 48 horas | 1 × peso da carga útil | ~10 lb dry ice | Suitable for regional or cross country shipments |
| 72 hours+ | 1.5 × peso da carga útil | ~15 lb dry ice | Required for long distance or international shipping |
Fine Tuning Without Complex Maths
Edge protection: If edges thaw before the core, add narrow strips of dry ice along the sides.
Reduce direct contact: Place a thin corrugated shelf between dry ice and the payload to avoid brittle cartons.
Receita híbrida: In shoulder seasons, use 70–85 % dry ice plus a PCM tile at −10 °C to smooth out temperature spikes.
Real world example: A seafood distributor replaced gel packs with heavy duty dry ice packs for 48 hour cross country deliveries. Using equal weight of dry ice and payload reduced spoilage from 12 % para 1 % and saved over $50,000 anualmente.
How to Pack and Handle Dry Ice Packs Safely for Frozen Shipments
Responder: Safe packing and handling minimise hazards such as pressure build up, oxygen displacement and frostbite. A structured SOP ensures repeatability across your team and compliance with regulations.
Step by Step Packing SOP
Pre stage the box: Place a bottom pad and corner inserts to reduce air circulation.
Prepare the wrapped core: Wrap products in a thin protective layer and remove excess air.
Tight side fit: Insert side pads so the core doesn’t move.
Top load the packs: Break large dry ice blocks into smaller pieces and place them above the core.
Vent and label: Use a vented lid and mark “Dry Ice (E 1845)” with the net kilograms of CO₂.
Pesar e registrar: Log the gross weight, net CO₂ and packer ID.
Final shake test: If the contents move, add light dunnage until snug.
Compliance and Safety Guidelines
Proper naming: Label packages “Dry Ice” or “Carbon Dioxide, Solid” with the net weight and UN number (E 1845).
Ventilação: Never seal CO₂; use vented lids or gas paths.
Material compatibility: Choose liners and adhesives that tolerate −78.5 °C.
Documentação: Air waybills must indicate dry ice and quantity.
PPE and training: Provide gloves and training for packers and receivers.
Evite recipientes lacrados: Don’t store dry ice in airtight freezers or coolers to prevent pressure explosions.
Protective gear: Use luvas isoladas e proteção para os olhos; contact with dry ice can cause frostbite in under 30 segundos.
Safe Handling Checklist
Store CO₂ in ventilated areas—not in sealed rooms or car trunks.
Keep thermal gloves at the packing station.
Avoid airtight coolers; always vent the lid.
Instruct receivers to open packages in ventilated spaces and avoid skin contact.
Provide an emergency phone number on the label for questions during delivery.
Caso real: A real seafood distributor printed a “Vent Before Opening” note inside the lid and added an emergency phone number. This simple step reduced receiver complaints and improved safety compliance.
Gelo seco vs.. Gel Packs vs. Phase Change Materials: O que é o melhor?
Different goods require different cooling strategies. Dry ice offers the coldest temperature, but gel packs and PCMs have their own strengths and are often non hazardous.
Comparative Table and Key Differences
| Método de resfriamento | Controle de temperatura | Perigo & Rotulagem | Umidade | Impacto Ambiental | Reutilização |
| Pacote de gelo seco | Ultra low temperature (< −70 °C) | Hazardous (E 1845); requires labeling and documentation | Sublimados em gás, leaving packaging dry | Sublimation releases CO₂; no physical waste | Uso único; can combine with gel packs |
| Pacote de gel | Keeps goods chilled near 0 °C | Não perigoso | Derrete na água; may cause soggy packaging | Can have biodegradable exteriors; reusable options exist | Often reusable or limited reuse |
| Pacote pcm | Maintains specific ranges (por exemplo, 2–8 °C or −20 °C) | Não perigoso | No free liquid; phase change occurs at set temperature | High reusability; some PCMs have recyclable components | Reusable and suitable for pharmaceuticals |
Recomendações
Remessas congeladas (>72 horas): Use heavy duty dry ice packs. For extended durations, combine with gel packs to slow sublimation and maintain multiple temperature zones.
Remessas refrigeradas (0–8 ° C.): Choose gel packs; they’re cost effective and non hazardous.
Moderate cold or reusable needs: Use PCMs for pharmaceuticals and clinical trials; they offer precise control and can be reused.
Evite congelar: When shipping chocolates or other goods that must not freeze, avoid dry ice. Use gel packs and an insulated box to maintain 4–8 °C.
Practical pointer: For mixed shipments containing frozen and chilled items, place a barrier inside the box and position dry ice only around the frozen goods while using gel packs for the chilled compartment.
2025 Trends in Dry Ice Packs and Frozen Shipping
Visão geral da tendência: Cold chain logistics is evolving rapidly. Em 2025, dry ice packs continue to serve as the frozen benchmark, but there is a shift toward lighter boxes with higher R values, curbside friendly liners and smarter packing apps. Hybrid PCM strategies are growing for shoulder seasons and networks with CO₂ restrictions. The market also sees improved tracking and greener materials.
Latest Advances at a Glance
Fiber reflective liners: Paper based insulation with micro reflective films narrows the performance gap with foam while improving recyclability.
Mini data loggers under $20: Affordable Bluetooth or NFC loggers help validate new shipping lanes before peak season.
Route aware kitting: Packing apps automatically choose mild, warm or hot recipes at the station based on weather forecasts.
Hybrid strategies: Combining dry ice with PCMs reduces overshoot and CO₂ usage.
Foco na sustentabilidade: Suppliers capture industrial CO₂ to make dry ice and offer biodegradable gel pack exteriors. PCMs are reusable and reduce waste.
Insights de mercado
Brands that maintain frozen product quality see higher repeat purchase rates. A one point drop in claims can finance stronger dry ice recipes for the entire summer. By right sizing packaging and adjusting recipes seasonally, companies can reduce dry ice mass by 10–15 %. Hybrid solutions can cut CO₂ usage by ~10 % while smoothing temperature spikes. As competition intensifies in 2025, investing in better insulation and data logging pays dividends through fewer refunds and higher customer loyalty.
Perguntas frequentes
Q1: How long will dry ice keep my shipment frozen?
UM: For warm routes, plan 1.1–1.5 kg of dry ice per 10 L per 24 horas; hot routes need 1.5–1.9 kg. Vent the lid and top load to avoid early warm ups.
Q2: Is air shipping allowed with dry ice?
UM: Sim. Mark the package “Dry Ice (E 1845)” with net kilograms and follow airline and IATA rules. Air waybills must indicate the quantity, and carriers may require a contact number.
Q3: How many packs should I use in a 15 L box for 48 horas?
UM: On a warm route, target about 3.5–4.2 kg total, split across smaller packs for even sublimation.
Q4: Can I mix dry ice with gel packs?
UM: Sim. A hybrid can reduce overshoot and stabilise fringe zones; place the gel below or beside the payload and keep dry ice on top.
Q5: What’s the safest way to dispose of leftover dry ice?
UM: Let remaining CO₂ sublimate in a ventilated area; keep away from children and pets. Never trap it in sealed containers or drains.
Q6: Are there limits on the amount of dry ice?
UM: Regulations limit dry ice to 200 kg per package for aircraft, with exemptions for packages under 2.5 kg (5.5 Libra). Check your carrier’s rules for specific limits.
Q7: Do I need special training to ship dry ice?
UM: Sim. Shippers must be trained and certified to prepare, package and document dry ice shipments. Protective packaging and documentation are required.
Resumo e recomendações
Keeping frozen goods intact during shipping requires the right coolant, careful sizing and adherence to safety rules. Pacotes de gelo seco provide ultra cold temperatures that outlast gel packs and PCMs. To estimate quantity, use 0.8–1.9 kg per 10 L per 24 hours depending on route temperature and add a 10–20 % buffer. Pack boxes following the SOP: wrap products, minimise void space, top load dry ice and vent the lid. Label packages properly and ensure your team uses gloves and safety training. Consider hybrid strategies or PCMs when goods must not freeze or when sustainability is a priority.
ACTO ACEDIVO PRÓXIMO PASSOS
Audit your packaging: Measure internal volumes and record route bands for each SKU. Create recipe cards indicating how many kilograms of dry ice to use per box.
Implement the SOP: Train staff on the step by step packing method. Place vented lids, labels and gloves at packing stations. Conduct regular shake tests.
Use a quick estimator: Develop a simple spreadsheet or calculator using the rate table to determine required dry ice. Test a few shipments with data loggers to validate hold times.
Right size and hybridise: Reduce internal void space by 10–15 %, adjust recipes seasonally and consider adding PCMs to cut CO₂ consumption.
Communicate with customers: Include a “Vent Before Opening” note and instructions for safe handling. Provide an emergency contact number for questions during delivery.
Sobre Tempk
Tempk specialises in reusable and single use cold chain solutions for food, pharmaceuticals and biotech. We develop insulated boxes, gel packs and dry ice packs designed to meet 2025 regulations and sustainability goals. Nosso R&D focuses on high R value liners, eco friendly materials and integrated sensors. Em parceria com o Tempk, you gain access to tested recipes, technical support and customised packaging that keeps products safe while reducing environmental impact.
Chamado à ação: For personalised guidance on selecting dry ice packs, contact our experts. We’ll help you design a cold chain solution tailored to your product and route.
