How Do Dry Ice Blocks and Dry Ice Packs Transform Cold Chain Shipping?
If you ship frozen foods, vaccines or laboratory samples, you’ve probably heard about dry ice blocks and dry ice packs. Both keep shipments cold by harnessing the extreme cold of solid carbon dioxide, yet they serve different needs. In this guide you’ll learn what dry ice blocks and packs are, when to choose each, e como 2025 innovations are reshaping cold chain logistics. Dry ice sublimates at around −78.5 °C (−109 °F), providing ultra cold conditions without leaving water residue, making it indispensable in cold chain logistics. Read on to discover how these cold chain heroes can help seu negócios.
What makes dry ice blocks and dry ice packs different? Learn about sizes, sublimation rates and best applications.
When should you choose blocks versus packs? Understand how temperature needs, duration and product sensitivity influence your choice.
How can you use dry ice safely and efficiently? Get practical tips on packing, handling and calculating the right quantity.
What are the latest trends for 2025? Discover reusable dry ice packs, smart sensors and hybrid systems that combine dry ice with phase change materials.
What Are Dry Ice Blocks and Dry Ice Packs and How Do They Work?
Resposta direta
Dry ice blocks and dry ice packs are solid forms of carbon dioxide (Co₂) designed to keep products extremely cold by sublimating directly from a solid to a gas. Blocks are large rectangular slabs that sublimate slowly and provide long lasting cooling, while packs can be pellets, slices or sheets designed for convenience and faster cooling. Their extreme coldness (around −78.5 °C) and sublimation property make them ideal for shipping frozen goods without leaving a wet mess.
How dry ice is made and why it’s special
Dry ice is produced by compressing and cooling gaseous CO₂ until it liquefies, then allowing it to expand quickly, forming a snow like solid that can be pressed into blocks or extruded into pellets. Because dry ice sublimates instead of melting, it absorbs heat from surroundings without creating water, which prevents soggy boxes and protects moisture sensitive products. This property also means you need less weight to achieve the same cooling effect: dry ice has about three times the cooling efficiency of water ice.
Forms, sizes and cooling mechanisms
Dry ice comes in several forms to match different logistics needs:
Blocos: Grande, dense slabs lasting for days. Blocks sublimate more slowly than pellets due to lower surface area, making them suitable for long duration shipping.
Pellets or rice: Small cylindrical pieces (1⁄8–3⁄8 in.) that deliver precise cooling and are easy to pack around products; often used in dry ice blasting, food processing and medical shipments.
Slices and nuggets: Medium sized pieces used in laboratories or small packages where space is tight.
Industrial dry ice packs typically consist of dry ice pellets or slices enclosed in vented, embalagem isolada. These packs release CO₂ gas as they warm up and are placed on top of or around the shipment so cold air sinks onto the products. Larger blocks cool longer but more slowly, while smaller pellets cool quickly but need replenishment sooner.
Comparison of key properties
| Propriedade | Blocos de gelo seco | Pacotes de gelo seco (pellets/slices) | Practical meaning |
| Typical temperature | ≈ –78.5 °C (–109 ° F.) | ≈ –78.5 °C (–109 ° F.) | Both maintain ultra cold conditions for frozen goods. |
| Taxa de sublimação | Slow (lasts 48–72 hours in insulated storage) | Mais rápido (12–24 hours per pack) | Blocks are ideal for long journeys; packs suit shorter, high turnover shipments. |
| Cooling efficiency | Alto; large mass absorbs more heat | High but requires more frequent replacement | Dry ice is roughly three times as efficient as water ice, reducing shipping weight and cost. |
| Handling difficulty | Heavier and cumbersome to lift | Easier to handle and arrange around products | Blocks need more careful handling; pellets or slices are flexible and can fill gaps. |
| Best uses | Long haul shipments, bulk refrigeration, events creating fog effects | Pequenas remessas, resfriamento preciso, medical labs, blasting | Match form to your shipping duration and space constraints. |
Practical user tips and advice
For long trips and heavy loads: Use dry ice blocks or large industrial packs. Their slow sublimation can keep cargo frozen for days, reducing the number of replacements.
For precision or small packaging: Use pellets or slices to fill spaces and ensure even cooling. Pellets are ideal for laboratory samples or parcels requiring uniform temperature.
Combine forms when necessary: For mixed shipments (por exemplo, frozen meat plus chilled vegetables), combine dry ice blocks in one compartment and gel packs or PCM in another to maintain different temperatures.
Real world case: A seafood exporter replaced water ice with small dry ice slices in insulated boxes. By venting the boxes and using proper placement, the company reduced shipment weight by 30% and kept fish fillets frozen for 48 hours without leakage.
When Should You Use Dry Ice Blocks Versus Dry Ice Packs in Cold Chain Logistics?
The right cooling agent for your shipment
Choose dry ice blocks or large packs when you need to keep products completely frozen over long distances or in warm climates. Dry ice excels at maintaining temperatures below –70 °C and is therefore ideal for shipping ice cream, frozen meats and biologic samples that cannot tolerate any thawing. Gel packs or phase change materials are better for goods that must remain chilled but not frozen (2–8 ° C.), such as fresh produce or certain pharmaceuticals.
In practical terms, blocks hold temperature longer because of their mass and lower surface area, while pellets or packs suit shorter trips or shipments that need rapid temperature reduction. Por exemplo, equal weight of dry ice and payload can keep items frozen for up to 48 horas, e 1.5 times the weight of dry ice may be required for 72 hour shipments.
Factors influencing your choice
Product temperature requirements. Frozen goods like meat, seafood or vaccines require ultra cold conditions. Dry ice’s sublimation at –78.5 °C ensures these items remain frozen and safe during transit. Chilled items that must remain above freezing, such as chocolates or injectable medicines requiring 2–8 °C, should use gel packs or PCMs.
Shipping duration and distance. Long distance shipments (>48 horas) or routes through warm climates favor dry ice blocks because they last longer. Short deliveries or local distribution can rely on gel packs or smaller dry ice packs.
Handling and regulatory compliance. O gelo seco é classificado como um material perigoso (E 1845) and shipments exceeding 5.5 lb must comply with U.S. CFR Title 49 and IATA rules. Gel packs are not regulated and easier for customers to handle.
Cost and sustainability. Dry ice is perishable and must be replenished for each shipment; ice packs are cheaper and reusable. No entanto, reusable dry ice packs emerging in 2025 can be refilled and reused hundreds of times, economizando até 20% in cooling costs.
Customer experience. If customers are unfamiliar with handling dry ice, gel packs may be safer and simpler to dispose of. Provide clear instructions and labels whenever sending dry ice to end users.
Comparing cooling agents: dry ice packs vs gel packs
| Atributo | Pacotes de gel | Pacotes de gelo seco | Impact on you |
| Faixa de temperatura | Near 0 °C (32 °F) | Around –78.5 °C (–109 ° F.) | Use gel packs for chilled items; dry ice for frozen goods. |
| Duração | 12–24 h for standard gel packs | 12–24 h per pack; longer with larger blocks | Dry ice can last longer in insulated containers. |
| Resíduo | Melts to water | Sublimados ao gás | Dry ice prevents soggy packages. |
| Manuseio | Non hazardous | Requer luvas e ventilação | Dry ice demands training and protective equipment. |
| Regulamento | Not regulated | Aula 9 materiais perigosos | You must follow packaging, labeling and transport rules for dry ice. |
Practical scenarios
Frozen meat across country: Use dry ice blocks equal to the weight of the meat to maintain freezing for up to 48 horas. Add more blocks or supplementary packs for 72 hour journeys.
Meal kits with mixed contents: Separate compartments can combine dry ice packs for frozen meats and gel packs for vegetables, ensuring each product stays within its proper temperature range.
Pharmaceutical samples: For biologics requiring –70 °C, choose dry ice packages with real time monitoring. Some carriers now offer containers that replenish dry ice automatically when sensors detect warming.
Exemplo prático: A small meal kit company uses a hybrid approach: dry ice packs for frozen proteins and gel packs for vegetables. This combination kept shipments intact and reduced customer confusion.
Manuseio seguro, Packing and Disposal: Práticas recomendadas
Why safety matters
Dry ice is extremely cold and releases large volumes of CO₂ gas when it sublimates. Direct skin contact can cause severe frostbite, and CO₂ accumulation in confined spaces may lead to asphyxiation. Portanto, embalagem adequada, handling and disposal are critical.
Safety precautions and regulatory considerations
Wear protective gear. Always use insulated gloves, goggles and closed toe shoes when handling dry ice.
Garanta ventilação. Work in well ventilated areas and avoid storing dry ice in confined spaces. One pound of dry ice releases about 250 litres of CO₂ gas.
Use vented containers. Never place dry ice in airtight containers; pressure buildup can cause explosions. Styrofoam within a cardboard box offers insulation while allowing gas to escape.
Avoid incompatible materials. Only use containers rated for dry ice. Metals, plastics or glass can crack under extreme cold.
Label packages. Mark shipments with “Dry Ice (Dióxido de Carbono Sólido) UN 1845” and specify the net weight of dry ice to comply with DOT and IATA regulations.
Train handlers and customers. Provide instructions for safe use, storage and disposal.
Calculating the right amount of dry ice
Proper quantity calculation ensures adequate cooling without waste:
General guideline: Use 1–2 lb of dry ice for every 3–4 lb of product.
24 hour flight: 15 lb of dry ice can maintain –70 °C conditions for a 24 hour shipment, as demonstrated by a biotech lab that used pre chilled containers and ventilation holes to avoid pressure buildup.
Weight ratios: Para remessas noturnas, pack half the weight of the payload in dry ice. Equal weight maintains freezing for 48 horas, and 1.5× weight may be required for 72 horas.
Packaging and insulation tips
Pre condition containers. Chill boxes before adding dry ice to slow sublimation.
Camada corretamente. Place dry ice above the products so cold air sinks, and separate it from goods sensitive to extreme cold with cardboard or cushioning.
Minimize void space. Fill gaps with insulating materials (espuma, pellets or padding) to prevent warm pockets.
Choose robust outer packaging. Corrugated cardboard or plastic boxes provide strength; avoid steel drums or sealed plastic containers.
Erros comuns para evitar
Sealing the container completely. This traps CO₂ gas and can cause explosions.
Underestimating quantity. Too little dry ice leads to thawing. Adjust amounts for ambient temperatures and travel time.
Letting dry ice contact water. Water accelerates sublimation; keep packs dry.
Improper disposal. Allow dry ice to sublimate in open space; never dump in sinks or drains.
Skipping training. Untrained staff may mishandle dry ice, risking frostbite or asphyxiation.
How Reusable Dry Ice Packs and Smart Technology Are Transforming 2025 Cold Chain Logistics
Visão geral de 2025 inovações
The cold chain landscape is evolving rapidly in response to sustainability goals, supply constraints and technological progress. Pacotes de gelo seco reutilizáveis, sensores inteligentes, hybrid temperature systems and improved insulation are key trends shaping 2025.
Pacotes de gelo seco reutilizáveis
Traditional dry ice packs are single use; once the dry ice sublimates, you must dispose of the packaging and purchase new packs. Em 2025, manufacturers offer durable, insulated containers that can be refilled with solid CO₂ and used repeatedly. These reusable packs maintain ultra cold temperatures (−78.5 °C) and avoid water damage because the dry ice sublimates to gas. Companies adopting reusable packs have saved up to 20 % on cooling costs within months while reducing plastic waste and improving sustainability reports.
A comparative analysis shows that reusable dry ice packs offer consistent temperature stability, prevent water damage, use less space and have lower environmental impact than traditional ice or gel packs. Businesses that switched to reusable packs not only saved money but also reduced landfill waste and carbon footprints.
Smart sensors and temperature monitoring
Integrated IoT sensors and temperature sensitive labels now provide real time data during transit. Smart dry ice packs can monitor internal temperatures and alert shippers when temperatures drift beyond safe ranges. Some containers automatically replenish dry ice from built in cartridges when sensors detect warming. These technologies allow proactive intervention, reducing the risk of product spoilage and improving regulatory compliance.
At the macro level, logistics providers operate control towers where AI analyzes temperature data from shipments worldwide. Algorithms predict potential temperature excursions based on route history, weather and shipping delays, enabling staff to add extra coolant or adjust routes. This predictive approach improves product integrity and reduces waste.
Hybrid systems and improved insulation
2025 also sees the rise of hybrid cold chain systems that combine dry ice with phase change materials (PCMs) ou pacotes de gel. Hybrid packaging maintains multiple temperature zones in the same container, ideal for shipments containing both frozen and chilled goods. Phase change materials absorb and release heat at specific temperatures (por exemplo, 2–8 °C or –20 °C) and are reusable. Dry ice provides ultra cold conditions below –70 °C. Hybrid solutions allow shippers to balance extreme cold and regulatory simplicity: PCMs avoid hazardous labels, while dry ice ensures deep freeze capacity for sensitive materials.
Painéis de isolamento a vácuo (VIPs) and high performance insulated packaging are also improving cold retention. VIPs significantly reduce heat transfer, allowing shippers to use less dry ice and still maintain required temperatures. Combined with reusable packs, VIPs reduce both weight and waste.
Market dynamics and sustainability
The global dry ice market is projected to grow from USD 1.54 bilhão em 2024 para USD 2.73 bilhão por 2032, a compound annual growth rate of about 7.4%. Growth is driven by food shipping, Biologics, vaccine distribution and industrial uses like cleaning. No entanto, CO₂ supply is constrained; demand for dry ice increases by roughly 5 % per year while supply grows only 0.5 %, causing periodic shortages and price spikes up to 300%. This underscores the need for reusable packs, efficient insulation and alternative coolants.
Sustainability pressures are also shaping the market. Much of the CO₂ used for dry ice comes from fossil fuel processes. Companies are exploring bio based CO₂ capture from bioethanol plants to create a more circular supply chain. Innovations like biodegradable coatings on dry ice packs and recyclable materials reduce environmental impact.
Último progresso em um olhar
Pacotes de gelo seco reutilizáveis: Refillable, insulated containers provide consistent ultra cold conditions and can be used hundreds of times, cutting cooling costs and waste.
Sensores inteligentes: Integrated IoT devices monitor temperature and send real time alerts; some systems replenish dry ice automatically when sensors detect temperature rise.
Hybrid solutions: Combining dry ice with PCMs or gel packs delivers multiple temperature zones, ensuring both frozen and chilled items travel together safely.
Painéis de isolamento a vácuo: VIPs reduce heat transfer, allowing shippers to use less dry ice and maintain cold temperatures longer.
Bio based CO₂ and sustainability: Companies are capturing CO₂ from bioethanol plants, developing biodegradable coatings and measuring emissions to reduce carbon footprints.
Market and sector insights
The demand for dry ice continues to grow across sectors:
Food and meat processing: Sliced or pelletized dry ice rapidly cools products on processing lines, while blocks maintain cold in bulk shipments. Better insulation extends hold times and reduces sublimation.
Pharmaceuticals and laboratories: Real time monitoring and barrier technologies slow CO₂ release and ensure payload integrity. Reusable PCM shippers are gaining traction for less temperature critical medicines.
Industrial cleaning and welding: Dry ice blasting uses pellets to remove contaminants without residue. Supply volatility drives companies to secure long term contracts or invest in local pelletizing capacity.
FAQ – Your Questions Answered
Pergunta 1: Are dry ice packs safe for shipping vaccines?
Sim. Dry ice packs maintain ultra cold temperatures around –78.5 °C, which is required for certain vaccines and biologics. Ensure you use vented containers and follow hazardous materials regulations. For vaccines requiring 2–8 °C, phase change materials or gel packs may be more appropriate.
Pergunta 2: How long do dry ice blocks last in transit?
In well insulated containers, dry ice blocks can last 48–72 hours. Factors like ambient temperature, container insulation and the quantity of dry ice will influence the actual duration.
Pergunta 3: Posso reutilizar pacotes de gelo seco?
Single use dry ice packs must be discarded after sublimation. No entanto, reusable dry ice packs available in 2025 use durable, insulated containers that can be refilled with solid CO₂ and used multiple times. These packs reduce waste and save money over time.
Pergunta 4: What’s the difference between dry ice packs and gel packs?
Dry ice packs provide ultra cold temperatures and sublime without leaving liquid, making them ideal for frozen goods. Gel packs maintain temperatures near 0 °C and are better for chilled products that should not freeze. Gel packs are non hazardous and easier to handle, while dry ice packs require protective gear and hazard labeling.
Pergunta 5: How do I calculate how much dry ice to use?
A general rule is to use 1–2 lb of dry ice for every 3–4 lb of product. For 48 hour shipments, dry ice weight equal to the payload is recommended. Adjust the quantity based on ambient temperature, insulation quality and trip duration.
Pergunta 6: Can dry ice damage my products?
Sim, extremely cold dry ice can freeze items that are sensitive to freezing (por exemplo, Frutos do mar frescos, flores, certain pharmaceuticals). Keep dry ice separated from such products with dividers or cushioning and consider gel packs or PCMs instead.
Pergunta 7: Is dry ice environmentally friendly?
Dry ice itself is essentially recycled CO₂; it releases the same gas during sublimation. The environmental impact comes from sourcing CO₂, often from fossil fuel processes. Using the right amount of dry ice and adopting reusable packs or bio based CO₂ can reduce carbon footprints.
Pergunta 8: What are the latest alternatives to dry ice?
Phase change materials (PCMs) offer stable, reusable cooling at 2–8 °C or –20 °C and avoid hazardous material regulations. Mechanical refrigeration containers or vacuum insulation panels can extend cold retention, albeit at higher cost. Hybrid systems combining dry ice with PCMs are gaining popularity for shipments requiring multiple temperature zones.
Takeaways -chave
Dry ice blocks and dry ice packs are indispensable tools in cold chain logistics. Blocos de gelo seco offer prolonged ultra cold conditions, sublimating slowly to keep frozen goods safe during long shipments. Pacotes de gelo seco, including pellets and slices, provide flexible placement and faster cooling but require replenishment for longer journeys. Dry ice sublimates without leaving water and has roughly three times the cooling efficiency of water ice. When choosing between blocks and packs, consider temperature requirements, Duração da remessa, sensibilidade do produto, regulatory compliance and customer experience.
Recommended actions for your cold chain operations
Avalie as necessidades de temperatura do seu produto. Use dry ice for items requiring sub zero temperatures and gel packs or PCMs for chilled goods.
Calculate appropriate quantity. Apply the guideline of 1–2 lb of dry ice per 3–4 lb of product and adjust for longer transit or warmer climates.
Choose the right form. Blocks are ideal for long distance shipping; pellets and slices work best for shorter trips or precise cooling.
Implement safe handling procedures. Treine a equipe, use protective gear, vent containers and label packages clearly.
Explore reusable and smart solutions. Pacotes de gelo seco reutilizáveis, smart sensors and hybrid systems can reduce costs, waste and compliance hurdles.
Plan for sustainability. Consider bio based CO₂ sources, biodegradable pack coatings and vacuum insulation panels to meet environmental goals.
Sobre Tempk
Tempk specializes in cold chain packaging and refrigerant solutions for food, pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Nós provide a wide range of reusable dry ice packs, pacotes de gel, phase change materials and insulated containers designed to meet stringent temperature requirements. Nosso R&D team develops eco friendly products, including biodegradable coatings and smart packs with IoT sensors, to help clients reduce costs and carbon footprints. Escolhendo Tempk, you gain access to cutting edge technology, reliable supply and expert guidance for all your cold chain needs.
Chamado à ação: Ready to upgrade your cold chain? Contact Tempk’s experts for a custom consultation and discover how our reusable dry ice packs and hybrid systems can safeguard your shipments and support your sustainability goals.
