Keeping frozen goods fresh and safe during transit can be challenging. Frozen goods dry ice packs deliver the extreme cold needed to transport seafood, carne, ice cream and delicate pharmaceuticals over long distances without melting or leakage. Dry ice sublimates directly to gas at −78.5 °C, eliminating messy liquid and providing powerful, long duration cooling. This guide explains why dry ice packs remain vital for frozen shipments, how to select the right type, safety regulations, ways to reduce sublimation, sustainable alternatives and the latest trends shaping cold chain logistics in 2025. No final, you will be able to plan shipments confidently and protect your cargo.
Understand the role of dry ice packs – learn how dry ice keeps frozen goods at ultra low temperatures and compare it with other cold packs.
Select the right dry ice pack – determine quantities, pellet sizes and pack formats for different shipment durations using industry backed recommendations.
Follow safety and regulatory guidelines – ensure compliance with marking, labeling and ventilation requirements for class 9 E 1845 Remessas.
Reduce sublimation and maximize efficiency – adopt best practices for packaging, storage and handling to prolong cooling and minimize waste.
Explore sustainable alternatives and 2025 tendências – understand reusable packaging markets, phase change materials and bio based CO₂ supply innovations.
Why Use Frozen Goods Dry Ice Packs for Shipping?
Dry ice packs provide unmatched cooling power. O gelo seco é dióxido de carbono sólido que sublima a -78,5 ° C, delivering temperatures far below conventional ice and gel packs. Because it transitions directly to gas, gelo seco não deixa resíduos líquidos, preventing soggy packaging or cross contamination. This makes it ideal for frozen goods like seafood, carne, ice cream and biological samples that must stay below freezing. Businesses favour dry ice packs for long distance transportation because they maintain product integrity, reduce spoilage and support customer satisfaction. Compared with gel or water packs, dry ice offers extended cooling duration and can maintain deep freeze conditions for several days.
Deep Freeze Performance for High Value Goods
When shipping premium products, reliability matters. Dry ice sublimates slowly – Mercury’s guidelines suggest 5–10 lbs of dry ice can maintain temperatures for items up to 12.5 lbs for roughly 24 horas, and a two day shipment typically requires at least 20 libras. In well insulated boxes, large blocks of dry ice can hold temperatures long enough for transcontinental flights or multi day road trips. The absence of liquid also reduces risk of fungal or bacterial growth. Ultra cold temperatures are particularly critical for shipping vaccines, cell therapies and biologics, where even slight temperature excursions can ruin a shipment. Seafood and gourmet meat producers also rely on dry ice to ensure their products arrive in perfect condition, preserving texture and flavour.
| Recurso | Pacotes de gelo seco | Pacotes de gel | Benefit for You |
| Cooling temperature | −78.5 °C (deep freeze) | 2–8 ° C. (refrigerado) | Dry ice can keep salmon, steaks and ice cream fully frozen during long transit. |
| Resíduo | Sublimados ao gás, Sem líquido | Melts to water | Eliminates risk of soggy packaging or contamination when shipping food and pharma goods. |
| Duração | Long duration; 5–10 lbs last ~24 h per 12.5 lbs of goods | Mais curto; suitable for 24–48 h chilled shipments | Helps you plan shipments requiring multi day cold preservation without replenishment. |
| Regulamento | Classified as hazardous (Aula 9 E 1845) requiring special handling | Geralmente não perigoso | Knowing the classification helps you prepare compliant documentation and packaging. |
Dicas e conselhos práticos
Shipping seafood or gourmet meat: Use large dry ice blocks above and below your product, and choose insulated containers with foam liners to minimize temperature gradients. Account for 5–10 lbs per day and add extra for safety margins.
Transporting pharmaceutical specimens: Combine dry ice packs with validated insulated boxes or active temperature loggers to meet regulatory requirements; avoid overfilling to allow CO₂ ventilation.
International exports: Verify destination rules for dry ice quantities and documentation; some countries limit dry ice per package to 5 kg in mail shipments.
Case Example: A seafood exporter ships 20 kg of salmon fillets from Seattle to Tokyo. Usando 30 lbs of dry ice and a high quality insulated chest, the fillets arrive fully frozen after a 48 hour transit, maintaining −25 °C core temperature and avoiding any melting. This ensures premium quality and justifies higher retail prices.
How to Choose the Right Dry Ice Pack for Frozen Goods?
Selecting the right frozen goods dry ice pack involves balancing pack size, quantidade, shipment duration and product sensitivity. Larger blocks sublimate more slowly than pellets because of their lower surface area, while pellets offer more uniform cooling but sublimate faster. The type and thickness of insulation also influence performance. Here’s how to decide:
Determine shipment duration and weight. Use Mercury’s rule: 5–10 lbs of dry ice per 12.5 lbs of goods per day. Longer trips require more dry ice or larger blocks.
Choose format: Blocos (5–10 lb slabs) for multi day journeys, Pellets (½ inch diameter) for shorter shipments requiring even temperature distribution, or high density nuggets for quick freezing.
Check container insulation: Thick urethane foam or vacuum panels drastically reduce sublimation. Pre chill the box to minimize initial sublimation and avoid half filled spaces that allow warm air pockets.
Plan ventilation: Do not seal dry ice in airtight plastic bags; packages must allow gas to escape. Ventilation holes in coolers prevent pressure build up.
Weight and Pellet Size Considerations
Different forms of dry ice serve specific needs. Large slabs last longer due to lower surface area, making them ideal for cross country shipments or international flights. Pellets or nuggets provide more immediate cooling and are often used in medical shipments where uniform temperature is critical. No entanto, increased surface area accelerates sublimation; plan accordingly by using additional pellets or combining pellets with slabs to balance distribution and duration. Always secure dry ice above the product and fill voids with insulation for optimal results.
| Pack Format | Typical Size | Duração | Melhor uso | Your Advantage |
| Slabs/blocks | 5–10 lbs each | Longo (48–72 h) | Large frozen food shipments; international exports | Provides long lasting deep freeze and reduces re icing frequency. |
| Pellets/nuggets | ½″ to ⅝″ diameter | Médio (24–48 h) | Produtos farmacêuticos, clinical samples requiring uniform cooling | Easily distributed around vials for consistent temperatures; can be replenished quickly. |
| Rice pellets | ⅛″ diameter | Short (12–24 h) | Small packages or last mile delivery | Offer rapid cooling but require precise ventilation planning. |
Dicas e conselhos práticos
Calculate quantity carefully: Por um 25 lb shipment of frozen meat lasting 48 horas, plan to use at least 40 libras de gelo seco (5 libras por 12.5 lb goods per day × 4 units).
Mix formats: For mixed products, place slabs at the bottom and pellets between items. This combination maintains base temperature while providing uniform cooling.
Pre chill products and container: Freezing goods and cooling the box before adding dry ice extends cooling duration and reduces initial sublimation.
Real world scenario: A biotech company shipping temperature sensitive enzymes uses pellets around vials for uniform cooling, adding a single slab at the top. This hybrid method keeps samples below −20 °C for 36 hours and meets compliance requirements.
Safety and Regulatory Guidelines for Shipping with Dry Ice
Dry ice is classified as a hazardous material under Aula 9 E 1845, meaning shipments must comply with strict packaging, marking and labeling rules. Regulations are designed to protect workers and carriers from CO₂ buildup and pressure hazards.
Embalagem, Marking and Labeling
FedEx 2025 dry ice job aid and IATA guidelines require:
Embalagem ventilada: Dry ice releases CO₂ gas that can build up and rupture containers. Do not use sealed plastic bags or steel drums. Use strong fiberboard, plastic or wooden boxes with ventilation holes. Polystyrene or foam inserts can insulate but must not seal airtight.
Maximum quantity: For general commercial shipments, FedEx permite 200 kg de gelo seco por pacote. Postal services may limit to 5 kg per mailpiece.
Required markings: Packages must display the proper shipping name ("Gelo seco" ou "dióxido de carbono, Solid”), o E 1845 number, the net weight of dry ice in kilograms, and the names and addresses of shipper and recipient. Markings should be on the same surface as the Class 9 rótulo.
Aula 9 Etiqueta de perigo: A minimum 100 mm × 100 mm diamond label is required. Do not write inside the diamond border.
Ventilation and training: Adequate ventilation in transport vehicles is crucial to prevent CO₂ buildup, and handlers must be trained in hazardous materials regulations.
Handling and Safety Precautions
Dry ice can cause frostbite and asphyxiation if misused. To protect yourself:
Wear gloves and use tongs when handling dry ice to prevent skin contact and severe burns.
Garanta ventilação adequada; never store dry ice in airtight rooms or containers as CO₂ gas can displace oxygen.
Keep out of reach of children and pets; dry ice is not a toy and can be dangerous.
Do not seal containers; always allow gas to escape and avoid sealed plastic bags.
Document and communicate; include safety data sheets and hazard declarations for carriers and customs.
Dicas e conselhos práticos
Etiqueta claramente: Use bold markers or pre printed labels to list the UN number, net weight and contact information; secure them on the same side as the hazard label.
Vent holes: If using a plastic cooler, leave the plug open or drill small holes to vent CO₂ gas while still insulating.
Treinamento: Ensure staff who pack and ship dry ice have completed accredited dangerous goods training; this reduces risk of fines or delays.
Exemplo prático: A meal kit company shipping ice cream adds a Class 9 label with “Dry Ice UN 1845 2 kg” and both addresses on the box. Vent holes in the lid prevent pressure build up. Trained packers wear gloves and ensure no sealed bags contain dry ice, complying with FedEx and IATA rules.
Reduzindo a Sublimação: Maximizing the Performance of Dry Ice Packs
Sublimation—the process where solid carbon dioxide turns directly into gas—is inevitable, but effective strategies can extend the life of frozen goods dry ice packs and reduce waste. According to ThermoSafe, dry ice typically sublimates at 3–8% per day, depending on container insulation and external temperature.
Understanding Sublimation Factors
Several factors influence sublimation rate:
Ambient temperature: Higher outside temperatures accelerate heat transfer and sublimation.
Surface area: Dry ice with larger surface area (small pellets) sublimates faster.
Air movement: Air circulation enhances heat transfer and increases sublimation.
Insulation quality: Poor insulation allows more heat to penetrate, causing rapid sublimation.
Best Practices to Minimize Sublimation
Use specialized containers: Opt for dry ice chests or shipping boxes with thick urethane foam or vacuum insulated panels to reduce thermal conductivity.
Create a tight seal: A snug lid limits airflow; no entanto, ensure vent holes to prevent pressure build up.
Pre chill your packaging: Cooling the container before loading reduces initial temperature gradients and slows sublimation.
Camada de gelo seco corretamente: Place dry ice above the goods; Air frio afunda, so this configuration ensures optimal cooling while allowing gas to vent.
Preencher vazios: Reduce empty space with insulating materials or additional dry ice to minimize warm air pockets.
Limite as aberturas da tampa: Each opening introduces warm air and speeds sublimation; plan to open chests only when necessary.
Bundle dry ice blocks together: Grouping blocks reduces exposed surface area and slows sublimation.
Store in cool environments: Keep containers in shaded or air conditioned areas during storage and transit.
Dicas e conselhos práticos
Remessas curtas: Para remessas sob 24 horas, pellets may suffice; use 10–15 lbs and insulated packaging to keep goods frozen.
Remessas longas: Combine slabs and pellets in a pre chilled chest; wrap goods in insulating bubble wrap or kraft paper and fill voids with additional material.
Return logistics: If using reusable dry ice containers, have a plan for returning and recharging them quickly to maintain cycle efficiency.
Estudo de caso: A pharmaceutical distributor shipping frozen samples across the U.S. uses dry ice chests with urethane insulation and reflective liners. Pre cooling the chest overnight and bundling dry ice blocks reduces sublimation to 4% por dia, extending hold time to 72 horas. Como resultado, fewer shipments require replenishment, economizando custos.
Sustainable Alternatives and Hybrid Solutions
Enquanto frozen goods dry ice packs remain essential for ultra cold shipments, companies are exploring alternative refrigerants and hybrid strategies to reduce environmental impact and mitigate CO₂ supply constraints. Dry ice consumption has grown roughly 5% por ano, but CO₂ supply has increased only about 0.5%, resulting in supply pressures and price volatility. Demand from carbon capture projects further tightens availability. The following innovations offer complementary or substitute solutions:
Pacotes de gel, Water Packs and Phase Change Materials (PCMs)
Pacotes de gel: Flexible pouches filled with refrigerant that maintain 2–8 °C chilled conditions for 24–48 hours. They are safe and non toxic but may leak if punctured and cost more than water packs.
Water packs (bolsas de gelo): Pouches filled with frozen water; barato, easy to dispose of and safe for food and pharma. They provide moderate cooling and are ideal for short, chilled shipments.
Phase change materials: PCMs absorvem ou liberem calor em temperaturas específicas. In cold chain packaging, PCM packs can hold goods within the 2–8 °C range for extended periods and are reusable. Market forecasts indicate strong growth; the reusable cold chain packaging market is expected to expand from USD 4.97 bilhão em 2025 para USD 9.13 bilhão por 2034, com um CAGR de 6.98%. Advancements in IoT tracking and vacuum insulation drive adoption.
Hybrid Cooling Strategies
Many shippers combine dry ice with other cooling methods to optimize performance:
Gelo seco + PCMs: Using dry ice for initial deep freeze and PCM gel packs for maintenance can reduce the amount of dry ice needed and moderate temperatures during final stages.
Isolamento aprimorado: Vacuum panels and recyclable materials reduce the thermal load, lowering the amount of dry ice required.
Active refrigeration units: Battery powered containers provide controlled temperatures without consumable refrigerants, though they involve higher upfront costs.
Sustainability considerations also extend to CO₂ sourcing. Bioethanol plants capture CO₂ as a by product, offering a renewable feedstock for dry ice production. In the UK, one bioethanol facility supplies 30–60% of the nation’s CO₂, highlighting both the potential and vulnerability of relying on a few suppliers. Diversifying supply and investing in carbon capture can strengthen resilience and reduce carbon footprints.
Dicas e conselhos práticos
Evaluate product sensitivity: Use water or gel packs for dairy, cheese or pharmaceuticals that must stay cool but not freeze.
Adopt reusable packaging: Deploy durable insulated containers and PCM packs for subscription or meal kit services to reduce waste and long term costs.
Leverage IoT tracking: Monitor temperature and location to optimize cooling strategies and reduce dry ice consumption.
Exemplo: A meal kit company switched from single use gel packs to reusable PCM containers paired with small dry ice pouches. This hybrid approach maintained frozen items, reduced total dry ice consumption by 40%, and improved customer perception of sustainability.
2025 Latest Developments and Trends
Visão geral das tendências
O dry ice and cold chain industries are evolving rapidly. According to Sonoco ThermoSafe, global dry ice consumption is increasing by around 5% per year while CO₂ supply grows just 0.5%, creating periodic shortages and price surges. The market for dry ice was valued at USD 1.54 bilhão em 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2.73 bilhão por 2032, a compound annual growth rate (Cagr) de 7.4%. Enquanto isso, the reusable cold chain packaging market shows strong momentum, expected to rise from USD 4.97 bilhão em 2025 para USD 9.13 bilhão por 2034. Sustainability pressures, CO₂ sourcing challenges and the need for resilient supply chains drive innovation.
Últimos Avanços
Localized CO₂ Capture and Bio Based Supply: Bioethanol plants capture CO₂ emissions and convert them into dry ice; one UK facility supplies up to 60% of the country’s CO₂. Diversifying supply reduces dependence on fossil based CO₂ and mitigates shortages.
Materiais de isolamento aprimorados: Vacuum insulation panels and recyclable foam materials reduce the amount of dry ice required and support circular packaging models.
IoT Enabled Cold Chain: Sensors track temperature, humidity and location in real time, enabling dynamic adjustments and reducing waste.
Hybrid Refrigeration Systems: Combining dry ice with PCMs and active cooling extends duration while reducing environmental impact.
Insights de mercado
Cold chain logistics continues to expand, driven by growth in e commerce meal kits, Biologics, and global seafood demand. North America currently dominates the reusable packaging market, while Asia–Pacific is expected to see rapid growth. Regulatory scrutiny is increasing, with stricter labeling and sustainability requirements. Businesses that invest in advanced insulation, real time monitoring and renewable CO₂ sources will be better positioned to navigate supply constraints and environmental regulations.
Perguntas frequentes
What are frozen goods dry ice packs used for?
Frozen goods dry ice packs maintain ultra low temperatures to preserve seafood, carne, sorvete, vaccines and biological samples during shipping. Dry ice sublimates directly to CO₂ gas, leaving no liquid residue and delivering deep freeze conditions.
How much dry ice should I use per shipment?
General industry guidelines recommend using 5–10 lbs of dry ice per 12.5 lbs of product per 24 horas. For a two day shipment of 25 libras, plan to use at least 40 libras de gelo seco. Adjust for insulation quality and ambient temperature.
Do I need special labels when shipping dry ice?
Sim. Shipments must display the proper shipping name ("Gelo seco" ou "dióxido de carbono, Solid”), the UN 1845 number, the net weight of dry ice in kilograms, and the name and address of shipper and recipient. Uma aula 9 Etiqueta de perigo (100 mm × 100 milímetros) must also be affixed.
Is it safe to handle dry ice without gloves?
Não. Always wear insulated gloves and use tongs when handling dry ice to prevent frostbite. Avoid direct skin contact and ensure adequate ventilation to prevent CO₂ buildup.
Can I combine dry ice with gel or water packs?
Sim. Hybrid cooling strategies pair dry ice with gel packs or phase change materials to moderate temperatures and reduce dry ice consumption. This approach offers flexibility for shipments that include both frozen and chilled goods.
Resumo e recomendações
Dry ice packs remain indispensable for shipping frozen goods. Their deep freeze capability, long duration and clean sublimation protect the integrity of seafood, carne, ice cream and biologics. To use them effectively, select the appropriate format (blocks or pellets) based on shipment duration, calculate quantity carefully, and invest in quality insulation. Follow safety regulations: Use embalagem ventilada, mark packages with UN 1845 rótulos, and train staff to handle hazardous materials. Reduce sublimation by bundling dry ice, pre chilling containers and minimizing air exchange. Explore sustainable alternatives such as reusable PCM packs and hybrid solutions to cut waste and adapt to CO₂ supply constraints. Staying informed about industry trends—like bio based CO₂ capture and improved insulation—ensures you stay competitive and compliant.
ACTO ACEDIVO PRÓXIMO PASSOS
Avalie os requisitos do seu produto: Determine whether your goods require deep freeze dry ice packs or if gel/water packs suffice.
Calculate dry ice needs: Use the 5–10 lbs per 12.5 lbs per day guideline to estimate quantity.
Upgrade packaging: Invest in insulated containers or reusable PCM packaging to reduce sublimation and waste.
Treine sua equipe: Ensure personnel are certified in dangerous goods regulations to comply with Class 9 E 1845 requisitos.
Adopt hybrid solutions: Combine dry ice with PCMs or active cooling to balance performance and sustainability.
About TemPk
TemPk is a specialist in cold chain packaging solutions. Desenvolvemos recipientes isolados, dry ice shipping boxes and phase change materials that help businesses transport perishable goods safely and efficiently. Our products include medical cooler bags with temperature monitoring, insulated backpacks for delivery bikes and durable cargo covers. Our expertise spans food, pharmaceutical and biotech logistics, allowing us to offer tailored solutions that meet regulatory compliance and sustainability goals. By combining innovative materials with engineering know how, we help customers extend hold times, reduce waste and minimize carbon footprints.
