As industries increasingly rely on temperature-controlled shipping to maintain the integrity of their products, the need for alternatives to dry ice becomes more evident. Dry ice alternatives offer safer, more sustainable solutions while still ensuring that temperature-sensitive goods, from perishable foods to pharmaceuticals, are kept in optimal conditions throughout the shipping process. Now we will explore the best dry ice shipping alternatives, their applications, and how they help businesses navigate the cold chain logistics landscape more efficiently.
Why look for dry ice alternatives?
The use of dry ice in cold chain shipping has long been favoured due to its effectiveness in maintaining ultra-cold temperatures. However, as industries grow more conscious of environmental and logistical challenges, dry ice alternatives are gaining traction.
Impact of dry ice on the environment
Dry ice, composed of solid CO2, sublimates directly from solid to gas. While effective in maintaining cold temperatures, its environmental impact cannot be ignored. The carbon dioxide released contributes to the overall carbon footprint of shipping. With sustainability becoming a key priority for many businesses, alternative solutions that have less environmental impact are increasingly sought after.
Challenges in logistics and safety with dry ice
Handling dry ice poses significant challenges. It is classified as a hazardous material, meaning it requires special care and compliance with regulatory requirements during shipping. For air transport, dry ice is also considered a dangerous good due to its ability to displace oxygen in confined spaces, posing risks to both personnel and products. Furthermore, dry ice sublimates quickly, making it less suitable for longer shipping times, particularly in foodstuff and pharmaceutical logistics where temperature control is critical.
Best dry ice shipping alternatives for perishable goods
Here are some of the best dry ice alternatives for shipping perishable goods. These options are more environmentally friendly, easier to handle, and offer better flexibility in maintaining the cold chain.
Phase change materials (PCMs)
Phase change materials (PCMs) are an innovative cooling solution for perishable goods. They are designed to absorb and release heat as they change states, maintaining a stable temperature for an extended period.
- How PCMs Work: PCMs are materials that maintain a consistent temperature by absorbing heat during their melting phase and releasing it when they solidify. This allows them to keep perishable goods like meats and dairy products at a steady temperature during transit.
- Applications for perishable goods: PCMs are highly versatile and can be tailored to specific temperature requirements, making them ideal for shipping products that must stay within tight temperature ranges, such as seafood, dairy, and prepared frozen meals. They ensure that food remains fresh without the risk of temperature fluctuations.
Cold packs (Gel Packs) and Ice Packs
- Cold packs, also known as gel packs, offer a reliable solution for maintaining cold temperatures in the transport of perishable goods. They can be either rigid or flexible and come in two temperature variants: positive for chilled products and negative for frozen products (frozen cold packs). Cold packs are commonly used for maintaining temperatures between 0°C and 10°C, ideal for products like cheese, vegetables, and fresh seafood. Their ability to stay cool without freezing the product makes them a perfect choice for sensitive goods that could be damaged by lower temperatures.
- Water-based ice packs: the most basic form of cold packs, ice packs contain only water and provide a simple, cost-effective cooling option. Their performance is typically lower than other alternatives and have limited cold retention.
Key considerations when choosing an alternative
When deciding which alternative to use in place of dry ice, several factors come into play. These considerations help businesses ensure they’re making the best choice for both product integrity and cost efficiency.
Temperature stability and range
It is crucial to select an alternative based on the temperature range required by the product.
For chilled products (e.g., dairy, fresh produce), cold packs / gel packs maintaining temperatures between 0°C and 10°C are ideal.
For frozen goods (e.g., meats, ice cream), frozen packs are necessary, maintaining sub-zero temperatures.
For highly sensitive products needing stable and consistent temperature control over longer periods, Phase Change Materials (PCMs) provide the most stable solution, offering precise control over temperature fluctuations through their heat absorption and release process. PCMs are particularly useful for products that must stay within an exact temperature range, such as minced meat, where even small deviations can affect quality and safety. Another example is chocolate, which is highly sensitive to temperature changes and can suffer texture and appearance degradation (e.g., fat bloom) if not kept within a precise temperature range during transit.
Product safety and regulatory requirements
Some industries, particularly healthcare and pharmaceutical, have strict regulatory requirements regarding the materials used in shipping. PCMs and frozen packs typically meet these safety standards without the handling risks associated with dry ice. Additionally, because they are not classified as hazardous materials, they make the shipping process smoother, especially for international logistics.
Cost efficiency in shipping solutions
While dry ice can be effective, it requires specialized handling and incurs higher shipping costs due to its hazardous material classification. Alternatives such as ice packs and cold / gel packs reduce these costs significantly by eliminating the need for special handling, packaging, and certifications. Over time, these reusable solutions prove more cost-efficient, especially for businesses with frequent shipping needs.
Industry use cases for dry ice alternatives
Foodstuffs and perishable foods
The shipment of perishable foodstuffs benefits from using ice packs and frozen packs. These alternatives prevent freezing damage to food while maintaining the cold temperatures needed to ensure freshness. Whether it’s seafood, dairy, or meat, businesses rely on these alternatives to maintain food safety and quality throughout the supply chain.
For temperature-sensitive products like chocolate, Phase Change Materials (PCMs) are an excellent alternative, as they provide stable temperature control, guaranteeing the product remains within a specific temperature range without the risk of melting or quality loss during transport.
Pharmaceutical products
The pharmaceutical industry often requires products to be shipped at precise temperatures. For vaccines, biologics, and other temperature-sensitive medical supplies, PCMs and gel packs are often the go-to alternatives. These materials ensure that products stay within the required temperature range while avoiding the risks posed by dry ice.
Choosing the right cold pack for your needs
As cold chain logistics evolve, the need for safer, more environmentally friendly solutions becomes increasingly urgent. By utilizing dry ice alternatives such as Phase Change Materials (PCMs), gel packs (cold packs), and ice packs, businesses can maintain product integrity without the challenges that come with dry ice. Companies like Tempack offer a range of innovative temperature-controlled packaging solutions designed to meet the specific needs of cold chain shipping. Each alternative offers unique advantages, from temperature stability to cost efficiency, allowing companies to tailor their shipping solutions to their specific requirements.
When choosing the right cooling element, it’s essential to consider factors like temperature requirements, product safety, and overall shipping costs. For refrigerated goods, cold packs (gel packs) are the ideal choice for maintaining temperatures between 0°C and 10°C. For frozen goods, frozen packs are necessary to maintain sub-zero temperatures. If a more stable and longer-lasting solution is needed, Phase Change Materials (PCM packs) offer precise control ensuring temperature consistency over extended periods. Whether you’re shipping perishable foods, pharmaceuticals, or biological samples, these alternatives, including those provided by Tempack, offer a reliable and efficient solution to keep your products cold while reducing environmental and logistical concerns.
