Packaging With Dry Ice Vs. Ice Packs
What are the benefits of packaging with dry ice vs. ice packs?
When pharmaceutical and food industries need medicines and foods shipped, packaging with dry ice is a preferred option. However, packaging items with ice packs is also another option. Today we will discuss which refrigeration method is the best choice. Here are the details you should know about the difference between packaging with dry ice versus packaging with ice packs.
Packaging With Dry Ice Vs. Ice Packs Depends on the Desired Temperature
Dry ice is the optimal choice for products that you want to keep frozen. On the other hand, ice packs are best for maintaining the temperature of chilled goods above 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius. The FDA mandates that when all food reaches its destination, the temperature is at a maximum of 40 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, injectable medicines such as insulin need to stay within 2-8 degrees Celsius.
Benefits of Packaging with Dry Ice
Dry ice is frigid, maintaining about -109.3°F (-78.5 degrees C) as it evaporates or sublimates and becomes carbon dioxide gas. Therefore, it is best to use dry ice when storing ice cream products such as sorbet, frozen meats, and seafood. However, it would be best never to package live seafood, flowers, or particular pharmaceuticals with dry ice. These products are sensitive to freezing. It’s also crucial to seal any foods shipped with dry ice to ensure the texture or taste doesn’t change.
Benefits of Packaging with Ice Packs
Ice packs are the best option if you’re dealing with a perishable product that you don’t want to freeze. Ice packs are water-based, and their melting point is around 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Ice packs never reach frigid temperatures like dry ice and never cause products sensitive to freezing to become damaged. Ice packs can keep most items between 2-8 degrees Celsius, depending on the weight and starting temperature of a product. Ice packs can also complement dry ice to slow down the sublimation (when a solid turns to gas). In short, ice packs can extend dry ice’s shelf life and provide more coverage for frozen products in transit.
Dry Ice Safety Tips
- You must use dry ice with extreme caution, refraining from using it with bare hands due to its below-freezing temperature.
- Use dry ice in a well-ventilated area because it omits a lot of CO2 gas.
- Do not place dry ice in a sink or fixture as it could cause damage.
Use Dry Ice for All Your Needs
Dry Ice Corp is the largest regional supplier of dry ice and related products in the Northeastern United States. Our ice is fresh and delivered right to your doorstep. We are happy to help you determine the best way to ship your goods, whether you have a huge amount of cookies or a single pie, and help you select the perfect amount of ice for the job. Give us a call at (201) 767-3200, or contact us online for a quote. To connect with us online, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.
