If your products require freezing, shipping ice packs can help keep them at the right temperature during transport. But which kind is the best for your needs?
Holistic chef and mom Niki Connor loves these slender gel ice packs for taking up minimal space in her cooler. She finds they fit better than regular ice and are easier to clean.
Size
The size of an ice pack is essential for several reasons. For one, you want to ensure that it can fit into the cooler or container you plan on using without taking up too much space. Additionally, you want to ensure that it will fit into your freezer without causing any issues with the overall size of your appliance.
The most popular ice packs for shipping are gel-based cold packs that can be reused. They are safer than dry ice, which is hazardous and requires special shipping restrictions and safety protocols. Gel packs also maintain a lower temperature range than dry ice, making them a good option for products not deep frozen.
Another great feature of these ice packs is that they are small and compact, meaning they take up less room in your cooler or lunch box. Additionally, they are easy to clean and can be thrown in the fridge or freezer to refreeze before subsequent use.
These slim ice packs are perfect for lunch boxes and coolers and come in four sets. They can be arranged in various ways to give your product the right amount of chilling, and they are made with BPA-free plastic. Additionally, they only take up a little freezer real estate, so you can easily store them in a permanent spot in your cooler or lunch box.
Material
Whether you need cold packs for shipping frozen foods or refrigerated pharmaceuticals, choosing the right type of ice pack is essential. There are two primary types of ice packs—dry ice and gel packs. Both keep products cold during transit, but each has unique benefits and drawbacks.
Dry ice is great for keeping frozen food cold, as it can maintain shallow temperatures in the packaging. However, it can be dangerous and requires special handling and safety protocols. It also can be costly, particularly for long distances.
Gel packs, on the other hand, are safer and more convenient to use. They contain non-toxic, food-safe gel refrigerants and are designed to last up to a few days. This makes them ideal for food shipment and other temperature-sensitive products that must stay cold for a long time.
In addition to being safe and effective, gel ice packs are reusable, so you can put them back in the freezer when no longer needed. They also take up less space than dry ice in the freezer, saving you valuable storage space. However, you’ll need to take care of them properly so they don’t over-chill products that can’t get too cold, like flowers or herbs. In addition, you’ll need to ensure that they fit well in the container and don’t leak into or touch other products.
Temperature
Commercial ice packs are perfect for products that need to stay refrigerated or frozen throughout the shipping process, like pharmaceuticals and medical supplies. These ice packs are specially designed to regulate and maintain the temperature of your product, which can protect it from potential damage or degradation in its cold chain.
When choosing a product for your shipment, consider the temperature requirements of your perishables and your cooler’s size and wall thickness. You also want to make sure you purchase enough ice packs for your shipment, as not having enough can leave your payload vulnerable to thawing or spoiling during its journey.
If you are deciding between gel packs and dry ice, consider the melting point of each. The lower the melting point, the longer the ice pack will be able to keep your product cold.
Finally, look for ice packs that are easy to clean and store. Most are disposable and made of BPA-free plastic, so you must wipe down the pack’s exterior with a wet cloth or sponge until any food residue or other staining is removed. And, as a bonus, most ice packs are freezer safe, so you can place them in your freezer until you need to use them. If you need to store them longer, rinse them with warm water before refreezing them.
Safety
While packing perishables, safety is the most important thing to consider. Always pack items securely in insulated packaging or plastic liners to prevent melting and condensation that can cause water contamination. To alert the recipient and postal service, Permanently mark whether your package contains dry ice or cold packs.
Ice packs are safe to ship because they don’t contain chemicals that can be toxic to humans or animals. You can also find food-safe ice packs designed to be reused, making them more environmentally friendly than other forms of cooling. If you’re shipping temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals or lab tests, consider using advanced cold packs that protect against thawing and keep products uniformly chilled for a few days.
Before purchasing an ice pack, check the dimensions and shape of your shipping container or, more importantly, ensure it fits well. Also, ensure the ice pack is freezer-safe to keep it in good condition and prevent ice crystals or condensation from developing during storage. Almost all ice packs are easy to clean, and you can usually store them in the freezer with your other frozen goods for convenient access when needed. Review the product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for transport and shipping restrictions. This is especially important when shipping perishables through the post office since they must be handled appropriately to ensure thermal stability.
