Eco-friendly ice packs are safer than dry ice for shipping because they contain nontoxic ingredients and do not evaporate during transit. Unlike dry ice, they are also safe to pour down the drain or septic system, which is considered hazardous and must be handled with extreme care by trained individuals.

Reusable

Unlike dry ice, reusable ice packs are non-hazardous. It means they can quickly ship across borders and meet travel regulations for various modes of transportation. They are also easy to store and dispense, requiring no particular handling guidelines or airtight containers like dry ice. That makes them ideal for long-distance shipping of perishables.

They are made with a food-safe, environmentally friendly, natural-based cooling gel containing sodium polyacrylate. The gel is odorless and safe for the environment, septic system, sink drain, and household pipes, unlike other instant ice products that contain dangerous chemicals such as ammonium nitrate, which can dilate blood vessels in the face, neck, and hands and cause chemical burns, eco friendly ice packs for shipping are free of such harmful ingredients.

It also has the added benefit of taking less time to freeze than traditional ice packs, which saves on delivery times and pre-freezing costs for businesses. That makes it an economical choice for any business that ships perishables or temperature-sensitive products.

When used in insulated coolers, it can provide the chilling power needed to keep items within their frozen or refrigerated temperature ranges for longer than traditional ice. It is ideal for shipping meats and other foods that must be frozen or below freezing temperatures for safety, quality, and preservation reasons.

Biodegradable

Unlike dry ice, which evaporates during transit and requires special handling to avoid frostbite, environmentally friendly ice packs are non-toxic and safe for direct skin contact. They also don’t require an airtight container or extra packaging materials. It makes them more convenient and flexible than dry ice for cooling and shipping food and beverage products across long distances.

Most ice pack materials are made of a plastic pouch filled with a freezable liquid such as gel or a blend of water, propylene glycol (an antifreeze chemical), dye, and hydroxyethyl cellulose. Others are designed as ice “finger” packs that fit snugly around containers, helping to keep food items cold and fresh throughout the supply chain. Some ice packs are perforated every 5 “fingers” for easy tearing for specific weight and size requirements.

Some ice pack materials are biodegradable, breaking down into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass after decomposition. It reduces the amount of discarded plastic waste and is more sustainable than other ice pack options that use styrofoam as the primary insulation.

Other ice pack options, such as those that use an unrecyclable LDPE film, can end up in general waste bins if they leak or burst. These ice packs are often sent to specialist recycling schemes but still in landfills or the ocean. It can be avoided by choosing an eco-friendly ice pack that is kerbside and home-recyclable.

Recyclable

Many businesses that ship temperature-sensitive products require a cooling solution for their packaging. These include food, fish, or pharmaceutical companies, which need ice packs to keep their products cold during transportation. Luckily, ice packs can be manufactured to be environmentally friendly and provide an effective cooling solution.

Reusable ice packs consist of a plastic pouch filled with a freezable liquid. Most are made of sodium polyacrylate, which has a low melting point and can remain frozen for hours. These reusable ice packs are also machine-washable and have a removable cover, making them easy to use. They are available in different sizes to suit specific needs.

Unlike dry ice, which must be handled cautiously and requires special safety precautions, these reusable ice packs are safe to touch. They are also safe to pour down drains and septic systems, and the outer packaging is curbside recyclable. Additionally, reusable ice packs are a more economical option than dry ice.

These ice packs are similar to those used by meal kit delivery services, and they are convenient for keeping food and drinks cold during road trips or sports events. They can be thrown in a cooler to provide an extra layer of insulation, and they are a great alternative to expensive dry ice for long-distance deliveries. They are also helpful for reducing swelling or pain from injuries.

Environmentally Friendly

Using environmentally friendly ice packs is one of the best ways to reduce your shipping carbon footprint. These reusable gel packs contain nontoxic, food-safe ingredients that help keep your shipments frozen or refrigerated for long periods. They are also much safer than dry ice, a hazardous material requiring special handling, storage, and shipping regulations.

Planet Protector reusable ice packs are scientifically underfilled, making them less susceptible to leaks during transit than conventional ice packs. They are a better alternative to polystyrene ice packs, which can cause damage to products during shipment. Made of super absorbent polyacrylate and salt, Planet Protector gel ice packs are non-toxic, and the outer shell is kerbside recyclable. This eco-friendly option is ideal for local and interstate shipping.

While traditional ice packs are a single-use product, reusable ice packs are a sustainable solution that reduces the amount of disposable plastic waste. Unlike dry ice, which sublimates into CO2 gas during shipping, these reusable gel packs are an excellent choice for air and sea freight shipping.

While many companies advertise their ice packs as environmentally friendly, not all are created equal. Some products contain harmful chemicals that can harm the environment and human health. Fortunately, the best reusable ice pack products are safe for disposal through a standard drain or sewer system. In addition, they have been designed to maintain their shape in the freezer. They’re a perfect replacement for dry ice in your insulated containers.