Trusted by leading companies
Gel packs for food shipping
- Precision cooling for perishables
- Food-safe and fully recyclable
- Customisable for every shipment
Why gel packs are essential for safe and reliable food shipping
When it comes to shipping perishable foods safely, maintaining a consistent temperature is critical. Gel packs for food shipping offer a practical and effective solution for keeping products chilled during transit—especially across long distances or through fluctuating ambient temperatures. At Hydropac, we specialise in producing high-performance gel packs that support the food industry’s need for freshness, compliance, and reliability. With a wide variety of sizes, formats, and freeze points available, our gel packs are engineered to maintain cold chain integrity from dispatch to delivery. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of gel packs, how they work, and where they fit into your food logistics operation.
Discover Gel packs for food shipping
Smart cooling, safe delivery: why gel packs are essential in food logistics
As e-commerce reshapes how consumers access fresh food and groceries, businesses must adopt packaging that ensures product safety and shelf life. Gel packs have emerged as a preferred choice for temperature-controlled food shipping—providing reliable thermal protection without the complications associated with alternatives like dry ice.
At Hydropac, our gel packs are engineered using food-safe, non-toxic gel formulas encased in recyclable polyethylene film. They are ideal for chilled and frozen foods, from meats and dairy to ready meals and bakery items. Let’s explore why they’re a must-have in modern food logistics.
Versatile by design, effective by nature
Our gel packs are more than just cold bricks. They offer versatile, scalable cooling performance across a range of applications:
- Chilled and frozen options: Whether your goods require ambient protection or sub-zero freezing, our gel packs are custom-filled to support a variety of freeze points.
- Reusable or disposable: Designed for flexibility, many of our gel packs can be reused multiple times, offering both sustainability and cost-efficiency.
- Space-saving formats: From compact pouches to flat sheets, our packs maximise usable space in insulated containers without compromising cooling power.
- Hygienic sealing: With seal-through-water technology, we eliminate air pockets and seal each pack in a fully sanitised environment.
Supporting sustainable cold chains
Sustainability isn’t an afterthought—it’s embedded in every pack we produce. Hydropac’s gel packs are:
- Fully recyclable: Made with LDPE film, they can be recycled via most domestic soft plastic schemes.
- Leak-resistant: Our durable seams and high-viscosity gel reduce rupture risks, preventing waste and mess during shipping.
- Optimised for final-mile delivery: Paired with our insulated food containers, they help reduce food spoilage, lower returns, and protect product quality in last-mile transit.
Ideal for various sectors
Our gel packs are trusted by:
- Food producers and distributors
- Meal kit companies
- Online grocery platforms
- Catering and events businesses
Each Hydropac solution is designed to meet real-world transport demands and maintain regulatory food safety standards throughout the cold chain. When used alongside our insulated packaging, they form a powerful duo—delivering both performance and peace of mind.
Contact us directly
We are ready to answer all your questions and help you find the perfect solution for your cold chain transport.
From issue to a customised cooling solution
In this way we help you to guarantee the quality and safety of food products under all circumstances.
FAQ's about gel packs for food shipping
How long do gel packs stay cold during food transportation?
This depends on the size and type of gel pack, the volume of product being shipped, and the insulation used. Generally, Hydropac gel packs maintain optimal chilled conditions (0°C–8°C) for up to 48 hours in a properly insulated container. For frozen goods requiring sub-zero temperatures, specially formulated packs can hold temperatures below –12°C for similar durations.
Are gel packs safe to use with unpackaged or loose food items?
Yes. Hydropac’s gel packs are filled with non-toxic, food-safe gel and sealed in durable LDPE film, which is both hygienic and safe for direct or indirect food contact. They’re ideal for chilled meats, dairy, baked goods, and fresh produce.
Can Hydropac gel packs be reused or recycled after delivery?
Absolutely. Many of our clients reuse our gel packs multiple times, especially in closed-loop systems. For end-of-life disposal, the outer film is recyclable through soft plastic streams, while the gel content can be disposed of as general waste or repurposed as plant-safe coolant in garden watering.
What’s the difference between gel packs and water-based ice packs?
Gel packs contain a viscous, long-lasting refrigerant gel that maintains cold temperatures longer than standard water ice packs. Unlike water packs, gel packs are more resistant to punctures and less prone to causing freezer burn on food surfaces. This makes them more effective for extended shipping durations and sensitive food items.
Are there minimum order quantities for Hydropac gel packs?
Hydropac offers flexible order volumes tailored to both small businesses and high-volume distributors. While some custom gel pack formats may require a minimum order, standard sizes are typically available in bulk or wholesale packs without excessive commitments.
