No Gel. Just Water.

A simpler, cleaner and more transparent way to keep products cold.

— Why water? —

A simpler cooling pack for a more transparent cold chain

For many chilled and frozen delivery applications, the simplest solution is also the clearest one. Hydropac water ice packs use water as the cooling medium, without gel polymers, absorbent additives or unnecessary material complexity.

That makes the pack easier to explain, easier for end users to understand and easier for businesses to review as part of their packaging strategy. As EPR and PPWR continue to increase attention on packaging contents, classification and end-of-life impact, water offers a more transparent alternative where gel is not adding measurable performance benefit.

Hydropac can help you review whether switching from gel to water is suitable for your product, route and pack-out.

What makes this pack different?

A water ice pack is simple by design, but it still needs to be specified correctly. These are the key points for customers, end users and packaging teams.

What’s inside?

Water. No mystery gel, no absorbent polymer and no unnecessary thickening agent.

01.

Why does it matter?

Simpler contents are easier to explain, easier to handle and easier to justify within a modern packaging strategy.

02.

Is it EPR friendly?

Using pure water removes ambiguity around content classification and disposal messaging where gel is not required

03.

Does it still perform?

Absolutely Yes! and Hydropac can ensure you optimise your insulated system to get the best results.

04.

Scanned this
from the pack?

Here's how to dispose of it

1. let it thaw

Allow the pack to return to liquid.

2. Empty where suitable

The filling is water.

3. Dispose of the film

Follow your local recycling or waste guidelines.

— WHY WATER OVER GEL? —

When water makes more sense

Does Gel really add value? Water is the simpler choice: easier to explain, easier to handle and easier to justify in a modern cold-chain packaging strategy.

Water ice packs

The simpler option where performance allows.

Water-based filling
No gel polymer
Clearer end-user message
Lower material ambiguity
Simpler disposal story
Suitable for many chilled delivery applications

Gel adds more complexity

Polymer-based fillings in ice packs lead to disposal fees under EPR regulations

The question is not “water or gel?” The question is: what does your pack-out actually need?

EPR & PPWR

The hidden cost of gel

Gel packs carry more than a unit price. When a pack contains polymer-based gel, businesses face additional questions around classification, reporting, disposal messaging and recovery costs.

Water helps reduce that ambiguity. With a water-filled pack, the message is clearer: water inside, outer film outside, and less unnecessary material complexity.

Gel can increase reporting complexity
Polymer-based fillings will create more questions around what the pack contains and how it should be classified.
Disposal messaging becomes harder
End users understand water. Gel contents are less familiar and often require more explanation.
The true cost is not just the pack price
EPR reporting, classification, recovery fees and disposal perception will affect the total cost of use.
Water reduces ambiguity
A water-filled pack is easier to explain to customers, compliance teams and end users.
Switching may be simpler than expected
Existing gel applications can often be reviewed and tested against water packs without changing the full packaging system.

Commercial impact

Up to 13.5p more

per 500g gel pack

Based on Hydropac’s current working calculations, a 500g gel pack may cost around 13.5p more per pack compared with a water-filled alternative, excluding the outer firm weight

Final cost impact depends on classification, producer obligations, current fee rates and reporting treatment.

Gel does not improve your pack-out, so why add complexity?

How hydropac helps

Validate the switch with confidence

Switching from gel to water does not have to mean changing everything. Hydropac can review your current pack-out, recommend a suitable water pack configuration and help validate performance before rollout.

A simple three-step review process

REVIEW

Assess the current pack-out, product, route and temperature requirements.

01.

CONFIGURE

Select the right water pack size, quantity and pack position.

02.

VALIDATE

Use trials or thermal testing to confirm performance before rollout.

03.

What to know before choosing water

Why does Hydropac use water instead of gel?

Water gives customers a simpler cooling format: water inside, outer film outside. It avoids gel polymers, absorbent additives and unnecessary thickening agents where these are not required for performance. That makes the pack easier to explain, easier to handle and easier to review as part of a modern packaging strategy.

How do water packs support EPR and PPWR packaging reviews?

Water packs help reduce ambiguity. Under changing packaging rules, businesses are being pushed to review what their packaging contains, how it is classified and how it is explained after use. A water-filled pack gives compliance, procurement and sustainability teams a clearer material story.

Do water ice packs still provide effective temperature control?

Yes. Water ice packs provide effective temperature control for many chilled and frozen delivery applications when correctly specified as part of the full packaging system. Performance depends on pack size, insulation, payload, route, ambient conditions and freezing process.

What should I do with the pack after use?

Allow the pack to thaw, empty the water where suitable, then dispose of the outer film according to local recycling or waste guidance.

Can Hydropac help us switch from gel to water?

Yes. Hydropac can review your current gel application, assess the full pack-out and recommend a suitable water pack configuration. Where needed, Hydropac can support trials, thermal testing and pack-out validation before wider rollout.

Ready to review your setup?

Speak to Hydropac about changing your current gel pack usage and find out why water ice packs can deliver the required performance with less material complexity

Send us a message about your product, route and pack-out. If you would rather speak to the team directly, give us a call.

We are open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.