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HydroFreeze Ice Pack – Samples
What is HydroFreeze™
HydroFreeze™ is our ice pack containing a food safe, water-based formula, designed to support the safe shipping of frozen goods. It works in a similar way to dry ice, but without the associated hazards. Unlike dry ice, HydroFreeze™ products are not classed as hazardous goods when shipping and do not require any specialist handling.
HydroFreeze™ is designed to maintain frozen temperatures for extended periods of time. The formula consists of only food approved ingredients commonly found in everyday applications.
- As with all ice packs, the colder the freezer the faster they will freeze. HydroFreeze™ products should be frozen to -25°C to achieve optimal performance.
- They are a practical alternative to dry ice as they are FSA certified food safe, non-toxic and not classed as hazardous goods. This removes the need for HAZMAT labelling or specialist couriers when shipping frozen products.
- HydroFreeze™ ice packs do not sublimate (“melt”), meaning you only need to purchase the quantity required. Packs can be frozen and used to suit specific shipping demands.
As with all ice packs, the colder the freezer the faster they will freeze. Ideally, HydroFreeze™ products should be frozen below -30°C.
About HydroFreeze™
- HydroFreeze™ features a new, enhanced formulation designed to improve frozen temperature control across the cold chain.
- The updated formula is designed to phase change at -21°C, supporting reliable frozen conditions when packed inside a suitable insulated container.
The enhanced HydroFreeze™ formulation has been developed to deliver improved freeze performance and extended temperature hold, while maintaining the same operating temperatures and handling processes customers rely on.
When frozen correctly and used within a good quality insulated box, HydroFreeze™ ice packs help maintain frozen product temperatures throughout transit, supporting consistent and predictable cold chain performance.
HydroFreeze™ products are developed with safety, quality and performance in mind, using only food approved ingredients.
HydroFreeze™ ice packs are produced in our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, with the capacity to support a wide range of frozen shipping applications.
Currently using Dry Ice?
Dry ice (solid CO2) is commonly used for the shipment of frozen products, maintaining sub-zero temperatures through sublimation, converting directly from a solid to a gas. Dry ice is classified as a miscellaneous hazard (Class 9) during transportation by DOT and IATA.
Hazards associated with dry ice include the risk of explosion and suffocation in enclosed spaces, as well as the risk of severe cold burn injuries when handled incorrectly. Due to these risks, many carriers restrict or prohibit shipments containing dry ice, and additional surcharges may apply.
HydroFreeze™ offers a safer alternative. It is FSA certified food safe, non-toxic and not classed as hazardous goods, helping to simplify frozen shipping without the need for specialist handling or HAZMAT labelling.
Why not use regular water or gel ice packs?
Standard water or gel ice packs phase change at 0°C, meaning they are suitable for chilled or refrigerated shipments, but not for frozen goods. Once packed, they stabilise around 0°C as they melt, which is insufficient for maintaining frozen product temperatures.
HydroFreeze™ products have a phase change point of -21°C, allowing them to hold frozen temperatures as they transition from solid to liquid and support frozen product integrity inside insulated packaging.
Recommended pre-conditioning of HydroFreeze™
HydroFreeze™ products should be pre-conditioned in a sufficiently powerful freezer capable of maintaining temperatures below -25°C. As with all ice packs, colder freezer temperatures will result in faster freeze times.
Recommended freezing and storage:
HydroFreeze™*
- -25°C for at least 48 hours
- -30°C for at least 24 hours
- -35°C for at least 18 hours
- -40°C for at least 12 hours
- -45°C for at least 8 hours
IMPORTANT: Ensure HydroFreeze™ products are fully solid before use. If packs are slushy, allow additional time in the freezer to achieve full performance.
* Freeze times depend on freezer temperature, airflow and the quantity being frozen. Larger quantities will require longer preparation times. Ensure sufficient cold air circulation for efficient freezing.
Safety and Disposal Instructions
- HydroFreeze™ products contain a non-toxic, food approved formulation and are safe under normal use.
- Do not ingest. Avoid contact with eyes and skin.
- HydroFreeze™ products can be safely disposed of down the sink with running water.
- Empty plastic pouches can be recycled with other plastics (#4), subject to local recycling capabilities.
- Material safety datasheet
For more information
Call 01494 530182 or email sales@hydropac.co.uk
“UK Patent Application No. 2201805.8 and International Patent Application No. PCT/GB2023/05297”
So what are the benefits of using HydroFreeze™?
- Enhanced performance – HydroFreeze™ features a new, enhanced formulation designed to improve freeze performance and extend frozen temperature hold during transit.
- FSA approved – A non-toxic, food approved formulation that is safe under normal use.
- Water-based, not gel – HydroFreeze™ uses a water-based formulation, demonstrating that water-based solutions can deliver reliable frozen temperature control.
- Eco-friendly – The contents can be safely disposed of down the sink with running water. Empty plastic pouches can be recycled alongside other plastics (#4), subject to local recycling facilities.
- Reusable – HydroFreeze™ ice packs can be re-frozen and reused with minimal impact on effectiveness.
- Reduced waste and loss – Unlike dry ice, HydroFreeze™ does not sublimate, meaning you only need to purchase and prepare the quantity required.
- Operational flexibility – HydroFreeze™ ice packs can be frozen and packed to suit your packing schedule, supporting more flexible operations.
- Reduced administration – HydroFreeze™ products are not classed as hazardous goods, removing the need for dangerous goods documentation.
- Increased courier choice – Parcels containing HydroFreeze™ products can be shipped using a wider range of carriers.
- Improved safety – HydroFreeze™ helps eliminate many of the hazards associated with handling and storing dry ice, supporting a safer working environment.
Differentiators between HydroFreeze™ products, dry ice and standard water ice
| Dry Ice | HydroFreeze™ | Water / Ice | |
| Phase change point | -78.5°C | -21°C | 0°C |
| Suitable for frozen goods | Yes | Yes | No |
| Classed as hazardous goods | Yes | No | No |
| Handling requirements | Specialist handling required | Standard handling | Standard handling |
| Shipping restrictions | Carrier restrictions apply | Widely accepted by carriers | Widely accepted by carriers |
| Formulation | Solid CO2 | Water-based, food approved formulation | Water / gel based |
| Temperature application | Frozen | Frozen | Chilled |
HydroFreeze™ features an enhanced, water-based formulation designed to deliver reliable frozen temperature control without the hazards and handling requirements associated with dry ice.
Differentiators between HydroFreeze™ products, dry ice and standard water ice
| Dry Ice | HydroFreeze™ | Water / Ice | |
| Phase change point | -78.5°C | -21°C | 0°C |
| Suitable for frozen goods | Yes | Yes | No |
| Classed as hazardous goods | Yes | No | No |
| Handling requirements | Specialist handling required | Standard handling | Standard handling |
| Shipping restrictions | Carrier restrictions apply | Widely accepted by carriers | Widely accepted by carriers |
| Formulation | Solid CO2 | Water-based, food approved formulation | Water / gel based |
| Temperature application | Frozen | Frozen | Chilled |
HydroFreeze™ features an enhanced, water-based formulation designed to deliver reliable frozen temperature control without the hazards and handling requirements associated with dry ice.
Useful Test Graph
TT0475 – Hydrofreeze Formula Improvement Melting
