Dry Ice FAQs

What is the temperature of dry ice?

Dry ice has a temperature of -78.5°C (-109.3°F), whereas traditional water ice is only 0°C (32°F).

How long will dry ice hold its temperature?

Dry ice holds its temperature, but its effectiveness as a chilling agent decreases as it sublimates (turns into a gas).

What is the typical sublimation rate for dry ice?

We recommend ordering the quantity of dry ice required for your immediate or short-term use. As a guide, dry ice typically sublimates at a rate of 5% to 15% of product weight per day, depending on the thermal properties of the storage container and the externa temperature profile.

Several factors affect the rate at which dry ice sublimes (turns from a solid to a gas). These include the type of product, the ambient temperature and humidity, the quality of the storage container and the number of times the container is opened and closed. The better the insulation, the slower the sublimation rate.

Will dry ice leave water marks on my goods delivered?

No. Dry ice sublimates, turns from a solid to a gas so leaves no residue.

Do you sell food-grade dry ice?

Yes. We supply food-grade dry ice and food-grade liquid CO₂. Please get in touch with our Customer Experience Team for further information.

How much is in a bag of dry ice?

Our bags contain 10 kg of dry ice.

Do I need a license to order or hold dry ice?

No, you don't need a license, but you do need to be over 18 years old and aware of the safe handling, transportation, and storage of dry ice. Please contact our Customer Experience Team for further information.

I am sending out frozen meals; which is the best product to buy?

Depending on the size of the container you are using we would recommend using our 1.0 kg or 0.5 kg slices to transport frozen food. Please contact our Customer Experience Team to discuss your requirements.

Can I put dry ice into drinks?

No. We do not recommend putting dry ice into drinks.

Is the dry ice packaging recyclable?

All our packaging is made from recyclable material; however, this is not currently accepted in kerbside collections but can be recycled at soft plastic recycling drop-off collection points.

Where do you deliver to?

We deliver to the whole of mainland UK and Ireland.

If I order today, will I get my delivery tomorrow?

Our standard delivery is Monday to Friday, excluding Bank Holidays. Orders placed before 11am, will be delivered the next working day Tuesday to Friday (area dependent). Orders placed by 11am Friday, will be delivered on Monday. We also offer a premium delivery service; please contact our Customer Experience Team for further information.

If I order on a Friday, can I have a weekend delivery? - also, can I collect over the weekend?

We offer a special delivery service on a Saturday (area dependent). Please get in touch with our Customer Experience Team for a quotation. Orders over 100 kg can be collected with prior arrangement and within our site safety guidelines.

What is the minimum amount of dry ice I can have delivered?

Our minimum order is 10 kg for a weekday order, Monday to Friday. A Saturday delivery can be arranged as a special request; speak to our Customer Experience Team for a quotation.

Can I collect dry ice in my car?

No. Transporting dry ice in passenger cars is prohibited. Dry ice should be transported in vehicles where the driver's cab is isolated from the load compartment. There should be adequate ventilation during the product's loading, transportation and unloading.

How do you handle dry ice?

Always wear gloves that provide thermal protection when handling dry ice and handle it for the minimum amount of time possible. Do not handle dry ice with bare hands; it can cause severe cold burns and frostbite. Individuals with poor blood circulation should not handle dry ice.

Can I store dry ice in a freezer?

No. Dry ice has a temperature of -78.5°C (-109.3°F), so a domestic freezer at -18°C (0°F) will be too warm to prevent it from sublimating (turning to gas). Because the dry ice is colder than the internal temperature of the freezer, it may cause the thermostat to break. Also, a domestic freezer is air-tight, meaning it can't prevent gaseous pressure build-up, which could force the door open, potentially ruining the contents. We always recommend that dry ice is stored in the containers in which it is delivered. These are non-air-tight insulated containers that should be stored in a well-ventilated location.

Where can I store dry ice?

We always recommend that dry ice is stored in the non-air-tight insulated containers in which it is delivered. The container lid should be closed when not in use and held open before reaching in to unload the product. You should avoid leaning into the container for longer than necessary. Dry ice should never be stored in a gas-tight container; gas-rich atmospheres will build up in large containers. Dry ice should be stored in a well-ventilated area, preferably not below ground and out of direct sunlight and heat sources.

What can I do to make dry ice last longer?

Ensure that dry ice is stored in an insulated, non-air-tight container. The better the insulation, the slower the sublimation rate, and the longer the product quality will be maintained. Keep the container away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Also, limit the number of times the container is opened and closed.

What happens with the dry ice containers after delivery?

All our containers are tracked and will be collected within ten working days of the delivery.

Can I buy one of your dry ice containers?

No. All Nippon Gases containers are designed according to our specifications; these are not for resale, although you can rent them when purchasing dry ice.

How do you dispose of dry ice?

Dry ice should always be disposed of in a safe place that is well-ventilated and secured against passers-by, especially children and animals. Dry ice should not be disposed of where CO₂ gas can collect in low-lying areas, such as garage pits, drains or confined spaces. Any leftover packaging should be disposed of with care and recycled wherever possible.