Ice Sheets & Gel Packs – Keeping Your Produce Fresh in Transit

Polystyrene boxes and ice sheets go together like cheese and crackers, fish and chips, and Bill and Ben. When temperatures rise, adding the right cooling medium inside your packaging becomes vital to keep goods safe and fresh during transit.

Why Use Ice Sheets in Your Poly Boxes?

No one wants high-quality fresh produce arriving in poor condition—or worse, spoiled and unsafe to eat. For chilled and frozen goods, maintaining the correct temperature throughout delivery is essential for both food safety and customer satisfaction.

Our Range of Ice Sheets & Gel Packs

  • Non-Hydrated Gel Pads – Contain absorbent beads that fill with water when soaked. Ready to freeze after 10 minutes.
  • Non-Hydrated Gel Strips – Same as pads, but in strip form for flexible packing.
  • Ready-Hydrated Ice Sheets – Pre-filled and ready to freeze immediately. Cost-effective and convenient.

3-Step Packing Best Practice

  1. Use the right size poly box to avoid large air gaps, and secure the lid with tape or strapping.
  2. Refrigerate the poly box and contents before dispatch to maximise cooling duration.
  3. Place ice sheets both underneath and on top of your goods for even temperature control.

Following these steps should help keep your produce under the recommended 5°C for up to 48 hours*.

*These are recommendations only. Always conduct your own transit trials to ensure product safety and quality.

Need help using our non-hydrated ice sheets? Read our non-hydrated ice guide for further information and usage instructions.

FAQ – Ice Sheets & Gel Packs

Q: How long do ice sheets keep goods cold?
A: When used correctly with an insulated box, quality ice sheets can help keep goods under 5°C for up to 48 hours. Performance varies based on ambient temperature, product type, and packing method. (Source: Food Standards Agency)

Q: Should I use hydrated or non-hydrated ice sheets?
A: Ready-hydrated sheets save time and are ideal for quick packing, while non-hydrated versions are lighter to store and cheaper to ship before hydration.

 

 

 

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