Introduction to Gel Packs
Transporting goods without compromising quality can sometimes be quite a challenge. Certain products need to be transported chilled in order to arrive at their destination in optimal condition. One way to ensure the temperature of your products during transport is to use gel packs. Cool Direct can supply these in all kinds of shapes and sizes. But which gel pack is most suitable for your situation? On this page you can read more about the different types and applications of gel packs.
If you have any questions or if you would like to place an order, please feel free to contact us. Our experts will be happy to help you.
If you have any questions or if you would like to place an order, please feel free to contact us. Our experts will be happy to help you.
What are Gel Packs?
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Gel packs are leakproof polyethylene bags filled with a polymer-based gel. The foil and gel used for Cool Direct's gel packs meet the strictest requirements and wishes for packaging in the food industry. The gel packs are non-toxic and food proof. This means that the gel packs may come into contact with food.
Gel packs are in principle a disposable product and are therefore often used once only. When you want to use the gel packs again, you should therefore check whether they are properly cleaned and undamaged. Damaged gel packs cannot be used again. |
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Gel packs are used for chilled (or conditioned) transport of goods. There are many different types of products that need to be transported from A to B protected. Industries in which gel packs are frequently used are the food industry (e.g. fish, seafood, meat and fruit and vegetables), the medical industry (pharmacy and blood transport) and the flower industry.
The gel packs are usually used for shipments of up to 24 hours. Depending on the type of packaging and the amount of cooling, longer transports can also be well bridged. The regular gel packs are designed to transport goods between 0 and 8 degrees Celsius. For other temperature ranges Phase Change Material can be a solution. The cooling capacity of the gel packs depends on the duration of cooling and many external conditions.
The gel packs are usually used for shipments of up to 24 hours. Depending on the type of packaging and the amount of cooling, longer transports can also be well bridged. The regular gel packs are designed to transport goods between 0 and 8 degrees Celsius. For other temperature ranges Phase Change Material can be a solution. The cooling capacity of the gel packs depends on the duration of cooling and many external conditions.
Why and when are gel packs the ideal solution?
A frequently heard reason to prefer gel packs over rigid cooling elements is the relatively low cost price. Gel packs are also a popular refrigerant for transports without a return procedure, because they lend themselves - compared to form-fixed cooling elements - well for single use. Moreover, gel packs can also be the ideal solution in various situations for other reasons.
For example, they are particularly suitable for transport by air. Unlike shrapnel ice, gel packs do not leave behind melt water. Since melt water is not allowed in airplanes because it can lead to dangerous situations, chilled transport by means of gel packs is often the best solution. In addition, a gel pack offers advantages over solutions such as dry ice. There are no limits on the number of gel packs that can be carried on an airplane, while there is a maximum amount of dry ice per flight.
For example, they are particularly suitable for transport by air. Unlike shrapnel ice, gel packs do not leave behind melt water. Since melt water is not allowed in airplanes because it can lead to dangerous situations, chilled transport by means of gel packs is often the best solution. In addition, a gel pack offers advantages over solutions such as dry ice. There are no limits on the number of gel packs that can be carried on an airplane, while there is a maximum amount of dry ice per flight.
Which Gel Pack Do I Need?
If you have chosen to cool your products with gel packs during transport, the question remains which type of gel pack is most suitable for your intended application. You can choose from different standard sizes. Customised solutions are also possible. On this page you can read all about the different types of gel packs and for which applications they are most suitable. Do you have any further questions, or would you like to receive personal advice from an expert? Feel free to contact us.
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Tray PacksThe Traypack gel pack distinguishes itself in a few ways from the above-mentioned gel packs. First of all, the shape is different. The Traypack gel pack has the shape of a sturdy container, which is sealed at the top on all four sides. In addition, the foil used for the Traypack gel packs is twice as thick as the regular gel packs.
In addition, the Traypack gel pack offers a lot of space for specific requests, such as dimensions. This is one reason why this type of gel pack is often chosen. A thickness of no less than 40 mm can be achieved, which means that a higher weight can be achieved compared to the regular gel packs. It is also possible to divide the Traypack gel pack into compartments with a width of up to 380 mm. This creates a segmented gel pack, with the flexibility in dimensions of the Traypack gel pack. |
If you are looking for a dimensionally stable cooling element, the Traypack could be a solution. The Traypack is also available in the form of a Foambrick or Spongepack, so the shape remains the same in both frozen and unfrozen condition.
The Traypack gel packs are available in various standard sizes, but can also be custom made for you. It is also possible to print the Traypack gel packs according to your wishes, for example with your company logo. Would you like to know more about the possibilities? Feel free to contact one of our experts.
The Traypack gel packs are available in various standard sizes, but can also be custom made for you. It is also possible to print the Traypack gel packs according to your wishes, for example with your company logo. Would you like to know more about the possibilities? Feel free to contact one of our experts.
Type |
Weight (g) |
Dimensions (mm) |
Pieces/Box |
Pieces/Pallet (1200x800) |
Tray Pack |
200 |
100 x 190 |
80 |
3,840 |
Tray Pack |
300 |
150 x 190 |
56 |
2,688 |
Tray Pack |
400 |
150 x 190 |
44 |
2,112 |
Tray Pack |
500 |
150 x 190 |
36 |
1,728 |
Tray Pack |
680 |
150 x 190 |
28 |
1,344 |
Tray Pack |
800 |
200 x 190 |
18 |
864 |
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Pillow PacksPillow Packs are leakproof bags consisting of one layer of polyethylene, filled with a cooling gel based on polymers. The foil and gel used for the gel packs meet the strictest requirements and wishes for packaging in the food industry. This means that the gel packs may come into contact with food without any consequences. The gel packs are at all times made with brand-new material to ensure high quality.
Pillow Packs can be used in many industries and are therefore a popular option. Think for example of branches such as fish, seafood, pharmacy, medical and web shops. Pillow Packs are available in many standard sizes, ranging from 200 to 1,000 grams. The most popular standard sizes can be ordered with short lead times. |
All gel packs are manufactured at our European based factory. Is your desired size not listed? Then it is possible to have the gel packs custom-made. Moreover, you can choose to have the gel packs printed with your own design. For information or advice, you can always contact us. Our experts will be happy to offer solutions.
Type |
Weight (g) |
Dimensions (mm) |
Pieces/Box |
Pieces/pallet (1200x800) |
Pillow Pack |
200 |
100 x 200 |
80 |
3,840 |
Pillow Pack |
300 |
150 x 200 |
56 |
2,688 |
Pillow Pack |
400 |
150 x 200 |
44 |
2,112 |
Pillow Pack |
500 |
150 x 200 |
36 |
1,728 |
Pillow Pack |
680 |
150 x 200 |
28 |
1,344 |
Pillow Pack |
1,000 |
230 x 200 |
16 |
768 |
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Gel MatsGel Mats are gel packs that consist of two or more different compartments. Gel Mats have, in addition to the characteristics of the Pillow Packs, the advantage that they are more flexible. You can easily fold them around the goods that are to be transported, so that they remain optimally chilled. If that is what you wish, Gel Mats are probably the right solution for you. They are often used in the medical sector, for example when transporting blood tubes.
Gel Mats can be custom-made to fit a box, so that the entire contents can be covered with a gel pack. In this way, a product can be completely packed in a cube to achieve optimal cooling results. |
For this type of gel pack as well, both standard sizes and customization are available. The Gel Mats can only be manufactured from the material of which the Pillow Packs also consist. Printing the Gel Mats is also possible. For free and personal advice, you can contact one of our experts at any time.
Type |
Weight (g) |
Dimensions (mm) |
Pieces/Pallet (1200x800) |
Gel Mat |
1,500 |
150 x 550 (3 cells) |
480 |
Gel Mat |
2,400 |
275 x 625 (4 cells) |
336 |
Gel Mat |
3,000 |
275 x 625 (4 cells) |
300 |
No Sweat Gel Pack
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For shipping products that are moisture and temperature sensitive, No sweat gel packs can be the ideal solution. This innovative gel pack is designed to minimize surface condensation. This makes them very suitable for use in both insulated boxes and cardboard boxes, because any moisture is captured by the gel pack and does not end up in the box.
The bag of the gel pack consists of multiple layers, with a covering of non-woven material. This outer layer absorbs the condensation that occurs during shipping. This ensures that moisture-sensitive products reach their destination in the optimal condition. A fairly specific application of a no sweat gel pack is for products for biological crop control. No sweat gel packs are also being used more and more in the medical and pharmaceutical industries. The No sweat gel packs are available in various standard sizes. Is your desired size or weight not included? If so, we will be happy to tell you more about the possibilities for tailor-made No sweat gelpacks. Printing the No sweat gel packs is also possible. However, the best printing quality is achieved on gel packs without a No sweat outer layer. |
Type |
Weight (g) |
Dimensions (mm) |
Pieces/Box |
Pieces/Pallet (1200x800) |
No Sweat |
200 |
100 x 190 |
80 |
3,200 |
No Sweat |
400 |
150 x 200 |
40 |
1,600 |
Introduction to Shape Retaining Gel Packs
Transporting goods without compromising quality can sometimes be quite a challenge. Certain products need to be transported chilled in order to arrive at their destination in optimal condition. One way to ensure the temperature of your products during transport is to use shape retaining cooling elements. Cool Direct can supply these in all kinds of shapes and sizes. But which shape retaining cooling element is most suitable for your application? In this section you can read more about the various types and applications of the cooling elements.
If you have any questions or if you would like to place an order, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our experts will be happy to help you.
If you have any questions or if you would like to place an order, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our experts will be happy to help you.
What are shape retaining cooling elements?
The name says it all. Shape retaining cooling elements are cooling elements that retain their shape in both frozen and unfrozen condition. This is particularly practical when there is little room for deviations in the packaging process or during freezing. While gel packs can change shape during freezing, this is not the case with shape retaining cooling elements. This can therefore be a reason to opt for shape retaining cooling elements.
The shape retaining cooling elements are strong and durable. This makes them suitable for repeated use and for transport with a return procedure. However, there are differences in the suitability for repeated use of the shape retaining cooling elements. Ice Bricks and cooling plates, for example, lend themselves better for this purpose than Sponge packs and Foam bricks, because they have a shape retaining exterior and are therefore less vulnerable.
Shape retaining cooling elements are used for the chilled (or conditioned) transport of goods. Many different types of products need to be transported from A to B protected. Sectors in which shape retaining cooling elements are frequently used are the food industry (e.g. supermarkets, fish, meat and fruit and vegetables), webshops and the medical sector (pharmacy and blood transport).
The shape retaining cooling elements are generally used for shipments of up to 24 hours. Depending on the type of packaging and the amount of cooling, longer transports can also be easily bridged. The regular cooling elements have been developed to transport goods between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius. Phase Change Material can be a solution for other temperature ranges. Temperatures ranging from -21 to +20 degrees Celsius can be achieved.
Cool Direct's cooling elements are non-toxic and food proof. The cooling elements can be provided with a fitting label or your own logo.
The shape retaining cooling elements are strong and durable. This makes them suitable for repeated use and for transport with a return procedure. However, there are differences in the suitability for repeated use of the shape retaining cooling elements. Ice Bricks and cooling plates, for example, lend themselves better for this purpose than Sponge packs and Foam bricks, because they have a shape retaining exterior and are therefore less vulnerable.
Shape retaining cooling elements are used for the chilled (or conditioned) transport of goods. Many different types of products need to be transported from A to B protected. Sectors in which shape retaining cooling elements are frequently used are the food industry (e.g. supermarkets, fish, meat and fruit and vegetables), webshops and the medical sector (pharmacy and blood transport).
The shape retaining cooling elements are generally used for shipments of up to 24 hours. Depending on the type of packaging and the amount of cooling, longer transports can also be easily bridged. The regular cooling elements have been developed to transport goods between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius. Phase Change Material can be a solution for other temperature ranges. Temperatures ranging from -21 to +20 degrees Celsius can be achieved.
Cool Direct's cooling elements are non-toxic and food proof. The cooling elements can be provided with a fitting label or your own logo.
Why and when are shape retaining cooling elements the ideal solution?
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The shape retaining cooling elements are the ideal solution if you only have limited space available in the packaging.
Moreover, the shape retaining cooling elements are suitable for transport where there is a return flow: the cooling elements lend themselves well for repeated use because they are made of sturdy material. |
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Which shape retaining cooling element do you need?
There are various possibilities within the shape retaining cooling elements. The purpose of this section is to inform you about the different types of cooling elements so that you can make the right choice. For additional advice, you can always contact our experts. They will be happy to help you find a solution that is tailor-made for your case.
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Ice BricksIce Bricks are strong, durable cooling elements. Due to the wide range of dimensions in which the cooling blocks are available, there is a suitable size for every application. Is the size you want not included? Then please contact us about the possibilities for customisation. The cooling blocks can be filled with various types of cooling gel, making them suitable for refrigerated transport from -21 to +20 degrees Celsius.
Ice Bricks are often used in pharmacy, camping life, the food industry, retail and by webshops. Because the Ice Bricks are reusable, they are extremely suitable for deliveries with a return procedure. Do you have any questions or special wishes? Feel free to contact our experts for tailor-made advice. |
Type |
Weight (g) |
Dimensions (mm) |
Pieces/Box |
Pieces/Pallet |
Ice Brick |
200 |
165 x 75 x 20 |
60 |
4,800 |
Ice Brick |
400 |
175 x 90 x 30 |
36 |
2,304 |
Ice Brick |
400 'Flat' |
250 x 140 x 17 |
32 |
1,568 |
Ice Brick |
600 |
170 x 115 x 40 |
24 |
1,176 |
Ice Brick |
750 |
200 x 110 x 40 |
24 |
1,176 |
Ice Brick |
750 'Ice Can' |
175 x 225 x 35 |
12 |
588 |
Ice Brick |
950 |
195 x 130 x 45 |
15 |
735 |
Ice Brick |
1,100 |
230 x 175 x 35 |
15 |
735 |
Ice Brick |
1,500 |
300 x 200 x 30 |
8 |
392 |
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Cooling PlatesCooling plates are strong, durable cooling elements. The plates are ideal for use in cool boxes or reefer containers. The cooling plates are also often used for ice cream carts or catering, because they enable the user to keep products at temperature without electricity.
The cooling plates are available for an operating temperature down to -21 degrees Celsius. They are available in a few standard sizes. For example, the gastronorm cooling plates and freezer plates are very popular among caterers, market sellers and transporters of fresh or frozen products. A number of cooling plates also contain a handle, making them easy to use. Do you have any questions or special wishes? Feel free to contact our experts for tailor-made advice. |
Type |
Product & Weight |
Dimensions (mm) |
Pieces/Box |
Pieces/Pallet |
Cooling Plate |
1/2 Gastronorm (3.5kg) |
325 x 260 x 35 |
10 |
300 |
Cooling Plate |
1/1 Gastronorm (5.1kg) |
530 x 325 x 35 |
5 |
150 |
Cooling Plate |
6 Litre (7.5kg) |
620 x 380 x 40 |
3 |
90 |
Cooling Plate |
Plate with Handle (1.5kg) |
300 x 295 x 25 |
7 |
420 |
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Foam BricksThe Foambricks offer a thermal solution for the transport of temperature sensitive products. A Foambrick consists of a block of foam, cooling gel and a strong, vacuum-packed casing. Due to the use of materials and the vacuum packaging, both the weight and shape of this type of cooling element is consistent under different conditions.
The Foambrick is frequently used in the medical sector in particular. This has to do with the fact that the elements are shape retaining under all temperature conditions, and therefore fit well in compact spaces. The Foambricks are supplied in various standard sizes, but there are also possibilities for customised solutions. |
You can also opt for a version with bubble wrap on the top, for example, to provide extra protection for fragile medicines during transport or to prevent frost damage. In addition, the Foambricks can be filled with both standard cooling gel and Phase Change Material (PCM), allowing you to transport your goods at many different temperatures. You can read more about PCM and the possibilities with this special cooling gel later on this page.
Do you have any questions or special wishes? Feel free to contact our experts for tailor-made advice.
Do you have any questions or special wishes? Feel free to contact our experts for tailor-made advice.
Type |
Weight (g) |
Dimensions (mm) |
Pieces/Box |
Foam Brick |
300 |
150 x 100 |
48 |
Foam Brick |
420 |
190 x 100 |
30 |
Foam Brick |
750 |
190 x 150 |
20 |
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Sponge PacksThe Spongepack resembles the Foambrick in many ways. However, the Spongepack is characterised by the fact that a sponge filling is used instead of a foam filling. This makes the Spongepack more flexible when unfrozen. Moreover, the Spongepack will always return to its original shape, while this is not the case with a Foambrick.
The Sponge packs are supplied in various standard sizes, but there are also possibilities for customised solutions. You can also opt for a version with bubble wrap on the top, for example to provide extra protection for vulnerable medicines during transport or to prevent frost damage. Moreover, the Spongepacks can be filled with both standard cooling gel and Phase Change Material (PCM), allowing you to transport your goods at many different temperatures. |
You can read more about PCM and the possibilities with this special cooling gel later on this page. Do you have any questions or special wishes? Feel free to contact our experts for tailor-made advice.
Type |
Weight (g) |
Dimensions (mm) |
Pieces/Box |
Sponge Pack |
1,100 |
300 x 190 |
14 |
Sponge Pack |
1,500 |
275 x 245 |
10 |
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Ice SheetsDo you want to ship your goods chilled, but you have little storage capacity for refrigerants? Then Ice sheets can be a solution. With Ice sheets you can ship your products chilled within a temperature range of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius.
Ice sheets are cooling elements that you can easily fill yourself. It is therefore a handy alternative to gel packs and shape retaining cooling elements when you have less space available for storage. Transport costs are also much lower because the product is more compact and lighter. The Ice sheets can be filled by immersing them in water for about 15-20 minutes. The water mixes with the powder already present in the Ice sheets, creating a thick cooling gel. You can then simply freeze and use the Ice sheets. Because you fill and freeze the Ice sheets yourself, it takes more time before you can use them compared to already filled cooling elements, such as gel packs. |
The Ice sheets are available in various standard sizes. The Ice sheets with perforations enable you to remove several small sheets from one large sheet. The Ice sheets are also available in rolls. Do you have specific wishes? We will be happy to think along with you about the possibilities.
Product |
Dimensions (mm) |
Pieces/Box |
Ice Sheet 2x3 cells |
140 x 200 |
2,400 |
Ice Sheet 4x6 cells |
280 x 400 |
600 |
Ice Sheet 4x6 cells with perforation per 2x3 cells |
280 x 400 |
600 |
Ice Sheet Roll with perforation per 2x6 cells |
400mm wide roll, 140m long |
Roll |
Phase Change Material
Are you transporting goods that need to remain within a small and stable temperature range? Then you can choose gel packs filled with Phase Change Material (PCM) instead of standard cooling gel. PCM is a collective name for all materials that can change phase. This filling is distinguished by the addition of a substance, such as salt, glycones and kerosene. Different substances result in a different melting point, which can be adjusted. This makes it possible to cool a gel pack to -21 Celsius or to increase the solidification point to +20 degrees Celsius. Other temperature ranges are also possible. This then becomes customization.
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There are several situations imaginable in which the standard cooling gel, which covers a temperature range from 0 to 8 degrees Celsius, is not sufficient. This is, for example, the case when transporting various medicines. In the pharmaceutical sector, strict GDP (Good Distribution Practices) guidelines often apply. These relate to the transport conditions of medication, and the temperature also plays a role in this. In addition, the gel packs with Phase Change Material can be a solution when, for example, fish or meat has to be transported frozen.
Phase Change Material can also be used to cool goods that are not allowed to freeze. For example, you can use it for blood samples. These should be transported as cold as possible, but should not freeze at all. With gel packs with Phase Change Material you can cool them to 1 degree Celsius, with the added advantage that the gel packs can be cooled in the refrigerator. |
For certain medications, these must be transported at an ambient temperature of 15-25 degrees Celsius. The longer such goods are on the road, the higher the quality of the PCM must be. Within PCM, different choices can also be made, so that the gel packs fit exactly to your needs.
The experts at Cool Direct will be happy to talk to you in order to determine whether Phase Change Material is a solution for you. You can always contact them for further advice on the use of the gel packs and for customizing them.
The experts at Cool Direct will be happy to talk to you in order to determine whether Phase Change Material is a solution for you. You can always contact them for further advice on the use of the gel packs and for customizing them.