Hydropac has updated its HydroFreeze range of water-based ice packs, with the new additions expected to help customers save energy, reduce waste, and use fewer packs for quicker conditioning operations.
The ‘next generation’ of HydroFreeze ice packs is designed to help brands keep products safe, stable, and fresh while meeting growing demand for sustainable packaging design.
Compared with Hydropac’s original water-based ice pack, the new solutions are thought to freeze 51% faster. A direct-to-consumer meal delivery company can reportedly use 1,000 coolant packs to condition the same volume of food in six hours instead of twelve; this is set to free up space and unlock same-day conditioning for last-minute orders.
Its freeze-down temperature is said to reduce from -30°C to -25°C, allowing suppliers to use commercial freezing units instead of ultra-low temperature infrastructure. Combined with a 34% reduction in freeze-down time, customers are expected to reduce their energy use, cut down on CO2 emissions, and save on capital investments.
Additionally, it is set to unlock 110% longer thaw protection and double the freezing duration of the previous generation of HydroFreeze.
Hydropac also compares its new ice packs to the HydroFreeze+ gel-based alternatives. The water-based solution is thought to offer the same effectiveness while reducing CO2 in the production process, streamlining end-of-life disposal, and cutting down on waste.
Its 18.75% faster freeze time is anticipated to unlock ‘significant’ energy savings and faster preparation, especially for peak periods or same-day dispatch. The new packs are also thought to maintain a stable phase change at -21°C for extended cold chain protection, while its 5.2% slower thaw time is expected to offer passive protection in case of traffic, misroutes, or handover delays.
“Whether you’re shipping pharmaceuticals, perishables, or consumer goods, the new HydroFreeze ice pack range offers better control of your cold chain,” said Colin Rowland, managing director at Hydropac.“It helps brands, packers and logistics teams meet increasing demands - from operational efficiency to sustainability targets.”
In a similar effort to minimize costs and CO2 emissions, DS Smith previously designed a corrugated board box to keep fish fresh at under 40°F (~4.44°C) for over 40 hours.
Other developments from Hydropac include thermal pocket packs that use sheep wool to control temperature. This solution is intended to replace plastic alternatives while maintaining thermal integrity for up to 48 hours.
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