Collection: Gel Ice Packs

Gel ice packs help keep temperature-sensitive goods cool during storage and transport. MPS stocks Protecta Chill gel ice packs in 300g, 500g and 1kg sizes for use with suitable cold shipping and packaging solutions.

What Are Gel Ice Packs?

Gel ice packs are sealed, gel-filled packs that are chilled or frozen before use. They are placed inside packaging to absorb heat and help keep temperature-sensitive products cool during storage and transport.

Protecta Chill gel ice packs from MPS are suitable for frozen and refrigerated goods. The packs have a non-toxic gel and a recyclable LDPE outer. They can be frozen for up to eight hours before being added to the packaging for transport.

What Are Gel Ice Packs Used For?

Gel ice packs are used when products need to stay cool during storage, handling, or transport.

Protecta Chill gel packs at MPS Packaging are suitable for:

• Seafood
• Food products
• Frozen and refrigerated goods
• Pathology samples
• Pharmaceuticals
• Other temperature-sensitive products

Ice packs are not a complete packaging solution on their own. Their effectiveness will depend on factors such as insulation, the outer carton, product quantity and transport conditions.

How Are Gel Ice Packs Used For Shipping?

Gel ice packs absorb heat from the surrounding package as the gel gradually warms.

Before dispatch, gel ice packs are frozen and placed around temperature-sensitive products inside suitable packaging. As the gel gradually warms, it absorbs heat to help keep the contents cool during transport.

However, cooling performance can be affected by:

• The number and size of gel packs used.
• The quantity of goods and their temperature when packed.
• The size of the shipping container.
• The quality and thickness of the insulation.
• Empty space inside the package.
• Outside temperature.
• Transport duration.
• How often the package is opened.

For this reason, avoid choosing a gel pack based only on a claimed number of cooling hours. The complete packaging configuration needs to suit the shipment.

For products that also need protection from movement, impact or abrasion, combine the cold packaging system with appropriate protective packaging.

The Range of Gel Ice Packs at MPS

MPS supplies Protecta Chill gel ice packs in three standard weights for commercial cold shipping and packaging applications.

300g gel ice packs

The 300g Protecta Chill gel ice packs are supplied in cartons of 44.

Their small size makes them useful when:

• Parcel space is limited.
• Several smaller packs need to be positioned around a product.
• Products have an irregular shape.
• More flexible pack placement is required.

The correct quantity depends on the product, insulation, and expected transport conditions.

500g gel ice packs

The 500g Protecta Chill gel ice packs are supplied in cartons of 28.

This mid-sized option suits packaging that requires a balance between cooling mass and pack placement. 

It also allows for fewer packs than a smaller format, depending on the shipment's dimensions and cooling requirements.

1kg gel ice packs

The 1kg Protecta Chill gel ice packs are supplied in cartons of 14.

Their larger size may suit applications where a higher-volume gel pack is preferred. Check the pack dimensions against the available space to ensure the product, insulation and gel packs fit securely without crushing the contents.

How to Use Gel Ice Packs for Shipping?

Gel ice packs should be used with suitable insulated packaging to help keep temperature-sensitive goods cool during transport. Freeze the packs before use, then position them around the products inside the package.

Use insulation around the product

Suitable insulation helps separate the temperature-sensitive contents from warmer outside air.

For many shipments, cardboard boxes provide suitable outer packaging, with insulation and gel ice packs placed inside to help protect temperature-sensitive goods during transport.

For small ecommerce products that do not require a rigid carton, consider using protective mailing bags.

Position the gel packs around the contents

Distribute packs by product size and shape rather than placing all cooling packs in one location.

Keep the arrangement consistent for regular ecommerce or food deliveries.

Limit unnecessary space

Large empty areas inside a carton can make packing less efficient and allow products and cooling packs to move during transport.

Use suitable packaging materials to secure the contents while allowing the gel packs to cool the products effectively.

Seal the package properly

Once the product, insulation, and gel packs are positioned correctly, close the carton securely using suitable packaging tape.

Avoid repeatedly reopening the package after it has been prepared for dispatch, as it allows warm air into the insulated space.

Buy Gel Ice Packs from MPS Packaging Australia

MPS has supplied packaging products to Australian businesses since 1977, and our team offers helpful, in-depth industry knowledge.

Browse our gel ice packs online and choose the pack size that best suits your packaging setup. Our range supports applications across food distribution, ecommerce, warehousing, logistics, and other cold shipping requirements. 

If you are unsure how to combine gel packs with insulation and outer packaging, contact the MPS team for practical advice.