Gel pack, ice pack or icepack: one product, many names
An ice pack is a sealed bag of gel that you freeze and put in with your shipment, so the contents stay cool without any meltwater. Ice pack, icepack, cool pack and gel pack are different names for the same product: they are all filled with gel, which is also where the name gel pack comes from. Below you will read which spellings you will come across, what they come down to and where a cooling element or cooling block is something different.
Gel pack, ice pack and icepack: one product, several names
The same bag appears under several names. Our product pages state it literally: ice pack, cool pack, cool packs and gel pack are different names for the same product. The one-word spellings icepack and icepacks also refer to that flexible bag of gel. The same goes for a gel pack, several gel packs or a gel ice pack: it is the same filled bag.
These products are also called ice-pack, cold pack and cold packs.
Which sizes of ice packs are there?
All of our ice packs are made of sturdy PE, white in color, and are supplied per master carton. The weights range from 200 to 1,000 g. The heavier the pack, the larger it is and the fewer pieces fit in a carton.
| Weight | Size | Per master carton | Per pallet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 g | 120 x 150 mm | 80 pcs | 3,200 pcs |
| 300 g | 120 x 180 mm | 60 pcs | 2,400 pcs |
| 400 g | 120 x 210 mm | 40 pcs | 1,600 pcs |
| 500 g | 120 x 220 mm | 35 pcs | 1,400 pcs |
| 600 g | 120 x 240 mm | 30 pcs | 1,200 pcs |
| 1,000 g | 150 x 275 mm | 18 pcs | 720 pcs |
A 200 g pack fits in boxes and bags, while the 1,000 g version is meant for longer transit times and larger volumes.
What is the difference between a cooling element and a cooling block?
A cooling element is a rigid version: a sturdy plastic housing instead of a flexible foil bag. Cooling elements are also called freezer elements, rigid cool packs or reusable cooling blocks. They can be reused hundreds of times, and cooling elements come in 200, 400 and 750 g.
A gel pack is flexible and adapts to the shape of your product. Gel packs are mainly handy when you do not expect the pack back, while cooling elements are meant for those who ship the same consignment every day. For a comparison, read our article rigid cooling element or gel pack.
A third variant is the PCM pack. A PCM pack gives off a constant temperature of minus 18 °C, while a gel pack gives off 0 °C. If you ship frozen goods, a PCM pack is a good choice. And if you want a flat cooling sheet instead of a bag, take a look at the ice pack sheets.
What do all gel packs and cool packs have in common?
Whatever the name, they share the same properties:
- Filled with gel that does not come out as loose water when it thaws, so no meltwater in your package.
- Leak-proof, even if the packaging is damaged: the gel stays in the bag.
- Non-toxic and safe in direct contact with food.
- Suitable for air freight, mail shipping and refrigerated transport over land.
- Can be used several times thanks to the thick PE material.
That is why they are used in the food industry, for fish and meat, in the fruit and vegetable sector and in the pharmaceutical and medical sector, wherever crushed ice is not practical.
Combining ice packs with an EPS box
Combine the packs with an EPS box for good cooling. You can read more about the number of packs per shipment in our article Ice pack for shipping: what determines the quantity?. For questions about the name or the size, our specialists will help you on +31 (0) 255 234 200.
Frequently asked questions about ice packs
Is a cool pack the same as an ice pack?
Yes. Ice pack, cool pack and gel pack are different names for the same product. It is a sealed bag filled with gel.
Are cooling blocks the same as gel ice packs?
Not quite. In our data, cooling blocks are the reusable, rigid cooling elements. A gel ice pack is the flexible bag. Both cool, but they differ in sturdiness and reusability.
Do ice packs give off meltwater?
No. The gel stays solid, even when it thaws.
Ordering ice packs
Order by 14:00 and your order ships the same day. All sizes are available from stock, from our own production since 1972. Take a look at our full range of ice packs or request a quote for larger quantities.
You will find all names for this product in our glossary.
