For businesses in Pakistan that regularly ship or store temperature-sensitive products — whether pharmaceuticals, veterinary medicines, food, or cosmetics — the choice of ice gel pack can have a significant impact on both cold chain performance and operating costs. In this article, we compare the main types of ice gel packs available in Pakistan and help you decide which is right for your business.
The Main Types of Ice Gel Packs
Reusable Gel Packs
Reusable gel packs contain a non-toxic polymer gel (typically a sodium polyacrylate or similar compound) sealed inside a durable plastic or foil pouch. They can be frozen, used, thawed, and refrozen hundreds of times without loss of performance. They are the most cost-effective option for operations that run regular delivery routes or maintain ongoing cold storage needs.
Best for: Pharma distributors, veterinary clinics, food delivery businesses, logistics companies with regular cold chain shipments.
MOQ at Plastocraft: 500 units. Available in 100g to 1kg sizes.
Instant Cold Packs (Single-Use Chemical)
Instant cold packs work through an endothermic chemical reaction — typically ammonium nitrate and water separated by an inner membrane. When you squeeze and shake the pack, the membrane breaks and the reaction begins, generating cold within seconds. No freezer required.
These packs are convenient for emergencies and field use, but they have real limitations: they only stay cold for 20–30 minutes, they cannot be reused, and they are more expensive per use than reusable packs. For any sustained cold chain need, they are not the right solution.
Best for: Field vaccination camps, first aid kits, emergency transport situations, single-use shipments without access to freezing.
Phase Change Material (PCM) Packs
PCM packs are engineered to maintain a specific temperature by absorbing or releasing latent heat as the material changes phase (solid to liquid or vice versa). They are available in different target temperatures, including +5°C PCM packs specifically designed for 2–8°C pharma cold chain. They are more expensive than standard gel packs but offer more precise temperature control and longer duration.
In Pakistan, PCM packs are mainly used by international pharma companies and large-scale vaccine logistics providers. For most local distributors, the cost premium is not justified when high-quality standard gel packs perform adequately.
Best for: High-value biologics, international shipments, operations with strict temperature logging requirements.
Comparing Performance: What Matters Most for Pakistan
| Factor | Reusable Gel Pack | Instant Cold Pack | PCM Pack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold duration | 12–24 hours (insulated) | 20–30 minutes | 24–72 hours |
| Reusable | Yes (hundreds of cycles) | No | Yes |
| Cost per use | Very low | High | Low (but high upfront) |
| Requires freezer | Yes | No | Yes (or conditioning) |
| Available locally | Yes (Plastocraft) | Limited | Limited / imported |
| Custom sizes | Yes | No | Limited |
The Total Cost of Ownership Calculation
Many buyers in Pakistan focus on the unit price of a gel pack without calculating the total cost of ownership. Here is a simple example:
Assume you run 20 cold box deliveries per day, with 6 packs per box, 300 working days per year.
- With reusable packs (lifespan 500 cycles): You need approximately 120 packs. At Rs. 150 per pack, total investment = Rs. 18,000. Over 3 years (500 cycles each), cost per use = Rs. 0.12.
- With instant cold packs: You need 36,000 packs per year. At Rs. 80 per pack, annual cost = Rs. 2,880,000.
The math is clear. For any regular operation, reusable gel packs are the only financially rational choice.
Our Recommendation for Most Pakistani Businesses
For the vast majority of pharma distributors, veterinary suppliers, food businesses, and logistics companies in Pakistan, reusable gel packs from a reliable local manufacturer are the optimal choice. They provide adequate cold duration for most route lengths, cost a fraction of alternatives on a per-use basis, and can be sourced quickly without import delays.
Plastocraft manufactures reusable ice gel packs in Lahore in multiple sizes, with custom branding available. For a quote or free samples, contact us at +92 321 888 9636 or info@plastocraft.pk.