Dry ice shortages fueled by stagnant carbon dioxide production are straining supply chains and pressuring manufacturers to ramp up research into safer, more sustainable cold-chain packaging.
Key Takeaways
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Supply-demand imbalance: Dry ice demand is climbing 5% annually, while CO₂ production grows just 0.3%, raising concerns about a potential shortage by 2026.
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Innovation surge: Packaging makers are accelerating R&D into reusable, battery-powered, and recyclable alternatives to offset dry ice dependency and enhance sustainability.
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Sustainability shift: Despite higher costs, the industry increasingly prioritizes eco-friendly, returnable, and recyclable cold-chain solutions in anticipation of tighter CO₂ supplies.
