These pellets have an average length of 50 mm and is suitable for the transport of various fragile cargo items, e.g. vaccines, blood and medical samples. It is ideal to pack smaller samples of products because of its size, as it can be manipulated to fit all kinds of consignments and may also be used as a cooling agent for recreational activities, e.g. camping and fishing. Other applications are also possible by creating smoky special effects for parties, catering events and movie shoots.
These pellets are mainly used for dry ice blasting. Dry ice blasting is an industrial cleaning method which is environmentally-friendly and non-abrasive. The pellets are accelerated in a pressured air stream directed at the surface which is to be cleaned. Once it impacts the surface, it sublimates into a gas, leaving only the contaminant behind.
Discover the cooling power of dry ice pellets with Dry Ice Africa, South Africa’s leading manufacturer and supplier. Whether you’re searching for “dry ice pellets for sale near me” in Gauteng, Cape Town, or Durban, our food-grade pellets ensure consistent performance for food preservation, medical logistics, events, and industrial cleaning.
Available in 3 mm and 16 mm sizes, our pellets sublimate cleanly without residue, making them ideal for Africa’s demanding logistics and hot climates. Order online for nationwide delivery – from Johannesburg to Cape Town – and benefit from sustainable, reliable cooling.
The dry ice industry supports so many business and individual needs that if you are looking for a unique and completely safe and mess free way to keep things, especially smaller things, cool, then dry ice pellets might just be exactly what you are looking for. Dry ice blocks might also interest you. We also offer a range of polystyrene containers and dry ice Western Cape.
Dry ice comes in many shapes and forms, and dry ice pellets are simply dry ice products in the neat shape of small, medium or large pellets. These pellets have a use in many different industries and are primarily used to keep things cold. Dry ice pellets can fit into containers of all kinds, since they are available in different sizes, and as such there are many different ways in which they can be used.
Dry ice pellets are solid CO₂, compressed into cylinders at -78.5°C. Unlike water ice, they sublimate directly into gas, leaving no liquid waste. Ideal for cold chains disrupted by load shedding, they’re made with advanced systems that recycle over 99% of CO₂, ensuring sustainability and cost efficiency. Available in 16 mm for medical transport and 3 mm for industrial cleaning, they support South Africa’s R90 billion food export industry, part of a global dry ice market projected to reach USD 2.73 billion by 2032.
Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide and it is freezing cold. Used primarily to keep things cool, dry ice as a cooling agent is more than capable of staying cold for hours on end, provided it is not left exposed to the elements.
When dry ice is in contact with the air, it can begin to melt. Although this process is slow, it won’t make a mess. Unlike ice made from a liquid such as water, dry ice is made from carbon, which means when it begins to break down, it turns into a gas which then simply disappears.
Dry ice is not only used as a cooling agent. It is also used for cleaning. As a cleaning agent, dry ice is blasted out of a machine at high speeds and the result is a super clean surface without the worry of having to clean up a mess.
There are many reasons why you should use dry ice, whether for cooling or for cleaning. For starters, dry ice is completely safe to use. There are no harmful chemicals involved in the making of dry ice. So whether you are handling it or if you are worried about the after effects of its use, you will never have to worry about the safety of the dry ice or what might happen if it were to touch whatever it is you are cooling or cleaning.
Whether you need lots of it, or if you are simply looking for a small amount to keep products cold, you will be able to factor it into your budget. The different forms of dry ice can also make a difference in your budget as you will find that bulkier dry ice products can be pricier than pellets.
Finally, dry ice has quite a decent lifespan. While you are unlikely to want to use the same batch over a really long period of time, over the short term, such as the time it can take to transport your products from A to B, your dry ice is most certainly going to last long enough for it to be useful.
16 mm Dry Ice Pellets
These larger pellets are widely used in medical transport, keeping vaccines, blood samples, and biotech products cold during long trips. They also suit fishing, camping, and catering, fitting easily into containers. For events, 16 mm pellets generate thick fog without messy residue – ideal for weddings, film shoots, or corporate functions.
3 mm Dry Ice Pellets
Perfect for dry ice blasting, these fine pellets remove dirt, grease, and paint without water or chemicals. A 2024 Journal of Cleaner Production study found dry ice blasting has a 40% lower environmental impact than traditional methods, making it essential in South Africa’s drought-prone regions. Industries in Gauteng, Durban, and Cape Town rely on these pellets to clean machinery quickly while reducing downtime.
Dry ice pellets provide seven times more effective cooling than water ice, maintaining -70°C to prevent spoilage during power outages and reducing South Africa’s R10 billion food waste. They leave no liquid residue and meet NEMA standards. In healthcare, they preserve biotech samples and organs, protecting cold chains from rural clinics to city labs.
Cost-effective and versatile, pellets suit small vendors needing manageable packs and industries like mining, where blasting applications reduce equipment downtime by up to 80%, boosting efficiency and sustainability.
Dry ice pellets are indispensable across industries:
As Africa’s logistics and export industries grow, demand for dry ice pellets will continue to rise, supporting innovation from Johannesburg to Nairobi.
Safety is vital with -78.5°C pellets. Always wear insulated gloves, goggles, and protective clothing to avoid frostbite. Handle pellets with tongs, and store them in ventilated containers – never airtight spaces – to prevent CO₂ pressure buildup.
For food use, wrap items before storage. In blasting applications, ensure ventilation to keep CO₂ levels below 5,000 ppm. Typically, pellets last 18–24 hours in EPS boxes, extendable to 72+ hours with insulation. All deliveries from Dry Ice Africa include usage and handling guides.
With over 25 years of expertise, Dry Ice Africa is South Africa’s trusted source for food-grade pellets. From our Gauteng and Western Cape depots, we offer nationwide delivery and same-day service in major centres. Our high-density pellets minimize sublimation, ensuring longer-lasting cold. Pricing is competitive per kg, with bulk discounts for industries.
Choose Dry Ice Africa for reliability, sustainability, and expert support – order online today and experience premium-quality pellets that keep your business, products, and events running smoothly across South Africa and beyond.
Dry ice is solid CO₂ that sublimates at -78.5°C. In South Africa, it’s produced by compressing and cooling CO₂, with over 99% of gas recovered for eco-friendly manufacturing.
In insulated containers, 5 kg of dry ice lasts 24–48 hours. Use polystyrene boxes in Port Elizabeth’s mild climate for best results.
Yes. Food-grade dry ice keeps fridges below 4°C without water residue. Always avoid direct contact with food.
At our Struandale branch, 25 Kwaford Road, or online with same-day delivery across Gqeberha.
Yes, dry ice blasting removes contaminants in food and mining industries without water or chemicals.
Wear gloves, ensure ventilation, and never store in sealed containers.
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