5 Major Benefits of Making Your Own Dry Ice vs. Buying

For businesses that rely on a steady supply of dry ice, the routine of ordering, receiving, and managing deliveries is a familiar operational cost. However, many are now shifting from being consumers to producers. The decision to invest in on-site production is a strategic move, and the benefits of making your own dry ice extend far beyond simple convenience.

This guide explores the five most impactful advantages of bringing dry ice production in-house, transforming a recurring expense into a controlled, cost-effective asset.

1. Significant Cost Reduction

The most immediate and compelling benefit is a dramatic reduction in costs. When you purchase dry ice, you are paying for more than just the product itself. The price includes:

• Supplier Markup: The supplier’s own production costs, overhead, and profit margin.
• Delivery Fees: Transportation and fuel surcharges, which can be substantial.
• Sublimation Loss: This is a critical hidden cost. Dry ice begins to sublimate (turn from a solid to a gas) the moment it’s produced. By the time a delivery reaches your facility, you may have already lost 10-20% of the product you paid for.

In-house production eliminates all three of these cost layers. You pay only for the liquid CO₂ and the electricity to run the machine, leading to a significantly lower cost-per-pound.

2. Superior Dry Ice Quality and Performance

“Fresh” dry ice is simply better. Dry ice produced moments before it’s used is denser, harder, and sublimates more slowly than dry ice that has been in transit for hours or days.

This enhanced quality translates directly to better performance. Whether you are shipping pharmaceuticals or blast cleaning equipment, denser dry ice provides more cooling power and lasts longer, improving the effectiveness of your operations and potentially reducing the amount needed for a given task.

3. Complete Control and On-Demand Availability

Relying on an external supplier means you are subject to their schedules, delivery windows, and potential supply chain disruptions. This is one of the most powerful benefits of making your own dry ice: you reclaim full control over your supply.

• Produce What You Need, When You Need It: Need an emergency shipment for an unexpected order? Simply turn on the machine.
• Eliminate Lead Times: There is no need to forecast usage days in advance. You can respond to real-time demand instantly.
• Operate 24/7: An automated machine can run overnight to have a fresh supply ready for the morning shift, independent of any supplier’s business hours.

4. Drastic Reduction in Waste

When buying dry ice, businesses often order in bulk to get a better price or to ensure they don’t run out. This frequently leads to significant waste, as any unused dry ice sublimates away in storage.

On-site production allows for a “just-in-time” inventory model. You produce the exact amount required for the day’s or week’s tasks, minimizing storage time and virtually eliminating waste from sublimation. This is not only a cost-saving measure but also a more sustainable practice.

5. Tailored Production for Your Specific Application

Not all applications are the same, and your dry ice shouldn’t have to be either. In-house production gives you the flexibility to create the exact format and size of dry ice your process requires. Using a modern machine with a Siemens PLC controller, you can precisely adjust production parameters.

This means you can choose between producing dense, long-lasting blocks for shipping with a dry ice block machine, or creating uniform pellets ideal for process cooling or blast cleaning with a dedicated dry ice pellet machine. This ability to customize your output ensures you are using the most efficient form of dry ice for every job, further optimizing performance and cost.