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View our prices online – Buy securely online today – Free Nationwide Delivery* #1 Dry Ice Solution in South Africa

Dry Ice Africa is a leading dry ice manufacturer and distributor in South Africa, delivering premium-grade dry ice for industrial, commercial, medical, and emergency use. With same-day delivery available nationwide, were ready when you need us any time, any place. 

Dry Ice Africa, a leader in dry ice manufacturing and distribution, offers premium dry ice products, including pellets, blocks, and slices, for diverse applications. Dry ice, solid carbon dioxide at -78.5°C, sublimates without leaving residue, making it ideal for food preservation, medical transport, catering effects, and industrial cleaning. From preserving seafood in Cape Town to cleaning mining equipment in Gauteng, our dry ice meets the needs of businesses and individuals nationwide.

Not only does Dry Ice International have the most extensive range of products available ( dry ice pellets, round and square blocks ) in South Africa, but also, most of the dry ice manufacturing and liquefaction equipment that we use has been developed and built in-house by our experienced team of engineers. Taking into account our corporate expertise in dry ice manufacturing, enhanced by some of the most advanced equipment and techniques available to us, we are well able to produce superior quality dry ice and maintain a recovery of the revert CO2 gas well above the world standard. We are your turnkey dry ice solution.

Nationwide Dry Ice Delivery – Available Now 

  • Immediate dispatch across Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Eastern Cape 
  • Same-day or next-day delivery through regional depots 
  • Bulk and retail orders for industrial, catering, food processing, events, and medical transport 
  • Insulated polystyrene containers and cooler boxes available on request 

Furthermore, Dry Ice International has more than fifteen years of experience in the area of dry ice blast cleaning in a diverse range of industries such as mining, car and tyre manufacturing, rail, printing, plastics production, substation disaster recovery and electrical generation, transmission and distribution. We use a wide range of dry ice blasting machines. Free consultations are available to determine your specific needs to choose the right machine, nozzle and compressor. In addition, dry ice pellets are manufactured in various sizes to the highest standards in the world.

Dry Ice For Sale Online

We offer a variety of dry ice products for sale in South Africa. Find dry ice for any occasion in our online store or at our branches.

Dry Ice International specialises in the manufacturing and distribution of dry ice in different shapes and sizes. Deliveries are done nationwide or cross-border by a well established in-house fleet, or in collaboration with a courier service on a 24 hour, 7 days a week, 365 days a year basis.

The dry ice product range currently available has been developed with more than twenty years of production and distribution experience. Various advanced packaging- and storage-related product extensions have been successfully developed to extend the shelf life of dry ice for special purposes.

Dry ice is specifically supplied to the engineering industry for shrinking of steel shafts to fit bearings. We also pride ourselves to be experts in cleaning high-power generators and electric motors, by focusing on the stators and rotors without damaging the delicate equipment.

We at Dry Ice International have relied on our extensive experience in the dry ice blast cleaning arena to develop an in-house dry ice blast cleaning machine, tailored specifically for the harsh climate and working conditions on mines in Africa. The result is the Brilliant Blaster and the Brilliant Blaster Mini.

Over the course of four years, this blast cleaning machine has been developed by a South African team consisting of highly skilled mechanical engineers and artisans, in conjunction with dry ice blast cleaning operators to incorporate their practical experience in the field. The final product is virtually maintenance-free and does not require any electrical supply to operate.
We have serviced all metros including - Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, and Port Elizabeth.

There are products available for every occasion you could imagine. As a one of the leading dry ice suppliers in Johannesburg, we make sure that delivery is fast when you buy dry ice from us. Dry Ice purchases can be collected from an outlet near you in Durban, Cape Town and other cities in various provinces across the country.

Besides being one of the best dry ice distributors and manufacturers on the continent of Africa, we are known as a reliable company that puts customer satisfaction at the top of our priority list. Since Dry Ice International came into existence in 1994, we have made more than 25 000 dry ice deliveries. We continue to expand our reach with outlets in Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town.

What Is Dry Ice? 

Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO), stored at −78.5°C. It sublimates directly from solid to gas, leaving no moisture. It’s ideal for ultra-cold transport, refrigeration, fog effects, or industrial cleaning. Always handle with gloves or tools—never with bare skin. Use in ventilated areas. 

Dry ice is critical for industries requiring reliable cooling and cleaning solutions. In South Africa, where load shedding disrupts refrigeration, dry ice preserves perishable goods like meat and pharmaceuticals during power outages.  

A 2025 Cape Business News report highlights dry ice’s role in maintaining food safety and quality during transport, reducing spoilage costs by up to 30% in the food industry. Its non-toxic, residue-free nature makes it eco-friendly, aligning with South Africa’s sustainability goals under the National Environmental Management Act. Dry ice blasting, used in mining and manufacturing, reduces environmental impact by eliminating chemical waste.

Popular Uses of Dry Ice in South Africa

There are countless uses for dry ice. Some are rather creative, while others are much more essential and practical for certain industries.

Use Case Description
🧊 Refrigeration during load shedding or power failure Keeps perishables cold when electricity is unavailable
🚚 Transport of meat, seafood, or medical supplies Maintains cold temperatures for safe and hygienic transport
💊 Cold chain logistics for pharmaceuticals and clinics Ensures temperature-sensitive medicine and vaccines stay effective
🍸🎭 Cocktail fog, event effects, theatre, or special FX Creates visual fog or smoke effects for entertainment and artistic purposes
🧼❄️ Dry ice blasting and industrial cleaning Uses dry ice for powerful, non-abrasive cleaning in industrial environments

Whether you are located in Kempton Park, Centurion, or perhaps near Cape Town, we know it’s urgent and will do all we can to ensure that our network of dry ice delivery reaches you with the dry ice block or pellets as soon as possible.

The History of Dry Ice

First a scientific discovery, now a household item Dry ice was discovered by the French inventor, Adrien – Jean – Pierre Thilorier in 1835. At first, he thought what he saw was snow, but later it was clarified that it was in fact solidified carbon dioxide. The discovery is thought to have been accidental while Thilorier was working on an experiment. He worked at a post office in Paris and is the same man who also invented an oil lamp and gas compressor. Charles – Saint – Ange Thilorier was initially believed to be the “Thilorier” who made the discovery of dry ice. However, this confusion was cleared up in an article which was published in 1952.

Dry Ice Products and Pricing 

We supply food-grade and industrial-grade dry ice in: 

Product Type Size/Description Price
Pellets 3 mm – 16 mm From R60/kg
Blocks 2 kg slabs From R75/kg
Custom Shapes / Bulk Packaging Custom sizes or bulk POA (Price on Application)

Price includes standard packaging. Delivery fees depend on region and order size. 

Fast Dry Ice Delivery Across South Africa 

🚚 Delivery Options Availability
Delivery to your home, restaurant, lab, or cold-storage facility within 24 hours 🕓 Standard: Within 24 hours
🆘 Emergency service 🕐 Available 24/7

We use our own fleet and vetted logistics partners to ensure safety and punctuality. 

Buy Dry Ice Online from Dry Ice International

Our online shop makes dry ice shopping a fast and convenient process. Within minutes you can determine exactly what type of dry ice you need and how much of it you will need for the indented purpose and duration of the event. You can also choose to make a payment to Dry Ice International online without having to wait in line for a cashier.

Many of our clients are not in a position to collect dry ice from the store and therefore it is essential for them to know exactly when to expect the delivery and know just what they will be getting when it arrives at their doorstep. It is easy to order dry ice blocks online from anywhere in the world. We offer SSL secured online payment services.

The payment options available when making an online dry ice purchase from Dr Ice International include MasterCard, Visa and PayFast. There are guidelines as to how much dry ice you will need depending on your specific requirements. You can trust the quantities we recommend when ordering online. In some instances, dry ice blocks are the best option, while dry ice pebbles work better for certain events or to create desired effects. The blocks are the most popular product and our best seller.

Dry ice blocks are usually preferred when large amounts are required for hunting trips, road trips and in the engineering field. For creative and decorative uses, dry ice pebbles might be more effective to get the desired outcome. Caterers who use dry ice in drinks or desserts make use of pebbles when looking for a way to create a slight fog or smoke effect in the drink or in the plate.

How to Store and Handle Dry Ice 

  • Use insulated coolers or polystyrene boxes—not airtight containers 
  • Store in well-ventilated spaces; never in sealed freezers 
  • Use gloves or tongs to handle; frostbite is possible 
  • Allow unused ice to sublimate in open space 

How Long Does Dry Ice Last?

Storage Method Approx. Duration
In insulated cooler 18–24 hours
In home freezer Up to 48 hours
Transporting meat 24–48 hours
Submerged in water 15–45 minutes

Note: Ambient temperature and storage insulation significantly affect duration.

Where to find Dry Ice for Sale in South Africa:

Contact Dry Ice International today if you are looking for dry ice for sale in South Africa. Your purchase will be processed and ready for collection or delivery within record time. We will help you to locate an outlet near you, especially if you prefer to collect your purchase in store. To find out more about our dry ice products and prices, don’t hesitate to phone one of our consultants with the enquiry.
Our knowledgeable team will assist you with the friendly and professional service our dry ice company has always been known for.

Frequently Asked Questions

1Where can I buy dry ice?
You can order directly from Dry Ice Africa via our website. We deliver across South Africa with depots in major cities.
2How much is dry ice per kg?
Dry ice prices range from R60/kg to R75/kg depending on form (pellet or block), volume ordered, and location.
3How much dry ice do I need?
Estimate 0.5 kg per kilogram of meat per 24 hours for cold transport. For fog or events, 1–2 kg is often sufficient for short effects.
4How long does dry ice last in a freezer?
Dry ice can last 24 to 48 hours in a standard-size freezer if kept closed and packed densely.
5How long will dry ice keep meat frozen?
When packed properly in a cooler or freezer, it will keep meat frozen below −18 °C for up to 48 hours.
6How long does dry ice last in a cooler?
In a sealed polystyrene box or cooler, expect 18 to 24 hours of effective use, depending on insulation and ambient heat.
7How long does dry ice last in water?
Dry ice sublimates quickly in water—typically 15 to 45 minutes, depending on volume.
8How do you store dry ice?
Keep it in a loosely sealed insulated container in a cool, ventilated space. Never seal in airtight containers or leave unattended in enclosed areas.