The global cold chain packaging market is estimated to be valued at USD 38.51 Bn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 134.08 Bn by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.5% from 2025 to 2032.
To learn more about this report, Download Free Sample
The cold chain packaging industry has witnessed high growth in recent years due to rising demand for perishable foods across the globe. The increased international trade in temperature-sensitive products, such as pharmaceuticals, and globalization of food supply chains have added considerably to the demand for sophisticated cold chain packaging solutions.
|
Current Events |
Description and its impact |
|
Global Supply Chain Disruptions and Logistics Challenges |
|
|
Climate Change Regulations and Sustainability Mandates |
|
Uncover macros and micros vetted on 75+ parameters: Get instant access to report
Pallet shippers are expected to contribute 35.7% of the market share of the product type segment in the global cold chain packaging market in 2025. Pallet shippers provide unmatched protection for temperature-sensitive goods during shipping. Thermoformed plastic or cardboard shells with insulation fitting closely around products on the pallet create an unbroken temperature barrier. Pallets can also be designed with ventilated or solid tops depending on specific cargo needs. Tracking is simplified with pallet shippers since the entire load travels as one unit. Their modular design supports multi-destination deliveries without unstacking at intermediate stops.
For instance, in April 2024, Storopack introduced a large (“XXL”) pallet shipper that can maintain 2–8 °C for up to 120 hours, even in outside temps from –20 °C to +60 °C.
Among applications, the fish, seafood, and meat segment is likely to hold a share of 34.7% in the cold chain packaging market in 2025. Products in the segment are highly perishable; they must be kept under uninterrupted temperature control in the supply chain.
With the advancement of technology, cold chain providers can provide value-added services to meet specific requirements for various meat cuts and different types of seafood. Advanced insulation material and automated cooling ensure the product arrives in pristine condition, whether domestically or cross-border transported. Monitoring systems tracking temperature, humidity, and impact, among other parameters, will immediately detect any issues. That gives supply chain managers critical data to implement corrective actions and avoid costly losses.
For example, in March 2024, DS Smith launched its DryPack box: a 100% water-resistant, fully recyclable corrugated container for seafood. When packed with ice, it keeps fresh fish below 40 °F (~4 °C) for over 40 hours. The box ships flat (saving on freight) and is approved for air freight by IATA.
To learn more about this report, Download Free Sample
The North America region currently dominates the global cold chain packaging market owing to a strong presence of major companies in countries like the U.S. and Canada. The market in this region is expected to account for 35.2% of the market share in 2025. With the rising demand for perishable foods and pharmaceutical products, the need for efficient cold chain systems is growing rapidly across countries in the region. North America is one of the leading producers and consumers of temperature sensitive products worldwide. Stringent food safety regulations along with advanced cold storage infrastructure, has accelerated the use of temperature-controlled packaging over the past decade.
Some of the key players from North America are successfully exporting their cold chain solutions to international markets, which is another factor that is strengthening the region’s control over the industry. Additionally, free trade agreements like NAFTA have fostered the sharing of cold chain best practices between Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, which in turn is driving higher adoption rates of specialized packaging designs and temperature monitoring technologies.
For example, in April 2025, Cold Chain Technologies (CCT) unveiled the CCT Tower Elite reusable pallet shipper. With corporate headquarters in the U.S., CCT introduced the CCT Tower Elite: a new reusable temperature-controlled pallet shipper for cold-chain pharma and biotech shipments. Reusable design supports cost savings and sustainability for North America and international exports.
The Asia Pacific region is witnessing remarkable growth and emerging as the fastest growing market for cold chain packaging. Developing economies like India and China have witnessed a tremendous surge in their consumer goods industry, which has increased the need for maintaining cold temperature control during the storage and shipping of perishables. Growing middle class, rapid urbanization, and changing dietary patterns are spurring the demand for temperature sensitive pharmaceuticals, dairy, seafood, and other perishable foods in Asia Pacific. This has fuelled investments by both international as well as regional players to expand their presence through setting up production facilities, enhancing warehousing capacities and expanding distribution coverage across the region.
Sensing opportunities, several global firms have entered strategic partnerships with local Asian players to provide complete supply chain solutions tailored for the diverse Asia Pacific markets. Rising export-oriented businesses are also contributing to the growth of the cold chain packaging industry in the Asia Pacific region.
For instance, in September 2025, CCT signals major APAC investment with new hubs and distributors, CCT expanded its local capabilities for parcel shippers, pallet shippers, thermal covers, and IoT-based solutions across the Asia Pacific region.
The U.S. cold-chain packaging market is strongly driven by its mature pharmaceutical industry, particularly in biologics, vaccines, and specialty therapies. There is high demand for validated, ultra-insulated packaging (like EPS boxes or vacuum‑insulated panels) to safely transport temperature-sensitive drugs across the country.
For instance, in September 2025, Sonoco to sell ThermoSafe temperature-assured packaging business, Sonoco announced the sale of its ThermoSafe business to Arsenal Capital Partners, affecting the U.S. cold-chain packaging market. ThermoSafe is a major name in pharma and biotech temperature-controlled packaging.
The rapid growth of cold-chain packaging in China is driven both by booming biopharmaceutical manufacturing and by a rising consumer appetite for fresh, frozen, and imported food.
Since the cold‑chain logistics infrastructure of China has been scaling up-that includes warehouses, transport, and temperature-controlled facilities-the demand for insulated packaging that will support these systems has climbed astronomically.
For instance, in August 2025, according to a white paper (published 23 Sept 2025), the cold‑chain packaging machine business in China grew ~32% in 2025, driven by fresh e‑commerce and biopharma packaging demand.
| Report Coverage | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Year: | 2024 | Market Size in 2025: | USD 38.51 Bn |
| Historical Data for: | 2020 To 2024 | Forecast Period: | 2025 To 2032 |
| Forecast Period 2025 to 2032 CAGR: | 19.5% | 2032 Value Projection: | USD 134.08 Bn |
| Geographies covered: |
|
||
| Segments covered: |
|
||
| Companies covered: |
Cascades Inc., Cold Chain Technologies, Creopack, Cryopak A TCP Company, Intelsius, Pelican Products, Inc., Softbox, Sonoco ThermoSafe, va-Q-tec, Insulated Product Corporation, Sofrigam, Valor Industries, QProducts & Services, and Aquatechtanks |
||
| Growth Drivers: |
|
||
| Restraints & Challenges: |
|
||
Uncover macros and micros vetted on 75+ parameters: Get instant access to report
With increasing globalization of trade, there has been a tremendous rise in the transportation of perishable food items and temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products across borders. This includes shipping of fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, seafood, and other perishables from regions of production to other markets worldwide. Similarly, trade in biologics, vaccines, and other temperature-controlled drugs has seen high growth. Maintaining an unbroken cold chain from production to the end consumer has become critical for the quality and safety of these products. Even a small rise in temperature or exposure to warm conditions during transportation can lead to the spoilage of perishables or compromise the efficacy of pharmaceuticals.
As worldwide trade in perishable agricultural commodities and pharmaceuticals expands to new geographies and demand centers, there is a parallel need for robust cold chain infrastructure and packaging solutions to protect these shipments across borders. The need for specialized insulated packaging, refrigerants, tracking systems, and other cold chain logistics is driving the growth of the cold chain packaging industry on a global scale.
Growing overseas trade of perishable foods between regions presents a significant opportunity for the global cold chain packaging market. As international trade barriers come down and Logistics networks improve globally, there is higher potential to transport temperature sensitive foods across longer distances while still maintaining the highest quality and freshness. According to data from UN Comtrade, the value of global exports of perishable food items has grown by over 20% between 2020-2022.
Countries are increasingly sourcing perishable food products like fruits, vegetables, seafood and meat from different climatic regions of the world to ensure steady supply throughout the year. This is driving the need for specialized cold chain packaging solutions that can keep products chilled or frozen during multimodal transportation over land and sea. Solutions like coolants, gel packs, insulation materials, temperature monitoring devices and automated cold storage warehouses are being increasingly adopted to tackle unique challenges like detention times at ports and changing ambient conditions.
To learn more about this report, Download Free Sample
The rapid digitization of economies and rising internet penetration worldwide have boosted the growth of e-commerce across all sectors including food and grocery. More consumers are opting to shop for their daily needs like foods, beverages, and packaged meals online through e-stores or hyperlocal apps and get these delivered to their homes. This has placed additional responsibility on retailers and logistics providers to maintain quality right from packing at processing/manufacturing facilities to the last mile delivery.
Perishable items need to be packaged in protective solutions that can keep them fresh until they reach the end consumer. The growth of online grocery shopping and online food delivery business models has generated new demand for specialized insulated packaging products, temperature-controlled transportation, and tracking systems. Cold chain packaging manufacturers are developing innovative solutions to cater to the unique requirements of the fast growing e-grocery segment.
The cold chain packaging market is experiencing a strategic transformation driven by the dual imperatives of temperature integrity and sustainability. The rising complexity of global supply chains, especially for pharmaceuticals and perishable foods, has underscored the need for advanced insulation solutions and real-time monitoring technologies. Regulatory frameworks such as the U.S. FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) for pharmaceuticals and China’s cold-chain logistics standards are accelerating adoption of validated packaging that ensures product quality throughout transit.
Leading pharmaceutical and food companies like Pfizer, Moderna, and Sysco are enforcing supplier compliance with temperature-controlled packaging standards, creating a strong pull-effect across the supply chain. In parallel, sustainability pressures are reshaping material choices: firms are increasingly integrating recyclable or reusable thermal materials without compromising thermal performance.
Apart from this, market leadership will favor companies that combine robust thermal performance, digital traceability, and sustainable material strategies. Organizations that invest in smart temperature-controlled solutions, integrate lifecycle management, and demonstrate compliance with evolving regulatory expectations are positioned to secure both commercial resilience and long-term strategic advantage.
*Definition: The global cold chain packaging market refers to the market for packaging solutions used in cold chain logistics and storage. Cold chain packaging products are designed to maintain proper temperatures throughout transit and storage in order to preserve the quality and freshness of temperature-sensitive goods like foods, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and others. They include insulated containers, refrigerants, temperature monitoring devices, and other accessories that ensure products are kept within safe temperature ranges to protect them from damage or decay during transport and warehouse storage.
Share
Share
About Author
Kalpesh Gharte is a senior consultant with approximately 5 years of experience in the consulting industry. Kalpesh holds an MBA in Operations and Marketing Management, providing him with a strong foundation in market strategy and analysis. He has contributed to various consulting and syndicated reports, delivering valuable insights that support informed business decisions
Missing comfort of reading report in your local language? Find your preferred language :
Transform your Strategy with Exclusive Trending Reports :
Frequently Asked Questions
Joining thousands of companies around the world committed to making the Excellent Business Solutions.
View All Our Clients
Schedule a meeting with report Author
