Pharmaceutical Cold Chain Packaging Market Report 2025

The pharmaceutical cold chain packaging market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $23.44 billion in 2024 to $27.14 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.8%. The growth during the historical period can be attributed to the expansion of vaccine production, the rise in global pharmaceutical trade, increased investment in healthcare logistics, the growth of clinical trials necessitating international shipping, and the development of cold chain infrastructure in emerging markets.

The pharmaceutical cold chain packaging market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $48.34 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.5%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be credited to the expansion of mRNA-based and cell and gene therapies, the increasing development of biologics and personalized medicine, greater variability in global temperatures, the continued globalization of pharmaceutical manufacturing and supply chains, and the growth of the aging population. Key trends expected during this period include the adoption of smart packaging equipped with IoT-enabled sensors, the use of blockchain technology for traceability and temperature tracking, the application of phase change materials (PCMs) for improved insulation, the implementation of AI and machine learning for predictive management of temperature excursions, and the integration of software platforms for streamlined cold chain logistics.

The growing demand for biologics and vaccines is expected to drive the expansion of the pharmaceutical cold chain packaging market. Biologics are therapeutic products derived from living organisms used to treat a range of diseases, while vaccines are designed to build immunity against specific infections. The increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses has contributed to the rising demand for these treatments, as they offer targeted and effective therapies for conditions such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, and diabetes. Cold chain packaging plays a critical role in maintaining the required temperature range during the storage and transport of biologics and vaccines, ensuring their stability, potency, and safety from production to administration. For example, in June 2025, GOV.UK reported an increase in coverage for the first dose of the MMR1 vaccine across all UK regions compared to the first quarter of the year. The East of England, London, and the Southwest each saw an increase of 0.5 percentage points, while the Southeast and Midlands recorded smaller increases of 0.1 percentage points, and the Northeast, Yorkshire, and Northwest experienced 0.2 percentage point increases. This trend underscores the rising need for effective cold chain packaging solutions to support the safe distribution of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals.

Leading companies in the pharmaceutical cold chain packaging market are emphasizing technological advancements by introducing eco-friendly, temperature-controlled packaging solutions. These sustainable solutions are designed to preserve the temperature of sensitive products while reducing environmental impact through the use of recyclable, biodegradable, or reusable materials. In April 2025, Cold Chain Technologies, LLC, a US-based packaging firm, launched TailorTemp, a fiber-based, plastic-free temperature-controlled packaging solution tailored for the pharmaceutical industry. Constructed entirely from recyclable corrugated cardboard, TailorTemp is positioned as an environmentally responsible alternative to traditional EPS containers. The design is guided by a computer-based parametric algorithm, developed in collaboration with a thermal transfer laboratory, which optimizes the packaging’s dimensions, insulation, and coolant needs for each client. Capable of maintaining required temperatures for up to 36 hours, the solution supports rapid prototyping and validation, with flat-pack shipping further improving its sustainability and logistical efficiency. Continued research is being conducted to enhance its performance and capabilities in cold chain logistics.

In October 2024, Cold Chain Technologies expanded its global capabilities through the acquisition of Tower Cold Chain, a UK-based provider of advanced, reusable passive temperature-controlled packaging solutions for the pharmaceutical, biotech, and life sciences sectors. The acquisition, made for an undisclosed sum, is intended to broaden Cold Chain Technologies’ product portfolio and international reach. By incorporating Tower Cold Chain’s expertise and innovative solutions, the company aims to strengthen its global service network and enhance its ability to deliver sustainable, compliant, and effective packaging for temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products.

Major players in the pharmaceutical cold chain packaging market are Sonoco Products Company, Sealed Air Corporation, Biobase Group, Csafe Global LLC, Cryoport Systems LLC, Cold Chain Technologies LLC, Topa Thermal BV, Envirotainer AB, Haier Biomedical Co. Ltd., Peli BioThermal Limited, SkyCell AG, Cryopak Industries Inc., Sofrigam SAS, Intelsius LLC, Softbox Systems Ltd., Inmark Global Holdings LLC, Insulated Products Corporation, Chill-Pak, CoolPac Pty Ltd, Practical Packaging Solutions Inc., The Wool Packaging Solutions Limited, Thermal Energy Service Solutions Pvt. Ltd., and Thermal Packaging Solutions Ltd.

North America was the largest region in the pharmaceutical cold chain packaging market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in pharmaceutical cold chain packaging report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the pharmaceutical cold chain packaging market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The pharmaceutical cold chain packaging market consists of sales of insulated shipping containers, phase change materials (PCMs), temperature data loggers, and refrigerated boxes. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

The sudden escalation of U.S. tariffs and the consequent trade frictions in spring 2025 are severely impacting the healthcare sector, particularly in the supply of critical medical devices, diagnostic equipment, and pharmaceuticals. Hospitals and healthcare providers are facing higher costs for imported surgical instruments, imaging equipment, and consumables such as syringes and catheters, many of which have limited domestic alternatives. These increased costs are straining healthcare budgets, leading some providers to delay equipment upgrades or pass on expenses to patients. Additionally, tariffs on raw materials and components are disrupting the production of essential drugs and devices, causing supply chain bottlenecks. In response, the industry is diversifying sourcing strategies, boosting local manufacturing where possible, and advocating for tariff exemptions on life-saving medical products.

The pharmaceutical cold chain packaging market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides pharmaceutical cold chain packaging market statistics, including pharmaceutical cold chain packaging industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a pharmaceutical cold chain packaging market share, detailed pharmaceutical cold chain packaging market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the pharmaceutical cold chain packaging industry. This pharmaceutical cold chain packaging market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

Pharmaceutical cold chain packaging involves the specialized design and production of insulated and temperature-controlled packaging systems to protect the integrity, stability, and safety of temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products during storage and transportation. This packaging is essential for preserving the effectiveness of vaccines, biologics, insulin, and other temperature-sensitive medications by maintaining specific thermal conditions throughout the entire supply chain - from the manufacturer to the end user.

The primary types of products in pharmaceutical cold chain packaging include insulated shippers, insulated containers, gel packs and ice packs, phase change materials, and dry ice. Insulated shippers are containers engineered to sustain a consistent internal temperature while transporting sensitive pharmaceutical items. These shippers are available in formats such as active and passive packaging and are distributed through various channels including direct sales, distributors, online platforms, retail pharmacies, and cold chain logistics providers. They are utilized in a range of applications, such as vaccines, biologics, pharmaceuticals, clinical trials, and laboratory samples, and serve diverse end users, including biopharmaceutical companies, clinical research organizations, hospitals, research institutes, logistics and distribution firms, and others.

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.