The global pharma cold chain logistics market was estimated at USD 18.2 billion in 2023, forecasted to grow to USD 41.5 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 8.6% (2025–2033)
Analysts expect the global pharmaceutical cold chain logistics sub-sector to grow from ~USD 21 billion in 2025 to USD 22.74 billion by 2027, at ~12.5% CAGR .
In Europe specifically, the market is set to reach USD 22 billion in 2025, rising to USD 35 billion by 2030 at ~10% CAGR
In India, the pharma cold chain logistics segment was USD 0.57 billion in 2024 and expected to grow at 3.2% CAGR through 2033 .
Top global players include Cold Chain Technologies (CCT), Cryopak, Deutsche Post DHL, FedEx, UPS, C.SAFE Global, Lineage, VersaCold, CEVA, Pelican BioThermal, and Indicold towardspackaging.com
UPS has been particularly active:
Acquired Germany’s Frigo‑Trans & BPL to bolster European cold chain delivery (closing Q1 2025) reuters.com
In April 2025, agreed to buy Canada’s Andlauer Healthcare Group (AHG) for USD 1.6 billion, adding 9 distribution centers and 22 branches; deal expected to close in H2 2025 reuters.com.
DHL acquired U.S.-based Cryopdp in March 2025, integrating temperature-sensitive shipping, storage, and packaging to enhance its Life Sciences and Healthcare services (2024 revenues: EUR 5 billion)
Cold Chain Technologies (CCT) introduced its reusable temperature-controlled pallet shipper in April 2025, and launched CCT Tower Elite at LogiPharma 2025 towardspackaging.com.
DS Smith debuted TailorTemp®, a fiber-based packaging solution for up to 36 hours of thermal stability at Pharmapack Europe 2025 towardspackaging.com.
Reusable shipping systems like Tower Elite and eco-friendly recyclable cold packaging from Candor Expedite are gaining traction towardspackaging.com.
Advancements in IoT-enabled sensors, blockchain, real-time temperature tracking, and smart packaging are now standard: 80% of cold chain pharma shipments use real-time IoT monitoring
Cold chain operations account for 7–10% of total pharmaceutical supply chain costs, with 40–60% of overall logistics spend dedicated to temperature-controlled segments
The global life sciences supply chain labor force is projected to grow ~14% by 2025, driven by automation
70% of cold chain shipments involve clinical trial materials and real-time monitoring
Temperature excursion remains a risk: ~4% of shipments are compromised gitnux.org, and ~40% of cold chain failures are due to poor monitoring .
| Region | Market Size (2024/25) | Growth Rate & Forecast |
|---|---|---|
| Europe | USD 19.39 bn (2024) to USD 21.55 bn (2025) | ~10% CAGR to reach USD 34.7 bn by 2030 |
| North America | Backbone of global cold chain | UPS & DHL investments expanding capacity and reach |
| India | USD 0.57 bn (2024) | 3.2% CAGR to reach USD 0.80 bn by 2033 |
| Asia-Pacific | Fastest growing region | Driven by vaccine distribution and biologics, key players include DHL & Lineage |
Market growth driven by increasing biologics, vaccines, and stringent regulatory requirements (serialization, traceability, ultra-cold storage).
Continued consolidation: expect further M&A activity by major integrators like UPS, DHL, DHL, FedEx to expand global networks.
Technology investments: IoT, AI, blockchain, smart packaging, and reusable systems will become standard.
Rising focus on sustainability and circular packaging in pharma logistics, mirroring food/CPG trends.
Pharma cold chain logistics is a booming multi‑billion‑dollar industry—growing ~10–12% annually through 2027.
Leading players (UPS, DHL, Cold Chain Technologies, Lineage, VersaCold) are heavily investing via acquisitions and tech innovation.
Real-time monitoring, reuse, eco-packaging, and digital supply chain integration are critical success factors.
Regional expansion, especially in Asia-Pacific and emerging markets, will shape 2026 growth trajectories.
UPS Healthcare – major global expansion via acquisitions in Europe & Canada.
DHL Life Sciences & Healthcare – bolstering U.S. presence with Cryopdp.
Cold Chain Technologies – reusable and reusable pallet innovations.
DS Smith – fiber-based TailorTemp® packaging.
Lineage Logistics & VersaCold – large-scale facility networks across North America and globally.
Use headings, stats highlights, and a table for clarity.
Add bullet summaries at the start and end for fast reader comprehension.
Optimize SEO with meta tags: pharma cold chain, temperature-controlled logistics, UPS healthcare logistics, etc.
Feature company logos and charts for visual impact.
“Pharmaceutical Cold Chain Logistics Packaging Scales USD 13.64 Bn by 2034” — TowardsPackaging.com gitnux
Industry reports by Towards Packaging Gitnux, Reuters, Reuters, ZIPDO, IMARC
The European Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) market continues to be a vital pillar of the…
The Canadian pharmaceutical packaging market continues its upward trajectory, driven by growth in biologics, regulatory…
South Korea’s cosmetic packaging market is experiencing strong growth, driven by the global expansion of…
Japan continues to play a pivotal role in the global packaging machinery market, leveraging its…
📊 Market Size & Forecast Germany’s flexible packaging market continues to demonstrate solid growth, driven…
📊 Market Overview The pharmaceutical packaging sector in France is experiencing significant growth as the…