Global Insulated Packaging Market Size Grows at a CAGR of 13.67%

Introduction

Straits Research released its highly anticipated report, “Insulated Packaging Market Size & Outlook, 2026-2034”. According to the study, the global insulated packaging market size is valued at USD 1,650 billion in 2025 and is projected to expand to USD 5,220 billion by 2034, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.67%.

Market Dynamics

The global insulated packaging market growth is primarily attributed to the increasing demand for temperature-controlled packaging solutions across sectors such as food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology, ensuring product integrity throughout extended supply chains. Rising global trade in perishable goods and the expansion of e-commerce-based grocery and meal delivery services have further accelerated the need for advanced insulated packaging.

However, the market faces challenges due to the high cost of advanced insulation materials, such as vacuum-insulated panels and phase change materials (PCMs), which limit their widespread adoption among small and medium-scale manufacturers. In addition, stringent environmental regulations concerning plastic and polymer waste have increased pressure on producers to develop recyclable and biodegradable insulation solutions. These factors can slow down the pace of material innovation and add to production costs, especially in developing economies with limited recycling infrastructure.

Despite these challenges, the market presents substantial opportunities through the growing adoption of sustainable and bio-based insulation materials and digital monitoring technologies. Companies are increasingly focusing on eco-friendly packaging made from recycled paper fibres, starch-based foams, and mycelium composites, which provide both insulation efficiency and environmental compliance. Consequently, the integration of smart sensors, IoT tracking, and green materials is expected to redefine efficiency and ecological responsibility in the insulated packaging market over the coming decade.

Market Highlights

• Product: According to Straits Research, the single-use passive insulated boxes segment dominated the market in 2025, with a revenue share of 45%.
• Insulation Material: The EPS and PU foam liners segment is estimated to register the fastest CAGR growth of 5.3%.
• End-User: The Pharmaceuticals and biologics category dominated the market in 2025 with a revenue share of 40%.
• Regional Insights: North America dominates with over 41.7% share, driven by strong cold-chain infrastructure, increasing biopharmaceutical shipments, and expanding e-commerce grocery networks. 

Competitive Players

1. Peli BioThermal (Peli)
2. va-Q-tec
3. Cold Chain Technologies (CCT)
4. Cryopak
5. Sonoco
6. ThermoSafe
7. Intelsius
8. SkyCell
9. Nordic Cold Chain Solutions
10. Tower Cold Chain
11. Softbox Systems
12. Cryoport
13. Envirotainer
14. Sealed Air
15. Coldman Logistics
16. CryoSafe
17. KoolTemp
18. Topa Thermal
19. DeltaTrak
20. World Courier
21. Marken
22. DHL Pharma
23. UPS Healthcare
24. FedEx Life Sciences Logistics
25. Stoughton

Recent Developments

Segmentation

1. By Product (2026-2034)
   1. Single-use passive systems (EPS / PU foam boxes with cold packs)
   2. Reusable passive systems (rigid shells + modular PCM inserts)
   3. Vacuum-insulated panels (VIP) and advanced panels
   4. Active refrigerated shippers (battery/plate coolers and powered systems)
   5. Cryogenic / dry-ice specialised shippers
2. By Insulation Material (2026-2034)
   1. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) / Polyurethane (PU) foams
   2. Vacuum insulation panels (VIP)
   3. Phase change materials (PCMs)
   4. Hybrid multi-layer laminates
3. By End-Use (2026-2034)
   1. Pharmaceuticals and Biologics (clinical trials, commercial drug shipments)
   2. Food and Beverage (fresh, frozen, meal kits)
   3. E-commerce grocery / last-mile perishables
   4. Chemicals and speciality materials
   5. Others (flowers, high-value perishables)