Insulated Shippers Market
By Material;
Paper-Based, Wool, Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), Expanded Polypropylene (EPP), Polyurethane (PU), Metalized Bubble Wrap, Vacuum Insulated Panels, Biodegradables, and OthersBy Type;
Single-Use and Multiple-UseBy Capacity;
Less than 25 Liters, 25-50 Liters, 50-100 Liters, and Above 100 LitersBy Design;
Single Layer, Double Layer, Triple Layer, and OthersBy Application;
Pharmaceuticals, Food & Beverages, Chemicals, Electronics, and OthersBy End-Use;
Home Delivery - (Grocery, Meal Kits, Pre-Prepared Meals, Chocolates, Wine, Cheese, Meat, and Others), Agriculture - (Grapes, Broccoli, Tomatoes, Corn, Sprouts, Strawberries, and Others), Fish - (Salmon, Prawn/Shrimp, Oyster, and Others), Life Sciences - (Pharmaceuticals, Blood, Clinical Trials, Drug Testing, Pathology & Organ Transplantation, and Others)By Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031)Introduction
Global Insulated Shippers Market (USD Million), 2021 - 2031
In the year 2024, the Global Insulated Shippers Market was valued at USD 5,516.19 million. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 9,827.61 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.6%.
Insulated Shippers Market
*Market size in USD million
CAGR 8.6 %
Study Period | 2025 - 2031 |
---|---|
Base Year | 2024 |
CAGR (%) | 8.6 % |
Market Size (2024) | USD 5,516.19 Million |
Market Size (2031) | USD 9,827.61 Million |
Market Concentration | Medium |
Report Pages | 334 |
Major Players
- Sonoco Products Company
- Sealed Air Corporation
- FEURER Group GmbH
- Sancell
- The Wool Packaging Company Limited
- Cool Pac
- Cascades, Inc.
- ICEE Insulated Folding Boxes
- Dinkhauser Kartonagen GmbH
- TemperPack
- Icertech
- Insulated Products Corporation
- Cambro
- PED Technologies Ltd
- Overath GmbH
- Barth GmbH
- Pelican BioThermal
- Softbox
- Olivo
- Cryopak
- Liviri
- SOFRIGAM
- Polar Tech Industries Inc.
Market Concentration
Consolidated - Market dominated by 1 - 5 major players
Insulated Shippers Market
Fragmented - Highly competitive market without dominant players
The global insulated shippers market is a dynamic segment within the packaging industry, driven by the increasing demand for temperature-sensitive goods across various sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, and chemicals. Insulated shippers are designed to maintain a specific temperature range during transit, ensuring the integrity and quality of products that require consistent environmental conditions. As global trade and e-commerce continue to grow, the need for reliable and efficient packaging solutions to transport sensitive items has become more pronounced.
The market for insulated shippers is expected to expand as industries such as healthcare and food distribution prioritize safety and compliance with regulatory standards. Pharmaceutical companies, in particular, rely on insulated shipping solutions to transport vaccines, biologics, and other temperature-sensitive medications, which require careful temperature management to maintain efficacy. Similarly, the food industry is adopting insulated shippers to deliver fresh produce, frozen goods, and perishable items, meeting growing consumer demand for convenience and faster delivery times.
Advancements in insulation materials and packaging technology have further boosted the growth of this market. Sustainable alternatives to traditional insulated packaging, such as recyclable and biodegradable materials, are gaining popularity due to environmental concerns. The market is also witnessing innovations in temperature monitoring systems that provide real-time tracking of shipments, offering greater assurance to businesses and consumers alike. As these trends evolve, the global insulated shippers market is poised for sustained growth, driven by the need for more efficient, safe, and eco-friendly packaging solutions.
Global Insulated Shippers Market Recent Developments
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In March 2023, Peli BioThermal expanded its renowned reusable Crēdo packaging line with new innovative designs to support the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors. These developments were aimed at enhancing efficiency in temperature-controlled logistics
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In September 2023, Pluss Advanced Technologies partnered with phase-change material experts to launch the Celsure® XL Pallet Shipper series and the Celsure® VIP Multi-Use Parcel Shipper series. These new solutions are designed for the pharmaceutical industry, offering improved performance over traditional gel pack solutions
Insulated Shippers Market Segment Analysis
In this report, the Insulated Shippers Market has been segmented by Material, Type, Capacity, Design, Application, End-Use and Geography.
Insulated Shippers Market, Segmentation by Material
The Insulated Shippers Market has been segmented by Material into Paper-Based, Wool, Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), Expanded Polypropylene (EPP), Polyurethane (PU), Metalized Bubble Wrap, Vacuum Insulated Panels, Biodegradables and Others.
Paper-Based
Paper-based insulated shippers account for around 18–20% of usage, favored for recyclability and cost-effective thermal control. Cold-chain trials report temperature hold improvements of 8–10% versus unlined corrugate. Adoption in grocery e-commerce has risen by 6–8% annually as brands pivot to plastic-free packaging.
Wool
Wool liners capture roughly 6–8% share, valued for natural insulation and moisture buffering. Pharma payload stability improves by 10–12% in wide ambient ranges using wool sleeves. With sustainability programs expanding, reorder rates from premium food subscriptions have increased by 5–6% year over year.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
EPS remains widespread at about 28–30% thanks to its strong R-value-to-cost profile. Shippers using high-density EPS show excursion reductions of 12–15% on 24–48 hour lanes. Despite end-of-life concerns, demand in budget-sensitive routes still grows at 3–4% annually.
Expanded Polypropylene (EPP)
EPP holds approximately 10–12% share, driven by reusability and impact resistance. Turn logistics programs report container lifespan gains of 20–25% versus EPS. Adoption in clinical trial logistics is rising at 7–9% on the back of lower breakage and better thermal rebound.
Polyurethane (PU)
PU-based systems represent near 14–16% of the market, offering high thermal efficiency for long-duration lanes. Qualified packouts deliver hold-time extensions of 15–18% compared with commodity foams. As lanes shift to 72–96 hours, PU uptake has increased by 5–7% across biologics.
Metalized Bubble Wrap
Metalized bubble solutions account for roughly 7–9%, popular in last-mile and short-haul food delivery. Reflective layers cut radiant heat gain by 10–12% in mixed-load vans. Lightweight formats lower freight mass by 6–8%, improving cost per shipment.
Vacuum Insulated Panels
VIP shippers hold about 5–6% but command premium positioning for ultra-cold and long-haul routes. Systems show hold-time improvements of 25–30% with reduced phase-change material mass. Though higher upfront cost, total landed cost drops 8–10% on lanes exceeding 72 hours.
Biodegradables
Biodegradable options (starch foams, molded pulp with bio-insulators) comprise nearly 4–6% and are expanding rapidly. Brands report customer satisfaction lift of 10–12% tied to compostable disposals. Trial-to-standard conversion rates have climbed 6–8% as municipalities broaden organics collection.
Others
The others category (hybrid lamellas, aerogel-enhanced kits, PCM-integrated sleeves) represents around 3–4%. Specialized builds deliver lane-specific variance cuts of 12–15%. Innovation pipelines suggest segment growth in the 7–9% range as niche cold chains scale.
Insulated Shippers Market, Segmentation by Type
The Insulated Shippers Market has been segmented by Type into Single-Use and Multiple-Use.
Single-Use
Single-use insulated shippers dominate with nearly 65–68% market share due to their affordability and convenience in one-way cold chain logistics. They are widely adopted in pharmaceuticals and food delivery, where safe transport outweighs reusability. Their demand continues to grow at around 5–6% annually, particularly in emerging economies.
Multiple-Use
Multiple-use insulated shippers account for approximately 32–35% of the market, gaining popularity due to cost efficiency over long-term operations and sustainability goals. They can withstand repeated cycles while maintaining thermal performance, reducing overall supply chain costs by up to 20–25%. Adoption is particularly strong in high-value sectors such as biotech and clinical trials.
Insulated Shippers Market, Segmentation by Capacity
The Insulated Shippers Market has been segmented by Capacity into Less than 25 Liters, 25-50 Liters, 50-100 Liters, and Above 100 Liters.
Less than 25 Liters
The less than 25 liters segment holds around 28–30% of the insulated shippers market, largely driven by last-mile delivery in the food and pharmaceutical industries. These compact solutions are preferred for vaccines, meal kits, and small medical supplies, ensuring efficiency in urban logistics.
25–50 Liters
The 25–50 liters capacity accounts for nearly 26–28% of the market, catering to medium-scale cold chain transport. They strike a balance between storage volume and portability, making them ideal for grocery delivery and clinical trial shipments. This segment shows steady annual growth of about 5%.
50–100 Liters
The 50–100 liters category represents approximately 22–24% of market share, widely used for bulk medical shipments and industrial cold chain logistics. Their ability to maintain temperature stability over longer durations makes them critical for cross-border pharmaceutical and biotech supply chains.
Above 100 Liters
Shippers with above 100 liters capacity contribute nearly 18–20% to the market, primarily used for large-scale industrial applications and global pharmaceutical distribution. Despite lower usage in small-scale logistics, demand is growing due to the rise in bulk vaccine transport and centralized food distribution hubs.
Insulated Shippers Market, Segmentation by Design
The Insulated Shippers Market has been segmented by Design into Single Layer, Double Layer, Triple Layer, and Others.
Single Layer
The single layer design accounts for nearly 30–32% of the insulated shippers market, widely preferred for short-distance deliveries where minimal insulation is sufficient. They are commonly used in food and beverage transport and low-cost packaging solutions due to their affordability and ease of handling.
Double Layer
The double layer segment holds about 28–30% market share, offering better thermal insulation and extended cooling retention. This design is particularly popular in pharmaceutical logistics and e-commerce deliveries, ensuring product integrity over medium distances and longer storage durations.
Triple Layer
The triple layer design contributes around 25–27% of the market, providing advanced temperature stability and durability. It is widely used for biopharmaceuticals, clinical trial materials, and critical cold chain products, where maintaining consistent temperature control is essential over extended periods.
Others
The others category, comprising hybrid and custom insulated shippers, represents nearly 12–15% of the market. These designs include innovations like vacuum insulated panels and metalized wraps, catering to specialized industries with stringent temperature-sensitive transport requirements.
Insulated Shippers Market, Segmentation by Application
The Insulated Shippers Market has been segmented by Application into Pharmaceuticals, Food and Beverages, Chemicals, Electronics, and Others.
Pharmaceuticals
The pharmaceutical segment dominates the insulated shippers market with nearly 40–42% share, driven by the need to transport vaccines, biologics, and temperature-sensitive drugs. Stringent cold chain requirements and global vaccine distribution initiatives are significantly boosting demand in this category.
Food and Beverages
The food and beverages segment contributes about 32–34% of the market, supported by the rising demand for frozen meals, dairy products, and fresh produce. Growth in online food delivery services and international trade of perishable items is fueling the adoption of insulated shippers.
Chemicals
The chemicals segment holds nearly 10–12% market share, where insulated shippers are used to maintain the integrity of volatile and sensitive chemicals. Safe transport of specialty chemicals and temperature-regulated reagents is a key driver for this segment.
Electronics
The electronics segment accounts for around 7–8% of the market, with insulated packaging utilized to protect semiconductors, batteries, and precision instruments. Growing demand for temperature and humidity-sensitive components in the global supply chain is supporting this segment.
Others
The others category represents approximately 6–7% share, covering sectors like cosmetics, healthcare samples, and specialty goods. Customized insulated shipping solutions are being increasingly adopted to ensure safe handling of diverse products with varying thermal needs.
Insulated Shippers Market, Segmentation by End-Use
The Insulated Shippers Market has been segmented by End-Use into Home Delivery, Agriculture, Fish, Life Sciences and Others.
Home Delivery
The home delivery segment dominates the insulated shippers market with a share of around 38–40%, fueled by the growth of e-commerce and online grocery platforms. Rising demand for safe delivery of perishable foods and temperature-sensitive goods is a key driver in this category.
Agriculture
The agriculture segment contributes nearly 18–20% of the market, where insulated shippers are used to transport seeds, fresh produce, and floriculture products. Maintaining quality and shelf life during long-distance shipping has led to strong adoption across this sector.
Fish
The fish segment holds about 15–17% share, driven by the global demand for frozen and fresh seafood. The ability of insulated shippers to maintain low temperatures and prevent spoilage makes them critical for international seafood logistics.
Life Sciences
The life sciences segment accounts for approximately 22–24% of the market, covering the transportation of vaccines, blood samples, and diagnostic kits. Stringent regulations for maintaining cold chain integrity are significantly driving growth in this area.
Others
The others category represents around 7–8% share, catering to specialized applications in cosmetics, chemicals, and niche healthcare products. Increasing demand for customized insulated shipping solutions ensures safe and reliable transport of diverse items.
Insulated Shippers Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Insulated Shippers Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa & Latin America.
Regions and Countries Analyzed in this Report
Insulated Shippers Market Share (%), by Geographical Region
North America
North America holds the largest share of the insulated shippers market at around 35–37%. The growth is driven by the strong demand in pharmaceutical logistics, food delivery services, and cold chain infrastructure, supported by advanced regulatory standards and technological adoption.
Europe
Europe contributes nearly 28–30% to the global market, with rising use of insulated shippers in life sciences and food exports. Increasing focus on sustainability and eco-friendly materials has further encouraged the adoption of innovative packaging solutions across the region.
Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific accounts for about 22–24% of the insulated shippers market, fueled by expanding e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and seafood trade. The rapid industrialization and growing cold chain logistics networks in countries like China, India, and Japan support the region’s high growth trajectory.
Middle East & Africa
The Middle East and Africa region represents close to 6–7% share, primarily driven by demand in the life sciences, agriculture, and fisheries sectors. Rising investments in cold storage and temperature-controlled supply chains are enhancing the use of insulated shipping solutions.
Latin America
Latin America captures nearly 5–6% of the global market, supported by the transportation of perishable foods, seafood, and healthcare products. Growing cross-border trade and increasing adoption of insulated packaging in pharmaceuticals and agriculture contribute to steady growth in this region.
Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Insulated Shippers Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis
Drivers:
- Increasing Demand for Temperature-Sensitive Goods
- Growth in the Pharmaceutical and Biotech Industries
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Rising E-commerce and Online Food Delivery- The rise of e-commerce and online food delivery services has significantly contributed to the growth of the global insulated shippers market. As more consumers turn to online platforms for purchasing perishable goods such as fresh food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, the demand for reliable and efficient packaging solutions has increased. Insulated shippers play a crucial role in maintaining the temperature of sensitive items during transit, ensuring that products reach customers in optimal condition. This shift toward online shopping, particularly for groceries and ready-to-eat meals, has created a growing need for insulated shipping options to preserve product integrity.
The convenience and speed of online food delivery services have also intensified the requirement for insulated packaging solutions. As consumers demand faster delivery times, especially for temperature-sensitive items like frozen meals or chilled beverages, insulated shippers ensure that these products are kept at the appropriate temperatures throughout the entire delivery process. E-commerce platforms and food delivery services are leveraging advanced insulated packaging technologies to meet customer expectations, driving the growth of the insulated shippers market.
Additionally, the expansion of the e-commerce sector in emerging markets has further propelled the demand for insulated shippers. As internet penetration and online shopping habits grow in regions such as Asia-Pacific and Latin America, more businesses are entering the market and seeking effective solutions for shipping perishable items. This global expansion has prompted the development of cost-effective, sustainable, and efficient insulated shipping options tailored to diverse consumer needs. The continued growth of online food delivery and e-commerce is expected to further drive innovations in insulated packaging, ensuring the market's sustained growth.
Restraints:
- High Cost of Insulated Shippers
- Environmental Concerns Over Packaging Materials
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Limited Availability of Raw Materials- The limited availability of raw materials is a significant restraint for the global insulated shippers market. Insulated shippers rely on specific materials like expanded polystyrene (EPS), polyurethane foam, and other specialized components to provide the necessary thermal protection during transit. These materials are not always readily available, and their supply can be affected by various factors, including fluctuations in production, transportation issues, and geopolitical challenges. As the demand for insulated shippers continues to rise, especially in industries like pharmaceuticals and food, the pressure on raw material suppliers increases, leading to potential supply shortages.
Another challenge linked to the limited availability of raw materials is the increased cost of production. As raw materials become scarcer or more expensive to procure, manufacturers may need to adjust their pricing strategies, which could result in higher costs for insulated shippers. These price hikes can, in turn, affect end consumers, especially smaller businesses that may struggle to absorb the added costs. Additionally, fluctuations in raw material prices can lead to unpredictability in market pricing, making it difficult for companies to plan their operations effectively and maintain stable profit margins.
Finally, the environmental impact of sourcing certain raw materials is another constraint. Many of the materials used in insulated shippers, such as styrofoam and certain plastics, raise concerns regarding sustainability. As environmental regulations become stricter and consumer demand shifts toward eco-friendly solutions, manufacturers may find it challenging to balance the need for high-performance insulation with the push for greener alternatives. This pressure may lead to the exploration of new materials, but the transition could take time, and in the meantime, the market might face limitations due to the scarcity of traditional raw materials.
Opportunities:
- Growing Demand for Sustainable and Eco-friendly Solutions
- Expansion of Cold Chain Logistics in Emerging Markets
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Innovation in Smart and IoT-enabled Packaging-Innovation in smart and IoT-enabled packaging presents significant opportunities for the global insulated shippers market, as it enhances the efficiency and reliability of temperature-sensitive goods transportation. Smart packaging solutions incorporate sensors and tracking technologies that allow real-time monitoring of the temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors during the shipping process. This capability ensures that the integrity of the products, especially pharmaceuticals, biologics, and perishable foods, is maintained throughout their journey. As the demand for such goods rises, companies are increasingly seeking advanced solutions to reduce spoilage, ensure compliance with safety standards, and provide transparency to customers.
IoT-enabled packaging is transforming the logistics and cold chain industries by providing actionable insights through connected devices. These devices can send alerts if a product falls outside its prescribed temperature range, enabling prompt corrective actions. Additionally, the use of IoT technology improves the overall traceability of shipments, allowing companies to track each step of the product's journey. This ability to gather and analyze data not only enhances operational efficiency but also builds trust with consumers, who are increasingly concerned with the safety and quality of the products they purchase.
The integration of smart and IoT technologies into insulated shippers also supports the growing trend of sustainability. Many of these solutions are designed to optimize the use of energy, reduce waste, and minimize the carbon footprint of shipping operations. As regulations on packaging and environmental standards become stricter, IoT-enabled insulated shippers can help companies stay compliant while addressing consumer preferences for eco-friendly options. This innovation is likely to drive further growth in the market, as both consumers and businesses seek packaging solutions that are more reliable, efficient, and sustainable.
Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Global Insulated Shippers Market include:
- Sonoco Products Company
- Sealed Air Corporation
- FEURER Group GmbH
- Sancell
- The Wool Packaging Company Limited
- Cool Pac
- Cascades, Inc.
- ICEE Insulated Folding Boxes
- Dinkhauser Kartonagen GmbH
- TemperPack
- Icertech
- Insulated Products Corporation
- Cambro
- PED Technologies Ltd
- Overath GmbH
- Barth GmbH
- Pelican BioThermal
- Softbox
- Olivo
- Cryopak
- Liviri
- SOFRIGAM
- Polar Tech Industries Inc.
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Material
- Market Snapshot, By Type
- Market Snapshot, By Capacity
- Market Snapshot, By Design
- Market Snapshot, By Application
- Market Snapshot, By End-Use
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Insulated Shippers Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
- Increasing Demand for Temperature-Sensitive Goods
- Growth in the Pharmaceutical and Biotech Industries
- Rising E-commerce and Online Food Delivery
- Restraints
- High Cost of Insulated Shippers
- Environmental Concerns Over Packaging Materials
- Limited Availability of Raw Materials
- Opportunities
- Growing Demand for Sustainable and Eco-friendly Solutions
- Expansion of Cold Chain Logistics in Emerging Markets
- Innovation in Smart and IoT-enabled Packaging
- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Insulated Shippers Market, By Material, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Paper-Based
- Wool
- Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
- Expanded Polypropylene (EPP)
- Polyurethane (PU)
- Metalized Bubble Wrap
- Vacuum Insulated Panels
- Biodegradables
- Others
- Insulated Shippers Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Single-Use
- Multiple-Use
- Insulated Shippers Market, By Capacity, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Single-Use
- Multiple-Use
- Insulated Shippers Market, By Design, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Less than 25 Liters
- 25-50 Liters
- 50-100 Liters
- Above 100 Liters
- Insulated Shippers Market, By Application, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Pharmaceuticals
- Food and Beverages
- Chemicals
- Electronics
- Others
- Insulated Shippers Market, By End-Use, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Home Delivery -
- Grocery, Meal Kits
- Pre-Prepared Meals
- Chocolates
- Wine
- Cheese
- Meat
- Others
- Agriculture -
- Grapes
- Broccoli
- Tomatoes
- Corn
- Sprouts
- Strawberries
- Others
- Fish -
- Salmon
- Prawn/Shrimp
- Oyster
- Others
- Life Sciences -
- Pharmaceuticals,
- Blood
- Clinical Trials
- Drug Testing,
- Pathology
- Organ Transplantation
- Others
- Home Delivery -
- Insulated Shippers Market, By Material, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Insulated Shippers Market, By Geography, 2023 - 2033 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- Sonoco Products Company
- Sealed Air Corporation
- FEURER Group GmbH
- Sancell
- The Wool Packaging Company Limited
- Cool Pac
- Cascades, Inc.
- ICEE Insulated Folding Boxes
- Dinkhauser Kartonagen GmbH
- TemperPack
- Icertech
- Insulated Products Corporation
- Cambro
- PED Technologies Ltd
- Overath GmbH
- Barth GmbH
- Pelican BioThermal
- Softbox
- Olivo
- Cryopak
- Liviri
- SOFRIGAM
- Polar Tech Industries Inc.
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market