What Is Cold Chain Logistics?

Cold chain logistics is a supply chain management system that employs specialized cooling technologies, designed specifically for temperature-sensitive products such as perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and chemicals.

The primary purpose of cold chain logistics is to maintain a constant temperature during storage and transportation. In this way, these products remain intact and fresh, with their quality ensured and safeguarded.

The cold chain approach has undergone a series of innovations, giving rise to multiple cooling technology options, including:

Dry ice, which can maintain freezing conditions for extended periods.

Ice packs used for medical and pharmaceutical materials.

Liquid nitrogen, used to maintain the temperature of biological samples, such as organs and tissues.

Refrigerated or transport equipment equipped with temperature and air circulation control technologies.

Blankets or ice packs applied over products to maintain temperature.

Insulated containers with cooling units capable of maintaining product temperature.

Cold storage warehouses that maintain constant humidity and temperature levels to extend product shelf life.

Temperature monitoring systems capable of detecting errors that could affect product quality.

Since the logistics industry revolution in the 1950s, cold chain logistics has expanded rapidly due to the continuous evolution of cold chain technologies. According to statistics, cold chain logistics revenue reached USD 364 billion in 2026.