Peli BioThermal's Strategic Acquisition and Expansion in Cold Chain Logistics: Assessing Long-Term Competitive Advantage in the Cell and Gene Therapy Sector

The cold chain logistics sector for cell and gene therapies is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by the exponential growth of personalized medicine and the urgent need for precision in transporting life-saving treatments. At the forefront of this transformation is Peli BioThermal, a company that has strategically positioned itself to dominate a market projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.64% to 18.2% between 2023 and 2025, according to a market sizing report. By acquiring the Evo portfolio from BioLife Solutions in October 2025 and integrating cutting-edge technologies like evoIS® and Cryo shippers, Peli BioThermal has not only expanded its product offerings but also solidified its role as a critical enabler of the cell and gene therapy (C>) revolution, according to Peli's acquisition announcement.

Market Dynamics and Strategic Acquisitions

The C> cold chain logistics market is expected to surge from $2.19 billion in 2025 to $8.06 billion by 2034, a projection detailed in the market sizing report. This growth is fueled by the rising complexity of therapies, which demand ultra-cold storage (often below -80°C) and real-time monitoring to ensure efficacy. Peli BioThermal's acquisition of the Evo portfolio-a suite of cryogenic shippers and a digital tracking platform-addresses these challenges head-on. The evoIS® technology, for instance, provides end-to-end visibility into shipment conditions, a feature that is becoming non-negotiable for pharmaceutical companies navigating stringent regulatory environments, as noted in the acquisition announcement.

This acquisition is not an isolated move but part of a broader strategy. Since its acquisition by Platinum Equity, Peli BioThermal has executed two add-on acquisitions, signaling a disciplined focus on high-growth markets. By integrating the Evo portfolio with its existing Crēdo™ reusable shippers and NanoCool™ systems, the company has created a one-stop solution for customers, reducing the need for multiple vendors and enhancing customer stickiness-an outcome highlighted in the acquisition announcement.

Product Innovation and Customer Adoption

Peli BioThermal's innovation pipeline is equally compelling. The launch of the Vēro One™, a curbside recyclable dry ice shipper, addresses sustainability concerns while filling gaps in logistics for regions where reusable shippers are impractical; the product was showcased at LogiPharma and covered in LogiPharma coverage. Meanwhile, the Crēdo Vault™, a bulk shipper with extended thermal reliability, reduces logistics costs by up to 30% for high-volume shipments, according to the Crēdo Vault announcement. These products are not just incremental improvements; they are tailored to the unique demands of the C> sector, where even minor deviations in temperature can render therapies ineffective.

Customer adoption of these solutions is being driven by their ability to meet stringent requirements. For example, the Crēdo™ portfolio supports payload volumes from 2L to 1,686L, a critical feature for therapies like CAR-T cell treatments, which require precise temperature control during transport, as noted on the Peli FAQ. While exact adoption rates remain undisclosed, the integration of the Evo portfolio into Peli BioThermal's ecosystem suggests a growing customer base, particularly in North America and Europe, where regulatory frameworks and infrastructure are most advanced-a trend underlined in the acquisition announcement.

Partnerships and Competitive Differentiation

Peli BioThermal's partnerships further amplify its competitive edge. A notable collaboration is with Marken to launch Marken InfiniDI, a reusable dry ice packaging solution that reduces dry ice use by 50% and cuts environmental waste by 90%, according to Marken's cell & gene page. This partnership leverages Peli BioThermal's technical expertise and Marken's global logistics network, creating a solution that aligns with the pharmaceutical industry's push for sustainability.

The company's focus on compliance with global standards (ISTA, IATA, WHO) also sets it apart. In a sector where regulatory scrutiny is intense, Peli BioThermal's adherence to these standards minimizes the risk of supply chain disruptions, a critical factor for companies racing to commercialize therapies, as described on the Peli markets page.

Sustainability and Long-Term Viability

Sustainability is no longer a peripheral concern but a core component of competitive advantage. Peli BioThermal's EcoVadis recognition in 2025-an EcoVadis Silver Medal placing it in the top 15% of 125,000 global companies-underscores its commitment to environmental and social governance (ESG) metrics. Innovations like the Vēro One™, which is curbside recyclable, and the Crēdo Cube™ Dry Ice shippers, which reduce dry ice sublimation, align with the industry's shift toward circular economy principles, as reported in a PackagingEurope article.

Conclusion

Peli BioThermal's strategic acquisitions, product innovations, and partnerships position it as a leader in a sector poised for explosive growth. By addressing the logistical complexities of C> therapies-through cryogenic solutions, real-time monitoring, and sustainability-driven design-the company is not just capturing market share but redefining industry standards. For investors, the key takeaway is clear: Peli BioThermal's ability to adapt to the evolving demands of the C> sector, while maintaining a focus on ESG, makes it a compelling long-term bet in a market where the stakes are as high as the growth potential.