The role of society—which includes consumers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and communities—focuses on ensuring that cold chain practices are socially responsible, sustainable, and beneficial for public welfare. 

The contributions of society include:

Consumer Awareness and Education: The public can drive demand for more sustainable, ethical cold chain practices. Consumers who are informed about the importance of cold chain management, especially in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, can influence companies to adopt higher standards of quality and sustainability.

Social Equity: Cold chain systems often ensure equitable access to essential goods, such as life-saving vaccines or fresh food, in remote or underserved regions. Societal engagement in advocating for the equitable distribution of temperature-sensitive goods, especially during humanitarian crises, can be critical in ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the benefits of an efficient cold chain.

Environmental Advocacy: Society plays a role in promoting sustainable cold chain practices. Through NGOs and social movements, there is growing pressure on industries and governments to adopt more eco-friendly refrigeration solutions, reduce waste in food supply chains, and lower the carbon footprint of cold chain logistics.

Collaboration in Crisis: In times of emergency, such as global health crises, societal organisations and community groups often collaborate with industry and government agencies to help implement cold chain solutions that ensure the timely delivery of vaccines, medications, and food to affected populations.