Thailand as a Key Market for Packaging Solutions

Thailand in the spotlight of the packaging world: With a strong production base and growing innovative strength, the country is positioning itself as an important driving force in Southeast Asia. Utsahajit Wiwat, President of the regional industry association Thai Packaging Association, shares insights in an interview about strategies, future trends, and the significance of Interpack 2026 for international expansion.

I see ‘readiness and flexibility’ as Thailand’s key strengths in the packaging industry.
Our country has a fully integrated production ecosystem — from raw materials and design to advanced printing and converting technologies — allowing us to meet customer needs efficiently. At the same time, Thai professionals are known for their skills, attention to detail, and deep understanding of international markets, earning strong trust from global partners.

In recent years, both the public and private sectors in Thailand have actively driven the development of Sustainable Packaging, in line with the global shift toward environmental responsibility and social accountability. This collective effort has elevated Thailand from being a cost-competitive manufacturing base to a nation recognized for innovation and sustainable thinking.

Thailand also possesses a robust manufacturing and logistics infrastructure, effectively connected to industrial networks across Southeast Asia. These strengths position the country as a strategic hub in the regional supply chain — ready to grow and compete sustainably in the years ahead.

I believe that in the next five years, Thailand will not only serve as a major production base in the region, but will also evolve into an Innovation Hub for packaging in Southeast Asia.

We are already seeing significant investments in smart technologies, such as packaging that connects with consumers in real time (Smart Packaging), the development of biodegradable materials, and the use of data-driven insights to optimize production processes and reduce waste. These developments show that Thai manufacturers are no longer focusing solely on cost – they are increasingly emphasizing value creation through design, technology, and sustainability.

Many Thai companies are seriously developing their own technologies and designs, whether it’s Smart Packaging, Eco Materials, or data-integrated production systems. This clearly reflects the Thai industry’s capability for true innovation.

I am confident that in the next five years, when people talk about packaging innovation in Southeast Asia, Thailand will be among the first names that come to mind.

Interpack 2026 is a global platform that brings together manufacturers, technology leaders, and innovators in the packaging industry from around the world. For Thai companies, it represents a key opportunity to showcase the capabilities of Thai technology and innovation directly to European and international business partners.

Moreover, interpack serves as a space to build new partnerships and expand business negotiations on a global scale. It also offers the chance to learn about global market trends, including sustainability, design for recyclability, digitalization in production lines, as well as international regulations and standards. These insights help Thai companies adapt strategically and gain a competitive edge in expanding into overseas markets.

In summary, Interpack 2026 is not just an opportunity for sales or marketing exposure. It is a platform where Thai companies can demonstrate their strengths in quality, innovation, and creativity, while staying updated on global trends and pathways toward international standards. This will be a crucial driver for strengthening Thai businesses and supporting their growth in the global market.

Currently, we have several ongoing projects in collaboration with European partners, covering various areas such as the development of biodegradable packaging materials, the implementation of more environmentally friendly production processes, and the exchange of knowledge on environmental standards and new industry technologies.

Interpack 2026 will serve as a key platform to further advance these collaborations. We plan to showcase joint projects with European partners and engage in in-depth business discussions, demonstrating Thailand’s potential as a strategic partner capable of connecting with the global industrial supply chain—not merely as a contract manufacturer, but as a true collaborator in technology and innovation development.

In summary, Interpack 2026 is not just an exhibition. It is an opportunity for Thai companies to showcase their strengths in quality, innovation, and creativity, while staying informed on global trends and pathways toward international standards. This will be a crucial driver for strengthening Thai businesses and supporting their growth in the global market.

Developing skills is considered the core of sustainable growth in the packaging industry. Therefore, the Thai Packaging Association has launched the Packaging Future Skills Initiative to elevate industry personnel and prepare them for the challenges of the modern world. The program focuses on three main areas:

• Digital Skills: Using technology and data to improve design and production processes
• Green Mindset: Understanding and applying circular economy principles and sustainable manufacturing practices
• Innovation Thinking: Creating new ideas that address both market needs and environmental considerations

In addition, we collaborate with universities and international institutions to develop long-term training programs, such as design for recyclability, data-driven production systems, and sustainable materials management. The goal is to enable Thai professionals to compete effectively on the international stage.

We believe the future of the packaging industry relies fundamentally on people, making investment in skills and knowledge the most critical factor for success.

The new generation and startups are key drivers and sources of inspiration for Thailand’s packaging industry. They bring creativity, a willingness to experiment, and the ability to spot opportunities that previous generations might overlook. Many startups are exploring innovative approaches, such as smart packaging that can communicate with consumers, the use of data and analytics to enhance consumer experiences, and the development of biodegradable materials from local resources to reduce environmental impact.

These ideas and technologies represent broader trends that help strengthen the ecosystem of Thailand’s packaging industry, enabling it to move forward with resilience and to compete effectively on the global stage.