News & Activities

• Opportune time for synergistic co-located exhibitions in printing, packaging and corrugated technology
• Over 200 international companies will showcase innovation and new solutions to bring the industries into a post-COVID era

With a successful track record that continues to gain momentum since 2007, PACK PRINT INTERNATIONAL serves as a strategic launch pad into Thailand and the wider Southeast Asia region for international companies. Commenting on this, Mr Gernot Ringling, Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf Asia, said: "After a three-year hiatus and as the world emerges from the pandemic and navigates through a myriad of challenges and world events, we are optimistic and are heartened to return to a fundamental that is inherent and imperative to B2B events - this much anticipated return to an in-person edition of the exhibitions, and the healthy international participation at the exhibitions as must-attend events."

As the global community emerges from the pandemic and businesses get back on track, Thailand’s economic growth will be led by an export driven recovery aided by a cyclical rebound in investment . This will also give steady rise to the production and consumption of packaging goods and packaging supplies as well as printing technologies and corrugated packaging.

As Thailand continues to strengthen its foothold as a hub for packaging, printing and corrugated packaging technology, these three main areas are likely to remain a priority in the coming years: 

• Printing, packaging and corrugated technology that supports e-Commerce markets: The number of Internet users in Southeast Asia is expected to grow further, making the region the second fastest growing in the world. The region’s Internet users also appear to shop online more than any other. According to reports, Thai Internet users make the most weekly online purchases and overall e-commerce purchases .

The driving factors behind the growth of e-commerce in addition to increased Internet and mobile phone usage include improved logistics and e-payment systems, which have heightened convenience and consumer confidence to shop online. With packaging being a critical component, it has become more than protecting and preserving a specific product. It has evolved into the necessity of a deeper understanding of consumer lifestyle trends and behaviors, as well as retail shifts that influence and impact the consumer experience.

• Sustainable packaging: With the Thai government’s focus on promoting the bio-economy, circular economy and the green economy; the printing, packaging, and down to the sourcing of sustainable raw materials is yielding opportunities for strong investment support. The rise of environmentally-conscious consumers is further propelling the demand for sustainable packaging solutions. According to a recent consumer survey by Euromonitor , consumers in Thailand are paying more attention to choosing the right type of products for their busy lifestyle but also for the environment. Packaging is an important consideration when practicing conscious consumption, where 45% of respondents in Thailand try to use sustainable packaging and 69% try to reduce the use of plastics.

Since 2020, the value of the sustainable packaging industry has grown by about 6.2% or THB9 trillion. What this potentially means for manufacturers, is the need to look into easily-recycled packaging, packaging using natural materials, bio-plastics, environmentally-friendly ink, and technology to reduce carbon footprint. It is also opens up opportunities for the industry to connect with relevant business sectors and new customer segments with the same shared beliefs, particularly Generation Z who tend to take a clear and strong environmental position.

• Emphasis on safety and hygiene: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many industries are prioritising safety and potential contamination. Thailand has an edge in terms of confidence and volumes of exported packaging, as well as policies to become an international healthcare hub. This opportunity should be leveraged to overcome production handicaps and emphasise a memorable image of safe packaging at the international level. Examples of crucial target segments include Indonesia and India.