Thailand’s Food Packaging Market Shows Signs of Recovery in Second Half as Global Competitive Landscape Evolves

Thailand’s food packaging industry is showing signs of recovery in the second half of 2026 as pressure from raw material costs eases. At the same time, the country’s food exports continue to expand, driven by rising global demand for ready-to-eat meals and processed foods. To capitalize on these opportunities, Thai food manufacturers must accelerate improvements in production standards to comply with increasingly stringent packaging and environmental regulations in key export markets.

Chaiwat Nantiruj, Group CEO of Eka Global, a leading Thailand-based producer of longevity packaging, said that despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and global trade tensions, the industry’s fundamentals have strengthened. Key supporting factors include lower plastic resin costs, continued growth in Thai exports, expansion of the food industry, higher regulatory standards in export markets, and long-term growth in the global food packaging sector.

Lower global crude oil prices have eased pressure on raw material costs, resulting in declining prices for various types of plastic resins. Combined with sufficient domestic supply, this has reduced production costs and improved operating conditions for manufacturers.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s export performance remains strong. According to the Ministry of Commerce, exports in May 2026 reached USD 34.33 billion, up 10.6% year-on-year, marking the 23rd consecutive month of growth. Total exports during the first five months of 2026 reached USD 162 billion, an increase of 17% from the same period last year. The strong performance reflects robust global demand for food and processed agricultural products, directly supporting demand for high-quality food packaging.

Chaiwat said growing demand for ready-to-eat meals, frozen foods, and health foods has prompted manufacturers to invest in advanced packaging solutions that extend shelf life, preserve product quality, and support long-distance transportation. High-performance packaging also helps reduce product damage, improve logistics efficiency, and expand export opportunities.

The industry’s competitive landscape is also evolving. Competition is shifting from price-driven strategies to a stronger focus on quality, innovation, and regulatory compliance. Thailand is strengthening its food contact material (FCM) regulations to align with international standards, while the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) introduces stricter requirements for recyclability and environmental sustainability. Food manufacturers equipped with advanced production technologies and innovative packaging solutions that meet these standards will be better positioned to compete globally.

Chaiwat believes the longevity packaging market in Thailand and across ASEAN has the potential to grow by 5-10% annually, supported by urbanization, rising consumption of ready-to-eat foods, and increasing efforts to reduce food waste. With Thailand generating nearly 10 million tonnes of food waste each year, significant opportunities remain for packaging solutions that help extend product shelf life and minimize waste.

“Today, food manufacturers no longer select packaging based solely on price,” Chaiwat said. “They also prioritize food safety, product preservation, compliance with international environmental regulations, and long-term sustainability. As a result, continuous investment in packaging innovation has become essential for maintaining long-term competitiveness.”

To strengthen both its customers’ competitiveness and its own market position, Eka Global continues to develop innovative food-safe, high-barrier, and sustainable packaging solutions that meet evolving market demands and international standards. The company also continues to invest in research and development to support the changing needs of domestic and global food industries.

Eka Global believes that easing raw material costs, continued expansion of the food sector, and higher packaging standards will be the key drivers supporting the recovery of Thailand’s food packaging industry in the second half of 2026 while enhancing its long-term competitiveness in the global market.