Thailand's corrugated packaging industry is expected to grow by 3-3.5% this year and aims to set itself up as the hub of the industry in Asean, says the Thai Corrugated Packaging Association.
The group expects industry growth to reflect that of Thailand's GDP, said vice-president Montri Mahaplerkpong.
"The corrugated packaging industry is highly correlated with GDP," said Mr Montri, who serves as corporate marketing director for SCG Packaging Plc.
He said growth this year would be in line with industry averages of 3-5% seen over the past several years.
The industry makes about 4 million tonnes of corrugated packaging each year with a significant market value of 120-140 billion baht.
"Thailand has the potential to set itself up as the production hub of the corrugated packaging industry in the region since it is already home to every facet of the supply chain, from raw materials to finished products," Mr Montri said.
The country can produce 3 million tonnes of paper each year and has to import 1 million tonne more to support the industry, he added.
Mr Montri said around 70% of corrugated packaging products can be recycled, making them both environmentally friendly and highly efficient.
Meanwhile, Thailand will host the Corrugated and Carton Exhibition South East Asia from Sept 21-23, the first international exhibition for such products to be held in the country, he said.
Mr Montri noted the event will help promote Thailand to become the production hub of the Asean region.
He said the association is also willing to lend support to the government in setting up the Thailand Industrial Design Centre, part and parcel of the Industry Ministry's 2016-21 plan to pool relevant agencies to create designs and innovations that add value to industrial products.
"We might be able to help, either by allowing our designers to work in the centre or by handling projects which have been transferred from the centre, to help support Thai small and medium-sized enterprises and Otop (One Tambon One Product) makers to improve their products," Mr Montri said.