Eka Global Expands Production Capacity and Establishes R&D Center
to Position Thailand as ASEAN’s Longevity Packaging Hub
- Longevity packaging shows strong potential to help mitigate anticipated economic challenges
- India emerges as a key growth market with over 16% growth forecast
Eka Global, a Thailand – b ased producer of longevity packaging solutions, has announced a strategic investment of more than 100 million baht to expand its production capacity and establish a Research and Development (R&D) Center in Thailand.
This strategy supports Eka Global’s ambition to become a leading circular economy company, while reinforcing Thailand’s position as ASEAN’s leading hub for longevity packaging. The company is confident in this direction, driven by strong global growth in the ready-to-eat meals and premium pet food markets, as well as the robust expansion of the Indian market.
Chaiwat Nantiruj, Group CEO, Eka Global, said that changing consumer behavior — including rising health awareness, the rapid adoption of online shopping, and continued innovation in food production — will continue to fuel demand for advanced packaging solutions. However, he noted that global economic volatility, shifting trade policies, intensified competition, and unforeseen risks such as natural disasters are increasing pressure on the food industry worldwide.
He noted that under these conditions, packaging must evolve beyond protection to deliver sustainability, efficiency, and extended shelf life. This is especially critical for ready-to-eat meals and premium pet food, where quality and safety are paramount.
Leveraging Thailand’s strengths in food manufacturing and export, Eka Global will use the investment to expand its manufacturing footprint and establish both an R&D Center and Technical Center. These facilities will focus on developing next-generation packaging solutions tailored to the evolving needs of global customers, further positioning Thailand as ASEAN’s hub for longevity packaging innovation.
Leading economic and industrial research institutes forecast strong growth for the global ready-to-eat meals and premium pet food industries. The global ready-to-eat meals market is expected to reach USD 422 billion, while Thailand’s ready-to-eat segment is projected to grow by 6–7% annually. The premium pet food sector is expected to show a similar upward trend, with a global compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% and 17% growth in Thailand, driven by the rising pet-parenting trend.
Building on these favorable trends, Eka Global will focus on expansion in India and ASEAN. India is among the fastest-growing markets in 2026, with the ready-to-eat food sector projected to grow by 16.4%. Eka Global’s production facility in Pune will play a critical role in serving this high-growth market by delivering innovative packaging solutions that can extend shelf life to up to two years while preserving freshness and nutritional value, even in hot climate conditions.
In parallel, Eka Global will accelerate product innovation to address rapidly changing international trade dynamics and support Thailand’s BCG (Bio-Circular-Green) economic policy. The company will continue to strengthen its focus on green packaging solutions. Currently, all of Eka Global’s longevity packaging products are 100% recyclable, while its green product portfolio continues to expand, including bioplastic (PLA), fully biodegradable packaging made from natural materials, and post-consumer recycled (PCR) resin packaging, offering customers a broader range of sustainable options.
Eka Global will also further strengthen its market-leading longevity packaging solutions, which are capable of extending shelf life for up to two years. These solutions feature multi-layer rigid plastic packaging designed to prevent leakage and maintain product quality, significantly reducing food waste. At the same time, the company will place greater emphasis on the premium pet food segment, developing more user-friendly packaging designs that better meet the needs of pet parents who prioritize product quality and freshness.
“We strongly believe that longevity packaging is a key enabler in helping Thailand achieve its goal of reducing food waste by 50% by 2030 in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” said Mr. Chaiwat. “We are confident in our ability to support Thai food producers in enhancing their global competitiveness in a more sustainable way.”
