The Paper Machine Clothing (PMC) is a specialized, import-heavy industry tied directly to Southeast Asia’s growing pulp, paper, and packaging sector.
PMC consumables—including forming fabrics, press felts, and dryer fabrics—play an essential role in keeping paper mills running efficiently. Rather than heavy domestic manufacturing of the clothing itself, Thailand relies primarily on global Tier-1 suppliers to outfit its major paper mills.
1. Primary Market Drivers in Thailand
- Growth in Packaging & Corrugated Board: Driven by Thailand’s strong e-commerce ecosystem, food export sector, and agricultural manufacturing, demand for containerboard and packaging paper outperforms graphic/printing papers.
- Shift to Recycled Fiber (OCC): Major Thai paper producers heavily utilize Old Corrugated Containers (OCC). Recycled pulp contains higher levels of abrasive contaminants (“stickies,” sand, and fillers), creating a strong demand for durable, wear-resistant press felts and forming fabrics.
- Focus on Energy & Dewatering Efficiency: Energy costs in Thailand drive paper mills to upgrade to high-performance PMC products—such as shoe press belts and advanced multi-layer (SSB) forming fabrics—to maximize mechanical dewatering and lower steam consumption in dryer sections.
2. Key Supply Dynamics & Major Players
Thailand hosts limited domestic production of complex, high-tech PMC fabrics. Instead, the market is served by major multinational PMC manufacturers operating through local subsidiaries, regional technical service centers, or distribution networks:
- Valmet: A dominant player in the Thai market, offering full-line PMC solutions (forming, press felts, dryer fabrics) supported by regional service hubs.
- Voith Paper: Provides high-tech PMC products and roll covers, maintaining strong relationships with tier-1 Asian paper conglomerates.
- AstenJohnson: Operates an active sales and technical service presence in Southeast Asia, supplying high-performance forming and dryer fabrics tailored for high-speed containerboard and tissue machines.
- Albany International & Feltex: Major global suppliers competing heavily in press felts and custom engineered fabric positions across Southeast Asia.
3. Core Customer Base (Thai Paper Mills)
The demand for PMC products in Thailand is concentrated among large domestic paper producers and regional packaging giants:
| Company / Group | Primary Grades Produced | Impact on PMC Demand |
| SCG Packaging (SCGP) | Containerboard, packaging paper, molded fiber | High volume demand for wide, high-speed forming fabrics and heavy-duty press felts. |
| Double A (1991) PLC | Printing & writing, fine paper | High demand for fine-mesh forming fabrics with high Fiber Support Index (FSI) to avoid sheet marking. |
| Thai Paper Mill / Local Independents | Kraft paper, recycled board, tissue | Value-focused demand for durable, cost-effective forming and dryer fabrics. |
4. Market Trends & Challenges
- Higher Technical Service Expectation: Thai paper mills increasingly require PMC suppliers to act as process partners, providing onsite fabric scanning, continuous moisture profile analysis, and custom fabric tailoring rather than just selling roll goods.
- Price vs. Lifespan Pressure: While European and North American Tier-1 brands lead in high-speed, high-stress machine positions, Chinese and regional Asian PMC manufacturers are gaining market share in lower-speed, auxiliary positions by offering budget-conscious alternatives.
