Japanese snack company Calbee has announced a temporary shift to black and white packaging for several popular snack products after supply shortages affected materials used in printing ink.
The company said the updated packaging will begin appearing in stores across Japan from 25 May. Around 14 products will use the simpler design, including potato crisps and prawn crackers.
According to Calbee, the decision comes after ongoing tensions in the Middle East disrupted the supply of raw materials needed for colored ink production. The company explained that the move will help maintain stable product availability during the current supply challenges.
Iran Conflict Impacts Global Supply Chains
The supply disruption started after rising conflict in Iran led to major shipping problems in the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway plays a key role in global oil transport, and recent instability has affected the movement of important industrial materials.
One of the hardest hit materials is naphtha, a petroleum product widely used in making plastics, packaging materials, and printing ink. Since the conflict began on 28 February, naphtha prices across Asia have increased sharply. Reports show prices have nearly doubled in recent weeks.
This increase has created fresh pressure on manufacturers and food companies that depend on imported materials for production and packaging.
Japan Faces Pressure on Naphtha Imports
Officials in Japan stated that nearly 40% of the country’s naphtha imports previously came from the Middle East before the conflict intensified.
Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kei Sato said the government is working to reduce supply bottlenecks and stabilize imports. Authorities are also trying to secure alternative sources to avoid future shortages.
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed that Japan plans to expand naphtha imports from countries outside the Middle East, including the United States.
Companies Around the World Feel the Impact
The situation has started affecting businesses beyond the energy sector. Many companies have already warned that disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict are increasing production costs worldwide.
Industries connected to fuel, plastics, chemicals, and packaging materials are experiencing rising expenses. Some firms are also facing delays in manufacturing because of unstable supply chains.
Calbee’s packaging change has become one of the clearest examples of how global political tensions can directly affect everyday consumer products.
Why Calbee Switched Packaging Colors
Colored packaging requires larger amounts of ink and chemical materials. By moving to black and white designs, Calbee can reduce ink usage and continue supplying products without major interruptions.
The company emphasized that the packaging update is temporary and only intended to manage current shortages efficiently.
Consumers in Japan are expected to start seeing the simplified snack packets later this month.
