Due To 'oil And Ink Shortages,' Japan's Calbee Snack Packaging Has Turned Black And White.

Illustration reported by Nikkei Asia

Affected by the Middle East conflict, the supply of petroleum derivative naphtha remains tight, and Japan's well-known food company Calbee will replace some of its potato chip products with black-and-white packaging.

The report states that due to the attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, crude oil prices have skyrocketed. Due to the shortage of naphtha (crude gasoline), solvents and resins used as printing ink materials are continuously out of stock in Japan. Particularly, the procurement of colored inks used for packaging has become more difficult. Many food manufacturers are in the same situation, and similar moves to Calbee's may increase in the future.

Starting from May 25, Calbee will successively switch to packaging that uses only black and white. The targeted products, in addition to French soup and seaweed flavored potato chips, also include Kappa shrimp sticks, thick-cut lightly salted chips, fruit granola, totaling 14 products.

Calbee stated, 'Due to the tense situation in the Middle East, some raw materials have become unstable. In the face of unpredictable developments in Iran, we prioritize stable supply and will respond flexibly.'

In addition, a mid-sized Japanese beverage manufacturer has also decided to reduce some printing content on the packaging of 15 lactic acid bacteria beverage products produced for major brands starting in late May.

According to a survey released at the end of April by a Japanese association representing industry and consumer groups, among approximately 100 companies surveyed, more than 70% indicated that if the tight supply of naphtha continues, product prices may increase in the future.