Snack giant switches to black and white packaging as Iran war hits ink supplies

Calbee, one of Japan's most popular snack brands, is changing its packaging to black and white for several of its products due to a shortage of naphtha. Naphtha is a derivative of crude oil that is essential for producing petrochemicals and printing inks. The shortage has arisen as a result of the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has significantly disrupted global supplies of energy and petrochemicals. In a statement released on Tuesday, Calbee indicated that it would "temporarily revise packaging specifications for certain products in response to supply instability affecting certain raw materials amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East." This decision reflects the broader impact of the current geopolitical situation on supply chains, particularly those reliant on crude oil derivatives. The shift to monochrome packaging is a direct consequence of the oil crunch affecting the availability of materials necessary for colorful packaging. The company’s move highlights the challenges faced by manufacturers in adapting to supply chain disruptions caused by international conflicts. As a result of these changes, consumers may notice a significant alteration in the appearance of Calbee's snack products, which have long been recognized for their vibrant packaging. The transition to black-and-white designs underscores the ongoing ramifications of the Iran war on global markets and industries reliant on petrochemical supplies.