Calbee Goes Black-and-White Amid Ink Shortage Linked to Iran Conflict
Calbee Goes Black-and-White Amid Ink Shortage Linked to Iran Conflict
Japan's Calbee switches to black-and-white packaging for 14 snacks as ink supplies are disrupted by Iran-related tensions and the Strait of Hormuz closure.
Calbee, Japan's largest snack maker, says it will temporarily switch to black-and-white packaging for 14 of its best-known products, including crisps and prawn crackers, with new-style packets hitting shops from May 25. The company says the move is to help maintain a stable supply amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to raw materials used in ink.
The trigger is a disruption to naphtha supplies—the oil-refining byproduct used to make ink and plastics—following Iran's actions that effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz. Naphtha prices in Asia have almost doubled since the conflict began, increasing costs for manufacturers across the region. Before the war, about 40% of Japan's naphtha came from the Middle East, underscoring how geopolitics can ripple through everyday goods.
Japan's government says it is working to stabilise and resolve supply imbalances and bottlenecks, including broadening naphtha sources beyond the Middle East, such as the United States. The broader message for businesses is clear: when shipping lanes and feedstocks are strained, brands may adjust packaging or materials to keep shelves stocked and prices in check.
Though the switch to monochrome is temporary, observers say it highlights the vulnerability of global supply chains to geopolitical shocks, even for consumer snacks. As industries track ink, fuel and chemical supplies, companies may continue to adapt quickly to keep products moving from factory to store.
