Japan’s leading snack manufacturer, Calbee, announced Tuesday that it will transition to black-and-white packaging for several of its popular potato chip and snack products. The move comes as the ongoing Iran war disrupts global supply chains, particularly for petroleum-based materials like naphtha, a key component in printing inks.
While the products themselves will remain unchanged, Calbee stated the shift will ensure stable supply amid raw material shortages. The monochromatic packaging will take effect on May 25 for items such as Kappa Ebisen shrimp-flavored snacks and Frugra fruit and granola mix.
Middle East Tensions Strain Global Supply Chains
The Iran war has significantly impacted the availability of naphtha, a liquid hydrocarbon mixture derived from petroleum. Japan, which imports over 60% of its naphtha, relies heavily on the Middle East for supply. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz—once a critical passage for 20% of the world’s oil—has exacerbated the issue.
Due to the price increases of oil-related raw materials, other companies besides Calbee have also had to make difficult choices about their packaging and product lines.
The price of naphtha has surged by 60% year-over-year, forcing manufacturers to compete for limited supplies. This has prompted Japanese companies like Itoham Yonekyu and Shiseido Co. to consider similar cost-saving measures, including transitioning to plant-based materials or reduced-color packaging.
Despite a fragile ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, tensions remain high. President Trump dismissed Iran’s latest counterproposal as "garbage," leaving the future of the ceasefire uncertain. Meanwhile, Japan has tripled its naphtha imports from non-Middle Eastern sources, including the U.S., to mitigate supply shortages.
The packaging changes reflect a broader trend of industries adapting to global disruptions, prioritizing supply stability over aesthetics in uncertain times.