Japanese snacks go black-and-white: Why Iran war is driving up ink prices

Japanese snack giant Calbee is temporarily switching 14 of its products to black-and-white packaging due to a shortage of printing ink. This scarcity is a direct consequence of the US-Israeli war on Iran, which has disrupted global supply chains. The conflict has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for oil. Japan relies on the Middle East for 40% of its naphtha, a key component in printing ink, making it vulnerable to these disruptions. Calbee's move, effective May 25th, aims to ensure a stable product supply amidst these "supply instabilities." The Japanese government is working to secure alternative import sources to mitigate the impact.

Japanese snack company Calbee will temporarily switch to black and white packaging for 14 of its popular products, including crisps and prawn crackers, starting May 25th. This change is a direct response to supply chain disruptions affecting ink ingredients, specifically naphtha, a byproduct of oil refining. The ongoing tensions in the Middle East, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, have impacted global supplies of oil, gas, plastics, and ink components. Calbee states this measure is intended to ensure a stable supply of their products to consumers amidst these raw material instabilities.

Japanese snack giant Calbee is temporarily switching to monochrome packaging for some products due to a shortage of naphtha, a crude-oil derivative essential for printing inks. This decision, announced on Tuesday, stems from supply instability caused by ongoing tensions in the Middle East, specifically mentioning the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The move by the popular potato crisp manufacturer highlights how the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran is impacting everyday consumer goods in Japan. Calbee stated the revision is a response to the instability affecting certain raw materials.

Japan's largest snack maker, Calbee, is switching 14 of its products to black-and-white packaging by the end of May due to a shortage of naphtha, a petroleum-derived ink ingredient. This shortage is a consequence of disruptions in oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Calbee, known for its brightly colored packaging, is reacting to unstable raw material supplies. The Japanese government has stated that naphtha supplies are secured through alternative import routes and stockpiled crude oil, assuring the public that wider disruptions are unlikely. This move highlights the impact of geopolitical events on global supply chains and corporate operations.