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Chips Go Monochrome: Ink Shortage Hits Snack Packs
12 May
Summary
- Potato chip packaging to shift to black and white.
- A global naphtha shortage is causing the color change.
- The shortage impacts the production of inks for packaging.
The colorful world of Japanese snack packaging is facing a monochrome future. Snack maker Calbee plans to transition some of its popular potato chip products to black-and-white packaging. This significant change is driven by a global shortage of naphtha, a vital chemical essential for producing printing inks.
The scarcity of naphtha is directly impacting the availability of colorful inks, forcing companies to adapt their packaging strategies. This situation highlights the broader supply chain disruptions affecting various industries worldwide. As a result, consumers may soon see their favorite chip bags in a less vibrant, purely monochromatic design.
This move by Calbee signifies a pragmatic response to an ongoing global chemical shortage. The shift to simpler, uncolored packaging is an effort to navigate the current supply constraints while continuing to deliver products to the market. The impact on shelf appeal is noticeable as vibrant colors are traded for stark black and white.
As of May 12, 2026, the situation highlights the tangible effects of international chemical supply issues on everyday consumer goods. The ongoing naphtha shortage continues to influence manufacturing and packaging decisions within Japan's food industry.
