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Snack Giant Goes Black and White Amidst War Disruptions
13 May
Summary
- Calbee shifts to monochromatic packaging due to ink material shortages.
- Naphtha supply instability stems from ongoing Middle East tensions.
- Other Japanese firms also consider packaging and product line changes.
Calbee, Japan's leading snack manufacturer, is transitioning several of its popular products, including potato chips and granola mixes, to monochromatic packaging. This decision, effective May 25, 2026, is a direct response to supply chain disruptions impacting essential raw materials for printing inks. The ongoing Middle East tensions have created instability in the naphtha market, a crucial petroleum-derived product vital for both ink production and plastics.
The company has stated that while the snacks' contents will not change, this packaging adjustment is necessary to maintain product availability. Japan relies heavily on Middle Eastern imports for naphtha, making its supply chain particularly vulnerable. The shortage has driven up naphtha prices significantly, forcing other Japanese corporations to consider similar measures.
Food company Itoham Yonekyu is contemplating monochrome packaging, with its president noting that colorful options may soon be unfeasible. Additionally, beauty giant Shiseido Co. is exploring plant-derived alternatives for its oil-based materials due to naphtha scarcity, a move that could affect products like moisturizers and makeup. These shifts underscore the widespread impact of geopolitical events on global commerce and manufacturing.
