• Calbee will switch to black and white packaging for 14 of its products due to ink shortages.
• The change is a response to supply instability caused by the Iran war disrupting naphtha supplies.
• This initiative aims to maintain stable shipments and limit rising production costs.

Japan's leading snack manufacturer Calbee has announced a temporary switch to black and white packaging for 14 of its products, including popular items like Potato Chips and Kappa Ebisen snacks. This significant change is motivated by a shortage of ingredients used in ink production that has arisen due to instability in the Middle East, specifically related to the ongoing Iran war. The new packaging will be available in stores starting from May 25, according to Reuters, Channel News Asia, and BBC.

The decision to adopt monotone visuals comes in response to a disruption in naphtha supply, a critical component derived from oil refining and essential for making printing ink. Calbee, which holds the largest share of Japan’s snacks market, aims to stabilize shipments despite rising logistical challenges. Since the conflict began, naphtha prices have surged, creating a ripple effect on production costs across various sectors, according to Reuters and BBC.

Government officials have reassured the public about supply stability, noting that Japan is diversifying its sources of naphtha to mitigate future risks. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kei Sato highlighted that the government is actively managing supply chains, communicating that no immediate disruptions have been reported for ink supplies. This reassurance comes as around 20% of the world's oil supply has faced interruptions since the Iran conflict escalated in February, affecting many industries, according to Channel News Asia and BBC.