One of Japan's favourite crisp brands is switching to monochrome packaging due to supply instability affecting certain raw materials linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the United States. The company announced that 14 products would be affected, with packaging redesigned using only two ink colours.
Products Affected by the Change
The black-and-white designs will appear on products including Calbee Potato Chips, shrimp-flavoured Kappa Ebisen snacks, and Frugra granola. In a statement, the company explained that the changes were made in response to supply instability affecting certain raw materials amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The firm added that this measure is intended to help maintain a stable supply of products.
Root Cause: Naphtha Shortage
There has been a disruption in the supply of naphtha, a petroleum-derived ingredient used in printing ink, as the Strait of Hormuz has remained mostly blocked during the conflict. Japan relies on Middle Eastern oil imports for about 40% of its naphtha consumption. The revised packaging is due to appear in shops from 25 May.
The conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran reportedly began on 28 February this year. Iran responded to US and Israeli attacks by closing the Strait of Hormuz to most international shipping vessels, contributing to rising oil and gas prices. The strait is used to transport around a fifth of the world's oil supply, and disruption there has created a major bottleneck in global energy markets.
Quality Assurance
As to their packaging woes, Calbee said the new packaging holds the usual products. The company stated that the change applies only to a limited number of products and will not affect product quality. Calbee will continue to respond flexibly and promptly to changes in its operating environment, including geopolitical risks, and remains committed to maintaining a stable supply of safe, high-quality products. They ask for understanding and continued support.
