Snack giant switches to black and white packaging as Iran war hits ink supplies

Japanese snack giant Calbee will switch to black and white packaging for 14 of its products starting May 25, citing supply disruptions to ink materials caused by the Iran war [1]. The company stated the design change is a response to "supply instability affecting raw materials amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East" [1]. "This measure is intended to help maintain a stable supply of products," Calbee said [1]. The conflict, which began on February 28, has halted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, causing oil and gas prices to surge [1]. This has severely impacted supplies of naphtha, a byproduct of oil refining used in ink and plastics [1]. Before the war, around 40% of Japan's naphtha was imported from the Middle East [1]. In April, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the country was broadening its naphtha supply to include more sources outside the region, such as the US [1]. The disruption is affecting other industries; Japanese foodmaker Mizkan suspended sales of some products and raised prices due to a polystyrene container shortage, while carmakers Toyota and Hyundai reported profits hit by higher material costs [1].