Ink shortages force Calbee to simplify snack packaging
Ongoing conflict in Iran has disrupted the supply of a key ingredient for colored ink, forcing Japanese snack manufacturers like Calbee to simplify their product packaging
Several snack products in Japan are undergoing a visual transformation as their packaging shifts from vibrant hues to a minimalist black-and-white design. This change is driven by the ongoing war in Iran, which has caused significant disruptions to the supply of a critical ingredient used in the production of colored printing ink.[1][2]
Tokyo-based manufacturer Calbee Inc. is one of the primary companies impacted by this supply chain crisis. The company's signature potato chips, which have long been recognized by their bright-orange bags, are now being packaged in monochromatic alternatives. This shift reflects the broader challenges faced by the Japanese food industry as it navigates international conflicts affecting raw material availability.[1][2]
The transition to black-and-white packaging serves as a visible indicator of how geopolitical instability can reach consumer markets far from the conflict zone. While the change is primarily functional due to the ink shortage, it marks a notable departure from the traditionally colorful and eye-catching aesthetic of the Japanese snack aisle.[1][2]
