Calbee, a major Japanese snack manufacturer, announced it will change the packaging color of some snack items to black and white due to difficulties sourcing colors caused by the war situation in the Middle East.
On 12 May 2026 GMT+7, foreign news agencies reported that Calbee, a leading Japanese snack producer, announced a temporary switch to black-and-white packaging for some popular products, citing supply disruptions caused by unrest in the Middle East.
On Tuesday, the company stated that packaging for 14 products, including flagship items like "Potato Chips" and "Kappa Ebisen" shrimp snacks, will switch to monochrome from 25 May onward. The potato chip bags will carry a message explaining, "This packaging conserves materials related to oil."
Calbee explained that this change is due to uncertainties in sourcing printing ink and other materials amid tensions in the Middle East. The company hopes simplifying packaging will help ensure stable product deliveries.
The company affirmed it will continue to respond flexibly and swiftly to changes in its operating environment, including geopolitical risks.
Before this announcement, company officials met with the Ministry of Agriculture to explain the decision to change packaging. Reports say the ministry has agreed to collaborate on advisory measures regarding petroleum product supply with government agencies overseeing the food industry.
Meanwhile, Itoham Yonekyu Holdings, a processed meat producer, is reportedly also considering simplifying its packaging.
Food packaging and printing ink industry groups report members have begun limiting or delaying shipments amid continuously rising raw material costs.
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Source:nhk