Calbee, a leading Tokyo snack maker, is switching the packaging on some popular items from full color to black-and-white as disruptions tied to the war in Iran squeeze the supply of materials used to make colored ink. The company says the snacks themselves are unchanged and remain sold across Japan’s convenience stores and exported to markets including the United States, China and Australia.
Starting May 25, 14 Calbee products will move to a simplified two-color printing scheme as a temporary step to “help maintain a stable supply of products,” the company said. Calbee, founded in 1949 and employing more than 5,000 people, described the change as a flexible response to shifting geopolitical conditions; it did not say how long the monochrome packaging will continue.
The shift reflects wider strains caused by the Middle East conflict and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which have pushed up oil prices and tightened supplies of oil-derived materials. One of those materials, naphtha, is commonly used in plastics and printing inks, and shortages have forced manufacturers to alter production and packaging choices.
The difference is visually stark. For example, Calbee’s lightly salted chips known as “usu shio” used to come in a bright-orange bag featuring yellow chips and a cartoon potato mascot wearing a hat. The new version uses monochrome lettering and muted design elements. Other items such as the shrimp-flavored “kappa ebisen” will also reflect the pared-down look.
Calbee noted it announced an ambitious growth strategy in March but said it remains committed to keeping supplies steady and preserving product quality despite geopolitical risks. The company asked consumers for understanding as it adapts to the supply challenges.