The Iran War Is Taking the Color Out of Japan’s Best-Known Snack Bags
The New York Times • • business
Key Points:
- The Iran war has disrupted global supply chains, causing a spike in oil prices and affecting international trade, now impacting the packaging of potato chips.
- Japanese food company Calbee announced it will temporarily switch from colorful plastic snack bags to black-and-white wrapping due to difficulties securing naphtha, a crude-oil derivative used in printing inks.
- Japan relies heavily on the Middle East for oil and naphtha imports, with shortages of naphtha affecting packaging for various products, including food, cars, and paint.
- Despite Calbee's packaging change, a Japanese cabinet official stated there are no immediate supply problems for naphtha or printing inks and assured that necessary quantities for Japan are secured.
- Government ministries are actively communicating with companies to monitor the situation amid ongoing Middle East tensions.