Iran war forces Japanese snack giant Calbee to remove colour from chip packets
Popular supermarket snacks are about to get a makeover as the war in Iran hits an unlikely target: food packaging.
Japanese food giant Calbee says several of its fan-favourite chip packets will temporarily switch to black-and-white packaging amid disruptions to printing ink supplies.
Many of the company's products are sold through Asian grocery stores as well as major Aussie supermarkets.
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Calbee said 14 products across its range will move to two-colour packaging later this month. Supplied
Calbee said 14 products across its range will move to two-colour bags from May 25, as conflict in the Middle East continues to upend global supply chains tied to petroleum products.
While the snacks themselves remain unchanged, their packaging is in for a shakeup.
Calbee's lightly salted potato chips, known as "usu shio", are usually sold in bright orange bags featuring cartoon graphics and images of chips.
Under the redesign, packets will instead feature monochrome text, stripped of almost all colour.
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Japan imports almost all of its oil, leaving manufacturers vulnerable when conflict disrupts global fuel routes. Supplied
The company said the move was aimed at maintaining product supply while addressing shortages of materials used in coloured ink production.
"This measure is intended to help maintain a stable supply of products," Calbee said in a statement this week.
Japan imports almost all of its oil, leaving manufacturers vulnerable when conflict puts pressure on supply chains.
Petroleum product naphtha, used in plastics and printing ink, has become harder to source as the war in Iran drives oil prices higher and creates shortages.
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Founded in 1949, the company employs more than 5000 workers and exports products to countries including Australia. Supplied
Calbee said it's unsure how long the black-and-white packaging will remain in place.
"Calbee will continue to respond flexibly and promptly to changes in its operating environment, including geopolitical risks, and remains committed to maintaining a stable supply of safe, high-quality products," the company said.
"We ask for your understanding."
– with Associated Press
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