Calbee Switches to Black-and-White Packaging for 14 Products Amid Iran War Supply Disruptions

Japanese snack company Calbee will temporarily switch to black-and-white packaging for 14 of its best-known products. The move comes as supplies of an ingredient used in ink have been disrupted by the Iran war.

New packets for items including crisps and prawn crackers will appear in Japanese shops from May 25, the firm said.

Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for US and Israeli strikes on the country. The action marks the latest impact on everyday goods from the conflict.

Companies worldwide have warned in recent weeks of supply disruptions to fuel, plastics and helium driving up business costs.

Calbee said in a statement that the design change responds to supply instability affecting raw materials amid ongoing Middle East tensions. "This measure is intended to help maintain a stable supply of products," the company said.

Oil and gas prices have surged since the conflict began on February 28, when shipments through the Strait of Hormuz halted.

Supplies of naphtha, a byproduct of oil refining used in ink and plastics, have been hit hard. Naphtha prices in Asia have almost doubled since the conflict started, raising costs for regional businesses.

Before the war, around 40 percent of Japan's naphtha came from the Middle East, deputy chief cabinet secretary Kei Sato told reporters Tuesday. The government is working to stabilize and resolve supply imbalances and bottlenecks, he added.

In April, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Japan was broadening its naphtha sources to include more from outside the Middle East, such as the US.

Asian countries have faced particular strain from Gulf shipping disruptions, given their heavy reliance on the Middle East for energy and oil-related products.

On May 1, foodmaker Mizkan suspended sales of some fermented soybean snacks and raised prices on others due to a polystyrene container shortage.

Car makers including Toyota and Hyundai have reported profit hits from higher material costs and lower sales.