The Iran war has brought unexpected consequences for food makers Japan. A shortage a product needed to manufacture ink has caused several companies to change the design their food wrapping. Major snack manufacturer Calbee is temporarily changing the packaging some of its most popular products to black and white. The company sells some the best-selling potato chips Japan. A spokesperson said some of its products will come a printed message that explains: "Packaged to save oil-related materials." Meanwhile, food and beverage maker Kagome will make some the wrapping for its popular ketchup transparent a bid to deal the ink shortage.
Tensions the Middle East are responsible a shortage of a hydrocarbon liquid called naphtha. This is an important component the production of plastics, solvents and printing ink. It is derived crude oil. At the end April, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi assured industry leaders that Japan had secured enough naphtha to last beyond this year. She said countermeasures would be taken to ensure a supply the liquid. These include a ramping up domestic production, and a threefold increase naphtha imports countries outside the Middle East. However, Calbee said: "Depending how the situation evolves, we anticipate the possibility of additional impacts arising."
