Calbee, a Tokyo-based company known for its potato chips and cereals, announced on 13/5 that it will update the packaging for 14 of its products, effective 25/5. The new packaging will feature only black and white designs, a measure taken to "flexibly respond to rapidly evolving geopolitical conditions."

Calbee's lightly salted potato chips, known as "usu shio", previously featured vibrant orange packaging adorned with images of golden potato chips and a potato mascot. The updated packaging will display only monochrome text, a direct consequence of the company's current ink shortage.

Old packaging (top row) and new packaging for Calbee's potato chip product line, as shown in a 13/5 announcement on Japanese television. *Photo: AP*

The multi-colored inks used for packaging are derived from naphtha, a petroleum product. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, caused by the Iran conflict, has significantly increased oil prices and related by-products, leading to a critical supply shortage. Japan relies almost entirely on imported oil, making it particularly vulnerable to such disruptions.

"This measure aims to help maintain a stable product supply," the company explained. "We remain committed to ensuring a consistent supply of safe, high-quality products and appreciate your understanding."

Calbee confirmed that despite the packaging alteration, the product content remains unchanged. The duration of this packaging modification has not yet been specified.

Established in 1949, Calbee employs over 5,000 staff. Its popular snack products are widely available in Japanese convenience stores and are exported to the US, China, and Australia.

The Japanese government has sought to ease public and business concerns over energy shortages by tapping into national oil reserves.

By Hong Hanh (AP)