Calbee to Use Black and White Packaging Due to Rising Ink Costs

Calbee will drain color from its snack packaging and switch to black and white designs because of rising prices for petroleum-based inks. The company said the decision was prompted by supply chain disruptions tied to the Iran conflict that have driven up costs for the petroleum-derived materials used in colored printing.

The snack maker reported that petroleum-based ink prices have increased sharply in recent weeks. This follows disruptions in global supply chains after the escalation of hostilities involving Iran. Calbee stated it will implement the monochrome packaging across its product lines to control expenses while maintaining product visibility on store shelves.

The move reflects broader pressure on manufacturers from volatile raw material costs. Petroleum derivatives are essential for producing vibrant inks used in food packaging. Calbee had relied on color printing to differentiate its snacks in competitive retail environments.

The shift to black and white will simplify production but reduce visual distinctiveness. The company has not specified when the new packaging will appear in stores or whether it plans to revert once ink prices stabilize.

Global ink manufacturers source key components from petroleum refineries. These factors combined to push ink prices higher, affecting producers worldwide. Calbee is among the first major food companies to publicly alter its packaging in direct response.

The change highlights how geopolitical tensions can ripple into consumer goods sectors far from the conflict zone. Retailers in multiple markets may soon see the simplified Calbee bags and boxes.