Calbee Inc. Changes Packaging Due to Global Oil Supply Problems

May 13, 2026, 10:16
JapanInternational

Introduction

Calbee Inc. has announced that it will switch to simple, monochrome packaging for some of its products to deal with supply chain problems.

Main Body

Current conflicts in the Middle East, particularly in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, have caused a shortage of naphtha. Because naphtha is an oil-based material needed to make colored inks and plastics, the company has decided to change its packaging design. Consequently, starting May 25, Calbee will use a simple two-color scheme for 14 specific products. Although the Japanese government has tried to keep the market stable by using national oil reserves, many industries still depend on imported oil and are affected by global crises. For example, the bright orange packaging of the 'usu shio' line will be replaced by plain lettering. Furthermore, the company emphasized that while the look of the packaging is changing, the ingredients of the snacks remain the same. This decision follows a growth plan announced in March, showing that the company is trying to expand while managing risks caused by international politics.

Conclusion

Calbee Inc. has simplified its packaging to ensure that products remain available despite raw material shortages and regional instability.

Learning

The 'Bridge' Concept: Cause & Effect Transitions

To move from A2 to B2, you must stop using 'and' or 'so' for every connection. B2 speakers use Logical Connectors to show how one event creates another. This article is a goldmine for this.

πŸ› οΈ The Upgrade Path

A2 Level (Basic)B2 Level (Sophisticated)Why it's better
So...Consequently, ...It sounds professional and formal.
But...Although...It connects two opposite ideas in one sentence.
Also...Furthermore, ...It adds a new point with more strength.

πŸ” Analysis of the Text

Look at how the author builds the argument:

  1. The Problem: Shortage of naphtha β†’\rightarrow Consequently β†’\rightarrow The Action: Change in packaging.
  2. The Contrast: Although the government tried to help β†’\rightarrow many industries are still affected.
  3. The Addition: The look is changing β†’\rightarrow Furthermore β†’\rightarrow the ingredients are the same.

πŸ’‘ Pro-Tip for Fluency

Don't just memorize these words; notice where they sit. Consequently and Furthermore usually start a sentence followed by a comma. Although starts a clause that leads into a main point.

Try thinking like this:

  • A2: "It rained, so I stayed home."
  • B2: "It rained heavily; consequently, I decided to stay home."

Vocabulary Learning

monochrome (adj.)
consisting of one color or shades of one color
Example:The new packaging uses a monochrome design to reduce costs.
supply chain (n.)
the sequence of processes involved in producing and delivering a product
Example:Disruptions in the supply chain caused delays in the launch of the product.
shortage (n.)
a situation where the demand for something exceeds the supply
Example:The shortage of naphtha forced the company to change its packaging.
naphtha (n.)
a flammable liquid obtained from petroleum, used as a solvent or in making plastics
Example:Naphtha is essential for producing colored inks.
oil-based (adj.)
made from or containing oil
Example:The inks are oil-based, so they require a special coating.
emphasized (v.)
to give special importance to something
Example:The company emphasized that the snack ingredients would remain unchanged.
growth plan (n.)
a strategy to increase a company's size or profits
Example:The growth plan includes expanding into new markets.
managing (v.)
organizing and controlling resources to achieve goals
Example:They are managing risks caused by international politics.
regional instability (n.)
unpredictability or conflict in a particular geographic area
Example:Regional instability can disrupt trade routes.
simplified (adj.)
made simpler or easier to understand
Example:The packaging has been simplified to reduce production costs.