Ink Shortage Forces Japanese Brands to Simplify Packaging

Tokyo, May 28, 2026 A severe shortage and sharp price hike of solvent-based ink have swept across Japan’s packaging and printing industry, triggering widespread packaging redesigns among major food and beverage manufacturers.

The crisis stems from tight supply of naphtha and toluene due to regional market changes. Solvent ink prices have soared by around 75% recently, putting huge cost pressure on downstream producers. To cut ink consumption, well-known brands have rolled out simplified packaging one after another. Food giant Kagome replaced its classic colored tomato sauce packaging with plain transparent designs, slashing ink use by half. Calbee also switched 14 types of snack packs from full-color prints to black-and-white patterns.

Statistics show more than 70% of Japan’s food firms have been affected, with some facing partial operational disruptions. The industry is now speeding up the shift to eco-friendly water-based ink as a long-term solution.

While temporary packaging changes help ease the strain, manufacturers worry the supply crunch may last for months. Industry insiders call for faster material upgrades and supply chain adjustments to stabilize the market.