6 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk July | August 2026 - Issue 361 printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine printmonthly_signlink printmonthly INDUSTRY | NEWS Food brand forced to use monochrome print due to Iran conflict Mass-market Japanese snack manufacturer, Calbee, recently switched to black and white printed packaging for some of its best-selling products, as supplies of naphtha for its ink have been disrupted by the ongoing Iranwar. Naphtha is a crude oil derivative and petroleum-based byproduct of the oil refining process. In the commercial printing industry, it is critically required as a solvent and raw material to manufacture the resins and pigments used in coloured printing inks. In print, naphtha is primarily used in flexographic and rotogravure printing. In flexo applications, it is the dominant method used for printing on flexible food packaging, plastic film wrap, carrier bags, and corrugated cardboard boxes. The price of naphtha in Asia has reportedly almost doubled since the start of the conflict, as around 40% of Japan’s naphtha was imported from the Middle East before the war began. Monochrome packets for 14 of Calbee’s products, including crisps, granola, and prawn crackers, started to appear in shops in Japan from May 25th. In an official statement, Calbee says it will “temporarily revise packaging specifications for certain products in response to supply instability affecting certain raw materials amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.” The statement continues: “Calbee will continue to respond flexibly and promptly to changes in its operating environment, including geopolitical risks, and remains committed to maintaining a stable supply of safe, high-quality products. We ask for your understanding and continued support.” Companies worldwide have reported major supply disruptions to commodities including fuel, helium, and plastics caused by the ongoing conflict in Iran, which are exacerbating price rises across a majority of key global industries. The 2026 Iran War broke out abruptly in the early hours of February 28th, 2026, ignited by an unannounced joint military offensive launched by the United States and Israel under the code name ‘Operation Epic Fury’. Iran and its regional allies retaliated heavily by launching hundreds of drone and missile counter-strikes aimed at Israeli cities, U.S. military bases, and neighbouring Arab states that house Western forces. Crucially for global commerce and the printing supply chain, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also retaliated by establishing a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Calbee switched 14 of its products to monochrome packaging By Jonathan Pert BPIF Training acquired by entrepreneur The British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF) has announced the sale of BPIF Training, the UK’s leading provider of apprenticeships and vocational qualifications for the print, packaging, graphic communications, and related industries. The business has been acquired by Fiona Hudson-Kelly, an entrepreneur, investor, and apprenticeship specialist and the founder of Smart Assessor, a software platform supporting apprenticeship training providers. Following the divestment, the BPIF will aim to concentrate further resources on its core membership and business services activities, while investing in the development of other services for the industry. During the transition process, BPIF Training will continue to operate from its Meriden office which it shares with the BPIF. The organisation has also stressed that the change of ownership will not impact learners, employers, or apprenticeship programmes, with BPIF Training continuing to deliver training and support as normal with existing arrangements. BPIF Training was first founded as a standalone training arm and educational operation in 2009 IPIA and Print Mastermind join forces The Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA) and Print Mastermind have founded a new strategic alliance with the aim of strengthening skills, connection, and long-term growth across their respective memberships and the UK print industry. The IPIA trade association aims to provide members with government advocacy, high-level networking, and business growth resources. Print Mastermind is a specialised coaching and mentorship community that focuses on the personal and commercial development of print business owners through peer-to-peer learning. The collaboration brings together the two organisations under a shared ambition – to support print businesses in adapting, growing, and delivering greater value in an increasingly complex, multi-channel communications landscape. The collaboration aims to benefit both communities from enhanced access to insight, training, networking opportunities, and initiatives designed to strengthen capability across the sector. Both the IPIA and Print Mastermind have described the initiative as reflecting a broader shift within the industry, as print businesses evolve beyond traditional production models towards more consultative, service-led roles. [L to R] Brendan Perring, general manager of the IPIA and Colin Sinclair McDermott, founder of Print Mastermind By Jonathan Pert By Jonathan Pert
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