Japan sees shortage of plastic bags, trays and gloves, as Iran war-induced naphtha shortage worsens

AI Summary

Japan is experiencing shortages of plastic bags, trays, and gloves due to a naphtha shortage linked to the Middle East crisis, which impacts the main source of crude oil used to derive this key plastic ingredient. This shortage has led to price increases and supply challenges in the food sector, which consumes a significant amount of plastic annually.

The Middle East is Japan’s main source of crude oil, from which naphtha is extracted and used to make items including printing ink and plastics Takeaways, supermarkets, and bakeries in Japan are running out of plastic bags, trays and food service gloves amid widening shortages of the key plastic ingredient, naphtha, due to the Middle East crisis. The food sector accounts for nearly one-third of Japan’s annual plastic use of more than 8m tonnes, and price rises and shortages are hitting hard across the industry and beyond. Some outlets have begun offering perks to customers who bring their own bags, plates or containers. Continue reading...