04.06.2026 15:00
Developments affecting energy trade in the Middle East have caused serious problems in plastic supply in Japan. While production of polyethylene used in plastic manufacturing dropped by 62 percent in March, supermarkets and bakeries began experiencing packaging shortages. Some supermarkets have imposed quotas on garbage bag sales, while experts warned that the raw material crisis could deepen further in the coming period.
Developments affecting energy trade in the Middle East have negatively impacted the plastic supply chain in Japan, which is dependent on crude oil and petrochemical raw materials. Due to rising costs and raw material shortages, serious issues have begun to occur in plastic production and supply in the country.
In Japan, which consumes over 8 million tons of plastic annually, supply shortages are particularly noticeable in packaging products used in the food sector.
SHARP DECLINE IN PLASTIC PRODUCTION
According to data from the Japan Petrochemical Industry Association, production of polyethylene, used for shopping and garbage bags, fell by 62 percent in March compared to the same period last year. Similar declines were recorded for other types of plastic in the industry.
Experts state that difficulties in procuring naphtha, the basic raw material for plastic production, are directly impacting manufacturing.
SUPERMARKETS AND BAKERIES ALSO AFFECTED
Due to rising costs, some supermarkets have ended the practice of offering fruits and vegetables in separate plastic bags. It has been reported that there are also problems in the supply of plastic trays used in the food sector.
It was stated that some bakeries near Tokyo have warned customers that their plastic packaging stocks are running out. A supply shortage has also been noted for disposable plastic gloves.
QUOTAS IMPOSED ON GARBAGE BAGS
The crisis has also impacted municipal services. Following an increase in demand for special garbage bags used in the separation of household waste, some supermarkets have started applying quotas on sales. Some local governments have temporarily allowed citizens to dispose of garbage using non-standard bags.
REGIONAL COUNTRIES ALSO AFFECTED
The problem has not been limited to Japan alone. It has been reported that sales of plastic garbage bags in South Korea increased fivefold in March, while wholesale prices of plastic products in Taiwan have risen by up to 40 percent since the beginning of the year.
Experts warn that although the government views the situation as a temporary logistical issue, the difficulties in raw material supply may become more pronounced in the coming period.