中東情勢に発泡スチロール製造会社が苦悩「非常に厳しい」　岩手・花巻市　 (26/06/02 18:50)

The situation in the Middle East is directly impacting business operations in Iwate Prefecture. A company in Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, that manufactures expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam), has had to implement a significant price increase due to soaring raw material and fuel costs, while also feeling increasingly anxious about the future. Reporter Kazuto Naiki "The situation in the far-off Middle East is definitely affecting this factory in Hanamaki City." Hanamaki Kasei, located in Ota, Hanamaki City, has been in business for 36 years and manufactures approximately 55 tons of Styrofoam products per month, including boxes for apples and fish, across 300 different types. Managing Director Ogawa is increasingly concerned about the impact of the Middle East situation. Hanamaki Kasei, Managing Director Ogawa "It's extremely difficult. In the worst-case scenario, we might have to shut down the factory. We have to consider that possibility." Styrofoam is made by taking beads, the raw material, into a machine and expanding them with steam. The beads used are made from naphtha derived from crude oil, but the price has soared due to the escalating tensions in the Middle East. According to Hanamaki Kasei, bead manufacturers had already raised prices since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but in response to the situation in the Middle East, prices were raised by another 30% in April 2026. Consequently, Hanamaki Kasei made the difficult decision to raise product prices by 30% in May. Hanamaki Kasei's Executive Director, Ogawa: "This boiler is the heart of the factory. Without it, the factory cannot function." Heavy oil, essential for factory operation, has also increased in price by 1.6 times compared to mid-March, increasing monthly fuel costs by approximately 3 million yen, placing a heavy burden on the company's operations. Hanamaki Kasei's Director, Yoshinori Ogawa: "I'm worried about the 'de-styrofoaming' trend. We're already seeing agricultural businesses switching to cardboard." The manufacturer of the raw material beads has indicated plans for further price increases, and obtaining other materials is becoming difficult. While there's no clear prospect of overcoming the current situation, Hanamaki Kasei says it will continue to reduce costs as much as possible.