When you hear news about "soaring prices and shortages of naphtha (crude gasoline)," many people probably think of price increases for plastic products, synthetic fibers, or daily necessities. At first glance, this issue may seem completely unrelated to Edo Kiriko, a traditional craft made by cutting glass.
However, manufacturing sites are interconnected at the very foundation of an invisible supply chain. This time, we will discuss the real backstory of the "Naphtha Problem" that the world of traditional crafts and the Saiho workshop are currently facing.
At first glance, unrelated.
Yet, the "Naphtha Problem" fuels a sense of crisis in the Edo Kiriko industry.
What exactly is "naphtha"?
Naphtha is "crude gasoline" extracted by distilling crude oil. It is a vital basic material that underpins modern manufacturing, serving as the raw material for all "petrochemical products," from the plastics, vinyl, synthetic rubber, and synthetic fibers we use daily, to various solvents (such as paint thinner).
Why is naphtha currently in short supply?
The main causes are soaring crude oil prices due to global geopolitical risks, and disruptions in logistics and production from major supplier countries. Furthermore, shifts in energy demand structures and the operating status of key plants have compounded the difficulty of securing naphtha as a raw material on a global scale. This "upstream" supply shortage and price surge are now impacting all domestic manufacturing industries.
1. "Delivery date unknown," yet a relationship that endures. The strained procurement of packaging materials.
Edo Kiriko is an extremely delicate craft, where artisans meticulously cut glass to the finest degree. To ensure that the finished works reach our customers safely and without a single scratch, packaging materials such as bubble wrap and specialized sponges are absolutely essential. All of these are plastic and chemical products derived from naphtha.
Currently, the procurement of these materials faces extremely challenging conditions. It is not uncommon for material suppliers to inform us that "the next delivery date is unknown." Nevertheless, thanks to long-standing trust, these suppliers are making strenuous efforts to secure materials and somehow deliver them, despite the uncertain circumstances.
However, to prepare for a situation where this is insufficient, we are forced to resort to desperate measures, such as purchasing and securing materials directly from all possible channels, including retailers and online stores like Amazon. Behind the delivery of a single glass lies this persistent struggle to secure materials.
2. The Crisis of Thinner, the Craftsman's "Lifeline." Direct Impact Risk on the Most Crucial "Sketching" Process.
Another major shadow cast by the naphtha shortage is the rising price and supply shortage of "thinner (organic solvent)" used in the manufacturing process. You might wonder why petroleum-derived thinner is necessary for Edo Kiriko, which involves only cutting glass. In fact, it is the lifeline for artisans.
The most important process in Edo Kiriko, where the skill of the artisan is tested, is "waridashi" (sketching). On a pristine glass blank, intricate grid lines are drawn using an oil-based marker. Using these lines as a guide, artisans precisely apply their tools to engrave traditional patterns. After cutting is complete, thinner is absolutely essential to completely erase these oil-based marker lines.
Currently, thanks to sufficient stock accumulated with foresight, the impact on our production line remains minimal. However, this is merely a temporary "defense line."
3. Beyond the Stockpile — The Fear of Suddenly Being Unable to Maintain "Business as Usual" in Manufacturing
If the global situation does not improve and our thinner stock runs out, the problem will not simply be a matter of "materials becoming more expensive."
If we cannot obtain thinner to erase the marker lines, we will have to fundamentally change our traditional "waridashi" (sketching) method. This would necessitate repeatedly conducting "alternative tests" to find and verify if alternative liquids or methods can be used without damaging the glass or hindering the artisans' work. This, in turn, means stopping the artisans' glass-cutting time and risking a temporary halt to the production line.
Our Resolve as a Manufacturer
The global naphtha shortage is an external force beyond our control, no matter how much we refine our techniques. Therefore, there is a unique tension on the ground, where we must prepare for the worst-case scenario and conduct testing while we still have stock.
4. Summary: The Unseen "Materials" Also Hold the Pride of the Backstage Supporting Tradition
What we want to deliver to our customers is not just beautiful glass vessels. It is the "time" and "pride" of artisans who have inherited tradition and pursued every single line without compromise.
If brilliant cutting techniques and sparkling crystal glass bathed in light are the stars of the show, then the packaging materials and cleaning solvents that support them from the shadows are the unsung heroes. Diligently securing these invisible supporting actors and maintaining the quality of the production line without a single day's lapse—this in itself is how we uphold authentic traditional craftsmanship in this era, and it is our pride as a manufacturer.
No matter how dramatically the surrounding environment changes, we will continue to deliver the authentic craftsmanship and quality that has been passed down, without fail, to your dining tables.
