Everything is more expensive these days.
Fuel is hitting record highs, gas and electricity bills are due to rise numerous times this year, even household goods like margarine and pasta are soaring out of control. Paper is no different. Paper has become increasingly expensive, and to make matters worse, there have been universal shortages of paper. You may be thinking, “why not cut down more trees and make more paper?”, but for many reasons, it is not as simple as that. Due to the increasing scarcity of paper, European printing companies have warned that industries such as food and consumer goods may experience substantial disruptions if this continues, so being able to print a few sides of A4 may be the least of our worries! Nevertheless, we would like to explain to you why these price increases and shortages are taking place, who has been affected, and what can be done.
The pandemic has been a constant bind for all of us. It has stopped us from leaving the house, visiting loved ones, working in the office, and going to the pub. COVID-19 has caused massive disruptions to supply chains across all sectors, and the paper industry is no different. Isolation periods and temporary workspace closures have slowed done production and refining processes across the whole of Europe. On top of this, in recent months, there have been numerous strikes in paper mills across the continent. Currently, Finish firm UPM is striking, and have been doing so since the turn of the year. Another element that may be leading to shortages is that there has been an unexpectedly strong rebound for paper demand since restrictions were lifted. Additionally, the UK’s independent life outside of the European Union is in its infancy. Whilst we are unsure how Brexit will affect British industry; it is another factor that may be causing a few issues with supply chains.
As you can imagine, this concoction of setbacks and headaches is a real nightmare for all businesses that are involved in paper, but sadly, there is a trickle-down effect that means that other businesses who are reliant on paper packaging, marketing, and simply sheets will be affected. Most importantly of all, it is the customer who suffers, as they will be the ones who must pay higher prices. The rarer the commodity, the greater the fee for purchase.
So, what does the future hold? There is inevitable uncertainty given the climate we currently find ourselves in, but once strikes are over and we become more adjusted to life after the pandemic, there will be more security with supply chains. The main issue that supply chains have suffered from has been long isolation periods, but the news around most European countries is that these lengths of time will decrease, meaning production and refining of paper should increase. Until then, be sure to know that by working with bakergoodchild, you’re already in good hands because we work with the largest paper merchants in the industry and carry stock to enable us to provide quick turnaround mailings; share your plans with us now – there’s no better time than the present, so whether it’s Spring or Summer, talk to us today and we’ll ensure all your print, mail and post needs are met.
