Ho Ho Hold On… The Paper Shortage is No Joke

We are warning our customers that volatility in the paper industry can hamper their ability to complete print projects in a timely, cost-effective manner for the holidays.

The print and packaging industry is surging for the holidays, and materials are getting harder and harder to find. We started stockpiling paper, envelopes and cardboard months ago in anticipation of the problems with the supply chain. The best way to ensure that you get the paper and envelopes of your choice is to talk to us very, very early in the project so that we can check availability or make suggestions for an alternative stock.

During the pandemic, many machines were taken offline, employees were laid off and several facilities were closed. Many of the paper mills have switched to making cardboard because it is in high demand for shipping boxes.

For years paper mills produced many different fun products for the advertising and design industry. They have had to take a serious look at producing papers that are not in high demand. Weights, colors and finishes that don’t sell well are being discontinued.

It comes as no surprise to any of us, that the price of paper and materials are also increasing.

The best thing you can do is communicate with your printer what your projects are for the rest of the year so that they can plan ahead. One of our large kitting clients let us know what their projects were through February so that we could order poster board to print and cardboard to ship to all their stores.

Just like everything right now, there will be times when you need to be patient and flexible. We’ll do our best to make your wishes come true this holiday season!