As we enter spring of 2022, paper availability continues to be an issue.
In order to ensure timely completion of print projects, we strongly encourage you to plan far in advance even for projects that have normally been considered routine, & especially for those that are higher in quantity or use specialty materials. 

WHAT’S HAPPENING:

A multitude of pandemic-related issues, paired with a rising demand for print over the past few years, has created longer delays & higher costs for printing. These issues include: 

• reduced availability of pulp & paper-making chemicals 
• increased cost of energy & fuel 
• labor shortages in manufacturing & transportation
• elevated shipping costs, especially for ocean freight transport
• paper mills diverting production from printing paper to packaging products 
• mill closures in North America & Europe due to business impacts

WHAT IT MEANS:

Forecasts for 2022 indicate that paper mills will continue to impose allocations on their customers. These supply limitations make it more difficult to get larger quantities of paper, as well as specialty stocks. 

Some stocks have been discontinued altogether, as mills focus on producing fewer paper types in larger amounts, with a priority on manufacturing efficiency. 

HOW TO PLAN AROUND IT:

We are working closely with our paper suppliers to keep our in-house stocks on hand & to minimize the effects these industry changes may have on our clients.

Here are a few suggestions for how you can help minimize potential issues with your print projects in 2022 – 

1. Create informed timelines. Your Account Manager can help you build a schedule that includes ample lead time for ordering the right kind & amount of materials needed for all your projects this year. 
    
2. Plan with us early & often to get ahead of supply chain issues & identify suitable stock substitutes as needed. We recommend planning a minimum of 30-days ahead to order paper for higher-quantity projects, including all mailing projects.
    
3. Stay flexible to accomplish your goals with print.
   This could mean adjusting your timeline, opting for an alternate paper, or changing the size of your print piece to avoid unnecessary paper waste – staying flexible with your print projects can save you time & money.

We’re here to support you – let us know what your 2022 print goals are & we can work together to accomplish them. 

Whether you’re navigating the complexities of post-pandemic printing or not – We’ve got your back.