This Too Shall Pass: Addressing the Paper Shortage!

It seems like every day, there’s another story in the news about how companies are struggling to keep up with the demand for paper. It’s true, we are facing a paper shortage. And it’s not just because of the increasing popularity of non-electronic media.

So what can be done? In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the factors contributing to the paper shortage, and explore some possible solutions.

Why is the Paper Shortage Happening?

There are a few reasons for the current paper shortage. One is that pulp prices have been rising steadily for years, and according to some estimates, they’ve increased by as much as 30% in the last year alone.

This is due to a number of factors, including increased demand from China (which is now the world’s largest consumer of paper) and bad weather conditions that have disrupted production.

Another factor is that many paper mills have been forced to shut down due to environmental regulations. These regulations require expensive upgrades in order to meet emission standards, and many companies simply can’t afford them.

As a result, the capacity for paper production has decreased at a time when demand is higher than ever. Finally, the pandemic has played a role in the paper shortage. With more people working from home and using paper products like tissues and paper towels, there has been a significant increase in demand.

What Can Be Done?

Fortunately, there are a few things that can be done to ease the paper shortage. One is to encourage companies to switch to recycled paper.

Recycled paper uses less energy and water to produce, and emits fewer greenhouse gasses than virgin paper. It’s also becoming increasingly easy to find recycled paper that meets the same standards as virgin paper in terms of quality and performance.

Another solution is to develop new technologies for producing paper. Some companies are already working on this, and there are a few promising innovations in the works.

One is a process called nano fibrillation, which involves using sound waves to break wood fiber down into much smaller pieces.

This makes it possible to create a stronger, more versatile type of paper that can be used for a variety of applications.

Another promising technology is called microcrystalline cellulose, which is made from plant waste that would otherwise be discarded.

This type of paper is stronger and more durable than traditional paper, and it can be used for everything from packaging to construction.

Finally, we can all do our part to reduce the demand for paper. We can switch to electronic alternatives where possible, and recycle the paper we do use.

With a little effort, we can help ease the paper shortage and make sure that this is one problem that doesn’t get out of hand.

Let Allied Envelope Help You With Your Paper Shortage Solution

If you are looking for a trusted, reliable paper supplier to help you with your paper needs, look no further than Allied Envelope. We have been in business for over 50 years and are one of the largest envelope manufacturers in the country.

We offer a wide variety of papers that can be used for any application, from standard office paper to specialty papers like carbonless paper and watermarked paper. We also carry a wide selection of recycled papers.

Allied Envelope is committed to helping our customers find the right paper for their needs, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our products. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.