Business Management – Supply Chain

The supply chain crisis has affected the printing industry as deeply as any recession. Consequences range from rampant cost inflation to clients moving from print to electronic alternatives. How are printing companies responding? And how effective have their responses been?

The Paperworkers' Union strike at UPM mills in Finland, which began January 1, 2022, will end immediately and employees will return to work.

Three commercial printers discuss their experience with today’s paper shortages and share what they’re doing to address them. It’s a perfect storm of less availability of printing grades due to increased paper demand, coupled with supply-chain delays and labor shortages.

The divestment intent is aligned with the group’s strategy to focus on long-term growth potential for its renewable products in packaging, building solutions, and biomaterials innovations.

When supply chain issues force your in-plant to use a substitute paper, take steps to inspect the physical and optical properties.

Several members of the World Print & Communication Forum (WPCF) warn that the current paper shortage will have severe repercussions in the supply of print products for all economic markets and endangers the rebound of the graphic arts industry after the pandemic.

In an effort to raise awareness about the severe paper shortages, PRINTING United Alliance and other leaders in paper and printing met in Washington, DC, to discuss issues affecting the printing industry, particularly ballot paper availability for the upcoming midterm elections.

Although the paper shortage is top-of-mind in the printing industry, it doesn't capture attention on Capitol Hill. In response, PRINTING United Alliance took its role seriously as the largest printing industry association to draw attention to the ongoing scarcity of printing grades and skyrocketing paper prices.

COVID has accelerated the growth of digital production printing. Labor shortages, supply chain instabilities, and the drive toward automation are powering production inkjet technology.

All timber originating from Russia is now considered to be “conflict timber” according to these certification organizations.