Why are paper prices so high

We are all experiencing price rises in at work and at home in our private lives but in the office supplies industry the product that has seen the highest price increase is paper. Everyday copier paper has risen by X % since xxxx 2022.

What has caused the price to increase so much?

A combination of factors has led to major shortages in supply causing  big price increases. The main factors are: -

• A long running strike at UMP in Finland which is one of the largest paper mills in Europe.
• A shortage in supply of pulp as much of the European supply comes from Russia and the Ukraine
• Worldwide price increases on gas and oil used in the manufacturing processes 
• Big increases in freight costs because of the Covid pandemic.

During the Covid pandemic the huge increase in online shopping caused an unprecedented demand for packing materials. Demand for printer paper also fell due to higher number people working from home. These factors led to the diversion a fall in paper production as suppliers switched to the manufacture of packing supplies.

There is a further strain on the supply of paper products as companies attempt to lower their carbon footprint by replacing single use plastics with greener paper alternatives.

Here at Laser-Ex we are doing everything we can to keep our prices down as low as possible and constantly sourcing paper from a number of suppliers be able to supply our customers. If you have any questions or concerns, please give us a call and we will be more than happy to help.