Supply Chain Resources

Surging demand, supply chain disruptions and sharply rising costs have significantly altered the economics of our industry. PRINTING United Alliance is continuously monitoring the supply chain situation and we are working on your behalf to minimize the impact of these issues. The Supply Chain Resource Channel has up-to-date information regarding our supply chain and recommended articles to help you remain resilient in a disrupted market.

Analysis

PRINTING United Alliance is committed to providing its members with timely, accurate analysis of paper related supply chain disruptions.

PRINTING United Alliance Invited to EAC Panel Discussion on Paper Supply Issues

In an effort to raise awareness with election officials about the paper supply shortage and its potential impact on the voting process this year, the 2022 U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) Standards Board Annual Meeting hosted a panel discussion with several experts.

Diversified Labeling Solutions CEO Jim Kersten Talks Paper Shortage, Label Demand and More

From safety regulations and supply chain fractures to inflation and staff exoduses, there’s been no shortage of headaches. But for members of the print industry, the ongoing paper shortage may arguably be the biggest pain of them all.

State of the Industry: 2022 Outlook

Most virus restrictions have been lifted and business has returned, but the print and promo industry continues to grapple with the ongoing ripple effects of the pandemic: inflation, materials shortages, staffing challenges and more. Print + Promo Marketing Magazine breaks down five big issues to watch for the rest of 2022.

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Shortage of Paper Endangers Rebound of Graphic Industry World-Wide

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

Roundtable With Prominent Lawmaker on Capitol Hill Addresses Widespread Paper Shortage in the Printing Industry

PRINTING United Alliance took its role seriously as the largest member-based printing and graphic arts association in the U.S. to advocate and draw attention to the ongoing scarcity of printing grades and skyrocketing paper prices, as supply levels fail to keep up with overall industry demand.

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Addressing the Challenges in the Paper Supply Chain

It seems businesses are finally bouncing back after the past two years of the pandemic. However, even though business is picking up, there is one glaring issue: The availability of paper stocks has become limited and unpredictable, and as a result the price of paper stock is inevitably increasing.

Research

PRINTING United Alliance conducts research to help you gain perspectives on mitigating supply chain disruptions and offsetting risks. 

Latest Survey Sheds Light on Supply Chain Crisis for Substrates, Consumables

To get the facts on the supply chain crisis, PRINTING United Alliance recently launched the Printing Industry Supply Chain Conditions Survey. Nearly 200 companies, including commercial printers, graphic and sign producers, apparel decorators, functional printers, and package printers/converters, have …

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Market Share Being Redistributed as Supply Chain Conditions Continue to Deteriorate

Results of the Printing Industry Supply Chain Conditions Survey, conducted by PRINTING United Alliance and NAPCO Research, support three conclusions.

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News

Stay informed with the latest news concerning supply chain developments impacting our industry.

Gardner delays start of school by at least one week due to supply chain issues

Students in Gardner, Massachusetts will have their summer break extended by at least one week due to supply chain issues.

Paper Shortage Could Affect Midterm Elections: Mainstream Media Gives Report

While paper shortages have been challenging commercial printers for months now, the issue is now bubbling to the top of some mainstream media channels.

Lawmakers plead for deal ahead of dockworker contract deadline

Supply chain bottlenecks could worsen if West Coast deadlock leads to work stoppages, Democrats warn.

Cyber pirates prowling ship controls threaten another big supply chain shock

Hacking capabilities could do enormous economic damage, particularly now, when supply chains are already stressed from the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, experts including a top Coast Guard official said.

Brands to continue higher airfreight spend despite added cost

Multiple brands plan to continue spending on airfreight at elevated levels to meet demand for the remainder of their fiscal years as supply chain disruptions persist, according to companies’ earnings calls.

Viewpoint: The Jaws of Trade Squeezing the Supply Chain

The jaws of the supply chain vise are squeezing trade so tight that the headache it is creating will be a whopper for logistics managers this peak season.

AAFA Statement on Implementation of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA)

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), National Retail Federation (NRF), Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), and The United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) released a statement on the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.

US House passes ocean shipping bill to allay export backlogs

The U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation to improve oversight of ocean shipping, which supporters say will help curb inflation and ease export backlogs.

Biden just signed a law to lower shipping costs. Will it work?

The Ocean Shipping Reform Act allows for more enforcement of rising fees. But shippers say the law isn’t a “silver bullet.”

Big Step Forward: Shippers React to Passage of Ocean Shipping Reform Act

Industry groups praised the bill, which legislators say will reduce shipping costs and promote U.S. exports.

How to find packaging materials in a 'perfect storm' of supply chain issues

Procurement managers have options to alleviate the pressure, but they should plan now for the holiday season.

USPS Industry Alert on Paper Availability

In acknowledgement of the nationwide paper availability challenges, the Postal Service and mailing industry have developed a two-step process to explore the opportunity to expand paper options outside of current specifications to enable the continued production and entry of mail.

Inflation: Printers "hammered from all directions"

Printers have reported price increases well beyond headline figures, as consumer inflation rises to its highest point in 40 years.

Mitsubishi HiTec Paper Increases Prices

Mitsubishi HiTec Paper Europe is increasing prices for all of its specialty papers next month due to continued increases in costs, particularly in the areas of pulp, chemicals and freight.

Domino Addresses Supply Chain Challenges for Label Converters

L&NW talks to Shane Govert, product manager, about how digital printing can help remedy many of the issues facing the industry today.

Tell Us About Your Experience

PRINTING United Alliance is interested in learning how supply chain disruptions are impacting your business. Our Government Affairs team will use these stories on Capitol Hill to highlight the problem and real-life impact. Your personal story can be the most powerfully persuasive narrative for lawmakers.
Share your supply chain story