Thin Margins: The Paper Shortage and Its Toll on the Printing Industry

In today’s dynamic business landscape, adaptability is key to survival. The printing industry, known for its resilience and evolution, recently faced an unprecedented and formidable challenge with a worldwide paper shortage.

This part 1 episode of Unlocking Potential dives deep into the heart of this crisis, exploring its causes, consequences, and actionable solutions.

At the core of this predicament lies a complex web of factors. Paper mill closures, supply chain disruptions, and shifting demand patterns have converged to create a perfect storm. The consequences ripple through the industry, affecting printers, publishers and paper mills alike.

To understand the depth of how the crisis unfolded, it’s essential to unpack these interconnected issues. In our conversation with industry experts — Toni McQuilken, Kent Tucker and Julie Brannen — we examine the root causes of the paper shortage.

Toni McQuilken, Senior Editor at PRINTING United, offers insights into the industry’s struggles and adaptation to these challenges. Kent Tucker, Vice President of Tucker-Castleberry, shares real-world experiences from a family-owned printing company navigating uncharted waters. Julie Brannen, Director of Regional Sales at Monadnock Paper Mills, lends her extensive knowledge of the industry to the discussion.

Our guests bring clarity to the multifaceted challenges posed by the recent paper shortage crisis. They emphasize the need for flexibility in paper choices and pricing adjustments. These insights shed light on the adaptive strategies that businesses are adopting to survive and thrive in turbulent times. From diversifying supply chains to exploring new product lines, the printing industry is evolving to meet the demands of today’s market.

Join us as we navigate the chaos in the printing industry, seeking answers to critical questions and unveiling strategies for resilience. In a world where change is constant, adaptation becomes the key to unlocking success. Don’t miss this episode of Unlocking Potential – your guide to staying ahead in the ever-evolving printing industry.

Follow Along for the Next Two Episodes!

Recent Episodes

For companies exploring a new finishing system, touring an active IntelliFinishing installation can provide valuable insight into how the system performs in real-world conditions. IntelliFinishing has systems in operation across the Midwest and in parts of the East Coast, many of which are open for prospective customers to visit. Popular tour locations include systems…

When it comes to building a complete IntelliFinishing system, Midwest Finishing Systems is a key partner—and for good reason. As John Claman of IntelliFinishing explains, the partnership isn’t just based on quality equipment, but on years of close collaboration and a shared commitment to delivering top-tier finishing systems. One of the biggest advantages of working…

Planning for growth is a critical part of any capital investment—especially when it comes to finishing systems. One of the biggest advantages of an IntelliFinishing system is its modular, flexible design, which makes it far easier to scale than traditional chain-based monorail or power-and-free systems. As John Claman of IntelliFinishing explains, these systems are built…