Industry Faces Packaging Materials Shortage in 2021

According to Antalis Packaging, a company renowned for finding packaging solutions, the market is nowadays experiencing a shortage in obtaining cardboard boxes and corrugated board for deliveries. “There is a delay in getting pulp fibers back into the recycling chain that are used to make further packaging boxes and corrugated board. This and other factors hitting the supply chain are combining to create this shortage in packaging material leaving many businesses with a real logistical problem,” a company statement read.

Antalis Packaging is advising businesses to consider their planning for peak periods well in advance. “Whilst we are optimistic that present supply issues may settle down quickly, this year will be different with the growing demand for packaging expected to be an ongoing trend,” said Antalis’ Head of Business Development for Packaging, John Garner.

He also explains that the recent problem lies partly in the recycling chain as there is a shortage of pulp used to make packaging and this is affecting supply: “Pre-pandemic, most deliveries were made directly in bulk to shops and restaurants, and packaging found its way quickly back into the system via established recycling policies and good practices. Today, the availability of recovered paper and board is limited and is expected to decrease further in the future. With high street retail closed, the packaging is now going directly to consumers and is taking much longer to reach the recycling chain; and, even if it does, there is a high possibility of it being contaminated from household use or poor consumer disposal practices. The year 2021 is going to be interesting for all sorts of reasons. Availability and lead times are extended, shortage of materials, backlogs at ports are all compounding what is, a difficult situation. We’re likely to see lots of changes and developments.”