It’s no secret – there’s a paper shortage in the UK. Even JK Rowling noticed it back in 2006. Why has thishappened? Where to start: paper mills closing all around the nation; plummeting volumes of raw materials; Finnish port strikes and tonnes simply going in the bin

On top of this, paper consumption was projected to increase by 50% in 2010 compared to demand in 2000. This is a reaction to the increased need of paper in Asia and South America.

Addiction to paper

Virtually everyone is using one kind of paper or another. For some businesses, it’s a necessity; for others, an addiction. Either way, we’re going through it fast, whether it’s recycled or virgin pulp.

This has put a tremendous strain on the industry. It can’t be made fast enough and the quantities required can’t be delivered as needed. This has led to stationers not getting the deliveries they want and having to limit the supply to their customers. In addition, it has meant the few manufacturers and distributers there are have leverage.

Prices have, therefore, gone up. This is the case whether it’s the cheapest virgin paper or premium recycled alternatives. And it’s the cheap supplies that are first to go. So, with virtually every businesses, office and household wanting it, how will it be affordable?

The answer is, in many cases, the costs will be hidden – allowing consumers to keep up their paper habit. They’ll be hidden by increasing prices elsewhere, leading to a false economy.

However, here at The Green Desk we believe in honesty and openness and working in a way that’s fair to everyone. That’s why we haven’t hidden these increments in paper costs. However, as all our other highly green, UK made products remain cost-effective; these increased paper costs can easily be balanced out.

But, simply, the best way to help during this UK –and in fact global – paper shortage is to use less. Kicking the habit can be as easy as not printing off emails and minimising waste by not printing until it’s certain there are no mistakes.

And remember: recycle and used recycled! Recycled paper can only remain if the cycle is closed. That means waste must be recycled so manufactures have materials to use and then they must be bought to create a demand – promoting a cradle to cradle process.