Is There a Shortage of Paper in the UK?

Paper might not be something you think about every day, but it plays a huge role in how businesses operate. It is always there when you need it, so it is easy to assume it always will be. But with recent changes in the UK’s paper industry, some businesses are starting to wonder if there is enough paper to go around and whether they should be worried about shortages or rising costs.

Where Does the UK Get its Paper?

While there is no widespread shortage of paper at the moment, it is true that paper production in the UK has been steadily declining. Over the years, a number of mills have closed due to high operating costs, and those still in operation are producing less than they once did. Today, the 47 remaining paper mills across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland produce around four million tonnes annually, down significantly from past decades. Nearly a million tonnes of that is exported, either as standalone products or as packaging for UK-made goods.

The problem is that businesses and consumers in the UK use about 10 million tonnes of paper each year, which is more than double what domestic mills can provide. This shortfall means that the UK relies heavily on imports to meet its needs, bringing in more paper than any other country in the world.

Why Does the UK Import So Much Paper?

A large part of the answer lies in how paper is made. The process begins with wood pulp, either sourced from sustainably managed forests or made from recycled fibres collected from waste paper banks. These materials are mixed with water and chemicals to create a pulp, which is then spread into thin sheets, pressed, dried and rolled into the paper products we use every day.

Producing virgin pulp is highly resource-intensive, requiring vast amounts of wood, water and energy to produce on a large scale. Historically, this process was more viable in the UK, but the country has seen a serious decline in its forested land over the years, leaving little room for local pulp production. This has led many paper mills to focus on recycling instead. By using recycled fibres, these mills can still create high-quality paper products while making the most of the resources already in circulation.

However, domestic production alone cannot meet the country’s demand for paper, especially in the quantities required by schools and businesses. To fill this gap, the UK imports paper from countries like Germany and Sweden, which benefit from abundant natural resources and large-scale production facilities. Imports from North America and Asia also play a crucial role in ensuring access to a steady supply of paper for all kinds of uses, from copier paper to packaging.

Challenges Facing the Paper Industry

Relying so much on international suppliers helps keep paper flowing into the UK, but it does come with its fair share of risks. The global markets, supply chains and costs involved in producing and transporting paper can change quickly, leaving the UK exposed to disruptions they might not see coming.

Here are some of the key challenges facing the paper industry today:

• Fluctuations in Global Markets: The cost of raw materials, like wood pulp, can swing up and down depending on demand worldwide. Big events, like economic slowdowns or political issues, can throw things off balance and make it harder to predict prices or secure what is needed.
• Supply Chain Disruptions: Since so much of the UK’s paper comes from overseas, issues like delays at ports, strikes or rising shipping costs can hold up deliveries. For businesses that rely on a steady supply, even small delays can have a big knock-on effect.
• Environmental Regulations: There is a growing push for the paper industry to be greener, cutting emissions and using less water. While this is necessary, making these changes often requires costly upgrades to machinery and processes, which can affect prices and availability.
• Rising Production Costs: Producing paper uses a lot of energy, and with energy prices going up in the UK, domestic production is getting more expensive. For imported paper, higher transport and fuel costs are also pushing up prices.

Secure Your Paper Supply with Westcountry Group

With so many factors affecting the paper industry, it is clear that schools and businesses need a reliable way to secure their paper supply. Planning ahead can make all the difference in avoiding disruption or unexpected price increases. One practical way to stay prepared is to bulk buy paper when possible. Buying in larger quantities ensures you have enough stock to keep your business running and protects you from future price hikes or delays in delivery.

For schools and businesses that might not have the space to store bulk orders, Westcountry Group’s Convenience+ service allows you to purchase paper in bulk and store it in our warehouse at no extra cost. When you need it, it is ready to be delivered to you.

Contact us today to learn more about our Convenience+ service. Call 0330 030 0330, email: paperorders@westcountrygroup.com or visit the paper section of our website.