You may have been aware of the UK paper shortage over recent months. This is down to several factors including a strike at major producer UPM’s paper mills in Finland. The strike, which saw a severe paper and label supply shortage in the UK, has finally been resolved. UPM and the Paperworkers’ Union have approved a settlement proposal following the strike by almost 2000 workers which lasted almost four months. Concerns remain about how long it will take for supply to be restored. Lead times for landed stock may still be lengthy as the supply chain catches up with a backlog of orders. Additional factors are around the situation in Ukraine and how this has impacted on the supply from Russia, the cost of pulp, energy and shipping. Please see a useful infographic here for more information.