What Happened to My Envelopes?

The paper industry is experiencing a confluence of factors impacting the global supply chain resulting in inventory shortages. DFCU and our partners have been monitoring this situation and planning alternative solutions in order to ensure your continued service. As a result, we will be using replacement products on occasion when there is a supply shortage impacting your fulfillment.

For example, there is currently a wide-scale shortage of white envelopes. We will start using brown recycled special kraft paper for our standard outgoing envelopes during this supply shortage. These envelopes are the same paper weight and size, with the same markings and window as the white envelope. We will expand this to other items as needed to ensure the production and mailing of all member correspondence.

What happened to the regular paper and/or envelopes?

Global Supply Chain: Paper is sourced globally and some supply is imported from Europe and Asia which are not coming in time due to container shortages, labor, and prices. Paper demand continues to be high, outpacing supply.

Rising Costs and Demand: This year our mailing anf fulfillment partners continue to see a dramatic increase in the cost of pulp and the chemicals needed to produce paper along with rising labor costs driving shortages and impacting capacity.

Transportation: Fuel and energy prices are up, plus there are disruptions in the global supply chain impacting international and domestic shipping. There is a shortage of trucks and drivers to move paper and other goods in North America.

The War in Ukraine: Russia's invasion of Ukraine is adding to the woes of global supply chains. It is affecting all industries ranging from semiconductors to cars to food causing additional strain on the supply chain and resulting services.

How long will this shortage last?

While we hope the disruption is brief, projections are indicating that the industry will continue to experience supply-chain challenges on paper products into 2023. This current kraft paper envelope alternative allows us to continue to serve you with the high standards you have come to expect.

Thank you for your understanding during this supply shortage.