One last square of toilet paper is used when the realization rushes in: This is the last of the toilet paper. Mind races, sweat builds, and fear takes over, cursing the toilet paper deities once again.
At a micro level, this shortage is frustrating. Grows even more on a macro level, when stores are out of toilet paper, with little options left to turn. Why do these toilet paper shortages happen? What causes them? Can they be stopped?
Important questions and we have unrolled the answers. Read on for more to learn the external and internal factors that cause toilet paper shortages.
Disruptions in the supply chain
Supply chain is a term that gained popularity in public vernacular in recent years, when disruptions interfered with the flow of goods, services, and resources. Hard to not pay attention when the supply chain backs up thanks to overfilled docks or slow shipments.
Or, you know, a major disruption, when the Ever Given found itself stuck in the Suez Canal, causing the rerouting of cargo ships and delayed shipments.
Living in an interconnected world with global markets, instances like this, while avoidable in certain cases, will happen. Anywhere from the origin point to shipping to arrival, disruptions along the way affect the supply chain. Especially when demand hits a high point.
Sudden spikes in consumer demand
Toilet paper shortages occur because of sudden spikes in demand, say on Halloween, where decorating trees and the creation of mummies skyrockets. A wonderful time for a toilet paper company to rejoice!
Okay, a little far-fetched — and wasteful — notably when a focus is on recycled toilet paper. There are of course legitimate external factors when spikes occur and cause shortages. Among them are:
Larger household sizes
Seasonal factors
Increased illness
Larger household sizes of course mean more usage. Hurricanes and snowstorms that dump feet upon feet of snow are two seasonal factors bringing forth more demand. Both are prime examples leading to shortages of essential items.
Flu season and the swell of other illnesses can also cause a rise in demand.
These demands are based on actual need and higher consumption rates, reflecting genuine change in consumer behavior. Where we see other differences is when the opposite occurs.
Panic buying and stockpiling behavior
We have seen this before, when panic buying and stockpiling out of fear and anxiety causes a shortage. This fear and anxiety are exacerbated via media coverage and social media posts, especially when discussing temporary or future shortages.
A good question is to look at where these valid feelings arise from. Often, herd behavior comes into play. Rather than stockpiling based on an actual need, panic buying leads to empty shelves. This leaves consumers staring at an empty shelf and the same feeling when someone forgot to replace the empty roll.
The idea of retail therapy and buying items to manage emotional states is something many of us can identify with. Whether that is an item of comfort — food, drink, books, or toilet paper — those in panic mode look for a way to ease their fears.
Though not bad to be prepared, buying excessive amounts leads to temporary and future shortages, causing the production of end of things trying to catch up.
Production limitations and delays
Toilet paper shortages develop on the internal side, beginning at the point of distribution origin and resulting in product delays.
These are attributed to lack of knowledge in international trade, communication, and collaboration with others all create limitations and delays. Simple and difficult problems that fail to be addressed, causing hiccups along the way.
Whether at distribution centers, shipping routes, or transportation, costs play a heavy hand in delays. Attached to this are labor shortages. In a labor shortage supply chain study from from late-2023, 28% of respondents were dealing with a high labor shortage. That’s nearly one-third!
Logistical challenges in distribution
Distribution channels get clogged when facing logistical challenges. Lack of space for storage containers is one reason, setting off a chain reaction of stalled shipping channels.
Even when shipping channels are not stalled, challenges arise. Fuel costs enter the picture, and so does a lack of planning and forecasting, affecting distribution across the board.
Challenges also arise in exporting of raw material, such as in the case of toilet paper, when the flow of wood pulp is disrupted. Factors often out of the consumers’ hands (unless a change to bamboo toilet paper is on the agenda).
Conclusion
A variety of reasons causes toilet paper shortages. The external, consumer side of life sees the whims of nature and world events, causing a sudden spike in demand. Hurricanes and harsh winter seasons bring forth a spike in demand, as well as major geopolitical changes or an illness that affects the national or world populations.
Or shortages happen when the impact of these events is exaggerated, leading to panic buying and stockpiling behavior.
Shortages also occur on the internal side, delving into disruptions in the supply chain, delays, labor shortages, logistical challenges, and other limitations. All often out of the hands of consumers, dictated by the market or not.
No matter the reason, toilet paper shortages are a pain in the… Well, you know where.
Our best advice is to never get caught without toilet paper again by purchasing a WGAC monthly subscription and help uncrap the world.
Happy wiping!