Where Has All The TP Gone?
Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2020 7:11 am
Heard an interesting discussion on the radio by an economist associated with the TP industry.
He pointed out that TP is one of the most predictable and steady demand items they make. Therefore, there is no slack or excess capacity to handle a sudden peak.
In addition, there is actually two manufacturing setups. One for home TP use and one for industrial use (businesses, restaurants, factories, etc.) Those two different setups are typically in different locations and the industrial setup can't be switched over to the home setup.
So, the shortage came from:
a) Initial "stock up" demand for a month.
b) Everyone is at home, using home TP, and few are at their jobs using industrial TP.
Solution to TP shortage - everyone go back to work.
(Can't help wondering if one can contact a janitorial supply house and get some of the industrial TP.)
He pointed out that TP is one of the most predictable and steady demand items they make. Therefore, there is no slack or excess capacity to handle a sudden peak.
In addition, there is actually two manufacturing setups. One for home TP use and one for industrial use (businesses, restaurants, factories, etc.) Those two different setups are typically in different locations and the industrial setup can't be switched over to the home setup.
So, the shortage came from:
a) Initial "stock up" demand for a month.
b) Everyone is at home, using home TP, and few are at their jobs using industrial TP.
Solution to TP shortage - everyone go back to work.
(Can't help wondering if one can contact a janitorial supply house and get some of the industrial TP.)