Why a cardboard shortage is driving innovation in packaging design Online shopping, office closures and Brexit have all impacted cardboard supplies. Material innovation and smarter packaging design could provide a solution. March 1, 2021 5:40 pm Cardboard is in demand. As shops have remained closed during the pandemic, online retail has rocketed, and with it the demand for cardboard packaging. Throughout the past year, there have been reports of both a cardboard shortage and rising prices for the material. More recently, it’s been impacted by Brexit supply chains and the Christmas shopping surge. Though it’s a challenge, it’s also prompted a rethink in packaging design.