I was at a group meeting last year when Ilford stated that it was their most frequently asked question that they didn't have
an answer for.
They can make the film, but they can't package it and the source for the paper ends would only run a massive quantity
compared to their needs. Apparently, most of Ilfords research efforts are attempting to find alternatives the the raw
materials they need as suppliers are no longer interested in manufacturing the smaller quantities that the film makers
demand.
Ilford would consider offering separate 220 length film strips with supplied ends for self-rolling and external packaging, if
they could buy just 10 years worth of paper ends.