Complete Guide: How to Use Our Cardboard Shredder for Cardboard Cushioning
Nowadays, it is essential to integrate ecology and sustainable development into our daily practices. With this in mind, we have developed a range of cardboard shredders to meet different needs and budgets.
These machines allow you to efficiently reuse used cardboard, transforming it into reusable cushioning or protective material. They provide a simple, economical, and ecological solution for reducing packaging waste.
In this guide, we will explain how cardboard shredders work, their different types, and best practices for use and maintenance to get the most out of them.
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What is a cardboard shredder?
A cardboard shredder is a machine that transforms your used cardboard into reusable materials, primarily for cushioning or protecting items during transport or storage.
What is a cardboard shredder used for?
A shredder is used to cut and crumple cardboard to give it a honeycomb or textured structure. The transformed cardboard can then be used for cushioning to reduce empty spaces in boxes during shipping, for protecting fragile products, or as an ecological alternative to bubble wrap and packing plastics.
Ecological and Economic Advantages
Using padded cardboard aligns with a recycling approach, as it is often made from recycled cardboard. This makes you an active participant in an ecological initiative. Additionally, you will reduce costs associated with bubble wrap or filler plastics by reusing your existing cardboard to protect your products and fill empty spaces.
Why use a cardboard shredder in your business?
As mentioned earlier, using a cardboard shredder allows you to both save money and actively contribute to an ecological approach.
Reducing Packaging and Waste Costs
By using a cardboard shredder, you will significantly reduce costs related to packaging and waste management. Instead of buying bubble wrap, air cushions, or other packing materials, you can recycle your own used cardboard and reuse it to protect your products or fill empty spaces in your shipments. This approach not only saves money but also reduces your environmental impact by giving a second life to your cardboard waste.
Contribution to a CSR and Zero-Waste Approach
Furthermore, your company will be positioned as an environmentally conscious actor by reducing its ecological impact through cardboard reuse and waste reduction. This approach also allows you to benefit from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) advantages: enhancing your image with clients and partners, complying with environmental standards, and demonstrating tangible commitment to a sustainable and responsible policy. Thus, using a cardboard shredder is not just a practical solution for cushioning and protecting your products, but a real lever to strengthen your ecological and social engagement.
How Does a Cardboard Shredder Work?
Now that you understand the importance of a cardboard shredder, let’s see how it works to support your recycling and product protection efforts.
Compatible Cardboard Types
You can use any type of cardboard with our shredders. For the large-volume cardboard shredder, it is possible to insert cardboard containing staples, although we do not recommend it for safety reasons. However, for the compact cardboard shredder, we strongly advise against inserting cardboard with staples to protect the machine and ensure optimal operation.
Result Obtained: Cushioning, Protection, or Padding
After inserting the cardboard into the machine, you will get the final result: padded, flexible, and cushioning cardboard. It can then be freely used to stabilize products to prevent movement inside boxes, protect items against external shocks, or act as padding to absorb impacts around the products.
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Interested in our shredder? Contact us now for a personalized quote. You can also visit our dedicated page to learn more about its features and benefits.
Step-by-Step User Guide
Now that you understand the theory, let’s move on to the practical steps. Simply follow the instructions below.
Preparing the Cardboard for Recycling
Our cardboard shredders have certain limits regarding the thickness of the cardboard to be used. With a Compact cardboard shredder, the thickness should not exceed 6 mm, whereas the Large-volume cardboard shredder can handle cardboard up to 20 mm thick.
We therefore recommend first sorting your cardboard to identify which pieces can be shredded with your machine, depending on the model you own.
Starting the Machine
Now that sorting is complete, you need to start the machine.
Compact cardboard shredder
Start by turning on the power switch, then turn the dial to “1” to start the machine. Before inserting the cardboard, check that it contains no metal parts, as these could damage the machine. Once this check is done, insert the cardboard into the shredder. After the cushioning cardboard is ready, retrieve it by turning the dial to “0” to stop the machine.
Turn the dial to “1” to start the large-volume cardboard shredder.
Insert your cardboard into the designated area.
Collect the resulting shredded cardboard and/or scraps.
Large-volume cardboard shredder
First, switch on the power, then set the dial to “1” to start the machine. Before inserting the cardboard, make sure it contains no metal parts to avoid any damage. Once checked, insert the cardboard into the shredder. When the cushioning cardboard is ready, turn the dial to “0” to stop the machine and retrieve the result.
Turn the dial to “1” to start the large-volume cardboard shredder.
Insert your cardboard into the designated area.
Collect the resulting shredded cardboard and/or scraps.
Retrieve and Use the Shredded Cardboard
Then collect the shredded cardboard at the back of the machine. For convenience and to prevent it from falling to the floor, we recommend placing a tray or container under the outlet. This will make it easier to gather the cardboard and keep your workspace clean and safe.
To use the shredded cardboard as cushioning, simply place it at the bottom of the box used for transporting your product. Then fill the empty spaces with the shredded cardboard to create a package where the product is secured, padded, and protected against shocks and movement during transport.
Safety Best Practices
There are a few essential rules to ensure operator safety when shredding cardboard. First, avoid placing your fingers inside the machine while it is running. If a piece of cardboard or paper gets stuck, turn the dial to “2” and remove it manually. Always make sure to stop the machine before turning off the power switch.
Comparison: Which Shredder Model to Choose?
You now know how to operate our cardboard shredders, but which one is right for you?
Compact cardboard shredder
Let’s start with our smallest model. Compact and lightweight, it is perfect for users who want to process a few small cardboard pieces. It can handle up to 3 meters of cardboard per minute, with low energy consumption, and allows cuts up to 425 mm in width.
In summary, this model is ideal for small businesses and environmentally conscious individuals who want to recycle their cardboard or save on the cost of external cushioning materials.
Large-volume cardboard shredder
As for our higher-end model, it is ideal for recycling companies or businesses that regularly ship parcels, as well as for growing companies concerned about their environmental impact. Larger and more powerful, it can process up to 14 meters of cardboard per minute. Its higher energy consumption is due to its increased power, allowing cuts up to 500 mm in width.
In summary, this model is designed for recycling professionals as well as businesses that regularly ship parcels. If you want to enhance your brand image while actively engaging in an ecological approach, this model is perfect for you. It will also help you reduce expenses on non-recycled cushioning materials.
Shredder Care and Maintenance
There’s no secret: to extend the life of your machine, regular care is essential. Here are some simple and effective tips to increase the lifespan of your shredder and ensure optimal daily performance.
Regular Cleaning
We recommend cleaning your machine after each use with a microfiber cloth to remove dust and cardboard residues. Regular maintenance helps prevent premature wear of components and ensures optimal performance of your shredder.
Checking the Blades and Motor
Regularly check the condition of the blades and motor to prevent technical issues and ensure your machine operates correctly. Periodic inspections also allow you to quickly identify wear or anomalies, avoiding costly repairs or downtime.
Common Error
The cardboard may get stuck during shredding. To resolve this, stop the machine immediately when you notice a blockage. Then, manually remove the cardboard. If some residues remain, you can turn the knob to “2” to bring the cardboard back and make removal easier. You can also use a thin object for better control and safety. In rare cases, it may be necessary to remove the cover to access the blades and fully remove the stuck cardboard.
Conclusion
Using a cardboard shredder is a practical, economical, and eco-friendly solution to reuse your used cardboard, protect your products, and reduce waste. Whether you are a small business, an environmentally conscious individual, or a recycling and shipping professional, there is a model suited to your needs and production volumes.
By following proper usage and maintenance practices (such as checking the blades and motor, cleaning the machine regularly, and avoiding metal objects or overly thick cardboard), you ensure optimal performance and extend the life of your shredder.
By integrating this approach into your activity, you become an active participant in recycling and reducing environmental impact, while saving on cushioning materials and improving your company’s image.
With a bit of practice and attention, your cardboard shredder will become a reliable, safe, and durable tool for all your transport, cushioning, and product protection operations.
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