Cardboard Shredders & Perforators

2 May 2023 Shares

Home Cardboard recycling Cardboard Shredders & Perforators

By Recycling.com/ 2 May 2023 Shares

Cardboard Shredders & Perforators

Recycle Cardboard Waste into Eco-Friendly Packaging Material
Authors: Pim Brouwer & Brent Nijssen

Convert cardboard boxes and corrugated waste material into eco-friendly and free packaging material. A commercial cardboard shredder or perforator is a sustainable and creative solution to repurpose and recycle corrugated cardboard boxes into flat netting, cushioning padding, or even strips or chips. These professional recycling machines pay for themselves and help to reduce the cost of packing materials and waste hauling.

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Cardboard Shredder Categories:

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Do you need help? Get your free quote today with all the information you need.


Light-Duty Cardboard Shredders

light-duty-tabletop-cardboard-shredder-thumbLight-duty cardboard perforators are space-saving, easy to move and affordable machines for converting cardboard waste into packing material. These low-volume and compact perforators are ideal for small business use and basic shipping departments. Produce up to 12 moving boxes full of shredded cardboard per hour.

PRODUCT FEATURES

“We have reduced our use of plastic packaging material by 100% thanks to our cardboard shredder.”
Christine Keane | Air Plant Shop


HSM ProfiPack C400

Compact tabletop perforator with adjustable scale

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Specifications:

  • Capacity: 1 layer
  • Speed: 26 ft/min
  • Intake width: 16.34″
  • Intake height: 0.4″
  • Power: 855 W
  • Voltage: 110-120 V / 60 Hz
  • Weight: 102.85 lbs

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Best Seller

The HSM ProfiPack C400 is a portable and compact cardboard perforator for converting old boxes into high-quality padding material. It converts one layer of double-wall corrugated cardboard per pass into flat netting mats or cushioned netting mats. The size of the machine is 24.02″ x 15.55″ x 14.76″ (w*d*h*). Although it is a small machine, it is very powerful and recommended for commercial use. The ProfiPack C400 is a tabletop unit that fits easily on a counter, shipping workbench, or workstation thanks to its sturdy feet. The device can be lifted up easily via the recessed handles on each side.

This cardboard box shredder features a 1.6 horsepower motor for continuous operation. The integrated turbo function resolves any blockages during operation. The machine has an adjustable scale to produce cushioning material at the desired width. Operate the C400 with an easy-to-use and robust LED control panel. The perforator trims any excess cardboard in a single pass, which you can perforate again. A minor flaw is that this unit can’t be connected to a dust extraction kit.

More information:

Official product sheet | Get a Free Quote


Formax Greenwave 410

Ideal for small shipping departments

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Specifications:

  • Capacity: 1 layer
  • Speed: 34 ft/min
  • Intake width: 16″
  • Intake height: 0.4″
  • Power: 400 W
  • Voltage: 115 V / 60 Hz
  • Weight: 110 lbs

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The Formax Greenwave 410 is a tabletop cardboard shredder machine to create economical, environmentally and perforated packaging from cardboard waste material, such as old cardboard boxes. The size of the machine is 23.2″ x 16.5″ x 14.2″ (w*d*h*). Break down a cardboard box and feed one layer per pass into the Greenwave 410. The shredder features an all-metal housing and an easy-to-use operator switch.

Due to its small size, this shredder can easily fit on a shipping counter. Perforate a sheet of cardboard up to 16 inches wide with a convenient measuring scale. The unit converts the corrugated cardboard at a speed of 34 feet per minute. A minor flaw is that this unit can’t be connected to a dust extraction kit and it doesn’t feature an anti-jam function.

More information:

Official product sheet | Get a Free Quote


Klindex Edward 299

Available in two variants: netting or strips

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Specifications:

  • Capacity: 1 layer
  • Speed: 32 ft/min
  • Intake width: 11.8″
  • Intake height: 0.4″
  • Power: 745 W
  • Voltage: 220 V / 50-60 Hz
  • Weight: 110 lbs

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Only available in Europe

The Klindex Edward 299 is an Italian-manufactured tabletop cardboard shredder. The machine is relatively small and it operates very quietly, with a noise level of just 45 dB(A). The size of the machine is 21.6″ x 11″ x 17.7″ (w*d*h*). You can opt for the standard Edward 299 that converts cardboard boxes into flexible netting. Or get the strips variant that turns cardboard into long cardboard strips, just like a paper shredder device.

The cardboard box shredder is simple to operate with a practical control panel. Any size of cardboard can be used to perforate because the machine trims any excess cardboard. To eliminate any dust or cardboard particles, you can connect this unit to a dust extraction system. The oversized motor ensures reliability and the metal blades are resistant to small metals, such as staples. A minor disadvantage is that the Klindex cardboard shredders are only available across Europe.

More information:

Official product sheet | Get a Free Quote


Medium-Duty Cardboard Shredders

medium-duty-freestanding-cardboard-shredder-thumbMedium-duty cardboard perforators are freestanding machines for converting cardboard waste into packing material. These medium-volume perforators are ideal for commercial and industrial use. Produce up to 25 moving boxes full of shredded cardboard per hour.

PRODUCT FEATURES

“The buying process from the first contact to our purchase was super easy. All the questions that we have were answered before the purchase was made.”
Tom Stewart | The Salon Center


HSM ProfiPack P425

Convert cardboard into flat mats or padding

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Specifications:

  • Capacity: 1-3 layers
  • Speed: 33 ft/min
  • Intake width: 16.73″
  • Intake height: 0.8″
  • Power: 1870 W
  • Voltage: 100-240 V / 50-60 Hz
  • Weight: 362.74 lbs

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Best Seller

The HSM ProfiPack P425 is a sleek, powerful and performance-optimized packaging machine measuring 30.31″ x 22.44″ x 40.94″ (w*d*h*). It is perfect for operations that ship over 100 boxes per day. This free-standing perforator converts discarded cardboard waste into two types of sustainable packaging material. It can turn cardboard into flat packaging mats or into more cushioning cardboard padding material. Shred up to three layers of cardboard per pass. An adjustable measuring scale allows the operator to shred material into the required width depending on the application, and excess material is trimmed automatically.

The shredder for cardboard can be moved around because of its smooth-running castors with a parking brake. The device is also convenient to control with the intuitive control panel. Its motor and hardened solid steel cutting rollers ensure a powerful operation at constant load. It operates relatively quietly (60-62 dB), and is quite fast as it perforates 39 feet of cardboard per minute. The optional dust extractor kit (HSM DE 1-8, sold separately) can be connected to specific P425 models for extracting dust particles while shredding cardboard.

More information:

Official product sheet | Get a Free Quote


Formax Greenwave 430

Energy-efficient cardboard converter on casters

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Specifications:

  • Capacity: 1-3 layers
  • Speed: 40 ft/min
  • Intake width: 16.9″
  • Intake height: 0.79″
  • Power: 745 W
  • Voltage: 115 V / 60 Hz
  • Weight: 271 lbs

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The Formax Greenwave 430 is a freestanding cardboard perforator on wheels. This mobile shredder converts cardboard waste into high-quality, eco-friendly packaging material. The Formax perforator perforates and trims cardboard sheets up to 16.9″ wide and up to 0.79″ thick. It perforates cardboard sheets at a speed of 40 feet per minute. The size of the machine is 24.8″ x 22.4″ x 38.1″ (w*d*h*). With a 1 HP motor, it is a very energy-efficient cardboard shredding device.

This machine features an all-metal cabinet, it has solid steel blades and rugged metal gearing to perforate all of your corrugated shipping cartons into sustainable packing materials. It also features a plastic waste bin for collecting particles. The Greenwave perforator is also available in a compact-sized model that you can place on a table: the Greenwave 410.

More information:

Official product sheet | Get a Free Quote


Intimus PacMaster S

Robust steel plate packing station

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Specifications:

  • Capacity: 1-2 layers
  • Speed: 35 ft/min
  • Intake width: 16.73″
  • Intake height: 0.59″
  • Power: 1500 W
  • Voltage: 230 V / 50-60 Hz
  • Weight: 451.95 lbs

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The Intimus PacMaster S converts cardboard waste, such as boxes and sheets, into flexible packaging and filling material. This easy-to-use cardboard converter is able to shred high volumes of cardboard waste at a speed of 35.4 ft/min. The build quality of this machine is great, its housing is made of robust steel plates which makes the shredder perfect for heavy-duty environments. The size of the machine is 27.17″ x 18.5″ x 37.4″ (w*d*h*).

Because of its robust steel plate housing, this device is fairly heavy with a total weight of over 450 lbs. The machine is still mobile because it features robust castors. For extracting dust you can add the intimus VAC 50 extraction system with a capacity of 18.5 gallons. The perforator has a measuring strip on the work surface for trimming cardboard to a required format, sadly there is no adjustable scale for accurate guidance while feeding the cardboard into the PacMaster.

More information:

Official product sheet | Get a Free Quote


Klindex Edward 400

Fast cardboard shredder for netting, strips or chips

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Specifications:

  • Capacity: 1-2 layers
  • Speed: 46 ft/min
  • Intake width: 16.9″
  • Intake height: 0.62″
  • Power: 1491 W
  • Voltage: 220-240 V / 50-60 Hz
  • Weight: 275.57 lbs

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Only available in Europe

The Klindex Edward 400 is a compact-sized cardboard shredder machine that is available in three variants. One that produces cushioning netting (NET) or cardboard void-fill material in the form of strips (STRIP) or chips (CHIP). This means you need to buy the machine that suits your required packing material. The Edwards 400 comes with high-performance cutting heads and a strong motor to conveniently convert your cardboard waste into packaging material. It converts cardboard with a cutting speed up to 14 meters or 46 feet per minute, which saves up space quickly. The size of the machine is 33.46″ x 19.68″ x 41.33″ (w*d*h*).

The corrugated cardboard box shredder or perforator is available in a single-phase or three-phase motor. Which makes it suitable for any shipping department. Besides shredding cardboard, this machine also destroys CDs/DVDs, credit cards, and other sensitive media. The EDWARD 400 is easy to use and maneuver thanks to the large wheels with parking brakes. You can opt for an optional dust extraction system to keep dust at a minimum while operating the device.

More information:

Official product sheet | Get a Free Quote


Heavy-Duty Cardboard Shredders

heavy-duty-freestanding-cardboard-shredder-thumbHeavy-duty cardboard perforators are large and powerful machines for converting high volumes of cardboard waste into packing material. These industrial perforators are ideal for intensive commercial and industrial use. Produce up to 40 moving boxes full of shredded cardboard per hour.

PRODUCT FEATURES

“If your company produces cardboard waste and you do any kind of shipping, having a cardboard shredder is a no-brainer.”
Christine Keane | Air Plant Shop


HSM ProfiPack P425 3-Phase

The powerful motor ensures continuous duty operation

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Specifications:

  • Capacity: 1-3 layers
  • Speed: 43 ft/min
  • Intake width: 16.73″
  • Intake height: 0.8″
  • Power: 3800 W
  • Voltage: 220V / 400V
  • Weight: 399.04 lbs

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The HSM ProfiPack P425 3-Phase is a sleek, powerful and performance-optimized packaging machine measuring 30.31″ x 22.44″ x 40.94″ (w*d*h*). It is a high-quality cardboard converter made in Germany that is ideal for intensive commercial use. This free-standing perforator is used for processing high volumes of cardboard waste into a padding mat or padded filling material. Shred up to three layers of cardboard per pass with a speed of 43 feet per minute. An adjustable measuring scale allows the operator to shred material into the required width depending on the application, and excess material is trimmed automatically.

The cardboard box shredder can be moved around because of its smooth-running castors with a parking brake. The device is also convenient to control with the intuitive control panel. Its motor and hardened solid steel cutting rollers ensure powerful operation at constant load. It operates relatively continuously and quietly (64 dB). The optional dust extractor kit (HSM DE 1-8, sold separately) can be connected to the P425 for extracting dust particles while shredding cardboard.

More information:

Official product sheet | Get a Free Quote


Klindex Edward 700

Powerful 7HP perforator with wide intake width

Klindex-Edward-700-cardboard-shredder-thumb

Specifications:

  • Capacity: 1-3 layers
  • Speed: 65 ft/min
  • Intake width: 27.55″
  • Intake height: 0.98″
  • Power: 5219 W
  • Voltage: 380-400 V / 50-60 Hz
  • Weight: 881.85 lbs

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Only available in Europe

The Klindex Edward 700 converts cardboard waste into an elastic mesh or into confetti-like material, depending on the variant you get. It is a really powerful ‘industrial’ cardboard converter that lets you convert high volumes of cardboard quickly, with a processing speed of 65 feet per minute. The intake height of almost one inch lets the operator convert up to 3 layers of thick cardboard per pass. The size of the machine is 51.18″ x 32.67″ x 45.66″ (w*d*h*).

Due to its wide feed intake, you can shred wide sheets of cardboard into wide cushioning netting. Ideal for packing larger products or objects for safe shipment. The unit has a sturdy structure and a casing of sheet metal. The reinforced blades of the Edward 700 are able to shred small metal pieces. The heavy-duty gears and reinforced shafts make sure this device is ready for heavy-duty and continuous shredding cycles. The device comes standard with a leg kit. The wheels kit with pivoting castors with brakes is optional.

More information:

Official product sheet | Get a Free Quote


Cushion Pack CP440 Series 2+

High Capacity Corrugated Shredder

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Specifications:

  • Capacity: 1-3 layers
  • Speed: 52 ft/min
  • Intake width: 16.9″
  • Intake height: 0.9″
  • Power: 4000 W
  • Voltage: 240 V / 480 V
  • Weight: 755 lbs

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The Cushion Pack CP440 Series 2+ is a high-capacity and super-fast corrugated shredder for industrial use. It is one of the more powerful perforators in the industry with a 5.36 HP motor. The CP440 is able to process thick and stiff sheets of cardboard with a speed of 52 feet per minute into flattened material or cushioning padding material. The hourly throughput rate is around 6-10 cubic yards per hour. The size of the machine is 30″ x 31″ x 43″ (w*d*h*).

This industrial cardboard shredder machine really can save your company a lot of money on packaging costs and waste hauling. The cardboard perforator is convenient to operate and processes your cardboard waste safely and easily. Because this is a 3-phase unit, you need at least 240 volts. When there is only 208 V available at your facility, you have to install a transformer to increase the power to at least 240 volts.

More information:

Official product sheet | Get a Free Quote


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“We did research and Recycling.com seemed economical and fit the bill best. Furthermore, the buying process went super simple, straight forward and easy.”
Eric Hazen | Verus Engineering


Cardboard Shredder and Perforator Guide

Do you have a lot of cardboard boxes that you normally break down for recycling? Would you rather turn this old cardboard into brand-new packaging material? Then a cardboard shredder machine is the right solution for your company. A cardboard shredding machine converts your cardboard waste into high-quality and eco-friendly packaging material. It is quick and easy, and it also reduces costs.

Repurpose, reduce and sustain by using cardboard waste as recycled packaging material. Switch from bubble wrap to cardboard!

Sustainable packaging material is an economical and ecological alternative and replacement to plastic packaging materials such as foam packing peanuts, bubble wrap, and styrofoam blocks. Shredded cardboard is a great sustainable alternative to bubble wrap.

Reduce waste, save on shipping materials and reduce the cost on cardboard waste collection.

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What is a cardboard shredder?

A cardboard ‘box’ shredder is a commercial or industrial recycling machine that lets you instantly recycle and repurpose your cardboard waste into packaging material. These cardboard recycling machines can produce cushioning netting, flat netting, chips, or strips.

convert-cardboard-waste-into-eco-friendly-packing-material

With a cardboard shredder you reduce cardboard waste by converting it into eco-friendly packing materials for outgoing products. It also reduces the cost of plastic packing materials and waste hauling.

A cardboard perforator converts cardboard into flexible, cushioning, shock-absorbing cardboard netting. Such as cardboard boxes, cardboard slip sheets or other cardboard materials. On the other hand, a cardboard shredder turns cardboard into small shreds or strips.

Tip: Check this testimonial video from Wessex Packaging about how a cardboard shredder is helping Gillards Worldwide reduce its environmental impact.

  • Cardboard waste collections eliminated
  • Non-recyclable plastic tape replaced
  • Need for a baler removed
  • Vinyl strapping eradicated
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Convert cardboard into fantastic packaging and void-fill.

The netting can be used as a durable and protective packaging material for products that you want to ship. The chips can also be used to fill up voids inside the shipment box. The cardboard chips or strips can also be used as a void fill. These small shreddings can quickly fill up even the tiniest gaps to protect your product in its package.

Void fill is the cushioning material that fills the void around the product and its package. The material fills the space to protect the product during transit.

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Is a cardboard shredder the same as a paper shredder?

A cardboard recycler, perforator, or converter isn’t meant to shred paper or confidential documents, so don’t confuse this machine with a paper shredder because these are different devices.

While the purpose of a regular paper shredder is to destroy confidential paper documents by cutting them into unreadable particles or confetti to protect people’s privacy, the purpose of a cardboard shredder is to make your packing and void-fill material.

This difference means you can’t shred cardboard with a standard paper shredder device.

reuse-reduce-recycle-iconPerforated cardboard is an sustainable packaging material to safely ship heavy and fragile goods.Recycling.com

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Recycle and reuse your cardboard waste.

Use cardboard netting instead of plastic peanuts.

Although a shredder for cardboard is not the same as a paper shredder, it does operate in a similar way. The machine’s gearbox, motor, and cutting block work together to cut the cardboard material.

The cardboard is transformed into tiny chips, long strips, or perforated sheets, depending on the type of shredder used. The purpose of the machine is to reuse processed cardboard as a free packaging material. Learn more about the types of shredded cardboard.

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difference-cardboard-strips-chips

Cardboard packaging material is not only cheaper but also more environmentally friendly than using plastic. So, if your business uses a lot of packaging material for shipping products a­­­nd you have lots of cardboard waste.

A cardboard shredder is an ideal solution to reduce costs on this material and waste collection of your scrap cardboard.

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Convert cardboard waste into eco-friendly packaging material.

You can insert almost any piece of cardboard into the opening of the shredder, and the machine perforates the material in cushioning netting, or it can shred the cardboard in square-shaped chips, among other forms. These chips fall into a plastic bag or another container, which acts as void-filling material to protect products and goods in cardboard boxes that need to be shipped.

Any excess cardboard is trimmed off and can be shredded again. Keep in mind that these machines also have limits and can be overloaded, leading to jamming. Most of the perforators or shredders can run continuously for multiple hours.


Cardboard shredder or cardboard perforator

When you want to convert cardboard into packaging material through a machine, you have to choose between a cardboard shredder and a cardboard perforator. But, what is the difference?

Both machines repurpose cardboard sheets or boxes into high-quality packaging material. Deciding which device you want to buy depends on what kind of eco-friendly packaging filler you wish to use.

Do you want perforated cardboard that is shock-absorbing and flexible netting? Or do you want shredded cardboard void fill, which exists of strips or chips?

Cardboard shredders thumb-cardboard-chips

A cardboard shredder cuts or shreds your cardboard waste into (long) strips or (small) chips. Both the strips and the chips are great to use as void fill and can easily replace plastic packing peanuts.

  • Shreds cardboard into strips, confetti, or chips.
  • Use it as void-fill material for packing and protecting products in shipping boxes.
  • It avoids the reuse of cardboard boxes with confidential on them, such as addresses.
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Packer CP424CMI cardboard shredder

Cardboard perforators thumb-cardboard-netting

A cardboard perforator turns your cardboard scraps into a kind of matting or netting. This machine doesn’t shred but instead perforates the cardboard to give it more cushioning characteristics. The netting can be used as a shock absorber box’s bottom or to roll a product in to protect it. The perforated cardboard replaces bubble wrap and packaging airbags.

  • Perforates cardboard into elastic matting, mesh netting.
  • Use it as a shock absorber for packing and protecting products inside shipment boxes.
  • Very flexible and cushioning material.
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HSM ProfiPack C400

Recycle and reuse cardboard scrap as free and eco-friendly packaging material.

Different sizes and models

Both cardboard shredders and perforators come in different sizes and models. Models are available in a small, compact, and portable tabletop shredder for small businesses or domestic use.

You can get a perforator with castors (small wheels) for easy mobility. But there are also large industrial cardboard shredders and perforators for heavy-duty use and processing high volumes of cardboard waste.

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These industrial machines can process multiple cardboard layers and have long-lasting steel blades and special gears for heavy-duty cycles. The amount of layers you can process with a cardboard shredder depends on the model and especially the input height of the machine and the thickness of the cardboard material you want to convert into packaging.


How does a cardboard shredder work and how do you operate one?

So how does a cardboard shredder work and is it difficult to operate? Both cardboard shredders and perforators are user-friendly and very easy to operate, not to mention also safe to use. Here is how easy it is to operate:

  1. Turn the machine on by switching the on/off switch.
  2. Grab a piece of cardboard and feed it into the front opening of the shredder or perforator.
  3. That’s it! The converted cardboard falls out of the back of the machine.

How does a cardboard perforator work?

The perforating machine uses a heavy-duty cutting cylinder, so the cardboard isn’t shredded but only perforated by the blades. The result after the piercing is a honeycomb-like structure in the cardboard.

The form gives the cardboard flexible, stretchable and cushioning properties. The processed cardboard can now absorb shocks, which makes it perfect for protecting goods during transport and shipment.

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The cardboard netting is also ideal for filling in ‘the void’ between the cardboard box and your product. You can perforate a sheet of cardboard in one go, and just like with the cardboard shredder, any excess cardboard is trimmed off automatically, for example, when a piece of the carton is wider than the opening.

The videos below show how you use a cardboard perforator and what you can do with the cushioning material. The model used in the video is the HSM ProfiPack C400 cardboard perforator, a compact but powerful cardboard converter that is ideal for smaller shipment departments.

Tip: If you are also looking for a cardboard shredder from HSM, this article “ProfiPack C400 vs. P425” might be helpful for you.

Video: HSM Profipack C400 in use

Video: HSM Profipack P425 in use

Do you need to remove staples or metals?

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Remove staples from cardboard prior to shredding.

We strongly recommended removing all staples and other hard metal objects from the cardboard to prevent wear or damage to the cutting heads. Occasional shredding or perforating of stapled cardboard will likely not cause any problems. Still, constant cardboard processing with metal items, such as staples, is likely to damage the cutting cylinders.

It is better to remove staples and other sharp metals because you will use the shredded cardboard as packaging material for products that might be fragile, where the metals could scratch what you are shipping.

Buy a heavy-duty staple remover here at Amazon.

Do you need to remove to remove tape?

It is not necessary to remove plastic tape or paper tape from your cardboard boxes before you convert them into packaging. It doesn’t harm your machine.

For the most high-quality packaging and cleanest presentation, it is recommended to remove any contaminants from the cardboard.

What can you shred or perforate?

Cardboard shredders can shred any (corrugated) cardboard. The only requirement is that the cardboard is flat, such as flattened cardboard boxes, slip sheets, and paperboard. Therefore, thick cardboard rolls can’t be processed by these machines because they are too thick. It should also be noted that craft paper can’t be shredded or perforated because it is too thin.

You can shred or perforate:

  • Cardboard boxes (brown and colored cardboard)
  • Cardboard sheets and plates, also known as slip sheets
  • Corrugated cardboard (single and double wall cardboard)
  • Paperboard, chipboard or fiberboard (gray cardboard)
corrugated-cardboard-and-grey-paperboard
Corrugated cardboard and grey paperboard.


Why use a cardboard shredder?

With a cardboard shredding machine, you quickly convert cardboard waste into packaging material. This material is eco-friendly and it saves on waste hauling costs and the need for buying packing materials. A cardboard shredder produces void-fill material in different shapes and sizes to protect products in transit while at the same time repurposing and reusing your cardboard waste in an environmentally friendly manner.

shredded-cardboard-chips-in-hand

Research shows that in the US, only five to six percent of the 42 million tonnes of plastic waste generated annually is recycled. This means that 94 percent of plastic waste in the US is disposed of in landfills, burned in incinerators, or ends up polluting oceans, waterways, and landscapes.

A cardboard shredder can really have a positive impact on decreasing the volume of plastics your company uses. Since a lot of packing materials are made of plastics, such as peanuts and air pillows. Cardboard forms a great alternative for plastic packaging, and it is an eco-friendly and cost-saving solution.

cardboard-chips-of-corrugated-cardboard-plates
Shred cardboard into chips to use as a void fill.

Why reuse cardboard as packaging material?

By reusing cardboard as a packaging material, you can extend the additional value of cardboard. How so:

  • Sustainable packing material – Cardboard is a more environmentally friendly and sustainable material than plastic. So, you are protecting the environment when you use cardboard as void fill material instead of plastic packaging material such as bubble wrap, EPS packing peanuts, Styrofoam blocks/sheets, or foam wrap.
  • Reduce packaging costs – Besides being sustainable, it is also economically more attractive to recycle your cardboard waste into free packaging material since you need to buy less or no packaging material elsewhere. So you will be saving money on cardboard disposal costs, as there will be less cardboard to collect by your local waste hauler. Want to read more about reducing shipping filler costs?
  • High-quality material – Cardboard is a fantastic shock absorber and is very flexible. Therefore, it is an excellent material for protecting heavy or fragile products, especially those you want to ship or transport safely.

cardboard-packaging-vs-plastic-packaging-material

Costs of package filling materials

  • Perforated cardboard – FREE (excl. costs of cardboard perforator machine)
  • Air pillows – approx. 27 cents per cubic foot
  • Styrofoam peanuts – approx. 22 cents per cubic foot

Read more about the benefits of repurposing cardboard as eco-friendly packaging material.


Pros and cons of cardboard shredders/perforators

Pros of a cardboard shredder/perforator:

  • The machine is easy to operate.
  • Reduce your carbon footprint.
  • Re-purpose your own cardboard waste.
  • Reduce costs on packaging and shipping material.
  • Reduce costs of cardboard waste hauling.
  • Save money and save the environment.
  • Powerful motors for continuous shredding.
  • Cardboard is a fantastic packaging material.
  • The machine pays for itself because of free packaging material.
  • Feed cardboard without cool downtime, it can run continuously.

Cons of a cardboard shredder/perforator:

  • The machines create dust while shredding.
  • Most cardboard shredders can only produce netting.
  • Cardboard shredding machines are heavy.

Read more about the benefits of a cardboard shredder.

Cardboard perforators reduce the need for costly packing materials. Reuse and recycle your own cardboard instead of buying new packing materials.


Recommended for dispatching and warehouses

Cardboard shredding machines are beneficial for industrial businesses or departments in the logistics sector with large cardboard waste stocks. Such as manufacturing facilities, recycling plants, warehouses, shipping departments, and distribution centers.

However, offices can also use a cardboard shredder for the received and sent packages, such as e-commerce shops with their shipping departments. Much cardboard typically gets discarded. Therefore, we recommend these machines to anyone with lots of scrap cardboard and can use the shredded or perforated material as packaging or void fill.

packaging-material-peanuts-cardboard-chips
Plastic peanuts or cardboard chips?

Can you use a cardboard shredder at home?

Typically, a corrugated shredder or perforator is used in industrial or commercial environments. However, if you would like one for home use, a smaller compact cardboard shredder model would be appropriate, such as a tabletop cardboard shredder.

Although somewhat unconventional for home users, the produced cardboard shreds may also be useful for composting, worm farming, or bedding for pet cages or even horse stables. However, keep in mind that these shreds and perforated sheets are quite large (approx. 1 x 1 in.) and come in different shapes (elastic mash, strips, confetti).


How much does a cardboard shredder or perforator cost?

How much is a cardboard shredder? Prices start at around $1000 for an entry-level tabletop device, but prices can go up to $8000 for a more heavy-duty freestanding unit. The price mainly depends on the size, power, and capacity of the cardboard shredder.

They are a pretty significant investment, but they will allow you to reduce costs from buying packaging material and paying for cardboard waste collection. Therefore, you will find that the machine pays for itself in the long run.

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Front and rear of the HSM ProfiPack C400.

However, suppose it is still too much of an investment for you. In that case, you may even want to consider the option of purchasing a second-hand shredder/perforator or leasing one for a fixed monthly rate from one of the manufacturers.

Suppose you are considering buying or leasing a shredder or perforator but aren’t sure about maintenance and the possibility of repairs. In that case, you may want to inform yourself about a maintenance contract that some manufacturers and resellers offer.

These maintenance contracts allow you to be worry-free when it comes to maintaining or repairing these machines, as a manufacturer-approved technician will visit the site to take care of everything for you.

Nevertheless, if you are still curious about these machines’ maintenance, here is a video you may find interesting. However, be careful. These machines can be dangerous, and any action is at its own risk. Therefore it is advised to leave these activities to a professional.

Where to buy a cardboard shredder?

We recommend that you first get expert advice on which cardboard shredder suits your business or needs best. We can help you get the right information and advice for free. Just request a free quote, and we make sure you are contacted as quickly as possible.


Buying a cardboard shredder/perforator checklist

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Easily measure the width of the cardboard.

Tools, supplies and accessories

To make your cardboard shredder or perforator more comfortable and convenient, there are a few tools and accessories that you can opt for.

  • Both cardboard shredders and perforators have the option of an attached vacuum kit, which will collect dust while the machine is in use.
  • For a clean and organized production of shreds or perforated sheets, a container to catch the new product is handy. A container may be a simple plastic bag or larger cardboard box but could also be something more convenient and appropriate for heavy production, like a box made of plastic, wood, or framed cloth with wheels or integrated pallet bottom.
  • A simple table in front of your machine can also simplify its use of it. Having a tabletop within proximity can help you prepare the cardboard (flattening it and removing metals) and feed it to the machine.

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Manufacturers and suppliers of cardboard shredding machines

Cardboard Shredder Product Videos


Cardboard recycling advice

What can your business do to improve the reduction, reuse, and recycling of cardboard? Read our Cardboard Recycling Guide.

Recycling solutions for warehouses


Find the right cardboard shredder for your business
Advice and pricing for cardboard perforators

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