Cardboard shredder: a cost-effective way to reuse old carton boxes and reduce packaging costs
Many e-commerce, manufacturing and warehouse businesses generate large amounts of cardboard boxes and packaging leftovers every day. These materials are usually handed over for recycling — often for an additional fee or without any financial benefit.
But what if you could turn these leftovers into valuable packaging material instead? That’s exactly what a cardboard shredder does.
A cardboard shredder is one of the simplest ways for businesses to reduce packaging costs and recycle cardboard boxes into universal honeycomb void-fill material.
What is a cardboard shredder?
A cardboard shredder is a specialized machine that transforms old cardboard boxes and packaging leftovers into useful packaging filler. It processes cardboard in one of the following ways:
◼️ Shreds cardboard into small chips (#1), which are used as void fill.
◼️ Perforates cardboard into a flexible honeycomb structure (#2), ideal for product protection and void filling.
◼️ Cuts cardboard into narrow strips (#3), which can be densely packed into boxes and provide cushioning during transport.
As a result, a business gains a high-quality cardboard void-fill material suitable for both product protection and filling empty spaces inside shipping boxes.
When is a cardboard shredder useful?
A cardboard shredder is especially valuable for businesses that accumulate significant amounts of cardboard on a daily basis. It is most useful when:
◼️ large volumes of cardboard boxes remain after receiving goods,
◼️ low-cost and easily available void-fill material is needed,
◼️ a company wants to reduce waste management costs,
◼️ there is a need to implement a more sustainable packaging process and strengthen circular-economy practices by reusing materials internally.
This approach helps companies implement a practical and sustainable packaging solution using resources they already have.
A cardboard shredder allows businesses to use their existing materials more intelligently — reducing packaging costs, lowering the volume of waste, and supporting circular material reuse, which is essential for sustainable operations.
How to choose the right cardboard shredder
Choosing the right machine is not only about comparing prices. To ensure the shredder truly matches your business needs, consider these key criteria:
1. What type of void-fill material do you want to produce?
Evaluate whether your operation requires:
◼️ chips (small shredded pieces, #1)
◼️ honeycomb structure (#2)
◼️ strips (#3)
In Europe, the most popular solution is honeycomb structure, because this type of honeycomb void fill is universal and effective for both product protection and flexible void filling.
2. Cutting width and expected cardboard volume
The cutting width and expected volume determine how large the cardboard pieces can be and how much daily workload the machine can handle in everyday use.
The most demanded specifications in Europe include a cutting width of 40–45 cm, processing cardboard up to 6 mm thick (up to around 5 layers), and a compact table-top design, allowing installation on a workbench.
3. Safety, servicing, warranty and spare parts
Safety, servicing and available spare parts are crucial when choosing a cardboard shredder. A reliable machine should be equipped with safety sensors, an emergency stop button and mechanisms that prevent jams, reducing the risk of accidents in daily operation. Equally important is dependable servicing and a clearly defined warranty — this ensures that any technical issues are resolved quickly, without unnecessary downtime. Easy access to spare parts allows you to operate the machine long-term and reduces the need for expensive or time-consuming repair alternatives.
How much does a cardboard shredder cost?
Pakful offers four cardboard shredder models: three compact table-top units and one industrial model. All available machines produce honeycomb-type void-fill material, a highly universal packaging solution.
The main differences between the models are cutting width, which determines the size of cardboard that can be processed, and motor power, which affects processing speed and cardboard thickness capacity.
In Latvia, the price of a cardboard shredder typically ranges from €900 to more than €3000, depending on cutting width and motor power. This price range is characteristic of a professional cardboard recycling machine designed for intensive daily use.
Before purchasing, it's important to understand the differences between the models and choose the one that best fits your box volume and packaging workflow. Below is a comparison table of all Pakful cardboard shredders — including key parameters and prices.
| Model | Type | Cutting width | Motor power | Recommended use | Output material | Price (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X70 | Table-top | 325 mm | Medium | Small to medium carton volume, small warehouses | Honeycomb (cell) structure | € 946.22 |
| X71 | Table-top | 425 mm | High | Regular use, medium cardboard volume | Honeycomb (cell) structure | € 1 144.66 |
| X72 | Table-top | 500 mm | High | Medium and larger warehouses with a stable flow of boxes | Honeycomb (cell) structure | € 1 277.70 |
| X73 | Table-top | 500 mm | Very high | Intensive, professional use in logistics and manufacturing | Honeycomb (cell) structure | € 3 085.50 |
Conclusion
A cardboard shredder is a practical and sustainable solution for businesses that want to make smarter use of materials already present in their operations. It helps reduce packaging costs, decrease waste volumes and support circular-economy practices, while improving warehouse efficiency.
If your business accumulates cardboard boxes daily and frequently purchases void-fill materials, a cardboard shredder can become a quickly cost-effective and valuable investment.
If you need help selecting the right model, the Pakful team is always ready to provide guidance based on your cardboard volume, packaging workflow and warehouse setup.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can a cardboard shredder replace other void-fill materials?
In many cases, a cardboard shredder can replace other fillers, but if additional protection is required, it can easily be combined with other packaging materials.
Do all machines produce the same output?
Yes. All Pakful models produce honeycomb-type cardboard void fill, which is a universal solution for product protection and void filling.
How fast does a cardboard shredder pay off?
Typically within 6–18 months, depending on cardboard volume and how much void-fill you currently purchase.
Can a shredder be used in small warehouses?
Yes — three of the four models are compact table-top machines that take up very little space.
Can the machine process thick boxes?
Yes. All models can process cardboard up to approximately 6 mm thick (around 4–5 layers), which is sufficient for most e-commerce and warehouse applications.
What safety features do the machines include?
Safety sensors, an emergency stop button and jam-prevention mechanisms ensure safe and predictable daily operation.
Does Pakful provide service and spare parts?
Yes — Pakful provides spare parts, warranty coverage, technical support and practical advice on correct operation.
Contact Pakful for the right solution
If you want to determine which cardboard shredder best fits your packaging process and cardboard volume, the Pakful team is here to help. We provide practical advice, real cost calculations and clear recommendations to help you make a confident and well-informed choice.
Contact us and we’ll help you choose the most suitable machine for your business.