Shredding cardboard is a simple yet effective way to turn used cartons into useful packaging material. Instead of throwing away corrugated boxes, many businesses now shred cardboard to create void fill or cushioning for shipping and internal logistics.
In this guide, we’ll walk through what cardboard shredding means, why it matters, and the most practical ways to shred cardboard, from DIY methods to industrial solutions—so you can choose the right approach for your packaging needs.
What Does It Mean to Shred Cardboard?
To shred cardboard means cutting corrugated cartons into smaller strips or mesh-like material that can be reused as packaging fill.
- Shredded cardboard is commonly used as void fill, helping prevent products from shifting inside shipping boxes.
- When cardboard is expanded or structured, it can also function as a protective packaging material, offering cushioning and surface protection.
In packaging operations, cardboard shredding is mainly about reuse, cost efficiency, and sustainability, rather than disposal.
Why Shred Cardboard Instead of Buying Packaging Materials?
Many warehouses and e-commerce businesses choose to shred cardboard instead of purchasing traditional void fill materials. Here’s why:
- Reduce packaging costs by reusing cartons you already have
- Reduce waste disposal costs
- Support sustainable and eco-friendly packaging practices
- Ideal for warehouses and e-commerce fulfillment centers with a steady flow of used cartons
Shredding cardboard helps turn packaging waste into a practical resource—especially for businesses shipping non-fragile products.
Different Ways to Shred Cardboard
There are several ways to shred cardboard, depending on volume, efficiency needs, and available equipment.
Shredding Cardboard by Hand
Some businesses start with manual methods.
- Using box cutters or scissors
- Suitable only for very small volumes
- Time-consuming and produces inconsistent results
Manual shredding may work occasionally, but it quickly becomes impractical as shipping volume increases.
Using Office Paper Shredders
Office paper shredders are often considered—but rarely suitable.
- Designed for paper, not corrugated cardboard
- High risk of jamming or damaging the machine
- Limited by cardboard thickness and volume
For safety and durability reasons, office shredders are not recommended for cardboard shredding.
Using a Cardboard Shredder for Packaging
A dedicated cardboard shredder is designed specifically for packaging applications.
- Built for corrugated cardboard
- Produces consistent void fill material
- Faster, safer, and scalable for daily operations
For warehouses and fulfillment centers, this is the most efficient and reliable solution.
What Type of Cardboard Can Be Shredded?
Not all cardboard is the same. Understanding material limits helps protect equipment and improve output quality.
- Single-wall cardboard is the most common and easiest to shred
- Double-wall cardboard may require more powerful machines
- Always remove tape, staples, and labels before shredding
- Follow recommended thickness ranges specified by the equipment manufacturer
Proper preparation ensures smoother operation and longer machine life.
What Is Shredded Cardboard Used For?
Shredded cardboard has several practical uses in packaging operations:
- Void fill for shipping boxes to reduce movement
- Light cushioning for non-fragile products
- Internal logistics and warehouse packaging, such as box-in-box shipments
While it doesn’t replace high-performance cushioning for fragile items, shredded cardboard is a cost-effective solution for many everyday shipping needs.
DIY Cardboard Shredding vs Industrial Cardboard Shredders
Choosing between DIY methods and industrial machines depends on scale and efficiency requirements.
| Factor | DIY Methods | Industrial Cardboard Shredders |
| Cost | Low upfront | Higher initial investment |
| Efficiency | Very low | High and consistent |
| Output consistency | Poor | Reliable and uniform |
| Safety | Manual handling risks | Designed with safety features |
| Suitable business size | Very small operations | Medium to large operations |
For growing businesses, industrial solutions quickly prove more economical in the long run.
How to Choose the Right Cardboard Shredding Solution
Before deciding how to shred cardboard, consider the following:
- Packaging volume: daily or occasional use
- Available cardboard waste: how much material you generate
- Space and workflow: where the machine fits in operations
- Budget considerations: short-term vs long-term savings
The right solution should balance efficiency, cost, and operational simplicity.
Heavy-duty Cardboard Shredder HippoPlus P50
A compact yet powerful industrial cardboard shredder for packaging stations that demand speed and reliability. With a cutting speed of 18 m/min and 15 mm material capacity, the SelectPaper/HippoPlus P50 is built for continuous operation in dispatch centers and production environments. It turns bulky cartons into clean-cut cushioning in seconds—without clogging or overheating.
Looking for an Efficient Way to Shred Cardboard?
If your operation handles both used cartons and protective packaging needs, a flexible solution can make a real difference.
SelectPack offers packaging machines that not only shred cardboard for void fill, but also expand paper into structured cushioning material—helping businesses reuse waste while maintaining reliable protection.
Whether you’re aiming to reduce packaging costs, improve sustainability, or streamline your workflow, our solutions are designed for modern packaging operations.
Explore SelectPack packaging solutions or contact our team to find the right setup for your needs.
