Reduce packaging costs: Reuse cardboard boxes instead of disposing of them
by Anna Ullmann on Jul 12, 2026Packaging & Circular Economy
Reduce packaging costs: Reuse cardboard instead of disposing of it
Companies pay for cardboard boxes, disposal, and new cushioning material. Clean, used cardboard can be reused as shipping boxes or processed into cushioning material with a cardboard shredder.
View cardboard shreddersShort answer
Reusing is worthwhile if clean cardboard boxes are regularly available and shipping cushioning is also needed. Check cardboard quality, effort, storage space, shipping volume, and the cost of the filling material previously purchased.
Where packaging costs arise
| Cost Block | Examples |
|---|---|
| Material | Cardboard boxes, filling material, packing tape, labels |
| Labor | Selection, cutting, cushioning and sealing |
| Storage | Space for cardboard boxes and filling material |
| Disposal | Collection, pressing, pickup and fees |
| Transport | oversized cartons and unnecessary volume |
Reuse cardboard boxes directly
Undamaged cardboard boxes can be reused for suitable shipments. Old labels and barcodes must be completely removed or made unidentifiable. Stability, cleanliness, and protective effect remain crucial.
Cardboard Shredder: Old becomes cushioning
A cardboard shredder processes used corrugated cardboard into net-like cushioning material or void fill strips. The material can wrap products or fill empty spaces. This can potentially reduce the need to purchase separate cushioning products.
When is the purchase worthwhile?
- clean cardboard boxes are regularly available
- there is an ongoing shipping need at the same time
- filling material is regularly purchased
- space is available for safe operation and temporary storage
- material thickness and machine performance match
When cardboard boxes are unsuitable
- damp, dirty or moldy
- severely damaged or unstable
- contaminated with problematic residues
- hygienically or technically unsuitable for sensitive products
Optimize the overall packaging process
Reuse is just one lever. Reduce too many carton sizes, align standard sizes with the shipping profile, and store material directly at the packing station. Oversized cartons increase filling material, packing time, and transport volume.
Checklist for economic efficiency
- Record the quantity of suitable cardboard boxes per month.
- Calculate expenses for filling material and disposal.
- Consider working time and storage space.
- Check suitable machine performance and occupational safety.
- Conduct a pilot with typical shipments.
- Compare material consumption and damage rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a cardboard shredder do?
It cuts or perforates used cardboard boxes into packaging cushioning.
Can every piece of cardboard be processed?
No. Thickness, format, and condition must match the manufacturer's specifications for the device.
Does it replace all filling material?
Not necessarily. Sensitive or special products may require other protective solutions.
How much space is needed?
Space for the device, safe operation, feeding, and finished cushioning material.
Is reuse automatically cheaper?
Only if material availability, shipping needs, working time, and investment align.
Sources
German Environment Agency on waste and resources as well as manufacturer information for the respective machine.
Review packaging costs in your business
Wiepa supports with cardboard shredders, packing station materials, and standardized shipping solutions.
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