Reduce purchase of void fill material by using recycled cardboard

May 22, 2026

Minska inköp av fyllnadsmaterial med återbrukad kartong

Overview

Recycled cardboard as void fill material is a smart and sustainable solution for companies looking to reduce their packaging costs while also contributing to a better environment. By reusing corrugated cardboard that would otherwise become waste, effective void fill can be created to protect products during transport. This method reduces the need to purchase new void fill material and minimizes waste management.

With growing e-commerce and increased demands for sustainability, it is increasingly important to find packaging solutions that are both economical and environmentally friendly. Converting existing cardboard boxes into void fill material enables circular management of packaging. This not only leads to lower costs but also to reduced climate impact, as recycled cardboard has almost zero CO₂ emissions in its lifecycle.

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“By integrating recycled cardboard as packaging material, companies can both save money and take active environmental responsibility.”

This article reviews the benefits of cardboard fill, savings when making your own void fill, reduced waste and handling costs, and provides a practical checklist for secure packing in e-commerce.

Recycled cardboard as packaging material

Recycling cardboard for void fill material means using already used corrugated cardboard that is converted into shock-absorbing material. With the help of industrial machines, such as cardboard shredders, the cardboard can be transformed into various forms of void fill material like WELL-CHIPs, WELL-STRIPS, or WELL-NET. These products are excellent as void fill because they are both flexible and shock-absorbing.

A major advantage of using recycled cardboard is its environmental footprint. Since the cardboard is already in the company's flow, no new raw materials are required, which drastically reduces waste management and transportation costs. Moreover, the finished void fill material can be easily recycled after use, making the entire process circular.

Packaging material made from recycled cardboard is also adaptable to different needs, making it ideal for e-commerce packing where products are often delicate and require extra protection. Choosing recycled cardboard is therefore a sustainable and economical choice that contributes to a greener future.

Savings when making your own void fill

Producing your own void fill from recycled cardboard offers significant economic benefits. Instead of purchasing ready-made void fill material from external suppliers, companies can use their own corrugated cardboard that would otherwise become waste. This drastically reduces procurement costs and provides increased financial flexibility.

By investing in the right machines to convert cardboard into void fill material, companies can:

Reduce expenses for purchasing void fill material
Optimize storage space by managing waste efficiently
Lower transport costs through reduced waste volume

Own production also contributes to more efficient logistics flows and improved control over the packaging process. This is particularly important for companies with high volumes of shipments where cost-effectiveness is crucial for competitiveness.

“By making their own void fill, companies can reduce their costs and simultaneously improve sustainability in their e-commerce packing.”

Reduced waste and handling costs

Waste management is a significant cost for many companies, especially in retail and e-commerce where large quantities of cardboard and plastic products are generated. By recycling cardboard as void fill material, companies can drastically reduce the amount of waste that needs to be transported away and handled externally.

With the help of special machines such as cardboard shredders and compactors, the volume of waste can be drastically reduced – up to 90% for plastic and over 90% for Styrofoam. This leads to fewer transports and lower costs for waste management.

The following are some of the main benefits:

Reduced amount of waste that must be handled externally
Lower costs for transport and disposal
Reduced environmental impact through fewer transports and reduced resource consumption

Using recycled cardboard as void fill material is therefore not only a cost saving but also a way to meet environmental goals and improve the company's sustainability profile.

Quality and shock absorption in e-commerce

In e-commerce, packing is a critical factor to ensure that products reach the customer undamaged. Recycled cardboard as void fill material offers a high level of shock absorption and protection. The natural structure of corrugated cardboard provides effective cushioning against shocks and vibrations during transport.

Products like WELL-CHIPs and WELL-STRIPS are designed to fill spaces in the package and prevent movement, which reduces the risk of damage. Since the material is flexible, it can be shaped to different products and packaging sizes, making it a versatile option.

“By using recycled cardboard as packaging material, e-commerce retailers can offer secure and sustainable protection for their customers.”

It is also important to note that this material is environmentally friendly and can be recycled after use, making it an attractive choice for companies that want to combine quality with sustainability in their e-commerce packing.

Checklist for secure packing with cardboard void fill

To ensure optimal protective effect with cardboard void fill, it is recommended to follow a structured checklist when packing:

Correct amount of void fill material: Fill all empty spaces in the package to avoid movement.
Choice of void fill type: Use WELL-CHIPs for small spaces, WELL-STRIPS for larger surfaces, and WELL-NET for extra protection.
Test shock absorption: Check that the packaging can withstand handling and transport without being damaged.
Use the right packaging size: Adapt the box to the product's size to minimize excess space.
Recycling: Inform that the void fill material is recyclable and how it should be handled.

By following these steps, you can ensure that products are well protected and that the packaging process is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

Conclusion

Reducing the purchase of void fill material with recycled cardboard is a sustainable and cost-effective strategy that offers several benefits for companies in e-commerce and logistics. By converting existing cardboard waste into high-quality void fill material, both costs and environmental impact are reduced.

The circular management of packaging materials helps reduce waste volumes and waste management costs, while providing secure and safe packing with good shock absorption. With the right machines and routines, companies can easily integrate this method into their operations and thereby strengthen both their environmental profile and competitiveness. To learn more about implementing circular management, please visit Reppap.