Cardboard is one of the most common and recyclable materials used in packaging and shipping. Recycling cardboard helps reduce landfill waste, conserves natural resources, and supports a more sustainable economy.
Why to Recycle Cardboard
- Reduces Landfill Overflow: Cardboard takes up significant landfill space. Recycling keeps it out of the waste stream.
- Conserves Energy: Recycled cardboard uses up to 75% less energy compared to producing new cardboard.
- Cuts Carbon Emissions: Avoids the greenhouse gases produced from decomposing cardboard.
- Supports the Circular Economy: Old cardboard becomes new packaging, saving trees and resources.
What Can You Recycle?
- Corrugated Cardboard: Shipping and packaging boxes
- Paperboard: Cereal boxes, tissue boxes
- Brown Kraft Paper: Wrapping paper, paper bags
Cardboard Recycling Process
- Collection: Cardboard is collected from households, stores, or businesses.
- Sorting: Sorted by type and quality.
- Shredding: Shredded into small pieces.
- Pulping: Mixed with water to form a slurry.
- Filtering: Contaminants like ink and glue are removed.
- Drying & Rolling: The clean pulp is dried into sheets or rolls for reuse.
Technologies in Cardboard Recycling
1. Automated Sorting Systems
- Optical sensors and AI-powered cameras detect and separate cardboard from mixed waste.
- Increases accuracy and reduces labor costs.
- Often used in Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs).
2. Industrial Shredders
- Cut cardboard into smaller, manageable pieces.
- Prepares material for baling or pulping.
- Reduces storage space and speeds up processing.
3. Hydraulic Balers
- Compress shredded cardboard into compact bales.
- Ideal for transport and resale.
- Available in vertical, horizontal, and fully automatic designs.
4. Pulping Machines
- Mix cardboard with water and chemicals to create a pulp.
- Filters out inks, adhesives, and contaminants.
- The pulp is then dried and reused to make new cardboard or paper products.
5. Closed-Loop Recycling Systems
- Integrates collection, processing, and reuse into a single facility.
- Minimizes waste and energy use.
- Popular in large manufacturing and distribution centers.
Cardboard Recycling Machine
- Cardboard Shredders: Cut large cardboard into smaller pieces for baling or pulping.
- Balers & Compactors: Compress cardboard into dense, manageable bales for easy transport and resale.
- Pulping Machines: Break down shredded cardboard into slurry for paper production.
- Sorting & Conveyor Systems: Automate the sorting and transport of cardboard materials for large-scale recycling.
Cardboard Recycling Tips
- Flatten boxes before disposal.
- Keep cardboard dry and clean.
- Separate types of cardboard (corrugated vs. coated).
- Don't recycle oily or waxed cardboard.
If you need solutions for cardboard recycling, we can provide professional collection, processing, and machinery to match your operational needs. Our systems help reduce waste and boost sustainability—making your business more efficient and environmentally responsible.