What does the machine do?
It's a waste converter. This machine takes flat sheets of cardboard, which we take from our waste cardboard skip, and converts them into a malleable cardboard mat that we can use as a packaging material.
Why did you purchase the machine?
As a company, we have adopted a much greener approach to packaging over the past couple of years. In this case, we have been able to remove polystyrene chips from our overnight deliveries and replace it with cardboard that would normally be put straight into our recycling skip. We have a number of complaints each year from customers regarding chips sent in packages on overnight carrier - customers don't like the fact that this product goes into general waste. We made the move to a starch chip that could be recycled, but the complaints did not stop as association was always made with polystyrene and it was not clear that the new product could be disposed of in a recycling bin. With this method, however, it's very clear as all our customers know what to do with cardboard.
Why did you choose this particular model?
Nottingham-based Bampton Packaging recommended the product and it suited the type of cardboard that we had available.
Did you look at any other similar machines - if so which?
We did look at other machines and actually had trials of them, but they cost more than I wanted to pay for a long-term trial.
What features do you particularly like?
We have been very impressed with the machine's low-maintenance design. We are also impressed with the cutting blade on the side that allows you to use any width of card. This function also allows you to cut out any stapled edges so there is no chance of sharp bits going into the parcel.
Is there anything that you dislike?
A set of wheels would make it easier to move.
Is there anything that you wish it had that it doesn't have?
An attached collector box would be very useful.
How reliable is it?
Maintenance is easy and there isn't really a lot to go wrong.
What's the quality like?
It is a well-built piece of kit.
How fast is it?
We spend around 10 minutes a day putting the waste cardboard into a collector box. This is probably double the time we would spend filling a hopper up everyday with polystyrene void filler, but certainly much neater, as the void filler would fall out of the hopper as you filled it.
Has saved it you any time or money?
We used to spend £5,000 per year on void filler, which we no longer have to buy, but we now have to spend time separating the cardboard waste into what can be used.
Would you say that it offers value for money?
Compared to other machines on the market, this one represents value for money for our needs.
Did the installation run to plan?
It was delivered, unloaded and running within 30 minutes.
What type of business do you think the machine is right for?
Anybody who is sending goods out and having to protect the product inside a box.
Who would you recommend it to?
Anybody involved with distribution, especially people who have high-volume products on an overnight carrier.
Under what circumstances would you buy another?
We will consider buying these machines for our branches.
CONCLUSION
User's verdict
Speed 5/5
Quality 5/5
Ease of use 4/5
Reliability 5/5
Value for money 5/5
Supplier's response
John Sweeney, general manager at Packer, says: "The carton shredder from Packer is helping a growing range of businesses to comply with European environmental regulations, as well as helping companies to save money in the process. With the Packer carton shredder, companies' fulfilment and distribution divisions are able to maximise cost savings while also providing a more environmentally sustainable method of packaging. At Packer, we are very aware of the issues surrounding the management of packaging waste and the impact it has on the environment. We supply several products that recycle packaging materials and we have certainly seen an increase in demand for such machines."
Price From £2,000
Contact 01268 885885 www.packer-products.co.uk
