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The power and versatility of industrial shredders gives companies in many industries the ability to reduce waste and repurpose materials into new applications. They provide beneficial results to both its user and the environment. As with many pieces of machinery, they are available in various sizes and functions, yet all models go beyond the basic office size equipment. There are a number of factors to consider when selecting industrial shredders to ensure maximum efficiency from such a large investment.
This method for material disposal and/or reuse dates back to the early 1900's. While inventor Abbot Augustus Low patented the first "waste paper receptacle", the ideal did not take off until 1935, when German Adolf Ehinger engineered and produced a model derived from the workings of a pasta maker. Basic, small scale machines were initially utilized by government agencies to protect against identity theft. Nowadays a variety of electrically driven models are found in many sizes to meet the needs of commercial and residential users. Most commonly this type of shredder is utilized to cut paper documents and can be done so in strips, cross-cut, pierce and tear, and even granulated form depending on the material and security necessary.
Unlike the standard, personal size units, industrial shredders cannot be purchased at office supply stores. These large, specialized machines are manufactured specifically for heavy-duty and large capacity needs. There are models capable of cutting up food, tires, wood, metal, plastic, and even pharmaceuticals. The material that must undergo this process is dependent on the company itself. For example, those handling paper may do so to destroy confidential documents to protect clientele or company information. In addition, cutting up most materials decreases solid waste and contributes to environmental protection. Additionally, it allows for further recycling by creating the same product or repurposing the material into an entirely new product.
As the recycling business has grown, so has the volume of resulting goods. The power of industrial shredders allows for anywhere between 80 and 600 sheets of paper at a time, therefore creating large quantities of reusable material. Newspaper, egg cartons, backing for roof shingles and kitty litter are just some of what used paper can be reborn as. The rubber from tires can be found in basketball courts, shoe soles, and in playground surfaces. Wood is converted into particle board, steel into car parts, water bottles into arena seating and carpet, and glass into bricks. Utilizing large machinery to break down material can cut the amount of waste making its way to landfills by as much as 75%.
With a wide range of industrial shredders available, it is imperative that companies do proper research and preparation to ensure the model they select will best fit their needs. Details regarding the specific use of the equipment must be considered to maximize the investment. The material that will be run through the machine will be a major determining factor, as will the volume that can be processed, manual vs. automatic feed, preferred output size and condition, and the installation location within the facility. Other concerns regarding the operation of the equipment will be in regards to the safety of those nearby and the noise level in the surrounding environment. Last, the unit should be easily accessible for maintenance and repairs due to normal wear and tear.
Although similar in design to those found in an office environment the large models utilized in the manufacturing and recycling industry have an immense and beneficial diversity and capability.
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