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Understanding Different Types of Shredding Cuts: How Secure Is Your Document Destruction?

Not all shredders are created equal. The small shredder in your office or at home is very different from the industrial-grade shredding machines used by professional shredding companies.Why does this matter? Because the type of shredding cut directly determines how securely your information is destroyed.

From strip cut to micro cut and beyond, each method provides a different level of protection against data theft and identity fraud. If your business handles confidential documents, understanding these differences is key to choosing the right shredding service.

Why Shredding Type Matters for Data Protection

Under the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, businesses must ensure personal and sensitive data is disposed of securely. Improper shredding or using a low-security shredder increases the risk of data breaches, identity theft, and non-compliance fines.

Professional shredding providers like Restore Datashred use industrial-grade shredders that meet the strict BS EN 15713:2023 standards for secure destruction. This guarantees that your information is completely and irreversibly destroyed.

Types of Shredding Cuts Explained

1. Strip Cut Shredders (P-1 to P-2 Security Level)

You’ll typically find strip cut shredders in homes or small offices. They slice paper into long, narrow strips often called “spaghetti cuts.”

  • Security: Low. Documents can be pieced back together with effort.

  • Output: Long strips (up to 297mm for A4 sheets).

  • Best for: Non-confidential materials such as generic printouts or junk mail.

While cost-effective, this method offers minimal protection and should never be used for personal or business-sensitive data.

2. Cross Cut Shredders (P-3 to P-4 Security Level)

Cross cut shredders cut documents both lengthways and widthways, producing confetti-like pieces. One A4 sheet can be shredded into around 900 small fragments.

  • Security: Medium to high. Difficult to reconstruct.

  • Output: Small rectangular particles.

  • Benefits: Compact waste that’s easier to recycle and dispose of.

This type of shredding provides strong security for general business documents and is suitable for most organisations.

3. Micro Cut Shredders (P-5 to P-6 Security Level)

A micro cut shredder works like a cross cut shredder but produces even smaller particles up to 1,500 pieces per sheet.

  • Security: Very high. Virtually impossible to reassemble.

  • Output: Fine confetti pieces that save space in recycling bins.

  • Best for: Confidential or sensitive business data, including HR files, invoices, and customer information.

Micro cut shredding is the minimum recommended level for organisations needing GDPR-compliant document destruction.

4. Crypto Cut Shredders (P-7 Security Level)

At the highest level of document destruction, crypto cut shredders are used by government, defence, and intelligence organisations.

  • Security: Maximum. Creates up to 3,000 dust-like particles per sheet.

  • Output: Microscopic fragments.

  • Use Case: Top-secret or classified information.

While most businesses don’t require this level of shredding, it highlights the importance of selecting a professional service that meets your security needs.

Why Choose Professional Shredding Over Office Shredders

Using an in-house shredder might seem convenient, but it comes with limitations and risks:

  •  Lower security levels (easy to reconstruct).

  • No audit trail or Certificate of Destruction.

  • Time-consuming and inefficient for high volumes.

  • Potential health and safety risks for staff.

By contrast, Restore Datashred’s on-site shredding service provides certified data destruction directly at your premises. You can witness the process, receive documentation for compliance, and ensure that all shredded material is 100% recycled.

Restore Datashred: Certified Secure Shredding Across the UK

As a BSIA member and EN 15713:2023-accredited shredding provider, Restore Datashred guarantees the highest standards of data protection and environmental responsibility.

Protect Your Data with Restore Datashred

Understanding the different types of shredding cuts helps you make an informed decision about your business’s data protection strategy. At Restore Datashred, we handle your confidential information with the highest level of care and security so you never have to worry about compliance or confidentiality.

Contact us today to arrange a quote for secure shredding services or use our online tool to get started.