Jake Tyler's innovative machine so impressed cleaning giant Vax that it intends to put the model into production.
The 22-year-old an industrial design student at Loughborough University said: ‘I have really high hopes for the product, especially in Asian markets such as Hong Kong and China. It is very cheap to manufacture.
‘I've been given a job at Vax as well so I can see the production through to the end.’
Mr Tyler developed the ‘ev’ model for his final-year degree project.
He was supported by the product design team at Vax's headquarters in Worcestershire, where he worked for a year under the company's student placement scheme.
He said: ‘I got the idea when we were looking at the manufacture of vacuum cleaners and thinking how to cut out as much waste as possible.
‘It is about being environmentally conscious by using cardboard and making it as recyclable as we possibly can.’
The Vax ev is made from corrugated cardboard panels, which come as part of the packaging.
Jake said: ‘When people's vacuum cleaners go wrong they just throw them away, but this can be repaired very easily.
‘The cardboard panels have a flame-retardant coating and are also water repellant.
‘People can personalise their vacuums by drawing pictures on the cardboard.’
Other components in the vacuum have been made from recyclable nylon plastic.
This means the Vax ev can be manufactured close to its markets, without the need for expensive production lines or long-distance distribution.
The cleaner has also earned Jake a place at the New Designers exhibition of the UK's best graduate work.
It takes place at the Business Design Centre, in London, from tomorrow until Saturday.
Vax said it was considering a ‘limited production run’ of the vacuum cleaner to see whether customers liked it.
It was unable to say how many would be made or where they would go on sale.
Paul Bagwell, director of new product design at Vax, said: ‘With sustainability becoming an increasing concern for manufacturers, the Vax ev shows what can be achieved when young designers are encouraged to think creatively and push the boundaries of design.
‘It's so important that manufacturers, such as ourselves, support young British designers like Jake, as they are the key to this country's future success.’
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