A process is for the production of a padding material (7) made from paper or similar flat structures that are folded together and are formed by tools. At least one intermediate layer (3, 4) is perhaps incorporated within a top layer (2) that is to be folded together. The top layer and the intermediate layer that may or may not be provided are formed along their narrow sides by at least one forming tool (10, 11) after the top layer has been folded together. An intermittent transport unit acts on the structure (1) that is still flat but has been folded together. This causes the structure to be formed longitudinally, in addition to the forming that is carried out by the forming tool (10, 11).