A cushioning conversion machine and method for converting multiple layers of sheet-like stock material into a cushioning product are characterized by a forming assembly which shapes plural layers of the stock material into a continuous three dimensional strip of dunnage having central portions and overlapped edge portions, a connecting assembly downstream of the forming assembly for connecting the overlapped lateral edge portions of the layers separately from central portions of the layers, and a guide which directs the central portions of the layers away from connecting assembly to prevent the central portions from passing through the connecting assembly. The thereby produced dunnage product comprises layers of sheet-like material folded upon themselves with outer lateral edge portions thereof overlapped and stitched together separate from central portions of the layers, the overlapped lateral edge portions being generally coplanar with adjacent unoverlapped portions of the layers, and the layers of stock material comprising biodegradable, recyclable and reusable Kraft paper.