Cardboard, a cheap and readily available material, is often seen as a tool for packaging and transportation, and is discarded after being used once. However, its plasticity and affordability have gradually led it into the field of architecture in recent years, giving birth to various types of cardboard buildings. Among them, Cardboard Duplex， It is also a thought-provoking design concept that combines temporary materials with the structure of twin homes, triggering deep thinking about living, sustainability, and social responsibility.

The significance of Cardboard Duplex

Coated duplex board is not a permanent residence built entirely of cardboard in the literal sense, but a building unit designed to accommodate two households using cardboard as the main structure or auxiliary material. Its appeal lies in the following aspects. Firstly, cardboard has the characteristics of lightweight, easy cutting, and easy assembly, which reduces construction and time costs, especially suitable for quickly building temporary shelters or transitional housing for post disaster reconstruction. Secondly, the recyclability and biodegradability of cardboard make it a relatively environmentally friendly building material, in line with the concept of sustainable development. Finally, the design pattern of duplex housing encourages community sharing, promotes interaction between neighbors, and helps establish closer social relationships.

 the concept of Cardboard Duplex also faces many challenges

The durability and weathering resistance of the coated duplex board grey back are limited, making it difficult to cope with harsh weather conditions. Moisture, pests, and fire can all cause serious damage to cardboard structures. Therefore, in practical applications, special treatments such as waterproofing, moisture resistance, and fire resistance are often required for cardboard, or it can be combined with other materials to improve its durability and safety. In addition, the load-bearing capacity of cardboard is also limited and requires careful structural design to ensure the stability of the building.

However, the value of duplex board grey back lies not only in its architectural form, but also in the design philosophy and social significance it represents. It challenges our traditional definition of 'home' and prompts us to rethink the essence of living. It reminds us that housing is not just a place to shelter from wind and rain, but also a platform for interaction and communication between people. It encourages us to use innovative materials and designs to provide safe, comfortable, and dignified housing for those who are homeless.

In summary, duplex board packaging is a paradox of temporary and permanent nature. It uses temporary materials to construct buildings with permanent residential functions, triggering profound reflections on sustainable architecture, social responsibility, and community building. Although it still faces many technical challenges, the design philosophy and humanistic care it embodies are worthy of further exploration and practice, contributing to the construction of a more livable and equitable society.

Cardboard Duplex  FAQs

What is Cardboard Duplex?

Cardboard Duplex is a multi-layer composite paperboard typically made from two or more layers of pulp. Its characteristic is that one or both sides are smooth (can be coated), and the bottom layer is relatively rough to enhance hardness and stiffness. Common types include gray bottom whiteboards (one side white and one side gray) and white cardboard (double-sided white), which are widely used in the high-end packaging and printing fields.

What is the main purpose of Cardboard Duplex?

It is mainly used for packaging and printed materials that require high stiffness and printing effects, such as:

Premium packaging boxes (cosmetics, electronic products, wine boxes);

Book covers, high-end business cards, greeting cards;

Commercial printed materials such as hang tags, menus, display stands, etc;

Stationery items such as folders and photo album pages.

What are the advantages of Cardboard Duplex compared to single-layer cardboard or corrugated paper?

Excellent printing performance: Smooth surface, suitable for fine printing (such as hot stamping, UV technology);

High stiffness: Multi layer structure is resistant to compression and bending, suitable for delicate packaging;

High cost-effectiveness: cheaper than all wood pulp white card, more upscale than corrugated paper;

Environmental option: Some contain recycled fiber, in line with the trend of sustainable packaging.

What are the key processes for producing Cardboard Duplex?

The core steps include:

1. Layered pulping: The surface layer uses bleached pulp (white card) or mixed pulp (gray bottom whiteboard), and the bottom layer uses recycled pulp;
2. Composite copying: layering and pressing through circular or long web paper machines;
3. Surface coating (optional): Coating pigments to improve smoothness and printability;
4. Polishing treatment: enhances gloss and flatness;
5. Cut packaging: Cut into rolls or flat sheets as needed.

What is the current market trend for Cardboard Duplex?

Green packaging: FSC certification, increasing demand for high recycled fiber content products;

Lightweight: Reduce weight (such as 250350gsm) while maintaining strength;

Functionalization: Special coated cardboard such as moisture-proof and antibacterial is favored;

E-commerce promotion: Online sales of luxury goods and electronic products drive demand for high-end packaging.