Introducing Catifa Carta: The Sustainable Chair Of Tomorrow, by Arper and PaperShell

Catifa Carta – Photo credits Salva Lopez

Arper’s long-standing commitment to sustainability shines through in this partnership and sets a new standard for sustainable design. As the first home design brand to partner with Papershell, Arper is leading the charge in embracing groundbreaking materials and technologies. 

Catifa Carta Design by Lievore Altherr Molina, 2001 – Collection Extension, 2024

Catifa 53, designed in 2001 and Arper’s first product with an environmental product declaration, enters a new era through a partnership in material innovation. Catifa Carta features a re-engineered shell made of PaperShell, a revolutionary new material made of composite wood by-product, which provides the strength and comfort essential to Catifa’s now iconic, bi-curved silhouette. A first of its kind innovation, PaperShell dramatically reduces Catifa Carta’s impact on the environment by doing what trees do: sequestering carbon dioxide. At the end of its life cycle, the material can be reduced to biochar, successfully retaining the CO2 sequestered during the previous life phases. The new Catifa Carta is as transformative in style and beauty as the original, now setting a new standard for sustainable design.

With a shell composed of bi-curved, paper-derived new material, Catifa Carta offers a new vision with renewed sustainability ambitions. The PaperShell material is the result of advanced scientific research, innovating a process that tackles the climate challenges practically – and Arper is the first manufacturer in the design industry to apply it to a product. Catifa Carta is available in two colors and three base options. The shell is available in coffee and graphite colors. The base options are: steel base 4 legs in black, steel sled base in black and rust, black aluminum trestle base with and without wheels. Cushions and removable cover options are available to add color and extra comfort. To further reduce its environmental impact and allow for a longer life cycle, Catifa Carta is fully disassemblable. We are also working to define the most efficient take back solutions to ensure responsible end of life.

Roberto Monti, CEO of Arper, comments: “As Arper continues on its sustainable design journey, started in 2005, we are thrilled to unveil our latest innovation, the revisitation of our iconic Catifa 53, designed by Lievore Altherr Molina in 2001: Catifa Carta. The chair, made in the revolutionary material PaperShell, is a testament to our unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility. This milestone marks not only a triumph in design but also a significant step forward in our journey towards a more sustainable future. For us, collaborating with partners – such as PaperShell – to cultivate innovative developments is crucial for delivering impactful solutions and staying ahead in today’s ever-evolving landscape. By embracing pioneering materials and conscientious practices, we aspire to inspire change and set the standard for responsible business in the industry. This launch underscores our enduring commitment to leading by example, proving that responsible business practices can indeed be synonymous with cutting-edge creativity”.

Catifa Carta at Salone Del Mobile 2024:

www.arper.com