Catifa Carta

Designed in 2001, Catifa 53 was Arper’s first collection with an environmental product declaration. Reinterpreted in 2024 with the revolutionary PaperShell, it now takes a bold step forward, bringing even more circular solutions to life. This project is a testament to our commitment to redefining beauty through sustainability. We continue to explore new frontiers, experimenting with the application of PaperShell to the iconic shape of Catifa 46. As part of our journey towards a completely carbon negative chair, a refined PaperShell base is currently under development, in partnership with the Nco2Factory research project*. Innovation shapes every detail. Fully removable covers, entirely free of adhesives, allow Catifa Carta’s chromatic identity to evolve effortlessly, adapting to changing spaces and needs. A new BREATHAIR® seat cushion enhances comfort with cutting-edge technology. Elastic, breathable, particularly durable, and fully recyclable, it has been precisely shaped for the first time to fit Catifa Carta—merging softness with the natural beauty of exposed PaperShell. Sustainability is not just a goal; it is a path we shape every day.

Catifa Carta 53, configurable with optional visible metal armrests, offers various base options: 4 wooden legs, 4 metal legs, sled, trestle with or without wheels, and 5-star base. The sled version is also available in rusted metal, while the wooden base comes in natural oak and a new black oak finish. Removable covers are offered in three upholstery variations: without stitching, line detail stitching (tone-on-tone), and star-shaped stitching (white or black).

* A European Union funded project – NextGenerationEU: PNRR M4C2 - iNEST Program-spoke 4 – Investment 1.5: Project nco2 - CUP F79I24001500004.

Introducing Catifa Carta

What does material regeneration look like?

Design By

Lievore Altherr Molina
2001, Collection Extension 2024

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Product Sheet

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Awards

Metropolis Likes, USA
2024

HiP Awards, USA
2024

Interiors Monthly Awards, UK
2024

Mix Awards North, UK
2024

Metropolis Planet Positive Awards, USA
2024

MILAN DESIGN WEEK

Discover Catifa Carta at Milan Design Week 2024.

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A REVOLUTIONARY MATERIAL

Catifa Carta's shell is crafted entirely from PaperShell, a groundbreaking material derived from paper. Comprising 29 sheets of paper bonded with a natural resin binder, Catifa Carta significantly reduces the chair's environmental footprint by sequestering carbon dioxide. Paper used to produce PaperShell is sourced responsibly, utilizing residues from Swedish wood production such as sawdust, chips, and branches.

At the end of its lifecycle, Catifa Carta can undergo pyrolysis, a burning process that happens in absence of oxygen and prevents CO2 release. Through pyrolysis PaperShell is converted into biochar. Biochar is a form of charcoal produced from plant matter made up of up to 90% of carbon, which locks CO2 effectively, avoiding its release into the atmosphere. Biochar is best used as soil enhancement, helping to restore the soil to its natural richness and hence supporting biodiversity, the key for a healthier and more balanced environment.

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A CIRCULAR PROCESS

Organic Origin

Wood by-products and timber waste are collected, shredded and transformed into paper pulp, to be used for the realization of kraft paper.

From Paper to Catifa Carta

The kraft paper is impregnated with a 100% biogenic hemicellulose based binder from agro-waste streams or pulp and paper production. The impregnated substrates are stacked, pressed and cut into the shell of Catifa Carta.

Biochar Carbon Locking

At the end of its life, the shell of Catifa Carta is transformed into stable biochar through pyrolysis, a low oxygen burning process that prevents carbon from being released into the atmosphere. When mixed with soil, it becomes a home for mycelium and microbes to create new life.

Closing the Loop

The biochar can be used as a soil enhancement and, in combination with mycelium and microbes, used as soil for regenerative reforestation and agriculture projects to promote biodiversity.