Catifa Carta
Designed in 2001, Catifa 53 was the first Arper collection to obtain an Environmental Product Declaration. Reinterpreted in 2024, with its innovative PaperShell shell—made of 29 sheets of kraft paper bonded with a 100% natural resin—the collection now takes a further step toward circularity, once again expressing our commitment to redefining beauty through sustainability. We continue to explore new horizons, extending the application of PaperShell to the iconic silhouette of Catifa 46.
Innovation shapes every detail: A new seat cushion made of BREATHAIR® has been introduced into the range. This elastomer polyester material is known for its elasticity, breathability, durability, and full recyclability. Previously, never molded in this way, it has been shaped to perfectly fit Catifa Carta’s silhouette.
Catifa Carta 53 offers several base options: four wooden legs, four metal legs, sled, trestle (with or without wheels), and a five-star base on wheels. All bases—except the four-leg wooden version—can be configured with optional armrests. The proposal is completed with the removable BREATHAIR® seat cushion and a removable cover available in three variants: without seams, with striped stitching, and with star stitching.
Catifa Carta 46 is available with a four-leg metal base or sled base, both configurable with optional armrests. It is also offered as a stool with a low backrest, with a sled base in two heights: counter and bar. A removable BREATHAIR® seat cushion is available for greater comfort.


Introducing Catifa Carta
What does material regeneration look like?
Design By

Lievore Altherr Molina
2001, Update 2025
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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

CDW Product Design Awards, UK
2025

Architizer A+ Awards, USA
2025

Award of Merit, AZ Awards, USA
2025
Chairs - Catifa 46
Chairs - Catifa 53
Stools - Catifa 46
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.
IN DEPTH
Recycled input materials used
Circularity score of 43% (TECLA Tool), 45.68% renewable materials used
Weight of produced goods
Emission intensity ratio (weight, kg CO2eq/kg): 4.31
BIA(B Impact Assessment)Score
Synesgy ESG rating: B, Open-ES: 86/100
Incidents related to safety
5.4% positive delta of turnover (new hires vs. terminations)
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