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 takes a further step towards circularity, once again expressing our commitment to redefining beauty through sustainability.
Our exploration continues: PaperShell is now extended to the iconic silhouette of Catifa 46. Innovation shapes every detail. The BREATHAIR® cushion enhances comfort through advanced technology. Elastic, breathable, durable and fully recyclable, it has been precisely shaped to fit the essential lines of Catifa Carta.
Catifa Carta 53 is available with a wide range of bases: 4 wooden legs, 4 metal legs, sled, trestle (with or without castors), and 5-star base on castors. All bases, except the 4 wooden legs version, can be configured with optional armrests. The collection is completed by a removable BREATHAIR® seat cushion and a removable cover available in three versions: without stitching, line detail stitching (tone-on-tone), and star-shaped stitching (white or black).
Catifa Carta 46 is available as a chair with 4 metal legs or sled base, both configurable with optional armrests. It is also offered as a stool with low backrest, with sled base in counter and bar heights. A removable BREATHAIR® seat cushion is available for enhanced comfort.


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

Lievore Altherr Molina
2001, Update 2025
Downloads
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

Honorable Mention, Compasso d'Oro ADI, Italy
2026
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 retaining carbon dioxide originally captured by trees. 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.
Discover more

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)
Inspiration





















