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Promotion: Italian furniture brand Arper has created Catifa Carta, a chair that the company claims can sequester carbon dioxide.
It is made out of PaperShell, a new composite material made from paper combined with a natural resin binder, which the makers claim is entirely circular.
The chair was originally released in 2001 under the name Catifa 53. It is characterised by a simple structure comprised of an all-in-one shell that acts as both a seat and a backrest, placed on top of a variety of base styles.
Arper rereleased the chair during Milan design week 2024, calling the new version Catifa Carta as it is made from paper.
The brand aimed to create a new iteration of the recognisable chair with a shell component made from an environmentally-conscious material, instead of conventional plastic.
It is the first practical application of the PaperShell material in a piece of furniture.
"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," said Arper.
"A first-of-its-kind innovation, PaperShell dramatically reduces Catifa Carta's impact on the environment by doing what trees do: sequestering carbon dioxide."
The chair, which was made from 29 sheets' worth of paper, comes in a coffee colourway.
There are multiple options for the metal base, including sled-style legs, four individual legs and a trestle base with or without wheels. All bases are available in black and the sled version is available in a rust finish.
Removable seat cushions and covers are also available, which add colour and texture that allow the chairs to blend into a myriad of interior design styles.
The chairs can be fully disassembled, allowing them to be repaired and maintained to lengthen their lifespan.
"By embracing pioneering materials and conscientious practices, we aspire to inspire change and set the standard for responsible business in the industry," said Arper CEO Roberto Monti.
"This launch underscores our enduring commitment to leading by example, proving that responsible business practices can indeed be synonymous with cutting-edge creativity".
