Designed in 2001 by Lievore Altherr Molina for Arper, the Catifa 53 chair has become over the years one of the products that best represents the brand's identity. The harmonious, curved line of the seat and the refinement of the profile combine in a perfect synthesis: conceptual purity is achieved by reducing the superfluous without losing sensuality. On the other hand, a new version of the chair, which lends an interesting material innovation, testifies to the path - now almost twenty years old - towards a production that is more conscious and less impactful on the environment.

Catifa Carta introduces a brand new shell in PaperShell, a revolutionary new material derived from wood waste, replacing the traditional polypropylene seat. Catifa Carta is composed of 29 sheets of paper bonded through a natural resin binder: the paper used to produce PaperShell comes from responsible sources and the exclusive use of residues from Swedish wood production, the home of the start-up that developed the material, such as sawdust, shavings and branches. Arper is the first manufacturer in the furniture industry to use PaperShell for a product.

Catifa Carta's shell is available in coffee colour and the base in three different versions: 4 steel legs in black, steel sled in black and rust, and black aluminium trestle with and without castors. Removable cushions and covers add colour and comfort. To further reduce its environmental impact and allow for a longer life cycle, Catifa Carta is completely disassemblable. Arper will also experiment with more efficient take-back solutions to ensure a responsible end-of-life.

At the end of its life cycle, Catifa Carta can be subjected to pyrolysis, a combustion process that takes place at a low temperature and prevents the release of CO2. Through pyrolysis, PaperShell is converted into biochar. Biochar is a type of vegetable charcoal, composed of up to 90% carbon, which has the ability to effectively retain CO2. Biochar is mainly used as a soil conditioner, helping to restore the natural soil richness and thus supporting biodiversity.

Roberto Monti, CEO of Arper, comments: "The seat, made of the revolutionary PaperShell material, is a testimony to our ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility. It is a point of arrival and a starting point for design and a significant step in our journey towards a more sustainable future. For us, collaborating with partners - like Papershell - to nurture innovative developments is crucial to offering relevant solutions in today's ever-changing landscape. By introducing pioneering materials and conscious practices we aspire to inspire change and become an example of responsible business. This launch underlines our enduring commitment to leading by example, demonstrating that responsible business practices can truly be synonymous with cutting-edge creativity."