Arper Catifa Carta Wood Leg Meeting Chair

A fresh take on a contemporary classic: Catifa Carta reinvents the iconic silhouette of Catifa by using an innovative, sustainably produced shell. Expertly crafted in Italy and designed by Lievore Altherr Molina, this chair blends style, comfort and environmental responsibility.

Materials & Construction

• Shell: made from “PaperShell” — a composite derived from wood by-products (kraft paper and natural resin), pressed into a robust, bi-curved seat shell - Coffee colour only
• Base/legs: solid wood

Key Features:

• Innovative PaperShell shell — The seat and back shell are made from a new material called PaperShell, a composite of 29-layer kraft paper bonded with 100% biogenic resin. 
• Carbon-positive / Circular material — PaperShell captures and retains carbon (CO₂) that trees absorbed; at end-of-life the shell can be converted via pyrolysis into biochar, effectively locking in carbon rather than releasing it. 
• Fully disassemblable & recyclable — The chair is designed for disassembly, facilitating repair, replacement, or responsible recycling at end-of-life. 
• Classic silhouette — Maintains the signature bi-curved shape of the original Catifa design, giving a comfortable, supportive seat suitable for many settings (home dining, office, meeting room, etc.). 
• Customisable base options — The chair is available with a choice of base finishes.

Wellworking Says...

"Catifa Carta offers a rare mix: iconic, elegant design; lightweight practicality; and genuine environmental credentials. It’s ideal for anyone who values aesthetic minimalism and also cares about sustainability."

Arper Catifa Carta Wood Leg Meeting Chair FAQs

What is Catifa Carta made of?

The shell is made from PaperShell — a material consisting of 29 layers of kraft paper bonded with a natural resin binder. 

The base on this version is wood-leg, combining timber (including natural oak or black oak finishes) with a shell of PaperShell. 

Is the chair sustainable / eco-friendly?

Yes — because the shell is derived from wood-byproduct (waste from wood processing) rather than virgin plastic or new wood. 

At the end of its life, the PaperShell shell can be processed into biochar via pyrolysis — locking in the carbon previously captured by the wood, rather than releasing it. 

The design is circular: Catifa Carta is fully disassemblable (shell, legs/base), which allows for easier recycling, repair or replacement of parts. 

Can the chair be used in different settings (office, meeting room, home)?

Yes — Catifa Carta is designed to be versatile. The wood-leg version integrates well into dining rooms, meeting rooms, home offices, cafés, or contract spaces. 

Other base versions (sled, trestle, castors, 5-star swivel, etc.) make it suitable for dynamic or collaborative spaces. 

Is there comfort or cushioning available?

Catifa Carta offers optional seat cushions (designed to match the shell) for added comfort. 

Covers and upholstery are removable and glue-free — making maintenance, re-covering or replacement easier. 

Is the chair easy to maintain and clean?

Yes, it can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild, non-abrasive detergent. Harsh solvents should be avoided to preserve the surface. 

Is Catifa Carta safe / fire-resistant?

The (PaperShell) shell offers natural fire-resistant properties without need for additional chemical treatments. 

Is the chair suitable for long-term use and sustainability (durability, end-of-life)?

• Because the chair is fully disassemblable, parts can be replaced or repaired rather than disposing the entire piece — extending its usable life. 
• Its circular design (from wood waste → PaperShell → biochar) reflects a commitment to sustainable lifecycle — not just manufacturing but also responsible end-of-life.