Kartell is an Italian
furniture company known for its pioneering use of plastic and for creating products that combine functionality and design. Founded in 1949 by Giulio Castelli, the company specializes in furniture and furnishings made from
innovative plastic materials, such as polycarbonate, that have revolutionized the concept of transparency and lightness in interior design. Among its main product categories, Kartell offers
chairs, tables,
lamps and
storage systems, with a keen eye on sustainability and contemporary aesthetics. Collaborations with renowned international designers, such as Philippe Starck, Patricia Urquiola, and Antonio Citterio, have contributed to the creation of true design masterpieces, many of which have become iconic and globally recognized.
Kartell's iconic furniture
Since its founding, Kartell has distinguished itself through the introduction of transparent plastic in designer furniture, a choice that revolutionized the industry. Collaboration with internationally renowned designers has led to the creation of furniture and accessories that have become true icons. One of Kartell's most famous products is the
Louis Ghost chair, designed by
Philippe Starck in 2002. Made of transparent polycarbonate, this chair has become an icon of contemporary design thanks to its combination of classic forms and modern materials. Another notable chair is the
Masters, winner of the Red Dot Design Award, which incorporates the silhouettes of three famous chair models, reinterpreted in an innovative key.
As for tables, the
SIR GIO model represents an example of contemporary design, featuring a crystal top supported by a technopolymer base, a choice that combines aesthetics and strength. The
Battista folding table, with a steel frame and wheels, also combines practicality and style, ideal for both residential and contract environments.
Kartell, lighting and furnishing accessories
Kartell has also distinguished itself in the
lighting sector with products that blend technological innovation and distinctive design. Lamps such as
FL/Y and
Bourgie are among the most famous and popular in the design world. The
Planet collection, with its futuristic design and LED lighting system, is a perfect example of the company's ability to combine aesthetics and functionality. The
Battery line, on the other hand, offers rechargeable lamps designed for maximum portability. Kartell's best-known pieces of furniture include
Bookworm, a wall-mounted, flexible and modular bookcase that has redefined the concept of shelving. Designed by
Ron Arad for Kartell, Bookworm is made of PVC and is known for its ability to take curved and customizable shapes, adapting to space and design needs. Thanks to an innovative manufacturing process, Bookworm is both functional and aesthetically distinctive, capable of supporting considerable weight while maintaining its visual lightness. Available in different lengths and colors, it represents a perfect marriage of creativity and engineering, becoming a symbol of contemporary design and one of Kartell's most celebrated products.
Kartell's commitment: innovation and sustainable design
Sustainability is at the heart of Kartell's strategy, embodied in the “Kartell loves the planet” project, a manifesto that guides production toward the use of recycled materials and eco-friendly production processes. The company has introduced innovative materials such as polycarbonate 2.0, derived from renewable sources, and FSC-certified woods. These materials, combined with advanced molding and injection technologies, allow Kartell to create sustainable products without compromising quality or design. This environmental commitment is also evident in the
Componibili Bio collection, a reinterpretation of the famous container system made from biopolymers derived from renewable sources. A key aspect of Kartell's approach is the use of cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, such as injection molding machines for processing plastic. This process makes it possible to create complex shapes and achieve uncompromising quality while reducing material and energy consumption. Thanks to these technologies, Kartell is able to produce highly resistant and durable furniture and furnishings while maintaining a strong focus on aesthetics and functionality.
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