Innovation, research, and a passion for excellence has guided Kartell’s every move from the start, from designing iconic products to using technologically innovative materials. In a move towards focusing on environmental responsibility and sustainable practices, they’ve created a new industrial manifesto, Kartell Loves the Planet, which is an emphasis on their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness. We explore what’s included in this manifesto and how they’re working to make the world a greener place…
Kartell Loves the Planet: An Industrial Manifesto
Each Kartell piece is a timeless product, designed and produced with the utmost respect for the environment and destined, on completion of its function, to occupy museum space or a larger collection. Creating true value, not just simple objects, Kartell’s vocation is creating pieces that can contribute towards a larger cultural project; not objects that risk being cast aside when no longer used.
Kartell Loves the Planet represents a thorough technological and stylistic renewal in line with the brand’s commitment to quality, design, and sustainability. A road map towards the future, they’ve created new products and new versions of old favorites all made from recycled materials, organic substances, and wood.
Polycarbonate 2.0
Based on a second-generation renewable polymer, Polycarbonate 2.0 is produced by synthesis and obtained partly from ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) certified industrial cellulose and paper waste. This new and innovative material reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 60% compared to fossil-based polycarbonates and is a Kartell exclusive for the industry.
Some of Kartell’s most iconic designs including the Louis Ghost and Victoria Ghost chairs and some lighting designs are now made from this new eco-material. With unchanged qualities in terms of transparency, thermal and mechanical resistance, strength, durability, it’s a step in a new direction for Kartell and sustainability.
Bio
One of the new frontiers for the Kartell research department which led to the creation of a revolutionary new material, Bio. Created from waste materials from farm production materials and biological processes, the waste generates into a biomass that’s similar to plastic, this process is refined until the biomass becomes a material of the highest quality. Kartell were the first company in the furniture industry to test this material in injection and molding, just like they did with plastic. Bio also holds a USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) certification and boasting exclusive biodegradability properties in water and soil.
Smart Wood
Wood, the noblest of all sustainable materials, continues to be a great source of creativity and inspiration for Kartell. For Smart Wood, Kartell obtained FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification, which identifies products containing wood from forests managed correctly and responsibly in compliance with strict environmental, social, and economic standards.