In 1949, the new Italian company KARTELL was founded in Milan, whose original focus was the production and sale of plastic components for the automotive industry. 14 years later, KARTELL changed its concept and started designing interiors and accessories for the home. It didn't take long for the company to establish itself as one of the unmissable brands that can easily and originally enliven any interior thanks to its imaginative and distinctive products with a timeless appeal. Each product is a combination of amazing creativity and innovative technology, backed by a constant evolution of the way materials are used. And it is KARTELL 's relentless research that has brought to the market products with smooth finishes, in a variety of shapes, in bright colours and with an unmistakably playful design.
The history of the Kartell legend
Kartell was founded by Giulio Castelli in 1949. In the early years of its existence, Kartell was characterized by a distinctive design that would embody "Madein Italy". In 1988, Claudio Luti, who had previously worked for Versace, joined the company. Luti led the brand with a love of excellence and tasteful design, establishing collaborations with designers and architects such as Philippe Starck, Ron Arad, Antonio Citterio, Ferruccio Laviani, Piero Lissoni, Patricia Urquiola, Mario Bellini, Alberto Meda and Vico Magistretti, who designed products for the brand that would forever anchor it in the design market.
The breakthrough came when, after years of research and thanks to a revolutionary innovation, Kartell became the first company in the world to use polycarbonate to manufacture home accessories in 1999. The result was La Marie, a completely transparent chair with a modern minimalist design that predates one of the best-selling chairs ever , the Louis Ghost. From this point on, the company developed a theme of transparency that made it unique and original. In addition, Kartell also managed to write a new chapter in the history of lighting design. The company has also expanded its horizons with new divisions and new product collections, moving with the times and evolving, using non-plastic materials and experimenting with new technologies.
Innovation and know-how
Kartell is known for its industrial production of the finest quality design objects under the Made in Italy umbrella. From the selection of innovative and certified materials to the use of advanced technologies , Kartell guarantees to deliver to the users of its products a product that combines technology, quality, resistance and durability. Stable and repeatable production processes also allow for the minimization of inefficiency and waste.
Over the years, Kartell has won a number of important international awards, including nine Compassi d'Oro. The Kartell Museum was also founded in 1999 and won the Guggenheim Enterprise & Culture Award for Best Business Museum in 2000.
Kartell and sustainability
The raw materials Kartell uses are completely recyclable and can be given a new lease of life thanks to the processes used to machine materials for industrial use. Technological research and development, just as it did seventy years ago, allows the company to continue its search for materials that can be reused and have no negative impact on the environment. All product packaging is made from recyclable and renewable material. Kartell works with wood from certified forests and with only minimal consumption. A special patent ensures that only a very fine layer of wood is used, shaped so that the 3D curvature reaches the very edge of the panel.
The wood itself is sourced from FSC certified forests with guaranteed provenance and forest management methods.
Bioplastic under the Kartell brand
Bio is one of the new innovations that Kartell's research department is working on. The research has been successful and has led to the creation of the first product that is made from a completely revolutionary natural material - created from waste materials from farms that are not even used as food for humans or animals. Using a biological process, when 'attacked' by microorganisms, they create a plastic-like biomass. After a series of processes to fine-tune its composition, this biomass becomes a material of the highest quality, which Kartell is the first company in the furniture industry to test by injection moulding and moulding, just like other plastic materials. The material boasts exclusive biodegradability properties in water and soil. The first Bio object in Kartell's catalogue was the Componibili modular storage container, designed by Anna Castelli Ferrieri in 1967.
Kartell's commitment to implementing and continuously improving its environmental management system is guaranteed by its compliance with international certification protocols, particularly in the area of health protection within which the company boasts the GREENGUARD certification, which all Kartell products have. Greenguard certified products guarantee low emission levels and protect the indoor environment and air quality.
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