Kartell Loves the Planet: How an Italian design icon embraces sustainability with the new Componibili Bio

The Greener Space
4 days ago
2 min read

For over seventy years, Kartell has been synonymous with cutting-edge Italian design, renowned for its collaborations with leading designers and its iconic use of plastic in furniture and lighting. In recent years, the brand has added a new dimension to its identity: a deep, actionable commitment to environmental sustainability.

Stacked Componibili Bio modular storage units by Kartell, made from sustainable bioplastic in soft natural tones (yellow, green, pink). Iconic cylindrical design reimagined with eco-friendly materials, reflecting Italian design heritage and environmental responsibility. — Photo © Kartell courtesy

In 2018, Kartell launched Kartell Loves the Planet, a manifesto marking the brand’s transformation towards environmental responsibility that blends beauty with innovation. As President Claudio Luti explains, “We work to create products from sustainable materials, designed by the best designers, and manufactured using cutting-edge, low-impact technologies, all while offering customers objects that are not only well-made but truly beautiful, reflecting Italy’s centuries-old culture of beauty.”

Kartell has aligned itself with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on responsible consumption, climate action, innovation, and life on land. Through a company-wide sustainability code embedded in every phase, from product development to logistics, Kartell has achieved impressive milestones: 40% of its 2020 revenue came from green products, and in 2021, 95% of new projects launched during Design Week featured eco-friendly materials. The ambitious goal is full conversion to green materials by 2030.

A flagship example of this commitment is the Componibili Bio, a sustainable reinvention of the iconic modular storage system designed by Anna Castelli Ferrieri in 1967. Preserving the beloved cylindrical form that revolutionized furniture design, the Componibili Bio is crafted from an innovative bioplastic derived from non-food agricultural waste. This material undergoes a biological transformation into a high-quality biopolymer suitable for injection molding, making it fully recyclable and more eco-conscious.

Available in four soft, natural tones, green, pink, taupe, and yellow, the Componibili Bio combines functionality, timeless design, and environmental responsibility. It holds GREENGUARD certification for low indoor emissions, underscoring its suitability for healthy, sustainability-focused living environments.

By reimagining one of its most iconic products with cutting-edge sustainability-focused materials, Kartell sends a powerful message: true design innovation embraces beauty, intelligence, and responsibility. The Componibili Bio perfectly encapsulates Kartell’s mission, proving that circular design is not a compromise, but an enhancement, bridging heritage and a greener future.