Kartell was founded in 1949 by Giulio Castelli, a chemicla engineer who graduated gaining the "Nobel Natta award", and started business by producing plastic articles : first of all car accessoiries, later turning to household goods, laboratory articles and lamps. The articles produced comply with two challenges pursued by the company : "to introduce plastic to the home" and to replace glass with plastics in the case of laboratory equipment. Kartell adopted an entirely innovativeapproach from the very beginning to enginner its articles based on technological research and on design. Kartell consolidated its identity in the 60's, parallel to the international success of the made in Italy design, by continuing to explore the versatility of plastics and to redefine the shapes and functions of its own articles. The entrance in the furnishing field gained the Company international awards and a vast reputation abroad, which suggested starting to extend the Company's presence on the European markets. The broader production range required a new commercial and distribution strategy. Points of sale were established throughout the world (Flagship, Shop and Point) dedicated solely to the Kartell product and characterised by an image that is strong and in harmony with the Company's image. Finally, the Kartell museum was founded in 1999. The initiative restores to the general public a tangible record of Kartell's history and is a statement of the Company's vocation for research.