An icon of non-conformity, the Sacco celebrates 50 years: this symbol of the cultural transformation of 1968 returns renewed in a green edition, in recognition of the need for global change.
Zanotta celebrates this anniversary by launching a numbered, limited edition collection: innovative and sustainable materials– both the internal padding and the cover, featuring a brand-new pattern designed by Pierre Charpin–elevate this iconic form while acknowledging our environmental responsibility.

Designed in 1968 by young architects Gatti, Paolini and Teodoro and put into production in 1969 by Zanotta, Sacco has been a revolutionary and disruptive project, and in keeping with the ideals of creativity and expression that so animated that time, ushered in a new era of freedom for the home. After 50 years, Sacco still maintains its relevance with the same avant-garde and experimental spirit. The expanded high-resistant polystyrene pellets (EPS) of the original design are replaced by BioFoam® microspheres by Synbra: a bio-plastic (PLA) deriving from sugar cane that can be compared to EPS due to its structure, properties and technical performances. The primary difference is the raw material: EPS is based on fossil raw materials (a finite resource), while BioFoam® consists of biopolymers, which are made of vegetable materials (an infinite resource). BioFoam® is biodegradable and it can be industrially composted, it is durable and is suitable for long-term use.

The envelope is made of ECONYL®, a completely renewed nylon thread derived from abandoned fishing nets recovered from the seabed, synthetic fabric and industrial plastic waste, that are transformed into a new thread with the same quality and properties as if it was made from oil. ECONYL® thread can be recycled, renewed and remodelled countless times without the use of any additional natural resources.

The exclusive numbered collection, SACCO GOES GREEN, is offered in three variations, 100 pieces each, using three new patterns designed by Pierre Charpin. Inspired by the netting, the French designer created a graphic of tightly woven coloured lines, which are offered in three colour variations. Each will fit any size Sacco without modifying the pattern effect. Each piece of the limited collection set will be identified by the piping covered with jacquard printed fabric in a corresponding colour, running the entire height of the seat. It contains both the serial number and a repeat of the collection name SACCO GOES GREEN.

SACCO GOES GREEN marks an important step towards sustainability for Zanotta. The company has long embarked on a path of awareness of the environmental issues that mark the present, and is committed to a new approach, one guided by the principles of the circular economy, and integrated in all corporate decisions and strategies.

«We believe that every project, production and distribution activity must be carried out with respect for the environment. Over the last twenty years, the company has progressively implemented strategic changes aimed at reducing the environmental impact of its plants and production processes. Our goal is to achieve ‘zero emissions’ – in the air, in the water and soil – at the Nova Milanese Zanotta production site, and have already reduced the emissions to equal those produced by an average home. Concerning the product, Zanotta has always invested in those factors that determine the long life of a furniture piece, paying great attention to the basic principles of “good design” that must necessarily also be sustainable: disassembly, ergonomics, choice of non-toxic and hypoallergenic materials, recyclable and not subject to a fast obsolescence, use of standardized test techniques for durability, functionality and resistance of products».

The abundance of abandoned fishing nets destroys corals and trap fish, turtles, water mammals and birds, while damaging entire ecosystems. Their recycling and reuse activate a circular economic process that not only extends their life cycle but helps reduce environmental pollution in favour of a production process of eco-design without needing other natural resources. «SACCO GOES GREEN is not an operation that ends in itself, but is the start of a new research and experimentation process on recycled materials and biomaterials which we intend to bring forward as corporate strategy. Starting from January 2020 SACCO GOES GREEN will become part of the Zanotta catalogue, maintaining the same 100% eco-friendly materials as the limited edition, both for the filling and for the internal / external coverings. The external cover will not feature Pierre Charpin’s limited edition designs, but will be available in a range of solid colours.».