For us, there are two critical differences between white (bleached) and brown coffee filters (unbleached). Those are taste and sustainability – let us quickly summarize.
Taste: White coffee filters are made from bleached paper and have no taste or odor. Brown coffee filters are made from unbleached paper and may have a slight earthy taste or odor. Some people prefer brown filters because they believe they enhance the flavor of the coffee, while others prefer white filters because they don’t affect the taste of the coffee. Brown filters are also considered more eco-friendly as they have not been bleached.
Sustainability: Bleached coffee filters are less sustainable than brown ones because the bleaching process uses chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. The bleaching process, which uses chlorine or chlorine-based compounds, produces pollutants such as dioxins and furans, which can have negative effects on both the environment and human health. Additionally, the process of manufacturing bleached filters requires more energy and resources compared to the production of unbleached filters. Finally, Brown coffee filters are made of unbleached paper pulp, which is more eco-friendly than the bleached paper pulp used in white coffee filters.
Maybe we spend too much time at Whole Foods, but the most recognized examples for us are Melitta filters, and If You Care ones.
Maybe the brand name is a little but in your face, but If You Care filters are a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a sustainable and eco-friendly option for their morning cup of coffee. These filters are made from unbleached, chlorine-free paper, which means they are free from harmful chemicals and pollutants. Not only do they protect the environment during production, but they also enhance the taste of the coffee by letting the natural oils pass through. These filters are biodegradable and compostable, meaning they don’t add to the waste in landfills. Additionally, If You Care is a company that is dedicated to sustainability, and they use eco-friendly and socially responsible practices throughout their entire supply chain.
