Melitta Bentz: The Innovator Who Transformed Coffee Brewing

In 1908, Melitta Bentz, a German housewife from Dresden, forever changed the way we brew coffee.

 

Frustrated by the bitter taste and sediment left by traditional brewing methods, she sought a cleaner cup.

 

Using a brass pot with holes punched in the bottom and a piece of blotting paper from her son's notebook, she crafted the first paper coffee filter.

 

This simple yet ingenious invention allowed hot water to pass through the coffee grounds, trapping unwanted residues and delivering a smoother, more flavorful brew.

 

Recognizing the potential of her creation, Melitta filed for a patent, which was granted in July 1908.

 

With just 73 Reichspfennigs in capital, she established her company, M. Bentz, and began producing and selling her revolutionary filters.

 

The product quickly gained popularity, leading to the growth of the Melitta brand, which remains a leader in the coffee filter market today.

 

Over the years, the original flat filter evolved into cone shapes and other designs, but the core concept—paper that captures grounds while allowing rich flavor to pass through—remains unchanged.

 

In recent years, Melitta has continued to innovate and prioritize sustainability.

 

In 2024, the company launched new packaging for its cone coffee filters, featuring certifications from the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) and the Biodegradable Products Institute® (BPI).

 

These certifications underscore Melitta's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.

 

Additionally, all packaging for Melitta cone filter boxes is made with 100% recycled paperboard, further highlighting the brand's dedication to eco-friendly solutions.

 

In 2025, Melitta Professional expanded its presence in North America by launching a new lab at its coffee roasting facility in New Jersey.

 

This 3,000-square-foot facility, known as the M-Lab, is designed to inspire the next generation of coffee discovery through collaboration, creativity, and education.

 

The lab offers a collaborative platform for partners, supporting coffee companies seeking to grow a "seed to cup" partnership, including sourcing, blend development, packaging, and distribution.

 

From a homemade solution to bitter coffee to a global brand committed to quality and sustainability, Melitta Bentz's innovation continues to make coffee taste better—one filter at a time.

 

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