FLTRgo: A Reusable and Collapsible Coffee Filter for Travelers

Compact, Lightweight, and Sustainable

The FLTRgo coffee filter was born out of Justin Baird's love for traveling and his passion for drip coffee. During his journeys, he often found himself missing the tools needed to make a delicious cup of drip coffee. Inspired to find a solution, Justin teamed up with designer Ridzert Ingenegeren to create a product that would not only meet his needs but also cater to others facing the same challenge. The result is FLTRgo, a coffee filter that is easy to pack, space-saving, and reusable.

What sets FLTRgo apart from other coffee filters is its unique properties. Made from renewable materials, the filter features a bamboo frame and handle, as well as ethically-sourced organic cotton certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard. This combination of sustainable materials ensures that FLTRgo is not only functional but also environmentally friendly.

The realization of FLTRgo involves a combination of craftsmanship and technology. The bamboo plywood is carefully cut to create the frame, while the cotton fabric is stitched and glued in place using food-safe adhesive. An aluminum Chicago screw serves as a hinge for the handle, allowing for easy folding and unfolding of the filter.

When folded, FLTRgo measures a compact 116 mm x 116 mm x 14 mm, making it ideal for travel. To use the filter, simply unfold the handle, insert coffee grounds, and pour hot water over it. Once the brewing process is complete, rinse out the filter and hang it to dry while you savor your coffee. When you're ready to move on, fold it back up and take it with you wherever you go.

The design process for FLTRgo began in December 2016 in Berlin and concluded in March 2017, after which the prototyping phase took place in New York. Throughout the project, extensive research was conducted on bamboo working techniques, food-safe fabrics and glues, and stitch types suitable for the filter. The knowledge gained from this research was applied to create a seamless and reliable product.

One of the main challenges faced during the design process was finding a way to securely hold the fabric of the filter in place while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance. To achieve this, part of the bamboo frame was hollowed out, allowing the filter and another bamboo piece to be glued in place without protruding from the frame.

FLTRgo is not only a practical and innovative solution for travelers who enjoy drip coffee, but it has also been recognized for its excellence in design. In 2019, it was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware, and Cookware Design category. This prestigious award is given to designs that meet professional and industrial requirements, integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics.

FLTRgo is a testament to the power of collaboration and the pursuit of sustainable design. With its compact size, lightweight construction, and use of renewable materials, it is the perfect companion for coffee lovers who refuse to compromise on quality, even when on the move.