Coffee Culture
Chimera: The Innovative Plastic-Free Water Filter That Doubles as a Coffee Brewer
2025-08-25

Proper By Design's latest creation, the Chimera, marks a significant stride in sustainable kitchenware, offering a dual-purpose device that integrates a pioneering plastic-free water filtration system with a functional coffee brewer. This innovation reflects a growing demand for eco-conscious products that streamline daily routines while minimizing environmental impact. The Chimera's design focuses on both utility and aesthetic appeal, promising to enhance the coffee preparation experience while reducing clutter and plastic waste. Its successful crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter underscores the widespread interest in such versatile and environmentally friendly solutions.

Proper By Design Unveils Multi-Functional Chimera on Kickstarter

In a compelling development within the home goods and coffee accessory sectors, Proper By Design, renowned for their thoughtfully engineered products, has officially launched the Chimera on Kickstarter. This innovative apparatus, introduced in late August 2025, distinguishes itself as a groundbreaking, entirely plastic-free water filtration system that ingeniously doubles as a pour-over coffee brewer. Following their previous successes with clever designs like the Olympus knockbox and tamping station, the Chimera continues Proper By Design's commitment to efficiency and elegance in the kitchen.

The Chimera's core innovation lies in its sustainable construction, utilizing only ceramic, borosilicate glass, and activated carbon for its filtration components, thereby completely eliminating plastic from its design. Each activated charcoal filter boasts a lifespan of two months, with the potential to prevent the use of up to 1,800 plastic water bottles annually, significantly contributing to environmental conservation. The device's striking borosilicate glass carafe, reminiscent of a Chemex, is specifically designed to accommodate standard Chemex paper filters, highlighting its versatility and compatibility within existing coffee routines.

As of its launch, the Kickstarter campaign swiftly approached its modest $5,000 funding goal, indicating robust consumer interest. Backers had various options, including the complete Chimera system—comprising the ceramic filter, glass carafe, and a two-month supply of activated charcoal—for $109, or individual components like the carafe or filter for $69. Anticipated shipments for successful pledges are slated to commence in December, just in time for the holiday season.

A Sustainable Brew for the Future

The introduction of the Chimera by Proper By Design is more than just a product launch; it's a statement about the direction of consumer goods towards sustainability and multi-functionality. From a consumer perspective, the Chimera offers a practical solution to two common household needs—clean water and delicious coffee—in one elegant, space-saving device. Its commitment to being entirely plastic-free aligns perfectly with the increasing global awareness of environmental issues and the desire for more sustainable living. For those of us who cherish our daily coffee ritual but are also mindful of our ecological footprint, the Chimera represents a promising step forward. It prompts us to consider how everyday items can be reimagined to serve multiple purposes, reduce waste, and ultimately, contribute to a healthier planet. This innovation inspires us to seek out and support companies that prioritize both ingenious design and environmental responsibility, proving that convenience and sustainability can indeed go hand in hand.

more stories
See more