Abstract: It is described herein a filter media comprising at least a first layer comprising first fibers and a second layer comprising second fibers. The first fibers may comprise synthetic fibers in an amount of at least 50 wt. % based on total weight of the fibers in the first layer. The second fibers may comprise cellulosic fibers in an amount of at least 30 wt. % based on total weight of the fibers in the second layer. The first layer may be joined to the second layer with an interface between the first layer and the second layer comprising a mixture of the first fibers and the second fibers such that a z-directional tensile strength (zdt) across the first layer and the second layer—in the absence of a secondary adhesive—is at least 0.5 psi. It is also described herein a process to produce such a filter media, and a filter element comprising such a filter media.