A high efficiency filter comprising at least one nonwoven web layer is provided. The nonwoven web layer comprises a plurality of first fibers, a plurality of second fibers, and a binder. The first fibers comprise a water non-dispersible synthetic polymer and have a different configuration and/or composition than the second fibers. The first fibers have a length of less than 25 millimeters and a minimum transverse dimension of less than 5 microns. The nonwoven web layer comprises at least 15 weight percent of the first fibers, at least 10 weight percent of the second fibers, and at least 1 weight percent of the binder. The high efficiency filter has a filtration efficiency of 85% (DIN EN 1822) or higher. Also disclosed is a process for producing the first fibers and the multicomponent fibers from which they are derived.
