This work focuses on the manufacture, characterization and mechanical/thermomechanical properties of carbon-bonded alumina as a filter material for molten steel filtration based on environmentally friendly pitch-lean and pitch-free lactose-tannin binder systems. A slip casting route was developed for the manufacture of compact cylinders, while compact bars were prepared by the conventional pressing method. The influence of binder composition was studied by systematically changing the mass ratio of lactose and tannin. The manufacturing process and products were characterized by processing parameters, physical properties as well as microstructures. Mechanical tests at room temperature and high temperatures up to 1400 °C on compact specimens were performed. The corresponding foam filters were tested at high temperatures up to 1400 °C as well. The obtained results are a contribution to further understanding and optimization of the lactose-tannin-based filter material.