EP3426064B1 - Smokeless oral tobacco product and preparation thereof - Google Patents

Smokeless oral tobacco product and preparation thereof Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3426064B1
EP3426064B1 EP17709761.5A EP17709761A EP3426064B1 EP 3426064 B1 EP3426064 B1 EP 3426064B1 EP 17709761 A EP17709761 A EP 17709761A EP 3426064 B1 EP3426064 B1 EP 3426064B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tobacco
particulate material
weight
smokeless oral
tobacco product
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Application number
EP17709761.5A
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German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
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EP3426064A1 (en
Inventor
Joanna Dawn SOFFE
Johan Robert GUSTAFSON
Michele Mola
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
British American Tobacco Investments Ltd
Fiedler and Lundgren AB
Original Assignee
British American Tobacco Investments Ltd
Fiedler and Lundgren AB
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Publication date
Application filed by British American Tobacco Investments Ltd, Fiedler and Lundgren AB filed Critical British American Tobacco Investments Ltd
Priority to EP21159251.4A priority Critical patent/EP3847904A1/en
Publication of EP3426064A1 publication Critical patent/EP3426064A1/en
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Publication of EP3426064B1 publication Critical patent/EP3426064B1/en
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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
    • A24B13/00—Tobacco for pipes, for cigars, e.g. cigar inserts, or for cigarettes; Chewing tobacco; Snuff
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
    • A24B15/00—Chemical features or treatment of tobacco; Tobacco substitutes, e.g. in liquid form
    • A24B15/10—Chemical features of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes
    • A24B15/16—Chemical features of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes of tobacco substitutes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
    • A24B15/00—Chemical features or treatment of tobacco; Tobacco substitutes, e.g. in liquid form
    • A24B15/18—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes
    • A24B15/28—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances
    • A24B15/30—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances by organic substances
    • A24B15/302—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances by organic substances by natural substances obtained from animals or plants

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a smokeless oral tobacco product and methods of making the same.
  • Smokeless oral tobacco products comprise smokeless materials, such as smokeless tobacco, that are designed to be placed in the oral cavity of a user for a limited period of time.
  • Smokeless oral tobacco products include snuff, which can be provided in dry or moist form.
  • Smokeless oral tobacco products can be portioned or non-portioned.
  • US patent application 2013/298920 relates to a smokeless tobacco analogue material comprising comminuted sunflower seed hulls that are processed to be tasteless and to have a consistency and feel similar or complementary to a smokeless tobacco product.
  • the present invention seeks to provide an improved smokeless oral tobacco product and a method for the production thereof.
  • a smokeless oral tobacco product comprising a tobacco material and a particulate material which is other than tobacco, the particulate material having the following properties:
  • a method for the production of a smokeless oral tobacco product comprising a tobacco material and a particulate material which is other than tobacco, the particulate material having the following properties:
  • particulate material according to claim 1 which is other than tobacco, the particulate material having the following properties:
  • particulate material according to claim 1 which is other than tobacco, the particulate material having the following properties:
  • particulate material which is other than tobacco
  • the particulate material according to claim 1 having the following properties:
  • the present invention relates to a smokeless oral tobacco product.
  • the "particulate material" for use in the present invention is a particulate material which is other than tobacco.
  • the smokeless oral tobacco product includes tobacco and particulate material as defined herein, wherein the particulate material is a hydrophobic particulate material selected from the group consisting of cork, sawdust, millet husks, polystyrene, sodium alginate microspheres, foamed alginates, and mixtures thereof.
  • Smokeless tobacco product is used herein to denote any tobacco product which is not intended for combustion.
  • Smokeless oral tobacco product is used herein to denote any smokeless tobacco product designed to be placed in the oral cavity of a user for a limited period of time, during which there is contact between the user's saliva and the product.
  • smokeless oral tobacco product does not include tobacco heating products.
  • a smokeless oral tobacco product can be provided to the user in a portioned or a non-portioned format. Portioned smokeless oral tobacco products can reduce or eliminate the handling of the tobacco by the user, which can offer significant advantages in terms of better hygiene, convenience and/or ease of use.
  • the smokeless oral tobacco product of the present invention is a portioned product.
  • the smokeless oral tobacco product comprises a tobacco material.
  • tobacco material as used herein includes a material which comprises tobacco and/or a tobacco replacement or substitute.
  • the tobacco material comprises tobacco.
  • the tobacco material is tobacco.
  • the tobacco material comprises a tobacco replacement or substitute.
  • the tobacco material is a tobacco replacement or substitute.
  • tobacco as used herein includes any part, such as the leaves, flowers, or stems, of any member of the genus Nicotiana and reconstituted materials thereof. In some embodiments, it includes treated tobacco. In some embodiments, it includes derivatives such as specific compounds found in natural tobacco, such as nicotine, whether extract or synthesized, as well as structural derivatives such as the fibrous portion of a tobacco leaf.
  • tobacco extract includes tobacco extract.
  • tobacco replacement or substitute includes tobacco substitutes which comprise individual chemicals and/or complex chemical entities which, when appropriately prepared, physically resemble natural tobacco.
  • tobacco replacement or substitute includes materials which deliver nicotine to the user and provide a similar mouthfeel to tobacco.
  • the amount of stem in the tobacco blend may be up to 50%, up to 60%, or up to 70% by weight of the tobacco.
  • the amount of stem in the tobacco is from 5% to 70% by weight of the tobacco, such as from 10% to 65% by weight of the tobacco, such as from 15% to 65% by weight of the tobacco, such as from 20% to 60% by weight of the tobacco, such as from 25% to 55% by weight of the tobacco, such as from 30% to 50% by weight of the tobacco.
  • Tobaccos used in the present invention may include types of tobaccos such as dark air-cured tobacco, flue-cured tobacco, Burley tobacco, Oriental tobacco, Maryland tobacco, dark tobacco, dark-fired tobacco and Rustica tobaccos, as well as other rare or specialty tobaccos.
  • tobaccos such as dark air-cured tobacco, flue-cured tobacco, Burley tobacco, Oriental tobacco, Maryland tobacco, dark tobacco, dark-fired tobacco and Rustica tobaccos, as well as other rare or specialty tobaccos.
  • the tobacco is ground tobacco and/or is in particulate form. In some embodiments, the tobacco is not in the form of strands or cut lamina.
  • the tobacco may be snuff in dry or moist form.
  • "Snuff” is used herein to generally describe a class of smokeless tobacco product which typically comprises cured tobacco which has been dried and ground to have mass median particle size measured by sieve analysis of between 0.01 and 5mm, such as between 0.01 and 3mm, such as between 0.01 and 1.0 mm.
  • the tobacco may be dry snuff.
  • the moisture content of the tobacco is less than 16% by weight of the total smokeless oral tobacco product, such as less than 12% by weight of the total smokeless oral tobacco product, such as less than 10% by weight of the total smokeless oral tobacco product, such as less than 5% by weight of the total smokeless oral tobacco product, such as less than 3% by weight of the total smokeless oral tobacco product, such as less than 2% by weight of the total smokeless oral tobacco product, such as less than 1% by weight of the total smokeless oral tobacco product.
  • the tobacco is in moist form.
  • the moist tobacco may be in any form that is suitable for incorporation into a smokeless oral tobacco product.
  • the moist tobacco comprises moist snuff.
  • the moist snuff comprises Swedish-style snuff, which may also be referred to as snus-style tobacco or snus. In some embodiments, the moist snuff is
  • Snus Swedish-style snuff (snus).
  • Snus is a moist powder tobacco product originating from a variant of dry snuff.
  • snus is an oral tobacco product which is not fermented, but is rather heat-treated, such as by pasteurisation. Snus is typically used by placing it under the upper lip for extended periods of time.
  • the moisture content of the tobacco is at least 20% by weight of the total smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least 25% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least 30% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least 35% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least 40% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least 45% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least 50% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least 60% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product.
  • the smokeless oral tobacco product comprises snus
  • the snus may comprise salt and/or other flavourants.
  • the snus may be pasteurised or may undergo a process similar to pasteurisation and may optionally be matured, to reach the desired pH and/or moisture content of the snus. Methods and apparatus suitable for pasteurisation and maturation are known to the person skilled in the art.
  • the moist snuff may be in the form of dipping tobacco.
  • the dipping tobacco may be treated by fermentation or may undergo a process similar to fermentation and may optionally undergo one or more further processes such as aging. Methods and apparatus suitable for the treatment of dipping tobacco are known to the person skilled in the art.
  • the tobacco may be in the form of US moist snuff and/or chewing tobacco.
  • the amount of tobacco within the tobacco formulation may vary.
  • the amount of tobacco within the smokeless oral tobacco product is at least about 5% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least about 10% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least about 15% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least about 20% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least about 25% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least about 30% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least about 40% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least about 50% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least about 55% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as at least about 60% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product.
  • the amount of tobacco within the smokeless oral tobacco product is no greater than about 90% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as no greater than about 85% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as no greater than about 80% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as no greater than about 75% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as no greater than about 70% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product.
  • the amount of tobacco within the smokeless oral tobacco product is between about 20% and 90% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as between 20% and 85% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as between about 20% and 80% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as between about 20% and 75% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as between about 20% and 70% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as between about 20% and 65% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as between about 20% and 60% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as between about 25% and 60% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as between about 30% and 60% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as between about 35% and 60% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product.
  • the smokeless oral tobacco product can be provided to the user in a portioned format.
  • the tobacco material is surrounded by a pouch.
  • a common method of providing moist snuff is to seal the tobacco material in a permeable pouch.
  • a pouch holds the tobacco material in place, while at the same time allowing substances such as flavours and nicotine to diffuse through the pouch and into the mouth of the user for absorption through the user's mucous membranes.
  • the smokeless oral tobacco product can be provided to the user in a non-portioned format.
  • the smokeless oral tobacco product is packaged in loose form in a container, such as a can, sachet or tin.
  • the smokeless oral tobacco product can be provided to the user in a preformed format, such as that described in EP 2649889 .
  • a preformed format such as that described in EP 2649889 .
  • Such a format typically does not require the use of pouches to contain the product, but may still be portioned.
  • the smokeless oral tobacco product comprises a particulate material.
  • the particulate material in accordance with the present invention has the following properties:
  • the term "particulate” means that the average length to width ratio of particles of the material is less than 2:1, such as less than 1.5:1, such as about 1:1.
  • the particles of the particulate material are substantially spherical.
  • the particulate material is granular.
  • the particulate material has a mass median particle size measured by sieve analysis of from about 0.3 mm to about 2.5 mm, such as from about 0.3 mm to about 2 mm, such as from about 0.3 mm to about 1.5 mm, such as from about 0.3 mm to about 1 mm, such as from about 0.3 mm to about 0.7 mm.
  • the particulate material has a mass median particle size measured by sieve analysis of from about 0.4 mm to about 2.5 mm, such as from about 0.4 mm to about 2 mm, such as from about 0.4 mm to about 1.5 mm, such as from about 0.4 mm to about 1 mm, such as from about 0.4 to about 0.7 mm.
  • mass median particle size is defined as the size at which one half of the total mass of all particles in a sample is contributed by particles with a size smaller than the mass median particle size, and one half of the total mass of all particles in a sample is contributed by particles with a size larger than the mass median particle size.
  • the mass median particle size of the particulate material may be measured by sieve analysis.
  • sieve analysis is a method used to measure the particle size distribution of a particulate material.
  • sieve analysis involves a nested column of sieves which comprise screens, preferably in the form of wire mesh cloths. A pre-weighed sample may be introduced into the top or uppermost sieve in the column, which has the largest screen openings or mesh size (i.e. the largest pore diameter of the sieve). Each lower sieve in the column has progressively smaller screen openings or mesh sizes than the sieve above.
  • a receiver portion to collect any particles having a particle size smaller than the screen opening size or mesh size of the bottom or lowermost sieve in the column (which has the smallest screen opening or mesh size).
  • the column of sieves may be placed on or in a mechanical agitator.
  • the agitator causes the vibration of each of the sieves in the column.
  • the mechanical agitator may be activated for a pre-determined period of time in order to ensure that all particles are collected in the correct sieve.
  • the column of sieves is agitated for a period of time from 0.5 minutes to 10 minutes, such as from 1 minute to 10 minutes, such as from 1 minute to 5 minutes, such as for approximately 3 minutes.
  • the material collected on each sieve is weighed.
  • the weight of each sample on each sieve may then be divided by the total weight in order to obtain a percentage of the mass retained on each sieve.
  • the mass median particle size of the particulate material may be measured as follows:
  • the screen opening sizes or mesh sizes for each sieve in the column used for sieve analysis may be selected based on the granularity or known maximum/minimum particle sizes of the sample to be analysed.
  • a column of sieves may be used for sieve analysis, wherein the column comprises from 2 to 20 sieves, such as from 5 to 15 sieves.
  • a column of sieves may be used for sieve analysis, wherein the column comprises 10 sieves.
  • the screen opening or mesh sizes of the 10 sieves may be as follows for determining the mass median particle size of the particulate material: Sieve Number Mesh Size ( ⁇ m) 1 1000 2 900 3 800 4 710 5 600 6 500 7 400 8 180 9 90 10 ⁇ 90
  • the density of the particulate material is defined as the bulk density of the material.
  • bulk density is defined as the mass of a number of particles of the particulate material divided by the total volume they occupy.
  • the term "bulk density” refers to the untapped or freely settled bulk density. In other words, bulk density is measured as the untapped density (i.e. before any specified compaction process, which may involve vibration of the container).
  • the particulate material has a bulk density of less than about 0.55 g/cm 3 , such as less than about 0.5 g/cm 3 , such as less than about 0.45 g/cm 3 , such as less than about 0.4 g/cm 3 , such as less than about 0.35 g/cm 3 , such as less than about 0.3 g/cm 3 , such as less than about 0.25 g/cm 3 , such as less than about 0.2 g/cm 3 , such as less than about 0.15 g/cm 3 .
  • starch is defined as a carbohydrate comprising at least 200 glucose units joined by glycosidic bonds.
  • sucrose is defined as compounds selected from the group consisting of monosaccharides (such as glucose and fructose), disaccharides (such as sucrose and maltose), and oligosaccharides.
  • a smokeless oral tobacco product comprising a tobacco material and a particulate material, according to claim 1 the particulate material having the following properties:
  • the particulate material has a combined starch and sugar content of less than about 7% based on the weight of the particulate material.
  • the particulate material has a combined starch and sugar content of less than about 6% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 5.5% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 5% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 4.5% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 4% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 3.5% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 3% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 2.5% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 2% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 1.5% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 1% based on the weight of the particulate
  • the particulate material has a total sugar content of less than about 7% based on the weight of the particulate material. In some embodiments, the particulate material has a total sugar content of less than about 6% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 5.5% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 5% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 4.5% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 4% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 3.5% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 3% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 2.5% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 2% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 1.5% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 1% based on the weight of the particulate material.
  • the particulate material has a total starch content of less than about 7% based on the weight of the particulate material. In some embodiments, the particulate material has a total starch content of less than about 6% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 5.5% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 5% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 4.5% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 4% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 3.5% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 3% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 2.5% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 2% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 1.5% based on the weight of the particulate material, such as less than about 1% based on the weight of the weight of the part
  • the particulate material has a mass median particle size measured by sieve analysis of from about 0.3 mm to about 1 mm, a bulk density of less than about 0.4 g/cm 3 , and a combined starch and sugar content of less than about 7% based on the weight of the particulate material.
  • the particulate material has a mass median particle size measured by sieve analysis of from about 0.3 mm to about 0.7 mm, a bulk density of less than about 0.25 g/cm 3 , and a combined starch and sugar content of less than about 5% based on the weight of the particulate material.
  • the particulate material is selected from the group consisting of cork, sawdust, millet husks, polystyrene, sodium alginate microspheres, foamed alginates, and mixtures thereof.
  • the husks or hulls of grains may encapsulate the nutritious seed of the grain and are typically a waste product of the food industry.
  • the husks or hulls of grains are millet husk.
  • Such husks or hulls of grains are typically hydrophilic in nature, but may be made hydrophobic for the purposes of the present invention by surface treatment.
  • Foams are typically formed by trapping pockets of gas in a material.
  • the foam may include open cell foam and/or closed cell foam.
  • the foam is formed from alginates.
  • the foam is selected from sodium alginate, or polystyrene.
  • the particulate material is a foamed alginate, such as that described in WO 2014/096816 .
  • the foamed alginate is foamed sodium alginate.
  • the hollow particles and semispheres may be formed from polymers that are filled with air to ensure a lighter density than the bulk material.
  • the hollow particles and semispheres may be selected from the group comprising Expancel (AkzoNobel), Dualite® (Henkel), and SunspheresTM (The DOW Chemical Company). Hydrophobic grades of each of these hollow particles and semispheres are available.
  • the hollow particles and semispheres may also be formed from sodium alginate particles.
  • the particulate material is a hydrophobic particulate material of wood or tree origin.
  • the particulate material is sawdust.
  • Sawdust (otherwise referred to as wood dust) is a by-product of cutting, grinding, drilling, sanding or otherwise pulverising wood. It is typically composed of fine particles of wood.
  • the particulate material is cork. Cork is a prime subset of bark tissue harvested primarily from Quercus suber. Cork comprises suberin, a hydrophobic substance.
  • the particulate material is a hydrophobic particulate material selected from the group consisting of cork, millet husk, polystyrene, sodium alginate microspheres, foamed alginates and mixtures thereof.
  • the particulate material is cork.
  • Cork is a material having a lower density than tobacco.
  • the particulate material is cork, wherein the bulk density of cork is from 0.05 to 0.4 g/cm 2 , such as from 0.05 to 0.3 g/cm 3 , such as from 0.05 to 0.29 g/cm 3 , such as from 0.05 to 0.28 g/cm 3 , such as from 0.05 to 0.27 g/cm 3 , such as from 0.05 to 0.26 g/cm 3 .
  • the density of the cork is from 0.05 to 0.1 g/cm 3 .
  • the density of the cork is from 0.17 to 0.26 g/cm 3 .
  • Figure 1 shows a chart that includes the densities measured for a number of different materials. The weight of the materials is plotted on the y-axis, where the weight was measured per cm 3 of product.
  • a suitable weight ratio between the tobacco material and the particulate material in the smokeless oral tobacco product depends on the desired properties of the smokeless oral tobacco product.
  • the weight ratio between the tobacco material and the particulate material will depend on the desired dryness and density of the smokeless oral tobacco product.
  • the weight ratio of the particulate material to tobacco material in the smokeless oral tobacco product is from 20:1 to 1:20, such as from 15:1 to 1:15, such as from 10: 1 to 1:10, such as from 9:1 to 1:9, such as from 8:1 to 1:8, such as from 7:1 to 1:7, such as from 6:1 to 1:6, such as from 5:1 to 1:5, such as from 4:1 to 1:4, such as from 3:1 to 1:3, such as from 2:1 to 1:2.
  • the particulate material is cork.
  • the weight ratio of the cork to tobacco material in the smokeless oral tobacco product is from 20:1 to 1:20, such as from 15:1 to 1:15, such as from 10:1 to 1:10, such as from 9:1 to 1:9, such as from 8:1 to 1:8, such as from 7:1 to 1:7, such as from 6:1 to 1:6, such as from 5:1 to 1:5, such as from 4:1 to 1:4, such as from 3:1 to 1:3, such as from 2:1 to 1:2.
  • the weight ratio of the particulate material to tobacco material in the smokeless oral tobacco product is from 1:1.5 to 1:10, such as from 1:1.5 to 1:9, such as from 1:1.5 to 1:8, such as from 1:1.5 to 1:7, such as from 1:1.5 to 1:6, such as from 1:1.5 to 1:5, such as from 1:1.5 to 1:4, such as from 1:1.5 to 1:3, such as from 1:1.5 to 1:2.
  • the particulate material is cork.
  • the weight ratio of the cork to tobacco material in the smokeless oral tobacco product is from 1:1.5 to 1:10, such as from 1:1.5 to 1:9, such as from 1:1.5 to 1:8, such as from 1:1.5 to 1:7, such as from 1:1.5 to 1:6, such as from 1:1.5 to 1:5, such as from 1: 1.5 to 1:4, such as from 1:1.5 to 1:3, such as from 1:1.5 to 1:2.
  • the particulate material is included in an amount of from 1 to 80% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount of from 2 to 80% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount of from 3 to 80% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount of from 4 to 80% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount of from 5 to 80% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount of from 5 to 75% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount of from 5 to 70% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount of from 5 to 65% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount of from 5 to 60% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount of from 5 to 55% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount of from 5 to 50% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount of from 5 to 45% by weight of the smokeless
  • the particulate material is cork.
  • the cork is included in an amount of from 1 to 80% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount of from 2 to 80% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount of from 3 to 80% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount of from 4 to 80% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount of from 5 to 80% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount of from 5 to 75% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount of from 5 to 70% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount of from 5 to 65% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount of from 5 to 60% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount of from 5 to 55% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount of from 5 to 50% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, such as in an amount
  • the particulate material does not interfere with the aroma/smell of the tobacco material.
  • cork is advantageously neutral in aroma, and does not interfere with the aroma/smell of the tobacco material, and therefore does not adversely affect the user experience.
  • An advantage of the present invention is that the amount of tobacco used in the smokeless oral tobacco products according to the present invention may be reduced whilst maintaining the organoleptic properties of the products.
  • the use of the particulate material having the properties described herein in the present invention may advantageously increase the release of components from the tobacco material, such as flavour and/or nicotine, in the smokeless oral tobacco product, which may enhance user experience.
  • the inclusion of the particulate material having the properties described herein results in a less dense smokeless oral tobacco product, which has a more open structure. This may result in more free movement of fluid in the tobacco product and in the mouth, and subsequently may result in improved release of components from the smokeless oral tobacco product.
  • the present inventors have surprisingly found that modifying the weight ratio of the particulate material included in the smokeless oral tobacco product results in a modification of the density and compactness of the product, and thereby may enable regulation of the extraction rate of the flavour and nicotine.
  • Another advantage of the present invention is the ability to regulate the amount of tobacco provided to the user without adversely affecting the user experience.
  • smokeless oral tobacco products which are provided in portions (optionally in pouches)
  • the use of the particulate material having the properties described herein in the present invention enables a decrease in the overall density of the smokeless oral tobacco product compared to conventional smokeless oral tobacco products which do not comprise the particulate material. Therefore, it has surprisingly been found that the weight of a portion of the product may be varied whilst maintaining the overall size of the portion provided to the user. For example, the weight of the product may be reduced without any corresponding reduction in the volume of the product.
  • a further advantage of the present invention is the ability to reduce the amount of irritation at the back of the throat perceived by the consumer during use of the product.
  • One problem associated with smokeless oral tobacco products is the sensitisation of a nerve at the back of the throat of a user which occurs during use. This may result in an irritation at the back of the throat, commonly referred to by consumers as "drip". It has surprisingly been found that the inclusion of the particulate material in accordance with the present invention results in a product which is perceived by the consumer as being drier relative to standard oral tobacco products not comprising the particulate material, and also reduces the perceived extent of irritation at the back of the throat of a user of the smokeless oral tobacco product.
  • the particulate material which is a hydrophobic particulate material selected from the group consisting of cork, sawdust, millet husks, polystyrene, sodium alginate microspheres, foamed alginates, and mixtures thereof, having the following properties:
  • the particulate material which is a hydrophobic particulate material selected from the group consisting of cork, sawdust, millet husks, polystyrene, sodium alginate microspheres, foamed alginates, and mixtures thereof having the following properties:
  • the smokeless oral tobacco products of the present invention have an improved mouthfeel compared with smokeless oral tobacco products which do not comprise the particulate material having the properties described herein.
  • the improved mouthfeel is due to the improved flexibility and improved shape retention during use of the products of the present invention.
  • the amount of tobacco in the smokeless oral tobacco products may be varied without any adverse effect on the total volume of product provided to the user, and with an improvement in the mouthfeel of the product.
  • the smokeless oral tobacco product may comprise a high nicotine content tobacco. Therefore, the overall nicotine content of the smokeless oral tobacco product may be maintained despite use of lower amounts of tobacco by weight.
  • the nicotine content of the tobacco material is from 0.02% to 7.5% by weight of the tobacco material. In some embodiments, the nicotine content of the tobacco material is from 0.03% to 7.5% by weight of the tobacco material, such as from 0.04% to 7.5% by weight of the tobacco material, such as from 0.05% to 7.5% by weight of the tobacco material, such as from 0.06% to 7.5% by weight of the tobacco material, such as from 0.07% to 7.5% by weight of the tobacco material, such as from 0.08% to 7.5% by weight of the tobacco material, such as from 0.09% to 7.5% by weight of the tobacco material, such as from 0.1% to 7.5% by weight of the tobacco material, such as from 0.1% to 7% by weight of the tobacco material.
  • the smokeless oral tobacco product may further comprise other components. These components may, for example, be included in order to alter the organoleptic properties of the formulation, contributing to the sensory perception by the consumer.
  • the particular components and the amounts in which they are included in the smokeless oral tobacco product of the present invention will vary depending upon the desired flavour, texture, and other characteristics.
  • flavouring agents for example, flavouring agents, preservatives, binders, humectants, buffering agents, disintegration aids and/or colourants may be included in the smokeless oral tobacco product.
  • the terms "flavour” and “flavourant” refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste or aroma in a product for adult consumers. They may include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piment, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha
  • the present invention also provides a consumer package comprising the smokeless oral tobacco product as described herein.
  • the smokeless oral tobacco product is non-portioned, and the consumer package comprises a container, such as a box or a can.
  • the smokeless oral tobacco product is portioned.
  • the portioned smokeless oral tobacco product may be provided in a pouch.
  • a pouch comprising the smokeless oral tobacco product as described herein.
  • the present invention also provides a method of manufacturing a smokeless oral tobacco product comprising a tobacco material and a particulate material, wherein the particulate material is a hydrophobic particulate material selected from the group consisting of cork, sawdust, millet husks, polystyrene, sodium alginate microspheres, foamed alginates, and mixtures thereof, the particulate material having the following properties:
  • the blend of tobacco particles may be mixed with water and, typically, salt. Residual moisture from the tobacco and the added water combine to raise the moisture levels of the mixture to at least 20%, and in some embodiments to at least 25%, and in some embodiments to about 20 to 60%, and in some embodiments to about 25 to 60%. Salt is one form of flavourant; optionally it may be excluded and/or another flavourant may be added at this stage.
  • the tobacco blend may be mixed with water and/or salt either prior to the processing step (b), during the processing step (b) or after the processing step (b). In one embodiment, the tobacco blend is mixed with water, and optionally salt, prior to the processing step (b).
  • the tobacco formulation is particulate, comprising tobacco particles having a mass median particle size measured by sieve analysis of from about 0.01-1 mm, for example, a mass median particle size of about 0.1-0.5 mm, or a mass median particle size of about 0.25-0.4 mm.
  • the particulate tobacco comprises a mixture of tobacco stem particles and tobacco lamina particles. In some embodiments, the particulate tobacco comprises tobacco stem particles in an amount of from 5% to 70% by weight of the combined amount of tobacco stem particles and tobacco lamina particles.
  • the particulate snus tobacco may be humidified to 20 to 50% moisture, and/or may be salted. In embodiments wherein the tobacco comprises particulate snus, the particulate snus tobacco may be humidified to about 50% moisture, and/or may be salted.
  • the amount of tobacco within the tobacco formulation may vary. In some embodiments, the amount of tobacco within the tobacco formulation is at least about 25% on a wet weight basis, such as at least about 30% on a wet weight basis, such as at least about 40% on a wet weight basis.
  • the tobacco blend (together with any water and salt) is heat treated for a period of time long enough and at a temperature high enough to meet the demands for pasteurisation.
  • the tobacco blend is typically heat treated for one hour to meet the demands for pasteurisation.
  • the heat treatment can take any form which is sufficient to produce a product having an acceptably low level of spoilage microorganisms.
  • the heat treatment may meet the demands for pasteurisation, and thus may take a form that results in sterilisation of the product.
  • Examples include high or low temperatures; e.g., heat treatment at about 80-140°C for about at least 30 minutes via hot air, steam, microwaves, or other means, or cold pasteurisation. Other examples include irradiation and chemical treatment.
  • heat treatment method selected is that it is appropriate for use with a product intended for human oral consumption. Another is that is should not present undue adverse effect on the taste, consistency or other organoleptic properties of the final smokeless oral tobacco product.
  • the heat treatment also gives texture and colour to the mixture.
  • the heat treatment step will comprise ensuring the tobacco replacement or substitute is not contaminated with microorganisms, and that this step may not require any other manipulation of the product.
  • a pH of approximately 7 to 12 may be preferred at this stage of the process.
  • the heat treated blend may optionally be matured. This may be done by slowly mixing the blend while holding it at a constant temperature such as approximately 40-75°C, preferably at about 50°C. The gentle stirring can continue for about 1 to 24 hours, particularly for about 3 to 15 hours. This stage may be effective at reducing pH and possibly reducing moisture to about 20-55% based on the weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product, depending on the type of tobacco used and the particular snus product being manufactured.
  • a flavourant may be added during the maturation stage.
  • the flavourant added at this stage is in a liquid form and is added to about 0.1-5% by weight of the smokeless oral tobacco product.
  • the liquid flavourant is often sprayed onto the tobacco blend.
  • humectants are traditionally added at this stage as well.
  • flavourants and other additives may be added to the tobacco blend before or after pasteurisation and/or maturation.
  • flavourants and other additives such as preservatives, binders, humectants, buffering agents, disintegration aids and colourants
  • the particulate material may be added to the tobacco material prior to, during or after heat treatment. In some embodiments, the particulate material is added prior to the heat treatment step. In some embodiments, the particulate material is added during the heat treatment step. In some embodiments, the particulate material is added after the heat treatment step.
  • the particulate material is mixed with the tobacco material prior to heat treatment so that the particulate material is heat treated in the same manner as the tobacco material.
  • Example 1 Measurement of mass median particle size of sample
  • the above-identified test sieving equipment is shown in Figure 2 , and comprises 10 sieves having the following mesh sizes: Sieve Number Mesh Size ( ⁇ m) 1 1000 2 900 3 800 4 710 5 600 6 500 7 400 8 180 9 90 10 ⁇ 90
  • the mean cumulative mass of the samples was calculated to be 49.77g.
  • FIG. 4 A graph plotting percentage cumulative mass (y-axis) against mesh size or each sieve (x-axis) is shown in Figure 4 .
  • a linear line of best-fit has been drawn through a number of the data points.
  • Example 1b Measurement of mass median particle size of millet husks
  • Example 1a The same method as described in Example 1a was used to determine the mass median particle size of a sample of millet husks.
  • the mean cumulative mass of the samples was calculated to be 50.17g.
  • a graph plotting percentage cumulative mass (y-axis) against mesh size (x-axis) is shown in Figure 5 .
  • a linear line of best-fit has been drawn through a number of the data points.
  • a snus batch was made using a 60:40 weight ratio (tobacco:cork) of pre-treated materials by adding 3,600g of tobacco and 2,400g of cork (cork granules at 0.055-0.060g/cm 3 bulk density; mass median particle size approximately 0.55-0.65 mm, supplied by Cork Link, Portugal), water, sodium chloride, and other ingredients to a horizontal, cylindrical, ploughshare mixer. The mix of ingredients was then stirred, and heat applied for a long enough duration to ensure safe microbiological status of snus. Following heat treatment, the product had a maturation period of several hours at elevated temperature with continuous intermittent stirring at low speed of mixer blades inside the mixer. The processing was finished by adding flavour, adjusting pH to about 8.5 by adding sodium carbonate, and water content measured to ensure that end moisture content was 45% (w/w).
  • Finished cork-containing snus was then transferred to plastic bags, and allowed to mature in a cold room for one week. Following this, snus was packed to pouches using a Mertz snus packer (Merzmaschinen GmbH, Visualstra ⁇ e 25, D-35423 Lich, Germany), and bulk density was measured. Bulk density was measured using an Engelsmann Jolting Voltumeter STAV II. Bulk density was calculated pre-jolting, for a given volume of a certain mass of particulate material.
  • a snus batch containing an 80:20 tobacco:cork weight ratio was prepared and analysed using the method of Example 2, where 4,000g of tobacco was added to the mixture, and 1,000g of cork added.
  • a snus batch containing a 95:5 tobacco:cork weight ratio was prepared and analysed using the method of Example 2, where 4,750g of tobacco was added to the mixture, and 250g of cork added.
  • a snus batch containing no cork (i.e. a tobacco:cork weight ratio of 100:0) was prepared and analysed using the method of Example 2, where 5,000g of tobacco was added to the mixture, and 0g of cork added.
  • Table 1 Measured bulk densities and pouch weights of cork-containing snus of a standard White snus blend at 45% moisture, with varying levels of cork Example Cork (% w/w) Bulk Density (g/cm 3 ) Mass of pouch (g) 2 40 0.207 0.4 3 20 0.260 0.5 4 5 0.350 0.6 5 0 0.425 0.8
  • the stated level of cork does not refer to the ratio of cork in the final snus product as this depends on moisture level and other ingredients.
  • the final weight percentage of cork is around 18-20% w/w.
  • the amount of cork is specified as a ratio of total ground, pre-treated tobacco mix, prior to any other ingredients having been added.
  • Example 2 The products of Examples 2 and 5 are shown in Figure 6 , where the product comprising 40% w/w cork (Example 2) is shown on the left hand side, and the product comprising 0% w/w cork (Example 5) is shown on the right hand side.
  • the product comprising 40% w/w cork (Example 2) had a bulk density 51.3% lower than the product comprising 0% w/w of cork (Example 5) for the same weight of product.
  • a standard snus product contains 0.9g of tobacco.
  • 0.9g of the snus product according to Example 5 having 0% w/w cork has a volume calculated as 1.8cm 3 .
  • the weight of the snus product according to Example 2 comprising 40% w/w cork required to fill a volume of 1.8cm 3 is 0.3726g. This results in a 58.6% reduction in material weight for the same volume.
  • cork has a neutral aroma and taste, and thus did not add any noticeable aromas or tastes to the tobacco products.

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EP17709761.5A 2016-03-07 2017-03-02 Smokeless oral tobacco product and preparation thereof Active EP3426064B1 (en)

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ES2886799T3 (es) 2021-12-20
JP6725164B2 (ja) 2020-07-15
CA3016766C (en) 2022-11-01
JP2020162618A (ja) 2020-10-08
DK3426064T3 (da) 2021-06-28
JP2019512219A (ja) 2019-05-16
WO2017153718A1 (en) 2017-09-14
PL3426064T3 (pl) 2023-06-12
US20190124971A1 (en) 2019-05-02
RU2698489C1 (ru) 2019-08-28
UA126790C2 (uk) 2023-02-08
JP6931110B2 (ja) 2021-09-01
EP3426064A1 (en) 2019-01-16

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