EP3897228A1

EP3897228A1 - Method of manufacturing a packaging comprising loose tobacco

Info

Publication number: EP3897228A1
Application number: EP19818089.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Remigius MASTALERZ; Johannes Maerz; Erwin DAHLEM
Original assignee: JT International SA
Current assignee: JT International SA
Priority date: 2018-12-20
Filing date: 2019-12-16
Publication date: 2021-10-27
Also published as: WO2020126992A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and a device of manufacturing a packaging comprising loose tobacco.

Description

Method of manufacturing a packaging comprising loose tobacco

Background art

For cigarette smokers the provision of loose tobacco is an alternative to buying cigarette packages for roll your own applications. Typically the tobacco for such applications is packed in individual packagings from which the user can take them and roll a cigarette using a suitable cigarette paper.

The production of such packagings containing loose tobacco is normally carried out in an automated or semi-automated fashion, achieving speeds up to several hundred packagings per minute. Several machines are known for automated production of packagings comprising loose tobacco and are commercially available from, for example, emkon Systemtechnik, Projektmanagement GmbH, FOCKE & CO., G. D S. p. A., or ITM Group.

A point of interest in producing loose tobacco packagings is to achieve different flavors in the loose tobacco. For this purpose several options are available, e.g. the addition of flavors and/or the addition of additives that react with the tobacco to obtain a certain flavor.

Typically, flavoring is carried out by introducing the flavor and/or additive into loose tobacco in a processing cylinder and allowing time for the flavor to blend into the tobacco. Once the flavor is blended, the flavored tobacco material is packed in a known manner.

However, since many of these compounds are volatile, they must be added in excess to ensure that the loose tobacco material in the packaging that the end consumer acquires has the desired flavor. This results in significant product waste, with its corresponding economic impact.

In addition, it has been found that the acid groups in tobacco can react with alcohols like ethanol to obtain a desirable flavor for loose tobacco by forming ethyl esters, as e.g. disclosed in EP 2 798 966 Al. Thus, it is envisaged to add an alcohol to tobacco. This is even further problematic since many alcohols which are liquid at room temperature (about 20 - 25°C) are volatile and have a low flash point, which can generate explosive atmospheres in the production line, thus making industrial application of a process in which an alcohol is introduced to a package of loose tobacco very challenging and requiring installation of expensive machinery to avoid explosions.

US 2015/013693 A1 discloses a device for flavoring a smoking article via diffusion, wherein filter rods are flavored. US 2008/210249 relates to systems, devices and methods wherein porous plastic articles are used for delivering one or more additives to a smokeless tobacco product, wherein an additive is added in a dispensing article. WO 2017/103795 A1 is directed to a flavor additive accessory that can be combined with a tobacco product. US 2011/083677 A1 discloses a package of smokeless tobacco including a flavor patch located in the package. US 2017/280764 A1 discloses coating a packaging container with a flavorant. US 5,361,560 discloses a method and an apparatus for flavoring coffee.

There thus remains a need for a method in which volatile compounds for flavoring a tobacco blend, such as alcohols, particularly those with a low flash point, can be introduced into a packaging used for packing loose tobacco in an efficient and safe manner.

Brief description of the invention

The inventors have found a solution for an application of a volatile compound for flavoring a loose tobacco material, e.g. flavoring a tobacco blend, particularly an alcohol, particularly with a low flash point, to loose tobacco by dosing the volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly the alcohol, preferably directly, into the packaging, particularly preferably either before or after introducing loose tobacco into the packaging. After introducing both the volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly the alcohol, e.g. ethanol, and the loose tobacco, the packaging is closed. It is then possible that the volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material spreads through the loose tobacco material, particularly that the loose tobacco (still) reacts with the alcohol if an alcohol is applied.

In a first aspect the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a packaging comprising loose tobacco, comprising the steps of:

providing a packaging, preferably an empty packaging; inserting loose tobacco material into the packaging;

introducing at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, preferably at least ethanol, into the packaging; and

closing the packaging after inserting the loose tobacco material and introducing the at least one volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly alcohol, preferably at least ethanol, into the packaging,

wherein the volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly alcohol, is applied by injection or spraying.

In a second aspect the present invention relates to a device for manufacturing a packaging comprising loose tobacco, comprising:

a unit for providing a packaging which is configured to provide a packaging to the device;

a unit for transporting the packaging through the device which is configured to transport the packaging from the unit for providing the packaging through the device;

a unit for inserting loose tobacco material into the packaging which is configured to insert loose tobacco into the packaging while the packaging is located on the unit for transporting the packaging; a unit for introducing at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, preferably at least ethanol, into the packaging which is configured to introduce at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, preferably at least ethanol, into the packaging while the packaging is located on the unit for transporting the packaging; and

a unit for closing the packaging after inserting the loose tobacco material and introducing the at least one volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly alcohol, preferably at least ethanol, into the packaging which is configured to close the packaging and which is arranged in the device for manufacturing the packaging comprising loose tobacco in the direction of transport of the packaging after the unit for introducing at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, and the unit for inserting loose tobacco material,

wherein the unit for introducing at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material into the packaging comprises

a unit for dosing at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol dosing unit, which is configured to measure an amount of at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly alcohol, introduced into one packaging, and

at least one pipe or tube that is configured to be inserted into the packaging such that the at least one pipe or tube is introduced below an upper edge of the packaging for introducing at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material into the packaging.

Further aspects and embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims and can be taken from the following description and examples, without being limited thereto.

Figures

The enclosed drawing should illustrate embodiments of the present invention and convey a further understanding thereof. In connection with the description it serves as explanation of concepts and principles of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the stated advantages can be derived in relation to the drawing.

FIG. 1 shows schematically an example of an exemplary scheme for carrying out a method of the present invention.

In FIG. 2 a further exemplary scheme for carrying out an embodiment of a method of the present invention is depicted.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a unit for dripping a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, into a packaging used in an exemplary method and device of the present invention.

In FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 exemplary embodiments of devices according to the present invention are schematically shown.

In FIG. 6 comparative test data is shown. Detailed description of the invention

Definitions

Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

All values given in the present disclosure are to be understood to be complemented by the word "about", unless it is clear to the contrary from the context.

As used herein, wt.% is to be understood as weight percent. In the present disclosure, all amounts are given in wt.%, unless clearly stated otherwise or obvious from context. In the present disclosure, furthermore all amounts given in wt.% in a particular embodiment add up to 100 wt.%. The weight percent are thereby calculated by dividing the mass of each component by the total mass in the respective embodiment, unless indicated otherwise or clear from context.

The flash point of a volatile material, e.g. an alcohol, is the lowest temperature at which vapors of the material will ignite when given an ignition source.

providing a packaging, preferably an empty packaging;

inserting loose tobacco material into the packaging;

introducing at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, particularly at least one volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly at least one alcohol, preferably at least ethanol, into the packaging; and

closing the packaging after inserting the loose tobacco material and introducing the at least one alcohol, preferably at least ethanol, into the packaging,

wherein the volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly alcohol, is applied by injection or spraying. By inserting loose tobacco material and at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, into the packaging and then closing it, it is possible to avoid an explosive atmosphere in the packaging production line while allowing spreading of the volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, e.g. allowing the reaction between the loose tobacco material and the at least one alcohol in the closed packaging.

In the present method the packaging is not particularly restricted and can comprise regular packagings that are normally used in the tobacco industry for packing loose tobacco, e.g. pouches, boxes, tins, cans, buckets, etc. The packaging particularly has a body that defines a storage environment, compartment, pocket, or space into which loose tobacco and at least an alcohol are inserted, or introduced, and a closure, separate or integral to the body, that allows or denies access to the storage environment. Particularly the packaging has a common storage environment in which both the loose tobacco material and the at least one volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly the alcohol, are introduced. Particularly the reaction between the loose tobacco material and at least one alcohol can take place in the closed common storage environment.

While it is not excluded that further materials than the loose tobacco material and at least the volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, are inserted/introduced into the packaging before it is closed, according to certain embodiments only the loose tobacco material is inserted and at least one volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly one alcohol, preferably only one alcohol, particularly preferably ethanol, are introduced into the packaging before it is closed. By introducing further materials the reaction between the loose tobacco material and the at least one alcohol or in general spreading of a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material may be more difficult and thus require an extra amount of alcohol to compensate this.

Therefore, by only introducing loose tobacco material and at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly one alcohol, in the packaging before it is closed, it is possible to optimize the amount of volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly alcohol, used in the process of generating flavor.

According to preferred embodiments, the packaging is empty at the start of the present method.

According to certain embodiments, the packaging is a pouch, particularly a laminated pouch. The material of the packaging is not particularly restricted as well as the dimensions thereof are not particularly restricted. It is particularly preferably that the packaging has sufficient barrier properties to prevent the at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, e.g. ethanol, and e.g. reactants to escape thereof. This can be done by a packaging made from a suitable material comprising e.g. a plastic material which is not particularly restricted, e.g. comprising an ethylene and/or propylene (co)polymer and/or an aromatic component, e.g. polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc. Of course also other materials that can form a barrier for e.g. an alcohol, e.g. ethanol, can be used in the packaging. It is also possible that the packaging only comprises an inner lining with such a material. The size of the packaging can be suitably adapted to the packaging amount.

Examples of pouches are e.g. usually available pouches, e.g. finished tobacco wallets with usual dimensions, e.g. a width with between 120 and 165 mm, e.g. about 145 mm, a length between 95 and 130 mm, e.g. about 110 mm, and a lip between 98 and 133 mm, e.g. about 115 mm. In such pouches the amount of alcohol can be between and including 0.1 and 3.0 g, preferably between and including 0.2 g and 2.0 g, and/or the amount of loose tobacco material is between and including 22 and 58 g, preferably between and including 30 g to 50 g.

According to certain embodiments, the amount of volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly alcohol, e.g. ethanol, is between and including 0.1 and 3.0 g, preferably between and including 0.2 g and 2.0 g.

According to certain embodiments, the amount of loose tobacco material is between and including 22 and 58 g, preferably between and including 30 g to 50 g.

Also the loose tobacco is not particularly restricted, and any type of tobacco usually used in loose form, e.g. for roll your own applications, can be used. The tobacco can be in the form of natural or dried material and can include any plant parts of the tobacco plant, e.g. can comprise leaf tobacco, e.g. dry leaf tobacco. According to certain embodiments the loose tobacco material is dried as water can negatively influence a reaction between the tobacco and the alcohol. The loose tobacco material can be aged or used as is, wherein the aging is not particularly restricted. The loose tobacco material can comprise a blend and can be cut. Tobacco material derived from any tobacco variety can be used as the loose tobacco material used in the present invention. For example, stemmed leaves and midribs derived from flue-cured tobacco, Burley tobacco, and Orient tobacco, and a reconstituted sheet tobacco made from these raw tobacco materials can be used.

While at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, is added to the loose tobacco material in the present method, it is not excluded that other additives are added to the loose tobacco material, e.g. before the at least an alcohol is introduced into the packaging. According to certain embodiments no further additive but the at least an alcohol is added. In the present invention the at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol is not particularly restricted, and can be a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material or a mixture thereof, particularly an alcohol or a mixture of alcohols, but also a mixture of one or more alcohol(s) and one or more further volatile compound(s) for flavoring the loose tobacco material that is not an alcohol. Examples of a volatile compound for flavoring loose tobacco that are not an alcohol include e.g. aldehydes (e.g., benzaldehyde, hexanal, 2-phenylacetaldehyde), ketones (e.g., 3- methyl-2-butanone, 3-hydroxy-2-butanon), esters (e.g., hexyl butyrate; amyl acetate; octyl acetate), lactones, carboxylic acids (e.g., acetic acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid), terpenes (limonene, citral, rose oxide), etc. which particularly are liquid at room temperature. The volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material is volatile, i.e. has a high vapor pressure at ordinary room temperature of between 20 and 25°C at normal pressure of 101.325 kPa. The high vapor pressure results from a low boiling point, which causes large numbers of molecules to evaporate from the volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material.

According to certain embodiments the alcohol is at least an alcohol that is liquid at room temperature (about 20 - 25°C) and standard pressure, e.g. 101.325 kPa. According to certain embodiments it is a monoalcohol (monohydric alcohol) with 1 to 10 carbon atoms or a mixture thereof. It can be at least one alcohol selected from the list comprising methanol, ethanol, i-propanol, n-propanol, n-butanol, sec- butanol, i-butanol, t-butanol, n-pentanol, n-hexanol, menthol, thymol, etc., and mixtures thereof, preferably selected from the list comprising methanol, ethanol, i-propanol, n-propanol, n-butanol, sec- butanol, i-butanol, t-butanol, and mixtures thereof. According to certain embodiments the at least an alcohol comprises ethanol and preferably is ethanol.

In the present method the alcohol can react with the loose tobacco material to produce an ester flavor. The ester flavor can be produced e.g. during an aging by the following reactions: (i) an enzymatic reaction (for example, a reverse reaction of an ester hydrolytic enzyme) by an endogenous enzyme contained in the loose tobacco material, and/or

(ii) a chemical reaction (for example, production of an ester by a dehydration reaction).

According to certain embodiments, the amount of volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly alcohol, in one packaging is between and including 0.2 and 8 wt.%, preferably between and including 0.3 and 7 wt.%, further preferably between and including 0.5 and 4 wt.%, particularly preferably between and including 1 wt.% and 3 wt.%, e.g. between and including 1 wt.% and 2 wt.% of the amount of loose tobacco material, based on the weight of the loose tobacco material. Surprisingly the amount of volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly alcohol, can be kept quite low as losses can be avoided by introducing the volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly alcohol, into the packaging. As the volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly alcohol, is introduced essentially into the packaging, it can react with the loose tobacco material during storage.

As stated above it is not excluded that further additives, e.g. additives for setting a suitable pH like an acid, polyols for controlling the ester reaction, etc. can be added in the present method. If further additives are introduced, these are not particularly restricted, and can e.g. comprise flavors that can usually be added to tobacco products, e.g. ester components, etc., that are not volatile compounds for flavoring the loose tobacco material. The addition of water (humidification) to the loose tobacco material during the packaging process is not preferred as it can inhibit the production of the ester flavor components. However, it is not excluded that water is added to achieve a suitable moisture of the loose tobacco material.

Further additives and their amounts can be e.g. taken from EP 2 798 966 Al, the contents of which are included herein by reference with regard to further additives. If further additives but the at least one volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly alcohol, are added, they can be preferably added to the loose tobacco material before the at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, e.g. at least one alcohol, e.g. before the loose tobacco material is inserted into the packaging. The kinds of tobacco flavor and tastes that can be obtained in the present method are known to the skilled person. For example, ethyl hexanoate, which is an ester, has a floral flower-like flavor.

The present method comprises the steps of providing a packaging, preferably an empty packaging; inserting loose tobacco material into the packaging; introducing at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, particularly at least one alcohol, preferably at least ethanol, into the packaging; and closing the packaging after inserting the loose tobacco material and introducing the at least one volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly one alcohol, preferably at least ethanol, into the packaging. Preferably all these steps are carried out in one device.

According to certain embodiments, the method is automated. According to certain embodiments at least five packagings, preferably at least 8 packagings, further preferably at least ten packagings, even further preferably at least 20 packagings, e.g. at least 50 or at least 100 packagings, can be produced by the present method in one minute.

In the present method the step of providing a packaging, preferably an empty packaging, is not particularly restricted. The packaging can already be provided in its final shape, e.g. as a pouch, or be formed into the shape into which the loose tobacco material is inserted and the alcohol is introduced, e.g. made into a pouch using suitable machinery from a suitable material, e.g. folded and laminated and/or crimped and optionally cut into a pouch from a, e.g. continuous, sheet of suitable material, e.g. a material comprising a plastic material, e.g. as described above.

Also the inserting of the loose tobacco material into the packaging is not particularly restricted. It can be added in loose form or can be also pressed loosely together for easier insertion. It can be inserted in a suitable way, e.g. by measuring a determined amount and adding it via a funnel, and/or can be measured in a suitable form, compressed and then inserted.

Furthermore, the introducing at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, particularly at least one alcohol, preferably at least ethanol, into the packaging, is also not restricted, as long as the volatile compound is applied by injection or spraying . Preferably it is inserted in such a way that it is introduced in a measured amount via at least one pipe, tube, etc. that is inserted from the top into the open packaging, e.g. vertically, particularly preferably that the at least one pipe, tube, etc., particularly is introduced below an upper edge of the open packaging, e.g. at least 5 mm below the upper edge, preferably at least 10 mm below the upper edge, to avoid that the at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, is spilled outside the packaging. According to certain embodiments the at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, is introduced at room temperature. The introducing of the at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, can be carried out before or after the loose tobacco material is inserted or at the same time the loose tobacco material is inserted.

The at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, is applied by injection or spraying, preferably by injection, particularly by dripping, to avoid evaporation of the alcohol as much as possible, and possibly loss of alcohol. In a preferred embodiment, a continuous flow (or stream) of the at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, is introduced into the packaging. The at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, does not have to be applied evenly in the packaging and/or to the loose tobacco material as it will spread homogeneously due to evaporation and/or diffusion, particularly during storage.

In the present invention furthermore the closing the packaging after inserting the loose tobacco material and introducing the at least one volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly at least one alcohol, preferably at least ethanol, into the packaging is not restricted, and can be done as is usual for a particular packaging. For example, in the case of a pouch it can be closed by closing a flap, sealing it and adding e.g. a tape for closing. According to certain embodiments the packaging is closed within 10 seconds, preferably within 5 seconds, particularly within 2 seconds, even further preferably within 1 second after the loose tobacco material is inserted and/or the at least an alcohol is introduced. In a preferred embodiment, embodiments the packaging is closed within 50 to 200 milliseconds. According to certain embodiments, the step of closing the packaging comprises sealing the packaging. In such case, the previous timings refer to the sealing step.

After closing of the packaging it is preferred that the packaging is stored at least for one week at room temperature and atmospheric conditions to achieve a suitable and homogeneous spreading of the volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material in the loose tobacco material, particularly a suitable reaction between the loose tobacco material and an alcohol. The aging process can be accelerated by storing the packaging, e.g. a pouch, at elevated temperature, e.g. 30 to 80°C, but this is not preferable for optimizing the process and avoiding further cost.

According to certain embodiments, the loose tobacco material is inserted into the packaging before the at least one volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly at least one alcohol is introduced. This way particularly an alcohol can react directly with the loose tobacco material and evaporation of alcohol can be further avoided as the packaging can be closed immediately after inserting the alcohol. Also the volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly alcohol, can be taken up directly from the loose tobacco material. An alcohol can directly start to react, further avoiding evaporation of alcohol to a big extent.

According to certain embodiments, the loose tobacco material is inserted into the packaging after the at least one volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly alcohol, is introduced. This way the at least one volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly alcohol, can be spread homogeneously and can be spread through the loose tobacco material.

An exemplary method is depicted schematically in FIG. 1. In a first step 10, a packaging is provided, into which loose tobacco material 20 is inserted in a second step 11. In a third step 12, at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol 30, e.g. ethanol, is introduced into the packaging, and in a fourth step 13 the packaging is closed.

A further exemplary method is shown in FIG. 2, wherein the steps are as in FIG. 1, except that the step of introducing at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, 11a wherein at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol 30, is introduced into the packaging is carried out before the step of inserting the loose tobacco material 12a wherein the loose tobacco material 20 is inserted.

a unit for providing a packaging which is configured to provide a packaging to the device; a unit for transporting the packaging through the device which is configured to transport the packaging from the unit for providing the packaging through the device;

a unit for inserting loose tobacco material into the packaging which is configured to insert loose tobacco into the packaging while the packaging is located on the unit for transporting the packaging; a unit for introducing at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, preferably at least ethanol, into the packaging which is configured to introduce at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, into the packaging while the packaging is located on the unit for transporting the packaging; and

With the present device particularly the present method can be carried out. Therefore embodiments and description laid out with regard to the present method also apply to the present device, where applicable, and vice versa.

In the present device the unit for providing a packaging which is configured to provide a packaging to the device, is not particularly restricted. It can be a unit that provides a packaging already in its final form for filling or it can be a unit that first forms the packaging to be filled. It can also comprise a unit for providing an opening to the packaging so that the loose tobacco material and at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, can be easily inserted and introduced into the packaging. These machines are commercially available from, for example, emkon Systemtechnik, Projektmanagement GmbH, FOCKE & CO., G. D S. p. A., or ITM Group.

Further also the unit for transporting the packaging through the device which is configured to transport the packaging from the unit for providing the packaging through the device is not particularly restricted. It can e.g. comprise rolls, some or all of which may be self-driven, conveyors, etc.

The unit for inserting loose tobacco material into the packaging which is configured to insert loose tobacco into the packaging while the packaging is located on the unit for transporting the packaging is also not particularly restricted, and can e.g. comprise a funnel for filling loose tobacco material, a gripping unit for gripping pressed loose tobacco, etc. It can further also comprise a unit for metering a fixed amount of loose tobacco material. In certain embodiments the loose tobacco material can be provided in the device from a loose tobacco material storage unit that is configured to provide the loose tobacco material, and/or the loose tobacco material can be transported in the device by a loose tobacco material transport unit that is configured to transport the loose tobacco material from e.g. the loose tobacco material storage unit or from somewhere else to the unit for inserting loose tobacco material.

In addition the unit for introducing at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, preferably at least ethanol, into the packaging while the packaging is located on the unit for transporting the packaging, is not restricted, as long as it comprises a unit for dosing the volatile compound, which is configured to measure an amount of a volatile compound, and at least one pipe or tube that is configured to be inserted into the packaging below an upper edge thereof. It can e.g. comprise one or more tubes and/or one or more pipes, etc., but at least one pipe or tube that is configured to be inserted into the packaging below an upper edge of the packaging for flavoring the loose tobacco material into the packaging. In certain embodiments at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, e.g. at least one alcohol, can be provided in the device from a storage unit for the at least one volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material that is configured to store at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol storage unit that is configured to store at least an alcohol, and/or at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, can be transported in the device with a unit for transporting a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol transport unit, that is configured to transport at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol from e.g. the storage unit for the at least one volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly the alcohol storage unit or somewhere else to the unit for introducing at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol. It comprises a unit for dosing a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol dosing unit, which is configured to measure an amount of a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly alcohol, introduced into one packaging. The unit for dosing a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material thus can introduce a metered amount of the volatile compound and can particularly be configured for dripping the at least a volatile compound, e.g. in the form of drops, e.g. using a valve, suitable opening etc. for temporarily stopping the introducing the at least a volatile compound.

The at least one pipe or tube that is configured to be inserted into the packaging below an upper edge of the packaging for flavoring the loose tobacco material into the packaging is not particularly restricted, as long as it enables flavoring of the tobacco inside the packaging without spillage, as described above with regard to the present method. Preferred embodiments consider the at least one pipe or tube being configured to introduce the at least a volatile compound by injecting or spraying, particularly by dripping, into the packaging.

According to certain embodiments, the at least one pipe or tube is configured to be inserted into the packaging at least 5 mm, preferably 10 mm, below the upper edge of the packaging before introduction of the volatile compound into the packaging for flavoring the tobacco content. With a deeper insertion into the packaging spillage of volatile compound can be avoided better.

A part of an exemplary unit for introducing at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol 130 is shown schematically in FIG. 3. Through a pipe 31 that is connected to the unit for introducing at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol 130 drops of at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol 30a, are metered into a pouch 100 as an exemplary packaging, the meter for setting a predetermined amount of at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, not shown. As seen in the figure, the droplets are introduced blow the upper edge of the pouch 100. In the present device the unit for closing the packaging after inserting the loose tobacco material and introducing the at least one volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly alcohol, preferably at least ethanol, into the packaging which is configured to close the packaging and which is arranged in the device for manufacturing the packaging comprising loose tobacco in the direction of transport of the packaging after the unit for introducing at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, and the unit for inserting loose tobacco material is not particularly restricted. It can e.g. comprise a unit for sealing a packaging, like a pouch, a unit for closing a flap, e.g. in case of a pouch, and/or a unit for closing a lid, in cases of e.g. tins or cans as packagings, and optionally comprise a unit for providing a tape for further sealing, e.g. in case of pouches, tins, cans, buckets, etc.

According to certain embodiments the unit for inserting loose tobacco is arranged in the device for manufacturing the packaging comprising loose tobacco in the direction of transport of the packaging before the unit for introducing at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, into the packaging.

According to certain embodiments the unit for inserting loose tobacco is arranged in the device for manufacturing the packaging comprising loose tobacco in the direction of transport of the packaging after the unit for introducing at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, into the packaging.

Exemplary devices of the present invention are shown schematically in FIGs. 4 and 5.

In FIG. 4 an exemplary packaging, a pouch 100, is provided by a unit for providing a packaging 101 and then transported in the direction of arrow 200 by a unit for transporting containing a conveyor belt 102c driven by two rolls 102a, 102b. While the pouch 100 is transported on the conveyor belt 102c first tobacco is inserted from a unit for inserting loose tobacco material 120 and then at least an alcohol is introduced from a unit for introducing at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol 130, through a pipe 31. Afterwards the pouch 100 is closed in a unit for closing the packaging 140, producing a sealed pouch 102a provided with a tape 100b. The device in FIG.

5 corresponds to the one shown in FIG. 4, except that the unit for inserting loose tobacco material 120 and the unit for introducing at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol 130, with the pipe 31 switched places.

The above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, if appropriate. Further possible embodiments and implementations of the invention comprise also combinations of features not explicitly mentioned in the foregoing or in the following with regard to the examples of the invention. Particularly, a person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the invention.

Examples

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to examples thereof. However, these examples are illustrative and do not limit the scope of the invention.

Example 1

A pouch comprising loose tobacco material and ethanol is produced by first portioning and introducing 30 g of loose tobacco material into an empty pouch made of a plastic material comprising PE and PET having dimensions of a width with of 145 mm, a length of 110 mm, and a lip of 115 mm, followed by dripping ethanol into the pouch in an amount of 3 wt.%, based on the weight of the loose tobacco. After the dripping, the pouch is sealed. The loose tobacco material is dosed with a funnel, compressed, and inserted into the pouch. After the introduction of the loose tobacco material and the ethanol the pouch is sealed with heat sealing, the flap of the pouch is closed and a closure tape is applied to the pouch. The filled pouch is aged in a storage area for 48 h at 50°C and then ready for consumption.

Example 2

A pouch comprising loose tobacco material and ethanol is produced by dripping ethanol into an empty pouch as described in Example 1, followed by inserting 30 g of loose tobacco into the pouch in such a manner that the amount of ethanol is 3 wt.%, based on the weight of the loose tobacco. Afterwards the pouch is sealed and further processed as described in Example 1. Comparative Example 1

30 g of loose tobacco material was sprayed in a cylinder with 3 wt.% ethanol, based on the weight of the loose tobacco. Afterwards the tobacco is introduced into a pouch as described in Example 1, and the pouch is sealed and further processed as described in Example 1.

Two other pouches as described in Example 1 were filled with 30 g of loose tobacco but this time without any introduction of ethanol to serve as control references. The pouches were sealed and further processed as described in Example 1. Control Reference 1 was stored for 48 h at room temperature, while Control Reference 2 was stored for 48 h at 50°C.

FIG. 6 shows an ester analysis of the loose tobacco contained in the five different pouches of Example 1 (EX1), Example 2 (EX2), Comparative Example 1 (CE1), Control Reference 1 (CR1) and Control Reference 2 (CR2) obtained by solid phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography. The x-axis represents the residence time t in seconds and the y-axis represents signal intensity. Each peak represents a compound present in a sample and its amount in the sample is directly proportional to the area below each peak.

As it can be appreciated in FIG. 6, the spectrum of Control Reference 1 and Control Reference 2 is identical, and all the compounds that were identified for these samples are also visible in the other samples in an almost identical amount. In Example 1, Example 2 and Comparative Example 1 additional compounds are identified at the beginning of the spectrum. The first peak (numeral 61 in FIG. 6) corresponds to ethyl acetate, which is the desired flavor compound generated from the reaction of tobacco and ethanol. The amounts present in the loose tobacco in Example 1, Example 2 and

Comparative Example 1 are comparable. The second peak (numeral 62 in FIG. 6) in Example 1, Example 2 and Comparative Example 1 corresponds to ethanol and this shows the amount of ethanol that neither evaporated nor reacted with the loose tobacco. The amount of ethanol present in Comparative Example 1 is significantly lower than the amount of ethanol present in Example 1 and Example 2. Since the amount of ethanol that was dosed into the loose tobacco was the same for the samples of Example 1, Example 2 and Comparative Example 1, and the amount of ethyl acetate is also substantially the same in them, the difference in ethanol between the samples must come from evaporation of ethanol between dosing the ethanol into the loose tobacco material, inserting it into the packaging and closing the packaging. Therefore, the inventors discovered that the present method can save at least 50% of the amount of ethanol required, with further savings expected by adjusting the amount of ethanol dosed into the packaging so that the ethanol peak almost disappears from the ester analysis. The inventors expect that this would occur with an amount of ethanol comprised between 1 and 2 wt.%, based on the weight of the loose tobacco.

Claims

1. A method of manufacturing a packaging comprising loose tobacco, comprising the steps of:

providing a packaging, preferably an empty packaging;

inserting loose tobacco material into the packaging;

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the loose tobacco material is inserted into the

packaging before the volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly alcohol, is introduced.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the loose tobacco material is inserted into the

packaging after the volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly alcohol, is introduced.

4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the volatile compound for

flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly alcohol, is applied by dripping.

5. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly alcohol, is between and including 0.2 and

8 wt.%, preferably between and including 0.3 and 7 wt.%, further preferably between and including 0.5 and 4 wt.%, particularly preferably between and including 1 wt.% and 3 wt.%, of the amount of loose tobacco material, based on the weight of the loose tobacco material.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the amount of volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly alcohol, is between and including 0.2 g and 2.0 g.

7. The method according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the amount of loose tobacco material is between and including 30 g to 50 g.

8. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the step of closing the packaging comprises sealing the packaging.

9. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging is a pouch.

10. A device for manufacturing a packaging comprising loose tobacco, comprising:

a unit for inserting loose tobacco material into the packaging which is configured to insert loose tobacco into the packaging while the packaging is located on the unit for transporting the packaging;

a unit for introducing at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, preferably at least ethanol, into the packaging which is configured to introduce at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, preferably at least ethanol, into the packaging while the packaging is located on the unit for transporting the packaging; and

wherein the unit for introducing at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material into the packaging comprises a unit for dosing at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol dosing unit, which is configured to measure an amount of at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly alcohol, introduced into one packaging, and

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the unit for inserting loose tobacco is arranged in the device for manufacturing the packaging comprising loose tobacco in the direction of transport of the packaging before the unit for introducing at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, into the packaging.

12. The device of claim 10, wherein the unit for inserting loose tobacco is arranged in the device for manufacturing the packaging comprising loose tobacco in the direction of transport of the packaging after the unit for introducing at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material, particularly an alcohol, into the packaging.

13. The device of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the at least one pipe or tube is configured to be inserted into the packaging at least 5 mm below the upper edge of the packaging for introducing at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material into the packaging.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the at least one pipe or tube is configured to be inserted into the packaging at least 10 mm below the upper edge of the packaging for introducing at least a volatile compound for flavoring the loose tobacco material into the packaging.