EP4190176B1 - Rauchersatzverbrauchsmaterial - Google Patents

Rauchersatzverbrauchsmaterial Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4190176B1
EP4190176B1 EP22208373.5A EP22208373A EP4190176B1 EP 4190176 B1 EP4190176 B1 EP 4190176B1 EP 22208373 A EP22208373 A EP 22208373A EP 4190176 B1 EP4190176 B1 EP 4190176B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
aerosol
tobacco
flavourant
article
forming substrate
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.)
Active
Application number
EP22208373.5A
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English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP4190176A1 (de
Inventor
Kate FERRIE
Jill JONES
John Williams
Edward Ross SHENTON
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.)
IMPERIAL TOBACCO Ltd
Original Assignee
Imperial Tobacco Ltd
Imperial Tobacco Ltd Great Britain
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Application filed by Imperial Tobacco Ltd, Imperial Tobacco Ltd Great Britain filed Critical Imperial Tobacco Ltd
Publication of EP4190176A1 publication Critical patent/EP4190176A1/de
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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
    • 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
    • A24B15/12—Chemical features of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes of reconstituted tobacco
    • 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
    • A24B15/12—Chemical features of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes of reconstituted tobacco
    • A24B15/14—Chemical features of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes of reconstituted tobacco made of tobacco and a binding agent not derived from tobacco
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a consumable for use in a smoking substitute system and particularly, although not exclusively, to a heat-not-burn (HNB) consumable.
  • HNB heat-not-burn
  • tobacco waste is produced.
  • the tobacco waste is typically in the form of tobacco dust, leaf or stem.
  • the tobacco waste can be collected and processed to provide what is known as reconstituted tobacco, or "recon”.
  • slurry-type recon Two distinct methods are most commonly employed to manufacture reconstituted tobacco, these are i) a paper-making process (i.e. to provide "Paper Recon”), and ii) slurry casting (to provide "Slurry-type Recon”).
  • a paper-making process i.e. to provide "Paper Recon”
  • slurry casting to provide "Slurry-type Recon”
  • the products that result from these distinct processes have notably different properties and characteristics.
  • slurry-type recon generally has improved aroma/flavour and nicotine content in comparison to paper recon, yet slurry-type recon is typically more easily broken and often has poorer uniformity of quality.
  • the tobacco waste is milled to a fine powder and mixed with an aqueous solvent, typically water, and combined with a binding agent.
  • the resultant slurry may undergo further milling to reduce the particle size of the tobacco material further.
  • the slurry is then cast on a surface and dried to form a sheet.
  • the dried sheet may be shredded to be used within various tobacco products, for example as a cigarette filler.
  • the tobacco waste is mechanically beaten in the presence of an aqueous solvent to digest and process the tobacco into workable fibres. Subsequently, water soluble compounds present in the tobacco are extracted into the aqueous solvent. The aqueous extract and insoluble fibrous portion are separated. The separated fibrous portion, which may also be described as a "pulp", undergoes further processing to form a base sheet via a typical paper-making procedure. The aqueous extract is concentrated and then reapplied to the base sheet. The base sheet is then dried to form a paper.
  • the smoking of tobacco is generally considered to expose a smoker to potentially harmful substances. It is generally thought that a significant amount of the potentially harmful substances are generated through the heat caused by the burning and/or combustion of the tobacco and the constituents of the burnt tobacco in the tobacco smoke itself.
  • Conventional combustible smoking articles such as cigarettes, typically comprise a cylindrical rod of tobacco comprising shreds of tobacco which is surrounded by a wrapper, and usually also a cylindrical filter axially aligned in an abutting relationship with the wrapped tobacco rod.
  • the filter typically comprises a filtration material which is circumscribed by a plug wrap.
  • the wrapped tobacco rod and the filter are joined together by a wrapped band of tipping paper that circumscribes the entire length of the filter and an adjacent portion of the wrapped tobacco rod.
  • a conventional cigarette of this type is used by lighting the end opposite to the filter, and burning the tobacco rod.
  • the smoker receives mainstream smoke into their mouth by drawing on the mouth end or filter end of the cigarette.
  • Combustion of organic material such as tobacco is known to produce tar and other potentially harmful by-products.
  • various smoking substitute systems or "substitute smoking systems" in order to avoid the smoking of tobacco.
  • Such smoking substitute systems can form part of nicotine replacement therapies aimed at people who wish to stop smoking and overcome a dependence on nicotine.
  • Smoking substitute systems include electronic systems that permit a user to simulate the act of smoking by producing an aerosol (also referred to as a "vapour") that is drawn into the lungs through the mouth (inhaled) and then exhaled.
  • aerosol also referred to as a "vapour”
  • the inhaled aerosol typically bears nicotine and/or flavourings without, or with fewer of, the odour and health risks associated with traditional smoking.
  • smoking substitute systems are intended to provide a substitute for the rituals of smoking, whilst providing the user with a similar experience and satisfaction to those experienced with traditional smoking and with combustible tobacco products.
  • Some smoking substitute systems use smoking substitute articles that are designed to resemble a traditional cigarette and are cylindrical in form with a mouthpiece at one end.
  • HNB heat not burn
  • a typical HNB smoking substitute system may include a device and a consumable.
  • the consumable may include the tobacco material.
  • the device and consumable may be configured to be physically coupled together.
  • heat may be imparted to the tobacco material by a heating element of the device, wherein airflow through the tobacco material causes moisture in the tobacco material to be released as vapour.
  • a vapour may also be formed from a carrier in the tobacco material (this carrier may for example include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine) and additionally volatile compounds released from the tobacco. The released vapour may be entrained in the airflow drawn through the tobacco.
  • the vapour passes through the consumable (entrained in the airflow) from an inlet to a mouthpiece (outlet), the vapour cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user.
  • the aerosol will normally contain the volatile compounds.
  • WO2015/075650 A1 pertains to a smoking article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and a flavour precursor.
  • the present disclosure relates to an aerosol-forming article e.g. an HNB consumable having an increased concentration of volatile compound.
  • the present invention provides an aerosol-forming article (e.g. an HNB consumable) comprising an aerosol-forming substrate dosed with a coating of flavourant, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is a slurry-type reconstituted plant material, and wherein the flavourant content is up to 20 % by weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.
  • an aerosol-forming article e.g. an HNB consumable
  • the aerosol-forming substrate is a slurry-type reconstituted plant material
  • flavourant content is up to 20 % by weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.
  • slurry-type corresponds to a reconstituted plant material made by slurry-casting as opposed to a paper-making process.
  • an aerosol-forming substrate which will itself include a volatile compound
  • a coating of flavourant By using an aerosol-forming substrate (which will itself include a volatile compound) dosed with a coating of flavourant, the number/concentration of volatile compound(s) can be increased to provide the user with a vapour/aerosol containing a higher concentration of the volatile compound(s). This may provide the user with an enhanced recreational and/or medicinal effect when inhaled. In particular, the user experiences an enhanced flavour. Also, a coating provides an even application of flavourant to the aerosol-forming substrate, therefore providing the user with a more consistent experience.
  • the aerosol-forming article is preferably a heat-not-burn (HNB) consumable.
  • HNB heat-not-burn
  • the aerosol-forming substrate is capable of being heated to release at least one volatile compound that can form an aerosol.
  • the aerosol-forming substrate may be located at the upstream end of the article/consumable.
  • upstream and downstream are intended to refer to the flow direction of the vapour/aerosol i.e. with the downstream end of the article/consumable being the mouth end or outlet where the aerosol exits the article/consumable for inhalation by the user.
  • the upstream end of the article/consumable is the opposing end to the downstream end.
  • the aerosol-forming substrate comprises at least one volatile compound that is intended to be vaporised/aerosolised and that may provide the user with a recreational and/or medicinal effect when inhaled.
  • Suitable chemical and/or physiologically active volatile compounds include the group consisting of: nicotine, cocaine, caffeine, opiates and opoids, cathine and cathinone, kavalactones, mysticin, beta-carboline alkaloids, salvinorin A together with any combinations, functional equivalents to, and/or synthetic alternatives of the foregoing.
  • the flavourant is a non-tobacco flavourant.
  • the use of non-tobacco flavours provides the user with unconventional flavours, which are not typically experienced. Therefore, a varied and enhanced user experience is provided.
  • the aerosol-forming substrate comprises plant material.
  • the plant material may comprise least one plant material selected from the list including Amaranthus dubius, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry), Argemone mexicana, Amica, Artemisia vulgaris, Yellow Tees, Galea zacatechichi, Canavalia maritima (Baybean), Cecropia mexicana (Guamura), Cestrum noctumum, Cynoglossum virginianum (wild comfrey), Cytisus scoparius , Damiana, Entada rheedii, Eschscholzia califomica (California Poppy), Fittonia albivenis, Hippobroma longiflora, Humulus japonica (Japanese Hops), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Lactuca virosa (Lettuce Opium), Laggera alata, Leonotis
  • the plant material is tobacco.
  • Any type of tobacco may be used. This includes, but is not limited to, flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, Maryland Tobacco, dark-air cured tobacco, oriental tobacco, dark-fired tobacco, perique tobacco and rustica tobacco. This also includes blends of the above mentioned tobaccos.
  • any suitable parts of the tobacco plant may be used. This includes leaves, stems, roots, bark, seeds and flowers.
  • the tobacco may comprise one or more of leaf tobacco, stem tobacco, tobacco powder, tobacco dust, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, homogenised tobacco, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, cut rag tobacco and/or reconstituted tobacco (e.g. slurry recon or paper recon).
  • the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a gathered sheet of homogenised slurry recon tobacco or gathered shreds/strips formed from such a sheet.
  • the sheet used to form the aerosol-forming substrate has a grammage greater than or equal to 100 g/m 2 , e.g. greater than or equal to 110 g/m 2 such as greater than or equal to 120 g/m 2 .
  • the sheet may have a grammage of less than or equal to 300 g/m 2 e.g. less than or equal to 250 g/m 2 or less than or equal to 200 g/m 2 .
  • the sheet may have a grammage of between 120 and 190 g/m 2 .
  • the sheet used to form the aerosol-forming substrate has a density of less than 1100 mg/cm 3 , preferably less than 1000 mg/cm 3 , and more preferably less than 900 mg/cm 3 .
  • the sheet used to form the aerosol-forming substrate has a mass/surface area of less than 0.09 mg/mm 2 , preferably less than 0.085 mg/mm 2 , preferably less than 0.08 mg/mm 2 and more preferably less than 0.075 mg/mm 2 .
  • the aerosol-forming substrate may have a thickness less than about 1 mm, preferably less than about 0.5 mm, preferably between about 0.1 and 0.3 mm, such as about 0.2 mm.
  • the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least 50 wt% plant material, e.g. at least 60 wt% plant material e.g. around 65 wt% plant material.
  • the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise 80 wt% or less plant material e.g. 75 or 70 wt% or less plant material.
  • the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more additives selected from humectants, fillers, aqueous/non-aqueous solvents and binders.
  • Humectants are provided as vapour generators - the resulting vapour helps carry the volatile active compounds and increases visible vapour.
  • Suitable humectants include polyhydric alcohols (e.g. propylene glycol (PG), triethylene glycol, 1,2-butane diol and vegetable glycerine (VG)) and their esters (e.g. glycerol mono-, di- or tri-acetate). They may be present in the aerosol-forming substrate in an amount between 1 and 50 wt%.
  • the humectant content of the aerosol-forming substrate may have a lower limit of at least 1 % by weight of the plant material, such as at least 2 wt %, such as at least 5 wt %, such as at least 10 wt %, such as at least 20 wt %, such as at least 30 wt %, or such as least 40 wt %.
  • the humectant content of the aerosol-forming substrate may have an upper limit of at most 50 % by weight of the plant material, such as at most 40 wt %, such as at most 30 wt %, or such as at most 20 wt %.
  • the humectant content is 1 to 40 wt % of the aerosol-forming substrate, such as 1 to 20 wt %
  • Binders may comprise starches and/or cellulosic binders such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose, gums such as xanthan, guar, arabic and/or locust bean gum, organic acids and their salts such as alginic acid/ sodium alginate, agar and pectins.
  • the binder content is 5 to 20 wt% of the aerosol-forming substrate e.g. around 6 to 8 wt%.
  • the upper limit of binder is preferably up to 15 wt. %, such as up to 10 wt. %.
  • the binder content is above 5 wt%.
  • Fillers are known in the art and may act to strengthen the aerosol-forming substrate.
  • Fillers may comprise fibrous (non-tobacco) fillers such as cellulose fibres, lignocellulose fibres (e.g. wood fibres), jute fibres and combinations thereof.
  • the filler content is 5 to 10 wt% of the aerosol-forming substrate e.g. around 6 to 9 wt%.
  • the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aqueous and/or non-aqueous solvent.
  • the aerosol forming substrate has a water content of between 5 and 10 wt% e.g. between 6-9 wt% such as between 7-9 wt%.
  • the flavourant may be provided in solid or liquid form. It may include menthol, peppermint, spearmint, liquorice, chocolate, fruit flavour (including e.g. citrus, cherry etc.), vanilla, spice (e.g. ginger, cinnamon) coffee, eucalyptus, and tobacco flavour.
  • the flavourant may be evenly dispersed as a coating on the aerosol-forming substrate or may be provided in isolated locations and/or varying concentrations as a coating on the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably the flavourant is evenly dispersed as a coating on the aerosol-forming substrate.
  • the flavourant is provided as a coating on the aerosol-forming article.
  • a coating is provided on the aerosol-forming article by surface application of a liquid comprising the flavourant. For example application by brushing, spraying, or immersion into the liquid. It is preferred that the coating is uniform across the surface of the aerosol-forming article.
  • the coating is provided to the sheet of slurry-type reconstituted plant material from which the aerosol-forming article is formed.
  • the coating may be provided to both major surfaces of the sheet, or, alternatively, just to one major surface of the sheet.
  • the coating is provided on the sheet of slurry-type reconstituted plant material before the sheet is divided, e.g. by shredding or slitting, to form the aerosol-forming article.
  • the coating is substantially continuous across the surface of the sheet or the aerosol-forming article when applied.
  • flavourant penetrates into a surface layer of the aerosol-forming article.
  • flavourant is present in a surface layer of the aerosol-forming article only, i.e. not throughout the aerosol-forming article.
  • these flavourants are found to be desired by the user, and also provide the user with a satisfactory flavour "hit”.
  • a varied and enhanced flavour experience is achieved.
  • the dosed flavourant content of the aerosol-forming substrate may have a lower limit of at least 0.1 wt % of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate, such as at least 0.5 wt%, such as at least 1 wt%, such as at least 2 wt %, such as at least 5 wt %, such as at least 10 wt %, such as at least 15 wt %.
  • the dosed flavourant content of the aerosol-forming substrate has an upper limit of at most 20 wt % of the aerosol-forming substrate, such as at most 15 wt %, such as at most 10 wt %.
  • the flavourant concentration is 0.1 to 15 wt %. Even more preferred is a flavourant concentration of 0.1 to 5 wt % of the aerosol-forming substrate
  • flavourant is menthol.
  • flavourant is synthetically derived menthol.
  • this source of menthol is not naturally derived.
  • naturally derived menthol is provided in the form of mint or mint extracts. Consequently, the use of synthetic menthol excludes the presence of undesired components present in mint or mint extracts.
  • the aerosol-forming substrate may be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape such that the article/consumable resembles a conventional cigarette. It may have a diameter of between 5 and 10mm e.g. between 6 and 9mm or 6 and 8mm e.g. around 7 mm. It may have an axial length of between 10 and 15mm e.g. between 11 and 14mm such as around 12 or 13mm.
  • the aerosol-forming substrate may be circumscribed by a wrapping layer e.g. a paper wrapping layer.
  • the wrapping layer may overlie an inner foil layer or may comprise a paper/foil laminate (with the foil innermost).
  • the article/consumable may comprise at least one filter element.
  • There may be a plurality of filter elements e.g. the terminal filter element and an upstream filter element which may be adjacent one another or which may be spaced apart.
  • Any upstream filter element may be at least partly (e.g. entirely) circumscribed by the (paper) wrapping layer.
  • the or at least one of the filter element(s) may be comprised of cellulose acetate tow.
  • the or at least one of the filter element(s) e.g. the terminal filter element and/or upstream filter element may be comprised of activated charcoal.
  • the or at least one of the filter element(s) e.g. the terminal filter element and/or upstream filter element may be comprised of paper.
  • the or at least one of the filter element(s) (e.g. the terminal filter element and/or upstream filter element may be comprised of plant material e.g. extruded plant material.
  • the or each filter element may be circumscribed with a plug wrap e.g. a paper plug wrap.
  • the or each filter element may have a substantially cylindrical shape with a diameter substantially matching the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate (with or without its associated wrapping layer).
  • the axial length of the or each filter element may be less than 20mm, e.g. between 8 and 15mm, for example between 9 and 13 mm e.g. between 10 and 12mm.
  • the or at least one of the filter element(s) may be a solid filter element.
  • the or at least one of the filter element(s) may be a hollow bore filter element.
  • the or each hollow bore filter may have a bore diameter of between 1 and 5 mm, e.g. between 2 and 4 mm or between 2 and 3 mm.
  • the terminal filter element (at the downstream end of the article/consumable) may be joined to the upstream elements forming the article/consumable by a circumscribing tipping layer e.g. a tipping paper layer.
  • the tipping paper may have an axial length longer than the axial length of the terminal filter element such that the tipping paper completely circumscribes the terminal filter element plus the wrapping layer surrounding any adjacent upstream element.
  • the or at least one of the filter elements e.g. the terminal filter element may include a capsule e.g. a crushable capsule (crush-ball) containing a liquid flavourant e.g. any of the flavourants listed above.
  • the capsule can be crushed by the user during smoking of the article/consumable to release the flavourant.
  • the capsule may be located at the axial centre of the terminal filter element.
  • the article/consumable may comprise an aerosol-cooling element which is adapted to cool the aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming substrate (by heat exchange) before being inhaled by the user.
  • the aerosol-cooling element will be downstream from the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, it may be between the aerosol-forming substrate and the upstream filter element and/or between the two filter elements.
  • the aerosol cooling element may be at least partly (e.g. completely) circumscribed by the (paper) wrapping layer.
  • the aerosol-cooling element may be formed of a plastics material selected from the group consisting of polylactic acid (PLA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
  • the aerosol-cooling element may be formed of a crimped/gathered sheet of material to form a structure having a high surface area with a plurality of longitudinal channels to maximise heat exchange and cooling of the aerosol.
  • the article/consumable may comprise a spacer element that defines a space or cavity between the aerosol-forming substrate and the downstream end of the article/consumable. It may be provided between the aerosol-forming substrate and the upstream filter element and/or between the two filter elements.
  • the spacer element may comprise a tubular element e.g. a cardboard tube.
  • the spacer element may be at least partly (e.g. entirely) circumscribed by the (paper) wrapping layer.
  • the spacer element may have an external diameter of between 5 and 10mm e.g. between 6 and 9mm or 6 and 8mm e.g. around 7 mm. It may have an axial length of between 10 and 15mm e.g. between 12 and 14 mm or 13 and 14mm e.g. around 14mm.
  • a smoking substitute system comprising an aerosol-forming article according to the first aspect and a device comprising a heating element.
  • the device may be a HNB device i.e. a device adapted to heat but not combust the aerosol-forming substrate.
  • the device may comprise a main body for housing the heating element.
  • the heating element may comprise an elongated e.g. rod, tube-shaped or blade heating element.
  • the heating element may project into or surround a cavity within the main body for receiving the article/consumable described above.
  • the device e.g. the main body
  • an electrical power supply e.g. a (rechargeable) battery for powering the heating element.
  • It may further comprise a control unit to control the supply of power to the heating element.
  • a smoking substitute system comprising:
  • the method comprises inserting the article/consumable into a cavity within the main body and penetrating the article/consumable with the heating element upon insertion of the article/consumable.
  • the heating element may penetrate the aerosol-forming substrate in the article/consumable.
  • a method for manufacturing an aerosol-forming substrate wherein the aerosol forming substrate is a slurry-type reconstituted plant material comprising: combining a ground plant material with an aqueous medium to form a slurry; casting the slurry on a surface to form a sheet; and applying a flavourant to the sheet to provide a coating.
  • flavourant by applying flavourant to the sheet as a coating a more even application of flavourant on the aerosol-forming substrate is achieved as compared to provision of flavourant as or in a separate component or constituent of the aerosol-forming substrate or of the article/consumable.
  • This provides the user with enhanced flavour and a more consistent flavour experience.
  • the application of flavourant to the sheet may be carried out in a secondary environment away from the main line of manufacturing. Therefore, contamination on the main line apparatus with undesired flavourant is avoided. Therefore in some embodiments it is preferred to apply the flavourant after winding of the sheet onto a bobbin, for example by unwinding the sheet from the bobbin before application of the flavourant.
  • this application of flavourant may take place after transport of the sheet (e.g. wound onto a bobbin) to a location remote from the casting location.
  • the plant material is ground to a particle size of less than 120 microns. It is undesirable to have a particle size greater than 150 microns as this is associated with the formation of defects and inhomogeneous areas in the sheet formed by casting the slurry. Particularly, preferred is a particle size of 30 to 120 microns.
  • a binder may also be included within the slurry.
  • the amount of binder used is chosen to provide an amount of 5 to 20 weight % of binder in the sheet ultimately produced from the slurry, such as 5 to 15 weight %, such as 5 to 10 weight %.
  • the ground tobacco may be combined with the binder before combination with the aqueous medium.
  • the binder may be combined with the aqueous medium prior to combining the aqueous medium with the ground tobacco.
  • the slurry may also contain fillers, humectants, preservatives, and/or flavours. These may be combined with the ground plant material before combination with the aqueous medium, or alternatively can be added to the slurry separately
  • the total solids content of the slurry is between 15 % and 30 % of the total slurry weight. Of this preferred range about 50 to 90 % of the total solids content of the slurry should be the plant material.
  • the plant material content of the slurry is not critical, but it is preferred that the minimum amount of aqueous medium is used to avoid leaching of plant material solubles into the aqueous medium.
  • the slurry is formed by mixing the various components of the slurry. This may be achieved using a high energy mixer or a high shear mixer to homogenize the slurry. During mixing the slurry may optionally be heated.
  • the slurry may be vibrated to aid homogenization of the slurry. This may be achieved by vibrating a tank or silo in which the slurry is contained.
  • the slurry is cast onto a moving support surface, such as a dryer belt to form a sheet.
  • Casting of the sheet may be achieved by a roll coater system or a laminator, or any other method suitable in the art. It is preferred that the moisture content of the sheet at casting is between 60 and 80 percent of the total weight of the cast slurry.
  • the cast sheet is then dried by exposure to elevated temperatures and/or reduced pressures to remove excess moisture content from the sheet. Suitable drying methods include a steam dryer and/or heated air dryers. Alternatively, the sheet may be dried under ambient conditions,
  • flavourant is applied by spray-coating.
  • flavourant by applying the flavourant to the cast sheet by spray-coating a more uniform application of flavourant is achieved to provide a more homogeneous product. Accordingly, a more consistent user experience results.
  • the flavourant is a non-tobacco flavour.
  • the flavourant is selected from menthol, peppermint, spearmint, liquorice, chocolate, fruit flavour, vanilla, spice, coffee, eucalyptus, and tobacco flavour,
  • the flavourant is synthetically derived menthol.
  • the plant material is tobacco.
  • the use of tobacco provides a slurry-type reconstituted plant material having the inherent properties of tobacco, for examples, the texture, aroma and nicotine content.
  • the method of the fourth aspect comprises a step of drying the sheet, wherein the flavourant is applied to the sheet after drying.
  • flavouring after drying the sheet avoids loss of flavourant by evaporation when drying at elevated temperatures or at reduced pressures.
  • the method of the fourth aspect comprised a step of winding the sheet onto a bobbin, wherein the flavourant is applied to the sheet after winding.
  • this facilitates efficient storage of the sheet and allows the flavourant to be applied in a secondary environment that is separate from the main line of manufacturing. Thereby avoiding contamination of the main line apparatus with undesired flavour.
  • flavourant may be applied to the sheet before winding of the sheet onto the bobbin.
  • the method of the fourth aspect includes a step of making an HNB consumable from the sheet.
  • an aerosol-forming substrate for an HNB device produced by the process according to the fourth aspect.
  • the aerosol-forming substrate according to the fifth aspect has a dosed flavourant content of 0.1 to 20 % by weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.
  • the HNB consumable 1 comprises an aerosol-forming substrate 2 at the upstream end of the consumable 1.
  • the aerosol-forming substrate 2 comprises reconstituted tobacco which includes nicotine as a volatile compound and which is dosed with up to 20 wt% of a flavourant coating, where the flavourant is selected from menthol, peppermint, spearmint, liquorice, chocolate, fruit flavour, vanilla, spice, coffee, eucalyptus, and tobacco flavour.
  • a flavourant coating where the flavourant is selected from menthol, peppermint, spearmint, liquorice, chocolate, fruit flavour, vanilla, spice, coffee, eucalyptus, and tobacco flavour.
  • the aerosol-forming substrate 2 comprises 65 wt% tobacco which is provided in the form of gathered shreds produced from a sheet of slurry-type reconstituted tobacco.
  • the tobacco is dosed with 20wt% of a humectant such as propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerine (VG) and has a moisture content of between 7-9 wt%.
  • a humectant such as propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerine (VG) and has a moisture content of between 7-9 wt%.
  • the aerosol-forming substrate further comprises cellulose pulp filler and guar gum binder.
  • the aerosol-forming substrate 2 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape such that the consumable resembles a conventional cigarette. It has diameter of around 7mm and an axial length of around 12 mm.
  • the aerosol-forming substrate 2 is circumscribed by a paper wrapping layer 3.
  • the consumable 1 comprises an upstream filter element 4 and a downstream (terminal) filter element 5.
  • Both filter elements 4, 5 are formed of cellulose acetate tow and wrapped with a respective paper plug layer (not shown).
  • Both filter elements have a substantially cylindrical shape.
  • the diameter of the upstream filter 4 matches the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 2.
  • the diameter of the terminal filter element 5 is slightly larger and matches the combined diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate 2 and the wrapping layer 3.
  • the upstream filter element is slightly shorter in axial length than the terminal filter element at an axial length of 10mm compared to 12mm for the terminal filer element.
  • the cardboard tube spacer is longer than each of the two filter portions having an axial length of around 14mm.
  • Each filter element 4, 5 is a hollow bore filter element with a hollow, longitudinally extending bore.
  • the diameter of the bore in the upstream filter is slightly larger than the diameter of the bore in the terminal filter having a diameter of 3mm compared to 2 mm for the terminal filter element.
  • the cardboard tube spacer 6 and the upstream filter portion 4 are circumscribed by the wrapping layer 3.
  • the terminal filter element 5 is joined to the upstream elements forming the consumable by a circumscribing paper tipping layer 7.
  • the tipping layer 7 encircles the terminal filter portion and has an axial length of around 20mm such that it overlays a portion of the cardboard tube spacer 6.
  • FIG 2 shows a second embodiment of a consumable 1' which is the same as that shown in Figure 1 except that the terminal filter element 5 comprises a crushable capsule 8 (crush-ball) containing a liquid menthol or cherry or vanilla flavourant.
  • the capsule 8 is spherical and has a diameter of 3.5mm. It is positioned within the axial centre of the terminal filter portion 5.
  • Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of a consumable 1" which is the same as the first embodiment except that the wrapping layer 3 does not completely circumscribe the cardboard tube spacer 6 such that there is an annular gap 9 between the tipping layer 7 and the cardboard tube spacer 6 downstream of the end of the wrapping layer 3.
  • Figure 4 shows the first embodiment inserted into an HNB device 10 comprising a rod-shaped heating element (not shown).
  • the heating element projects into a cavity 11 within the main body 12 of the device.
  • the consumable 1 is inserted into the cavity 11 of the main body 12 of the device 10 such that the heating rod penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate 2.
  • Heating of the reconstituted tobacco in the aerosol-forming substrate 2 is effected by powering the heating element (e.g. with a rechargeable battery (not shown)).
  • the heating element e.g. with a rechargeable battery (not shown)
  • moisture and volatile compound e.g. nicotine
  • the aerosol former are released as a vapour and entrained within an airflow generated by inhalation by the user at the terminal filter portion 5.
  • the vapour cools within the upstream filer element 4 and the cardboard tube spacer 6, it condenses to form an aerosol containing the volatile compounds for inhalation by the user.
  • Figure 5 shows an illustrative diagram of an embodiment of the manufacturing process. Tobacco is ground to reduce the particle size to less than 120 microns 101
  • the ground tobacco 101 is then combined with a guar gum binder, cellulose pulp filler, propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine to form a mixture 102.
  • the mixture 102 is combined with an aqueous medium to form a slurry 103.
  • Mixing of the mixture 102 with the aqueous medium is carried out in a high shear mixer.
  • the tobacco content of the slurry is approximately 50 to 90 % of the total solids content of the slurry, where the total solids content is 15 to 30 weight % of the slurry.
  • the resultant slurry is cast onto a dryer belt to form a sheet 104.
  • the sheet is dried using a steam drying apparatus to remove excess moisture content from the sheet until the sheet is self-supporting 105.
  • the sheet is wound onto a bobbin 106 for storage.
  • the moisture content of the cast sheet at winding is about 7 to 15 percent of dry weight of the tobacco sheet.
  • a flavourant is then applied to the sheet using spray-coating to provide a flavourant coating on the sheet 107.
  • the sheet can subsequently be made into a whole or part of an HNB consumable suitable for an HNB device 108. This is achieved by cutting the sheet to an appropriate size.
  • the sheet may be used as whole or part of an HNB consumable for an HNB device 109. In particular, it is a slurry-type reconstituted tobacco product for use in an HNB device.
  • flavourant is applied to the dry sheet 105 before winding onto a bobbin 106 for storage.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Manufacture Of Tobacco Products (AREA)
  • Cigarettes, Filters, And Manufacturing Of Filters (AREA)

Claims (15)

  1. Aerosolbildender Artikel, umfassend ein aerosolbildendes Substrat, das mit einer Beschichtung aus einem Geschmacksstoff versetzt ist, wobei das aerosolbildende Substrat ein rekonstituiertes Pflanzenmaterial vom Aufschlämmungstyp ist und wobei der Geschmackstoffgehalt bis zu 20 Gew.-% des aerosolbildenden Substrats ausmacht.
  2. Artikel nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Geschmacksstoff aus Menthol-, Pfefferminz-, Grüne-Minz-, Lakritz-, Schokoladen-, Fruchtgeschmack, Vanille-, Gewürz-, Kaffee-, Eukalyptus- und Tabakgeschmack ausgewählt ist.
  3. Artikel nach einem der vorangegangenen Ansprüche, wobei der Geschmacksstoff ein Nicht-Tabak-Geschmacksstoff ist.
  4. Artikel nach einem der vorangegangenen Ansprüche, wobei das Pflanzenmaterial Tabak ist.
  5. Artikel nach einem der vorangegangenen Ansprüche, wobei der Artikel eine Erhitzenstatt-Verbrennen- (HNB-) Verbrauchsware ist.
  6. System, umfassend einen Rauchersatzartikel nach einem der vorangegangenen Ansprüche und eine Vorrichtung, umfassend ein Heizelement.
  7. System nach Anspruch 6, wobei die Vorrichtung einen Hauptkörper zum Einhausen des Heizelements umfasst und das Heizelement ein längliches Heizelement umfasst.
  8. Verfahren zur Verwendung eines Systems nach Anspruch 6 oder 7, wobei das Verfahren Folgendes umfasst:
    Einsetzen des Artikels in die Vorrichtung; und
    Erhitzen des Artikels unter Verwendung des Heizelements.
  9. Verfahren nach Anspruch 8, umfassend das Einsetzen des Artikels in einen Hohlraum innerhalb eines Hauptkörpers der Vorrichtung und das Durchstoßen des Artikels mit dem Heizelement bei Einsetzen des Artikels.
  10. Verfahren zur Herstellung eines aerosolbildenden Substrats, wobei das aerosolbildende Substrat ein rekonstituiertes Pflanzenmaterial vom Aufschlämmungstyp ist, wobei das Verfahren Folgendes umfasst:
    Kombinieren eines gemahlenen Pflanzenmaterials mit einem wässrigen Medium, um eine Aufschlämmung zu bilden;
    Gießen der Aufschlämmung auf eine Oberfläche, um eine Schicht zu bilden; und
    Aufbringen eines Geschmacksstoffs auf die Schicht, um eine Beschichtung bereitzustellen.
  11. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10, wobei der Geschmacksstoff durch Sprühbeschichten aufgebracht wird.
  12. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10 oder Anspruch 11, wobei der Geschmacksstoff aus Menthol-, Pfefferminz-, Grüne-Minz-, Lakritz-, Schokoladen-, Fruchtgeschmack, Vanille-, Gewürz-, Kaffee-, Eukalyptus- und Tabakgeschmack ausgewählt ist.
  13. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 10 bis 12, wobei der Geschmacksstoff ein Nicht-Tabak-Geschmacksstoff ist.
  14. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 10 bis 13, wobei der Geschmacksstoff ein synthetisch hergestelltes Menthol ist.
  15. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 10 bis 14, umfassend einen Schritt des Trocknens der Schicht, wobei der Geschmacksstoff nach dem Trocknen auf die Schicht aufgebracht wird.
EP22208373.5A 2018-10-29 2019-10-25 Rauchersatzverbrauchsmaterial Active EP4190176B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB1817557.0A GB201817557D0 (en) 2018-10-29 2018-10-29 Smoking substitute consumable
EP19794987.8A EP3873250B1 (de) 2018-10-29 2019-10-25 Rauchersatzverbrauchsstoff
PCT/EP2019/079180 WO2020089077A1 (en) 2018-10-29 2019-10-25 Smoking substitute consumable

Related Parent Applications (1)

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EP19794987.8A Division EP3873250B1 (de) 2018-10-29 2019-10-25 Rauchersatzverbrauchsstoff

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EP4190176A1 EP4190176A1 (de) 2023-06-07
EP4190176B1 true EP4190176B1 (de) 2025-05-21

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EP22208373.5A Active EP4190176B1 (de) 2018-10-29 2019-10-25 Rauchersatzverbrauchsmaterial

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EP (2) EP3873250B1 (de)
JP (2) JP7630427B2 (de)
GB (1) GB201817557D0 (de)
HU (2) HUE072445T2 (de)
PL (2) PL3873250T3 (de)
TW (1) TWI825207B (de)
WO (1) WO2020089077A1 (de)

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WO2026002850A1 (en) * 2024-06-25 2026-01-02 Philip Morris Products S.A. Aerosol-generating substrate
WO2026002847A1 (en) * 2024-06-25 2026-01-02 Philip Morris Products S.A. Aerosol-generating substrate

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EP3873250A1 (de) 2021-09-08
PL4190176T3 (pl) 2025-10-06
JP2025066843A (ja) 2025-04-23
WO2020089077A1 (en) 2020-05-07
HUE061266T2 (hu) 2023-06-28
PL3873250T3 (pl) 2023-06-12
GB201817557D0 (en) 2018-12-12
JP2022506178A (ja) 2022-01-17
HUE072445T2 (hu) 2025-11-28
JP7630427B2 (ja) 2025-02-17
TW202103587A (zh) 2021-02-01
TWI825207B (zh) 2023-12-11
EP3873250B1 (de) 2022-11-23
EP4190176A1 (de) 2023-06-07

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