EP4636159A1

EP4636159A1 - A wrapper for forming an inner bundle

Info

Publication number: EP4636159A1
Application number: EP24170656.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ana ALEKSIC; Mario FROMM; David SPENDLOVE
Original assignee: British American Tobacco Exports Ltd
Current assignee: British American Tobacco Exports Ltd
Priority date: 2024-04-16
Filing date: 2024-04-16
Publication date: 2025-10-22

Abstract

The present application relates to a wrapper for forming an inner bundle for a package for an aerosol provision article. The inner bundle comprises a mentholated paper layer comprising a paper material to which menthol has been applied and a varnish layer on one side of the mentholated paper layer. The present application also relates to an inner bundle formed from the wrapper, a package comprising the inner bundle, and a method of forming an inner bundle for a package.

Description

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a wrapper for forming an inner bundle for a package for an aerosol provision article. The present invention also relates to an inner bundle for a package for an aerosol provision article, wherein the inner bundle is formed from the wrapper and a package comprising the inner bundle formed from the wrapper. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of forming the wrapper.

Background of the Invention

Known wrappers for forming an inner bundle for a package for an aerosol provision article are formed from materials configured to provide a barrier to menthol such that menthol on the wrapper or on the aerosol provision article within the inner bundle encounters resistance to its path out of the inner bundle. However, the materials required for such known wrappers to provide the resistive properties are expensive, release large amounts of carbon dioxide in their processing steps, and can be difficult to recycle.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wrapper for forming an inner bundle for a package for an aerosol provision article. The inner bundle comprises a mentholated paper layer comprising a paper material to which menthol has been applied; and a varnish layer on one side of the mentholated paper layer.
In some embodiments, the wrapper may be free from an aluminium foil layer.
In some embodiments, the paper material may have a paper-weight in the range of about 40 grams per square metre (gsm) to about 80 gsm. In some embodiments, the paper material may have a paper-weight in the range of about 40 gsm to about 60 gsm. In some embodiments, the paper material has a paper-weight in the range of about 60 gsm to about 80 gsm.
In some embodiments, the mentholated paper layer may comprise in the range of about 400 mg/m² to about 900 mg/m² of menthol. In some embodiments, the mentholated paper layer may comprise in the range of about 400 mg/m² to about 700 mg/m² of menthol. In some embodiments, the mentholated paper layer may comprise in the range of over about 700 mg/m² of menthol.
In some embodiments, the mentholated paper layer may comprise a sprayed layer of menthol. In some embodiments, the sprayed layer of menthol may substantially form a layer of menthol on the opposing side of the paper material to the varnish layer.
In some embodiments, the mentholated paper layer may comprise a deposited solvent layer of menthol. In some embodiments, the deposited solvent layer of menthol may be at least partially dispersed through the paper material.
In some embodiments, the deposited solvent layer of methanol may comprise methanol and a solvent. In some embodiments, the solvent may be ethanol. In some embodiments, the deposited solvent layer may comprise about 70% menthol and about 30% ethanol.
In some embodiments, the varnish layer may comprise about 2% of the total weight of the wrapper. In some embodiments, the varnish layer may b eformed from a menthol resistant varnish.
In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inner bundle for a package for an aerosol provision article. The inner bundle is formed from a wrapper according to the first aspect of the present invention.
In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a package for an aerosol provision article. The package comprises an outer container; and an inner bundle formed from a wrapper according to the first aspect of the present invention.
In a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming an inner bundle for a package for an aerosol provision article. The method comprises the steps of: depositing a layer of menthol on an opposing side of a paper material to a varnish layer to form a wrapper according to the first aspect of the present invention; sealing the paper material in a container; and heating the paper material in the sealed container.
In some embodiments, the step of heating the paper material in the sealed container may comprise heating the paper material for 6 hours.
In some embodiments, the step of heating the paper material in the sealed container may comprise heating the paper material at about 60 degrees Celsius.
In some embodiments, depositing a layer of menthol may comprise spraying methanol onto the paper material.
In some embodiments, depositing a layer of menthol may comprise depositing a solvent layer on the paper material.
In some embodiments, the solvent layer may comprise menthol and ethanol.
In some embodiments, the paper material may be wound onto a bobbin before it is sealed in the container.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an outer container of a package;
Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of an inner container of a package;
Fig. 3 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a wrapper;
Fig. 4 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a wrapper; and
Fig. 5 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a wrapper;

Detailed Description of the Invention

As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, and includes:

combustible aerosol provision systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or for make-your-own cigarettes (Whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material); and
non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosol-generating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials.

According to the present disclosure, a "combustible" aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo, and a cigar.
In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a filter, a filter rod, a filter segment, a tobacco rod, a spill, an aerosol-modifying agent release component such as a capsule, a thread, or a bead, or a paper such as a plug wrap, a tipping paper, or a cigarette paper.
According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.
Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.
In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device (thp) thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.
In some embodiment, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance.
The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substances may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.
In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.
As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.
As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanicals" includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material maybe in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like. Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v.,Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v.,Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens
In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco.
In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.
In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.
In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour.
As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylangylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.
In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.
In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.
Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or semi-solid (such as a gel) which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants.
The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder and an aerosol former. Optionally, an active and/or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free from botanical material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.
The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be an "amorphous solid". The amorphous solid may be a "monolithic solid". In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may, for example, comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.
The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining a binder, such as a gelling agent, with a solvent, such as water, an aerosol-former and one or more other components, such as active substances, to form a slurry and then heating the slurry to volatilise at least some of the solvent to form the aerosol-generating film. The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt% or 90 wt% of the solvent. The aerosol-generating film may be a continuous film or a discontinuous film, such an arrangement of discrete portions of film on a support. The aerosol-generating film may be substantially tobacco free.
The aerosol-generating film may comprise or be a sheet, which may optionally be shredded to form a shredded sheet.
The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.
The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.
The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of a pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.
The material may be present on or in a support, to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.
A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generatingae material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.
A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.
An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent.
The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.
An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.
Referring now to Fig. 1, a perspective view of a package 1 for an aerosol provision article 2, shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2. The package 1 may comprise an outer container 3. In the present embodiment, the outer container 3 may comprise a base 4 and a lid 5 mounted to the base 4 for rotation between open and closed positions. The lid 5 may be mounted to the base 4 for rotation about a hinge line 6.
The package 1 may further comprise an inner container 7, as shown in Fig. 2. The outer container 3 may comprise an access through which the inner container 7 can be accessed. The access of the illustrated embodiment can be found by rotating the lid 5 away from the base 4 from a closed position to an open position. However, it will be understood that in alternative embodiments the package 1 may take a form other than a hinge-lid box.
The inner container 7 may be located in the outer container 3. The inner container 7 may be in the form of a wrapper 10, shown in Fig. 3, for forming an inner bundle, shown in Fig. 2, for a package 1 for an aerosol provision article 2.
Referring to Fig. 3, the wrapper 10 is for forming an inner container 7, shown in Fig. 2, is shown. The inner container 7 may also be referred to as an inner bundle 11, especially when the wrapper 10 is wrapped around at least one aerosol provision article 2. The wrapper 10 comprises a mentholated paper layer 12. The mentholated paper layer 12 comprises a paper material 13 to which menthol 14 has been applied. The wrapper 10 further comprises a varnish layer 15 on one side of the mentholated paper layer 12.
One advantage of the mentholated paper layer 12 in the wrapper 10 is that it is able to impart flavour in the form of menthol to the aerosol provision articles stored within the wrapper 10 when it is used to form an inner container 7. That is, the menthol that has been applied to the mentholated paper layer 12 may evaporate into the interior of the inner container 7 and be deposited on or absorbed by aerosol provision articles stored therein.
In some embodiments, the wrapper 10 may be free from an aluminium foil layer. The absence of an aluminium foil layer that is present in known wrappers for inner containers for packages allows for the whole package 1 to be recyclable as all materials that form the package 1 are recyclable materials. Furthermore, by producing a package 1 that is free from an aluminium layer the amount of CO₂ emissions generated by manufacture can be greatly reduced, by up to as much as 35%.
In some embodiments, the paper material 13 may be any paper material, for example, but not limited to, paper, paper board, card, or cardboard. In some embodiments, the paper material 13 may be, for example, but not limited to, C1S 70 gsm paper.
In some embodiments, the varnish layer 15 may be configured to provide a barrier to the passage of menthol out of the inner container 7 when formed from the wrapper 10. Thus, the varnish layer 15 provides an advantage that the barrier properties of the wrapper 10 for forming the inner container 10 may be maintained whilst making the wrapper 10 more easily recyclable and reducing CO2 emissions for the production of the wrapper 10, which both have environmental benefits.
In some embodiments, the varnish layer 15 may comprises about 2% of the total weight of the wrapper 10. The varnish layer may be a standard overprint varnish. In some embodiments, the varnish layer 15 may be formed from a menthol resistant varnish. The menthol resistant varnish helps to prevent contamination and leakage of menthol through the paper material 13. It will be appreciated that the varnish layer 15 may comprise a varnish, an ink, or other coating, specifically a coating that is non-metallic.
Advantageously, a menthol resistant varnish helps to prevent excess menthol being absorbed into the paper material 13. One benefit associated with this is that by preventing too much menthol from absorbing into the paper material 13, the paper material 13 is prevented from becoming saturated with menthol and losing its structural integrity. Another benefit associated with preventing too much menthol absorbing into the paper material 13 is that the menthol 14 is more easily released into the inside of the inner bundle 11 when the wrapper 10 is formed around an aerosol provision article 2.
In some embodiments, the paper material 13 of the mentholated paper layer 12 may have a paper-weight in the range of about 40 grams per square metre (gsm) to about 80 grams per square metre.
In some embodiments, the paper material 13 of the mentholated paper layer 12 may have a paper-weight in the range of about 40 gsm to about 60 gsm. A wrapper 10 having a paper material 13 having a paper-weight in the range of about 40 gsm to about 60 gsm is particularly advantageous for inner containers 7 for combustible aerosol provision articles 2. A paper-weight in the range of about 40 gsm to about 60 gsm is advantageous because the paper material 13 having a paper weight in this range is able to hold the required menthol loading for combustible aerosol provision articles without compromising the integrity of the paper material.
In some embodiments, the paper material 13 of the mentholated paper layer 12 may have a paper-weight in the range of about 60 gsm to about 80 gsm. A wrapper 10 having a paper material 13 having a paper-weight in the range of about 60 gsm to about 80 gsm is particularly advantageous for inner containers 7 for non-combustible aerosol provision articles 2. A paper-weight in the range of about 60 gsm to about 80 gsm is advantageous because the paper material 13 having a paper weight in this range is able to hold the required menthol loading for combustible aerosol provision articles without compromising the integrity of the paper material. In some embodiments, a paper material 13 of the mentholated paper layer 12 may have a paper weight of at least about 70 gsm. Therefore, the paper material 13 is prevented from becoming too saturated with menthol at loadings in excess of 5 mg/menthol aerosol provision article 2. It has been found that a paper material 13 having a paper-weight of 70 gsm may have a menthol loading of up to 9 mg per menthol aerosol provision article 2.
In some embodiments, the mentholated paper layer 12 may comprise in the range of about 400 mg/m² to about 900 mg/m² of menthol. A wrapper 10 having a mentholated paper layer 12 with menthol in the range of about 400 mg/m2 to about 700 mg/mm2 is particularly advantageous for a combustible aerosol provision article. A mentholated paper layer 12 with menthol in the range of about 400 mg/mm2 to about 700 mg/mm2 is advantageous because it enables the required amount of menthol to be transferred to the combustible aerosol provision articles within the wrapper 10 to enhance consumer satisfaction.
A mentholated paper layer 12 with menthol in the range of over about 700 mg/m2, and optionally up to about 900 mg/m2, is particularly advantageous for a non-combustible aerosol provision article. A wrapper 10 having a mentholated paper layer 12 with menthol in the range of over about 700 mg/m² is advantageous because it enables the required amount of menthol to be transferred to the non-combustible aerosol provision articles within the wrapper 10 to enhance consumer satisfaction
In some embodiments, the mentholated paper layer 12 may comprise a sprayed layer of menthol 17, as shown in Fig. 4. That is, the menthol 14 may be sprayed onto the paper material 13. The menthol 14 may be sprayed through a nozzle (not shown) onto the paper material 13. In some embodiments, the sprayed layer of menthol 14 may form a layer of menthol 17 on the opposing side of the paper material 13 to the varnish layer 15.
In some embodiments, the mentholated paper layer 12 may comprise a deposited solvent layer of menthol 18, as shown in Fig. 5. That is, a solvent layer of menthol may be deposited onto one side of the paper material 13. In some embodiments, the deposited solvent layer of menthol 18 may form a layer of menthol 17 on the opposing side of the paper material 13 to the varnish layer 15.
The deposited solvent layer of menthol 18 may comprise methanol and a solvent. The solvent may be ethanol. It has been found that the combination of menthol and a solvent, such as ethanol, increases menthol absorption by the paper layer. In some embodiments, the deposited solvent layer may comprise in the range of about 90% menthol to about 10% ethanol to about 60% menthol to about 40% ethanol. In some embodiments, the deposited solvent layer may comprises about 70% menthol and about 30% ethanol. Alternatively, the solvent may be, for example, but not limited to, propylene glycol.
In some embodiments, the layer of menthol 17 or the deposited solvent layer of menthol 18 may be at least partially dispersed through the paper material 13. That is, the menthol 14, when sprayed or deposited using a solvent layer, may be at least partially absorbed into the paper material 13.
In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming an inner container 7 for a package 1 for an aerosol provision article 2, as described hereinafter. The method of forming an inner container 7 for a package 1 for an aerosol provision article 2 comprises depositing a layer of menthol on an opposing side of a paper material 13 to a varnish layer 15 to form a wrapper 10, as previously described. The method further comprises sealing the paper material 13 in a container, and heating the paper material 13 in the sealed container.
The method may further comprise the step of adding the varnish layer 15 to the paper material 13. The step of adding the varnish layer 15 to the paper material 13 may be performed before the step of mentholating (depositing menthol) on the paper material 13. The step of adding the varnish layer 15 may comprise providing the paper material 13 and providing a standard overprinting varnish or a menthol resistant overprinting varnish and depositing the varnish onto one side of the paper material 13. This step may be performed in a standard converter or printing apparatus. The paper material 13 with its varnish layer 15 may then be cut and wound onto slitted bobbins.
The paper material 13 may then be mentholated. That is, the menthol may then be deposited onto the paper material 12. In some embodiments, the step of depositing a layer of menthol 17 on the paper material 13 may comprise spraying menthol 14 onto the paper material 12. In some embodiments, the deposited solvent layer may comprise menthol and ethanol. The deposited solvent layer may be about in the range of about 90% menthol to about 10% ethanol to about 60% menthol to about 40% ethanol. In some embodiment, the deposited solvent layer may be about 70% menthol and about 30% ethanol.
The mentholated paper material 13 may then be wound onto a bobbin. Once the paper material 13 has been mentholated, an optionally wound onto a bobbing, the mentholated paper 12 is placed into a container and the container is sealed.
The step of heating the mentholated paper material in the sealed container may comprise heating the mentholated paper material for 6 hours. The step of heating the mentholated paper material in the sealed container may comprise heating the paper material at about 60 degrees Celsius. Thus, the step of heating the mentholated paper material in the sealed container may comprising heating the paper material at about 60 degrees Celsius for about 6 hours. This combination of duration and temperature allows for the paper material to properly absorb the menthol.
The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Clauses

1. A wrapper for forming an inner container for a package for an aerosol provision article, the wrapper comprising:
- a mentholated paper layer comprising a paper material to which menthol has been applied; and
- a varnish layer on one side of the mentholated paper layer.
2. The wrapper according to clause 1, wherein the wrapper is free from an aluminium foil layer.
3. The wrapper according to clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the paper material has a paper-weight in the range of about 40 grams per square metre (gsm) to about 80 gsm.
4. The wrapper according to clause 3, wherein the paper material has a paper-weight in the range of about 40 gsm to about 60 gsm.
5. The wrapper according to clause 3, wherein the paper material has a paper-weight in the range of about 60 gsm to about 80 gsm.
6. The wrapper according to any one according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the mentholated paper layer comprises in the range of about 400 mg/m² to about 900 mg/m² of menthol.
7. The wrapper according to clause 4, wherein the mentholated paper layer comprises in the range of about 400 mg/m² to about 700 mg/m² of menthol.
8. The wrapper according to clause 5, wherein the mentholated paper layer comprises in the range of over about 700 mg/m² of menthol.
9. The wrapper according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the mentholated paper layer comprises a sprayed layer of menthol.
10. The wrapper according to clause 9, wherein the sprayed layer of menthol substantially forms a layer of menthol on the opposing side of the paper material to the varnish layer.
11. The wrapper according to any one of clause 1 to clause 8, wherein the mentholated paper layer comprises a deposited solvent layer of menthol.
12. The wrapper according to clause 11, wherein the deposited solvent layer of menthol is at least partially dispersed through the paper material.
13. The wrapper according to clause 11 or clause 12, wherein the deposited solvent layer of methanol comprises methanol and a solvent.
14. The wrapper according to clause 13, wherein the solvent is ethanol.
15. The wrapper according to clause 14, wherein the deposited solvent layer of menthol comprises about 70% menthol and about 30% ethanol.
16. The wrapper according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the varnish layer comprises about 2% of the total weight of the wrapper.
17. The wrapper according to any one of clause 1 to clause 16, wherein the varnish layer is formed from a menthol resistant varnish.
18. An inner bundle for a package for an aerosol provision article, wherein the inner bundle is formed from a wrapper according to clause 1 to clause 17.
19. A package for an aerosol provision article, the package comprising:
- an outer container; and
- an inner bundle formed from a wrapper according to any one of clause 1 to clause 17, wherein the inner bundle is located within the outer container.
20. A method of forming an inner bundle for a package for an aerosol provision article, the method comprising the steps of:
- depositing a layer of menthol on an opposing side of a paper material to a varnish layer to form a continuous web of mentholated paper material for forming a wrapper according to any one of clause 1 to clause 17;
- sealing the mentholated paper material in a container; and
- heating the mentholated paper material in the sealed container.
21. The method according to clause 20, wherein the step of heating the paper material in the sealed container comprises heating the paper material for 6 hours.
22. The method according to clause 20 or clause 21, wherein the step of heating the paper material in the sealed container comprises heating the paper material at about 60 degrees Celsius.
23. The method according to any one of clause 20 to clause 22, wherein depositing a layer of menthol comprises spraying methanol onto the paper material.
24. The method according to any one of clause 20 to clause 22, wherein depositing a layer of menthol comprises depositing a solvent layer on the paper material.
25. The method according to clause 23, wherein the solvent layer comprises menthol and ethanol.
26. The method according to any one of clause 20 to clause 25, wherein the paper material is wound onto a bobbin before it is sealed in the container.

Claims

A wrapper for forming an inner container for a package for an aerosol provision article, the wrapper comprising:
a mentholated paper layer comprising a paper material to which menthol has been applied; and

a varnish layer on one side of the mentholated paper layer.
The wrapper according to claim 1, wherein the wrapper is free from an aluminium foil layer.
The wrapper according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the paper material has a paper-weight in the range of about 40 grams per square metre (gsm) to about 80 gsm.
The wrapper according to any one according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mentholated paper layer comprises in the range of about 400 mg/m² to about 900 mg/m² of menthol.
The wrapper according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the paper material has a paper-weight in the range of about 40gsm to about 60 gsm, and optionally, the mentholated paper layer comprises in the range of about 400 mg/m² to about 700 mg/m² of menthol.
The wrapper according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the paper material has a paper-weight in the range of about 60 gsm to about 80 gsm, and optionally, the mentholated paper layer comprises in the range of over about 700 mg/m² of menthol.
The wrapper according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mentholated paper layer comprises a sprayed layer of menthol, and optionally, wherein the sprayed layer of menthol substantially forms a layer of menthol on the opposing side of the paper material to the varnish layer.
The wrapper according to any one of claim 1 to claim 6, wherein the mentholated paper layer comprises a deposited solvent layer of menthol, and optionally, wherein the deposited solvent layer of menthol is at least partially dispersed through the paper material.
The wrapper according to claim 8, wherein the deposited solvent layer of methanol comprises methanol and a solvent, and optionally, wherein the solvent is ethanol, and optionally, wherein the deposited solvent layer of menthol comprises about 70% menthol and about 30% ethanol.
The wrapper according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the varnish layer comprises about 2% of the total weight of the wrapper.
The wrapper according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the varnish layer is formed from a menthol resistant varnish.
An inner bundle for a package for an aerosol provision article, wherein the inner bundle is formed from a wrapper according to claim 1 to claim 11.
A package for an aerosol provision article, the package comprising:
an outer container; and

an inner bundle formed from a wrapper according to any one of claim 1 to claim 11, wherein the inner bundle is located within the outer container.
A method of forming an inner bundle for a package for an aerosol provision article, the method comprising the steps of:
depositing a layer of menthol on an opposing side of a paper material to a varnish layer to form a continuous web of mentholated paper material for forming a wrapper according to any one of claim 1 to claim 11;

sealing the mentholated paper material in a container; and

heating the mentholated paper material in the sealed container.
The method according to claim 14, wherein the step of heating the paper material in the sealed container comprises heating the paper material for 6 hours, and optionally,, wherein the step of heating the paper material in the sealed container comprises heating the paper material at about 60 degrees Celsius.