EP4676244A1 - Method for improving the filling power of cut filler tobacco material by providing a binder - Google Patents

Method for improving the filling power of cut filler tobacco material by providing a binder

Info

Publication number
EP4676244A1
EP4676244A1 EP24709114.3A EP24709114A EP4676244A1 EP 4676244 A1 EP4676244 A1 EP 4676244A1 EP 24709114 A EP24709114 A EP 24709114A EP 4676244 A1 EP4676244 A1 EP 4676244A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
dry matter
binder
leaf pieces
tobacco leaf
water
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP24709114.3A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Alexandre REDONDO
Cédric DESPRES
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.)
Philip Morris Products SA
Original Assignee
Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Philip Morris Products SA filed Critical Philip Morris Products SA
Publication of EP4676244A1 publication Critical patent/EP4676244A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • 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
    • A24B15/18—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes
    • A24B15/186—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by coating with a coating composition, encapsulation of tobacco particles
    • 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
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
    • A24B15/00—Chemical features or treatment of tobacco; Tobacco substitutes, e.g. in liquid form
    • A24B15/18—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes
    • A24B15/28—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances
    • A24B15/30—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances by organic substances
    • A24B15/302—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances by organic substances by natural substances obtained from animals or plants
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
    • A24B3/00—Preparing tobacco in the factory
    • A24B3/12—Steaming, curing, or flavouring 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
    • A24B3/00—Preparing tobacco in the factory
    • A24B3/18—Other treatment of leaves, e.g. puffing, crimpling, cleaning

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a method for producing cut filler tobacco material with improved filling power, cut filler tobacco material and a use of a binder to improve the filling power
  • An increased filling power of tobacco material is a generally targeted property known in the tobacco industry.
  • various procedures to improve said filling power have been developed, most commonly requiring the impregnation of tobacco material with a solution, which is then removed via a subsequent expansion process.
  • elevated pressures are generated in the cells of the tobacco material cells, ultimately expanding said tobacco material.
  • the present invention may hinder the reduction of the filling power of tobacco material during processing thereof.
  • a method for producing cut filler tobacco material with improved filling power comprising the following step: providing a binder to loose tobacco leaf pieces, where the binder at least partially coats individual loose tobacco leaf pieces, forming at least a partial coating on the tobacco leaf pieces.
  • Cut filler tobacco material may be used for aerosol-generating articles, which not only refer to filter cigarettes, roll-your-own cigarettes, and other smoking articles in which material is combusted to form smoke, but also those articles that generate an aerosol from an aerosolgenerating material without requiring combustion thereof.
  • Such articles are often designated as “heat-not-burn” aerosol-generating articles, since an aerosol-generating material is heated to a relatively low temperature to induce the formation of an aerosol but prevent the combustion of material contained within the aerosol-generating material.
  • Filling power is a measurement of the amount of tobacco material required for the production of an aerosol-generating article.
  • a tobacco material with an increased filling power indicates that a reduced amount of said tobacco material is required to produce an aerosolgenerating article, in comparison to a tobacco material with a decreased filling power.
  • Loose tobacco leaf pieces may refer to individual leaf pieces that are not rigidly fastened or attached to other leaf pieces. Loose tobacco leaf pieces may be considered a total quantity of individual tobacco leaf pieces.
  • the binder may facilitate the separation of tobacco leave pieces.
  • the tobacco leaf pieces may be separated in a conditioning and casing cylinder, in particular due to an elevated temperature or rotation or both in the conditioning and casing cylinder.
  • Tobacco leaf pieces may be tobacco leaf strip. Tobacco leaf pieces may predominantly comprise uncured tobacco, cured tobacco, whole leaf tobacco or tobacco lamina. Tobacco leaf pieces may be tobacco strands. In particular, tobacco strands may be obtained from reconstituted tobacco. Tobacco leaf pieces may include at least one of the following components: tobacco stem, tobacco strip, tobacco midribs, cut filler or reconstituted tobacco strands.
  • the spraying of the binder may be the sole source of reinforcement.
  • the binder which is provided to the loose tobacco leaf pieces, at least partially coats individual tobacco leaf pieces, thereby forming at least a partial coating on said pieces.
  • the binder may thoroughly encase at least one individual tobacco leaf piece, forming a complete coating around said tobacco leaf piece.
  • the coating formed by the binder may define a discrete layer on an outer surface of the tobacco leaf pieces.
  • a single coating may span over more than one single individual tobacco lead piece.
  • the binder may at most only be partially absorbed into the loose tobacco leaf pieces. In particular, the binder is not absorbed into the loose tobacco leaf pieces.
  • the binder may increase the structural stability of the binder in combination with the tobacco leaf pieces.
  • the structural stability in the tobacco leaf pieces may remain unaltered.
  • the binder may increase in structural stability after its application, without requiring chemical interaction with the tobacco leaf pieces.
  • the increase of structural stability may be effected solely within the binder and by adhesion of the binder to the tobacco leaf pieces.
  • the interaction of the binder with the tobacco leaves may be free of crosslinking, activating or catalyzing bonds of substances in the tobacco leaf pieces.
  • the binder may be free of calcium citrate.
  • An increase in structural stability may prevent the degeneration of the tobacco leaf pieces during processing thereof, which could hinder the loss of material during production.
  • the binder applied to the loose tobacco leaf pieces at least partially encase the individual tobacco leaf pieces, providing a protective coating thereto.
  • the coating may at least absorb, dissipate, or distribute the forces applied to the tobacco leaf pieces during processing, thereby reducing the forces applied to the brittle tobacco leaf pieces. This could prevent breakage, deformation, and loss of volume of the pieces, thereby increasing their survivability and filling power.
  • the binder may bind tobacco dust particles and other elements of smaller size to the tobacco leaf pieces, such that same are not lost during processing.
  • the method may further comprise a conditioning step, wherein the tobacco leaf pieces are conditioned and wherein the conditioning step occurs at the same time or prior to providing the binder.
  • the loose tobacco leaf pieces may be heated.
  • the heating of the tobacco leaf pieces may result in the unfurling and opening of the tobacco leaf pieces.
  • the tobacco leaf pieces may be heated to between 30 and 80 degrees Celsius, preferably between 50 and 70 degrees Celsius.
  • the tobacco leaf pieces may be heated to between 30 and 100 degrees Celsius, preferably between 50 and 90 degrees Celsius, more preferably between 80 and 90 degrees Celsius and most preferably at 85 degrees Celsius.
  • the method may further comprise a casing step, wherein at least one casing is provided to the tobacco leaf pieces and wherein the binder is provided during the casing step.
  • the binder may be provided together with at least one casing.
  • the casing step may occur subsequent to the conditioning step.
  • the method may further comprise a blending step, wherein the tobacco leaf pieces are mixed with at least one other type of tobacco leaf pieces.
  • the blending step may occur at the same time or subsequent to the casing step.
  • the method may further comprise a cutting step, wherein the tobacco leaf pieces are cut to a smaller width.
  • the smaller width may be 4, 2 or 1 .5 millimeter or less.
  • the smaller width may be 1 millimeter or less, preferably around 0.9 millimeter.
  • the smaller width may be in the range of 1.0 millimeter to 0.8 millimeter.
  • the cutting step may occur subsequent to the blending step.
  • a further blending step may occur after the cutting step.
  • the method may further comprise a drying step, wherein the tobacco leaf pieces are dried to a desired moisture content.
  • the desired moisture content may be 5 to 30 weight percent, preferably 10 to 20 weight percent.
  • the drying step may be flash drying.
  • the drying step may utilize rotary dryers.
  • the drying step may be microwaving.
  • the drying step may occur subsequent to the cutting step.
  • the method may further comprise a mixing step, wherein at least one additive is provided to the tobacco leaf pieces and wherein the binder is provided during the mixing step.
  • the mixing step may occur subsequent to the drying step.
  • the additive may contain at least one of the following: tobacco stem, tobacco strip, tobacco midribs, tobacco cut filler, small tobacco lamina, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco dust, riftab, or expanded tobacco.
  • the method may further comprise a flavoring step, wherein at least one flavoring component is provided to the tobacco leaf pieces and wherein the binder is provided during the flavoring step.
  • the flavoring component may be a flavoring solution.
  • the flavoring solution component may be sprayed.
  • the flavoring step may occur subsequent to the mixing step.
  • the binder may comprise at least one of the following: a polysaccharide, a dextrin or a lignin.
  • the binder may comprise at least one of the following: micro-fibrillated cellulose, cellulose nanocrystal, tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, dextrin, lignin, carboxymethyl cellulose, konjac gum or guar gum.
  • the binder may comprise at least micro-fibrillated cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose.
  • the binder may comprise at least micro-fibrillated cellulose and xanthan gum.
  • the binder may comprise at least micro-fibrillated cellulose and tragacanth gum.
  • the method may further comprise a step of heating the binder to a temperature between 45 degrees Celsius and 75 degrees Celsius, preferably between 50 degrees Celsius and 70 degrees Celsius, more preferably between 54 degrees Celsius and 66 degrees Celsius.
  • the binder may be a binder solution or a binder dispersion.
  • the binder may be provided via spraying.
  • the binder may comprise tragacanth gum and water, preferably 0.1 to 4 weight percent dry matter tragacanth gum, more preferably 0.5 to 2 weight percent dry matter tragacanth gum, and most preferably 0.8 to 1.5 weight percent dry matter tragacanth gum.
  • the binder may comprise xanthan gum and water, preferably 0.1 to 4 weight percent dry matter xanthan gum, more preferably 0.5 to 2 weight percent dry matter xanthan gum, and most preferably 0.8 to 1.5 weight percent dry matter xanthan gum.
  • the binder may comprise konjac gum and water, preferably 0.1 to 4 weight percent dry matter konjac gum, more preferably 0.5 to 2 weight percent dry matter konjac gum, and most preferably 0.8 to 1.5 weight percent dry matter xanthan gum.
  • the binder may comprise micro-fibrillated cellulose and water, preferably 0.1 to 5 weight percent dry matter micro-fibrillated cellulose, more preferably 1 to 2 weight percent dry matter micro-fibrillated cellulose, and most preferably 1.5 to 1.8 weight percent dry matter micro- fibrillated cellulose.
  • the binder may comprise cellulose nanocrystal and water, preferably 1 to 10 weight percent dry matter cellulose nanocrystal, more preferably 4 to 9 weight percent dry matter cellulose nanocrystal, and most preferably 5.5 to 7 weight percent dry matter cellulose nanocrystal.
  • the binder may comprise dextrin and water, preferably 1 to 10 weight percent dry matter dextrin, more preferably 2 to 8 weight percent dry matter dextrin, and most preferably 4.5 to 6 weight percent dry matter dextrin.
  • the binder may comprise guar gum and water, preferably 1 to 9 weight percent dry matter guar gum, more preferably 2 to 5 weight percent dry matter guar gum, and most preferably 2.5 to 3.5 weight percent dry matter guar gum.
  • the binder may comprise carboxymethyl cellulose and water, preferably 0.1 to 9 weight percent dry matter carboxymethyl cellulose, more preferably 0.5 to 5 weight percent dry matter carboxymethyl cellulose, and most preferably 1 to 3 weight percent dry matter carboxymethyl cellulose.
  • a cut filler tobacco material comprising loose tobacco leaf pieces and a binder, wherein the binder at least partially coats individual loose tobacco leaf pieces, forming at least a partial coating on the loose tobacco leaf pieces.
  • the cut filler tobacco material may comprise 0.02 to 0.6 weight percent dry matter micro-fibri Hated cellulose, preferably 0.029 to 0.4 weight percent dry matter micro-f ibrillated cellulose, more preferably 0.1 weight percent dry matter micro-fibri Hated cellulose.
  • the cut filler tobacco material may comprise 0.1 to 1 weight percent dry matter cellulose nanocrystal, preferably 0.3 to 0.8 weight percent dry matter cellulose nanocrystal, more preferably 0.5 weight percent dry matter cellulose nanocrystal.
  • the cut filler tobacco material may comprise 0.075 to 0.2 weight percent dry matter tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, or guar gum, preferably 0.1 weight percent dry matter tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, or guar gum.
  • the cut filler tobacco material may comprise 0.25 to 1 weight percent dry matter dextrin, preferably 0.35 to 0.7 weight percent dry matter dextrin, more preferably 0.5 weight percent dry matter dextrin.
  • AH weight percent indications regarding the cut filler tobacco material are with respect to the weight of the cut filler tobacco material.
  • a binder to improve the filling power of a cut filler tobacco material comprising loose tobacco leaf pieces, wherein the binder least partially coats individual loose tobacco leaf pieces, forming at least a partial coating.
  • the cut filler tobacco material may further comprise elements of smaller size than the tobacco leaf pieces, such as tobacco dust particles, wherein the elements of smaller size are connected to the tobacco leaf pieces.
  • a system for producing cut filler tobacco material with improved filling power comprising the following components: a tank comprising binder liquid, an application station for applying the binder liquid to loose tobacco leaf pieces, such that the binder at least partially coats individual loose tobacco leaf pieces, forming at least a partial coating on the tobacco leaf pieces.
  • Example Ex1 Method for producing cut filler tobacco material with improved filling power, comprising the following step: providing a binder to loose tobacco leaf pieces, wherein the binder at least partially coats individual loose tobacco leaf pieces, forming at least a partial coating on the tobacco leaf pieces.
  • Example Ex2 The method according to Ex1 , wherein the tobacco leaf pieces are tobacco leaf strips.
  • Example Ex3 The method according Ex1 or Ex2, wherein the tobacco leaf pieces predominantly comprise uncured tobacco, cured tobacco, whole leaf tobacco or tobacco lamina.
  • Example Ex4 The method according to according to Ex1 or Ex3, wherein the tobacco leaf pieces are tobacco strands.
  • Example Ex5 The method according to according to Ex4, wherein the tobacco strands are obtained from reconstituted tobacco.
  • Example Ex6 The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1-Ex5, wherein the binder is at most only partially absorbed into the loose tobacco leaf pieces.
  • Example Ex7 The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1-Ex6, wherein the binder increases the structural stability of the tobacco leaf pieces.
  • Example Ex9 The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1-Ex8, comprising a casing step, wherein at least one casing is provided to the tobacco leaf pieces and wherein the binder is provided during the casing step.
  • Example Ex10 The method according to Ex9, wherein the binder is provided together with at least one casing.
  • Example Ex12 The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex11 , comprising a blending step, wherein the tobacco leaf pieces are mixed with at least one other type of tobacco leaf pieces.
  • Example Ex14 The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex13, comprising a cutting step, wherein the tobacco leaf pieces are cut to a smaller width.
  • Example Ex16 The method according to Ex14 or Ex15, wherein the cutting step occurs subsequent to a blending step.
  • Example Ex18 The method according to Ex17, wherein the desired moisture content is 5 to 30 weight percent, preferably 10 to 20 weight percent.
  • Example Ex19 The method according to Ex17 or Ex18, wherein the drying step is flash drying.
  • Example Ex20 The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex17- Ex19, wherein the drying step utilizes rotary dryers.
  • Example Ex21 The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex17- Ex20, wherein the drying step is microwaving.
  • Example Ex22 The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex17- Ex21, wherein the drying step occurs subsequent to a cutting step.
  • Example Ex23 The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex22, comprising a mixing step, wherein at least one additive is provided to the tobacco leaf pieces and wherein the binder is provided during the mixing step.
  • Example Ex24 The method according to Ex23, wherein the mixing step occurs subsequent to a drying step.
  • Example Ex25 The method according to Ex23 or Ex24, wherein the additive contains at least one of the following: tobacco stem, tobacco strip, tobacco midribs, tobacco cut filler, small tobacco lamina, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco dust, or expanded tobacco.
  • Example Ex26 The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex25, comprising a flavoring step, wherein at least one flavoring component is provided to the tobacco leaf pieces and wherein the binder is provided during the flavoring step.
  • Example Ex27 The method according to Ex26, wherein the flavoring component is a flavoring solution.
  • Example Ex28 The method according to Ex27, wherein the flavoring solution component is sprayed.
  • Example Ex29 The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex26- Ex28, wherein the flavoring step occurs subsequent to a mixing step.
  • Example Ex30 The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex29, wherein the binder comprises at least one of the following: a polysaccharide, a dextrin or a lignin.
  • Example Ex31 The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex30, wherein the binder comprises at least one of the following: micro-fibri Hated cellulose, cellulose nanocrystal, tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, dextrin, lignin, carboxymethyl cellulose, konjac gum or guar gum.
  • Example Ex32 The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex31 , wherein the binder comprises at least micro-fibri Hated cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose.
  • Example Ex33 The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex32, wherein the binder comprises at least micro-fibrillated cellulose and xanthan gum.
  • Example Ex34 The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex33, comprising a step of heating the binder to a temperature between 45 degrees Celsius and 75 degrees Celsius, preferably between 50 degrees Celsius and 70 degrees Celsius, more preferably between 54 degrees Celsius and 66 degrees Celsius.
  • Example Ex35 The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex34, wherein the binder is a binder solution or a binder dispersion.
  • Example Ex36 The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex35, wherein the binder is provided via spraying.
  • Example Ex37 The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex36, wherein the binder comprises tragacanth gum and water, preferably 0.1 to 4 % dry matter tragacanth gum, more preferably 0.5 to 2 % dry matter tragacanth gum, and most preferably 0.8 to 1 .5 % dry matter tragacanth gum.
  • Example Ex38 The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex36, wherein the binder comprises xanthan gum and water, preferably 0.1 to 4 % dry matter xanthan gum, more preferably 0.5 to 2 % dry matter xanthan gum, and most preferably 0.8 to 1.5 % dry matter xanthan gum.
  • Example Ex39 The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex36, wherein the binder comprises konjac gum and water, preferably 0.1 to 4 % dry matter konjac gum, more preferably 0.5 to 2 % dry matter konjac gum, and most preferably 0.8 to 1 .5 % dry matter xanthan gum.
  • Example Ex40 The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex36, wherein the binder comprises micro-fibrillated cellulose and water, preferably 0.1 to 5 % dry matter micro-fibri Hated cellulose, more preferably 1 to 2 % dry matter micro-fibri Hated cellulose, and most preferably 1.5 to 1.8 % dry matter micro-fibrillated cellulose.
  • Example Ex41 The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex36, wherein the binder comprises cellulose nanocrystal and water, preferably 1 to 10 % dry matter cellulose nanocrystal, more preferably 4 to 9 % dry matter cellulose nanocrystal, and most preferably 5.5 to 7 % dry matter cellulose nanocrystal.
  • Example Ex42 The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex36, wherein the binder comprises dextrin and water, preferably 1 to 10 % dry matter dextrin, more preferably 2 to 8 % dry matter dextrin, and most preferably 4.5 to 6 % dry matter dextrin.
  • Example Ex43 The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex36, wherein the binder comprises guar gum and water, preferably 1 to 9 % dry matter guar gum, more preferably 2 to 5 % dry matter guar gum, and most preferably 2.5 to 3.5 % dry matter guar gum.
  • Example Ex44 The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex36, wherein the binder comprises carboxymethyl cellulose and water, preferably 0.1 to 9 % dry matter carboxymethyl cellulose, more preferably 0.5 to 5 % dry matter carboxymethyl cellulose, and most preferably 1 to 3 % dry matter carboxymethyl cellulose.
  • Example Ex45 Cut filler tobacco material comprising loose tobacco leaf pieces and a binder, wherein the binder at least partially coats individual loose tobacco leaf pieces, forming at least a partial coating on the loose tobacco leaf pieces.
  • Example Ex46 Cut filler tobacco material according to Ex45, wherein the cut filler tobacco material comprises 0.02 to 0.6 % dry matter micro-fibrillated cellulose, preferably 0.029 to 0.4 % dry matter micro-fibrillated cellulose, more preferably 0.1 % dry matter micro-fibrillated cellulose.
  • Example Ex47 Cut filler tobacco material according to Ex45 or Ex46, wherein the cut filler tobacco material comprises 0.1 to 1 % dry matter cellulose nanocrystal, preferably 0.3 to 0.8 % dry matter cellulose nanocrystal, more preferably 0.5 % dry matter cellulose nanocrystal.
  • Example Ex48 Cut filler tobacco material according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex45-Ex47, wherein the cut filler tobacco material comprises 0.075 to 0.2 % dry matter tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, or guar gum, preferably 0.1 % dry matter tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, or guar gum.
  • Example Ex49 Cut filler tobacco material according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex45-Ex48, wherein the cut filler tobacco material comprises 0.25 to 1 % dry matter dextrin, preferably 0.35 to 0.7 % dry matter dextrin, more preferably 0.5 % dry matter dextrin.
  • Example Ex50 Use of a binder to improve the filling power of a cut filler tobacco material comprising loose tobacco leaf pieces, wherein the binder least partially coats individual loose tobacco leaf pieces, forming at least a partial coating.
  • Example Ex51 Use of a binder according to Ex50, wherein the cut filler tobacco material further comprises elements of smaller size than the tobacco leaf pieces, such as tobacco dust particles, wherein the elements of smaller size are connected to the tobacco leaf pieces
  • Example Ex52 System for producing cut filler tobacco material with improved filling power, comprising the following components: a tank comprising binder liquid, an application station for applying the binder liquid to loose tobacco leaf pieces, such that the binder at least partially coats individual loose tobacco leaf pieces, forming at least a partial coating on the tobacco leaf pieces.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a method for producing cut filler tobacco material with improved filling power, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • loose tobacco leaf pieces 1 are removed from their storage containers 2 via a robotic arm 3 and placed on a conveyor belt 4 to be transported to a direct conditioning and casing cylinder (DCCC) 5. Steam and casing mixtures are then applied to the loose tobacco leaf pieces 1 in the DCCC 5, whereby said loose tobacco leaf pieces 1 are unfurled, moisturized, and provided certain flavoring treatments. Alternatively, no flavoring treatments are provided in the DCCC 5.
  • the loose tobacco leaf pieces 1 are subsequently transported to a blending silo 6, wherein other grades of tobacco leaf pieces are blended with the loose tobacco leaf pieces 1.
  • the blended tobacco leaf pieces 1 are then transferred to a cutter 7, where the loose tobacco leaf pieces 1 are cut to a maximum width of 1 millimeter.
  • the loose tobacco leaf pieces 1 are transported to a flash tower dryer 8, to achieve a final desired moisture content.
  • a mixing step occurs, wherein at least one additive 12 is provided to the tobacco leaf pieces 1 .
  • at least one flavoring component is sprayed on the loose tobacco leaf pieces 1 in an after-cut cylinder 9.
  • the loose tobacco leaf pieces are then transported to a final blending silo 10 prior to being distributed and partitioned into individual storage units 11 .
  • a binder can be provided in the direct conditioning and casing cylinder 5, together with the additive 12 or in the after-cut cylinder 9.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Agronomy & Crop Science (AREA)
  • Botany (AREA)
  • Manufacture Of Tobacco Products (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing cut filler tobacco material with improved filling power, comprising the following step: providing a binder to loose tobacco leaf pieces (1), wherein the binder at least partially coats individual loose tobacco leaf pieces (1), forming at least a partial coating on the tobacco leaf pieces (1), further comprising a casing step, wherein at least one casing is provided to the tobacco leaf pieces and wherein at least one additive (12) is provided to the tobacco leaf pieces, further comprising a flavoring step, wherein at least one flavoring component is provided to the tobacco leaf pieces and wherein the binder is provided during the casing step, the mixing step or the flavoring step. The invention further relates to cut filler tobacco material comprising loose tobacco leaf pieces (1) and a binder, wherein the binder at least partially coats individual loose tobacco leaf pieces (1), forming at least a partial coating on the loose tobacco leaf pieces (1), and whereinthe binder comprises at least one of the following: tragacanth gum and water, micro-fibrillated cellulose and water, cellulose nanocrystal and water, 2 to 8 % dry matter dextrin and water, and 0.1 to 9 % dry matter carboxymethyl cellulose and water. The invention also relates to use of a binder to improve the filling power of a cut filler tobacco material comprising loose tobacco leaf pieces (1), wherein the binder least partially coats individual loose tobacco leaf pieces (1), forming at least a partial coating, and wherein the binder comprises at least one of the following: tragacanth gum and water, micro-fibri Hated cellulose and water, cellulose nanocrystal and water, 2 to 8 % dry matter dextrin and water, and 0.1 to 9 % dry matter carboxymethyl cellulose and water.

Description

Method for improving the filling power of cut filler tobacco material by providing a binder
The present disclosure relates to a method for producing cut filler tobacco material with improved filling power, cut filler tobacco material and a use of a binder to improve the filling power
An increased filling power of tobacco material is a generally targeted property known in the tobacco industry. As such, various procedures to improve said filling power have been developed, most commonly requiring the impregnation of tobacco material with a solution, which is then removed via a subsequent expansion process. During such an expansion process elevated pressures are generated in the cells of the tobacco material cells, ultimately expanding said tobacco material.
Although such processes may increase the filling power of the tobacco material, they do not guarantee that said filling power is maintained throughout the subsequent production steps of the tobacco material. Rather, due to the fragile nature of the tobacco material, during further manufacturing and transportation thereof, the tobacco material is further degraded and the filling power reduced once again.
Consequently, the present invention may hinder the reduction of the filling power of tobacco material during processing thereof.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for producing cut filler tobacco material with improved filling power, comprising the following step: providing a binder to loose tobacco leaf pieces, where the binder at least partially coats individual loose tobacco leaf pieces, forming at least a partial coating on the tobacco leaf pieces.
Cut filler tobacco material may be used for aerosol-generating articles, which not only refer to filter cigarettes, roll-your-own cigarettes, and other smoking articles in which material is combusted to form smoke, but also those articles that generate an aerosol from an aerosolgenerating material without requiring combustion thereof. Such articles are often designated as “heat-not-burn” aerosol-generating articles, since an aerosol-generating material is heated to a relatively low temperature to induce the formation of an aerosol but prevent the combustion of material contained within the aerosol-generating material.
Filling power is a measurement of the amount of tobacco material required for the production of an aerosol-generating article. A tobacco material with an increased filling power indicates that a reduced amount of said tobacco material is required to produce an aerosolgenerating article, in comparison to a tobacco material with a decreased filling power.
Loose tobacco leaf pieces may refer to individual leaf pieces that are not rigidly fastened or attached to other leaf pieces. Loose tobacco leaf pieces may be considered a total quantity of individual tobacco leaf pieces.
The binder may facilitate the separation of tobacco leave pieces. The tobacco leaf pieces may be separated in a conditioning and casing cylinder, in particular due to an elevated temperature or rotation or both in the conditioning and casing cylinder.
Tobacco leaf pieces may be tobacco leaf strip. Tobacco leaf pieces may predominantly comprise uncured tobacco, cured tobacco, whole leaf tobacco or tobacco lamina. Tobacco leaf pieces may be tobacco strands. In particular, tobacco strands may be obtained from reconstituted tobacco. Tobacco leaf pieces may include at least one of the following components: tobacco stem, tobacco strip, tobacco midribs, cut filler or reconstituted tobacco strands.
The spraying of the binder may be the sole source of reinforcement.
The binder, which is provided to the loose tobacco leaf pieces, at least partially coats individual tobacco leaf pieces, thereby forming at least a partial coating on said pieces. The binder may thoroughly encase at least one individual tobacco leaf piece, forming a complete coating around said tobacco leaf piece.
The coating formed by the binder may define a discrete layer on an outer surface of the tobacco leaf pieces. A single coating may span over more than one single individual tobacco lead piece.
The binder may at most only be partially absorbed into the loose tobacco leaf pieces. In particular, the binder is not absorbed into the loose tobacco leaf pieces.
The binder may increase the structural stability of the binder in combination with the tobacco leaf pieces. The structural stability in the tobacco leaf pieces may remain unaltered.
The binder may increase in structural stability after its application, without requiring chemical interaction with the tobacco leaf pieces. The increase of structural stability may be effected solely within the binder and by adhesion of the binder to the tobacco leaf pieces. The interaction of the binder with the tobacco leaves may be free of crosslinking, activating or catalyzing bonds of substances in the tobacco leaf pieces. The binder may be free of calcium citrate.
An increase in structural stability may prevent the degeneration of the tobacco leaf pieces during processing thereof, which could hinder the loss of material during production. The binder applied to the loose tobacco leaf pieces at least partially encase the individual tobacco leaf pieces, providing a protective coating thereto. The coating may at least absorb, dissipate, or distribute the forces applied to the tobacco leaf pieces during processing, thereby reducing the forces applied to the brittle tobacco leaf pieces. This could prevent breakage, deformation, and loss of volume of the pieces, thereby increasing their survivability and filling power.
The binder may bind tobacco dust particles and other elements of smaller size to the tobacco leaf pieces, such that same are not lost during processing.
The method may further comprise a conditioning step, wherein the tobacco leaf pieces are conditioned and wherein the conditioning step occurs at the same time or prior to providing the binder. During the conditioning step, the loose tobacco leaf pieces may be heated. The heating of the tobacco leaf pieces may result in the unfurling and opening of the tobacco leaf pieces. The tobacco leaf pieces may be heated to between 30 and 80 degrees Celsius, preferably between 50 and 70 degrees Celsius. Alternatively, the tobacco leaf pieces may be heated to between 30 and 100 degrees Celsius, preferably between 50 and 90 degrees Celsius, more preferably between 80 and 90 degrees Celsius and most preferably at 85 degrees Celsius.
The method may further comprise a casing step, wherein at least one casing is provided to the tobacco leaf pieces and wherein the binder is provided during the casing step. The binder may be provided together with at least one casing. The casing step may occur subsequent to the conditioning step.
The method may further comprise a blending step, wherein the tobacco leaf pieces are mixed with at least one other type of tobacco leaf pieces. The blending step may occur at the same time or subsequent to the casing step.
The method may further comprise a cutting step, wherein the tobacco leaf pieces are cut to a smaller width. The smaller width may be 4, 2 or 1 .5 millimeter or less. The smaller width may be 1 millimeter or less, preferably around 0.9 millimeter. The smaller width may be in the range of 1.0 millimeter to 0.8 millimeter. The cutting step may occur subsequent to the blending step. A further blending step may occur after the cutting step.
The method may further comprise a drying step, wherein the tobacco leaf pieces are dried to a desired moisture content. The desired moisture content may be 5 to 30 weight percent, preferably 10 to 20 weight percent. The drying step may be flash drying. The drying step may utilize rotary dryers. The drying step may be microwaving. The drying step may occur subsequent to the cutting step.
The method may further comprise a mixing step, wherein at least one additive is provided to the tobacco leaf pieces and wherein the binder is provided during the mixing step. The mixing step may occur subsequent to the drying step.
The additive may contain at least one of the following: tobacco stem, tobacco strip, tobacco midribs, tobacco cut filler, small tobacco lamina, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco dust, riftab, or expanded tobacco.
The method may further comprise a flavoring step, wherein at least one flavoring component is provided to the tobacco leaf pieces and wherein the binder is provided during the flavoring step. The flavoring component may be a flavoring solution. The flavoring solution component may be sprayed. The flavoring step may occur subsequent to the mixing step.
The binder may comprise at least one of the following: a polysaccharide, a dextrin or a lignin. The binder may comprise at least one of the following: micro-fibrillated cellulose, cellulose nanocrystal, tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, dextrin, lignin, carboxymethyl cellulose, konjac gum or guar gum.
The binder may comprise at least micro-fibrillated cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose.
The binder may comprise at least micro-fibrillated cellulose and xanthan gum.
The binder may comprise at least micro-fibrillated cellulose and tragacanth gum.
The method may further comprise a step of heating the binder to a temperature between 45 degrees Celsius and 75 degrees Celsius, preferably between 50 degrees Celsius and 70 degrees Celsius, more preferably between 54 degrees Celsius and 66 degrees Celsius.
The binder may be a binder solution or a binder dispersion. The binder may be provided via spraying.
The binder may comprise tragacanth gum and water, preferably 0.1 to 4 weight percent dry matter tragacanth gum, more preferably 0.5 to 2 weight percent dry matter tragacanth gum, and most preferably 0.8 to 1.5 weight percent dry matter tragacanth gum.
The binder may comprise xanthan gum and water, preferably 0.1 to 4 weight percent dry matter xanthan gum, more preferably 0.5 to 2 weight percent dry matter xanthan gum, and most preferably 0.8 to 1.5 weight percent dry matter xanthan gum.
The binder may comprise konjac gum and water, preferably 0.1 to 4 weight percent dry matter konjac gum, more preferably 0.5 to 2 weight percent dry matter konjac gum, and most preferably 0.8 to 1.5 weight percent dry matter xanthan gum.
The binder may comprise micro-fibrillated cellulose and water, preferably 0.1 to 5 weight percent dry matter micro-fibrillated cellulose, more preferably 1 to 2 weight percent dry matter micro-fibrillated cellulose, and most preferably 1.5 to 1.8 weight percent dry matter micro- fibrillated cellulose.
The binder may comprise cellulose nanocrystal and water, preferably 1 to 10 weight percent dry matter cellulose nanocrystal, more preferably 4 to 9 weight percent dry matter cellulose nanocrystal, and most preferably 5.5 to 7 weight percent dry matter cellulose nanocrystal.
The binder may comprise dextrin and water, preferably 1 to 10 weight percent dry matter dextrin, more preferably 2 to 8 weight percent dry matter dextrin, and most preferably 4.5 to 6 weight percent dry matter dextrin.
The binder may comprise guar gum and water, preferably 1 to 9 weight percent dry matter guar gum, more preferably 2 to 5 weight percent dry matter guar gum, and most preferably 2.5 to 3.5 weight percent dry matter guar gum.
The binder may comprise carboxymethyl cellulose and water, preferably 0.1 to 9 weight percent dry matter carboxymethyl cellulose, more preferably 0.5 to 5 weight percent dry matter carboxymethyl cellulose, and most preferably 1 to 3 weight percent dry matter carboxymethyl cellulose.
All weight percent indications regarding the binder are with respect to the weight of the applied binder.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a cut filler tobacco material comprising loose tobacco leaf pieces and a binder, wherein the binder at least partially coats individual loose tobacco leaf pieces, forming at least a partial coating on the loose tobacco leaf pieces.
In particular, the cut filler tobacco material may comprise 0.02 to 0.6 weight percent dry matter micro-fibri Hated cellulose, preferably 0.029 to 0.4 weight percent dry matter micro-f ibrillated cellulose, more preferably 0.1 weight percent dry matter micro-fibri Hated cellulose.
In particular, the cut filler tobacco material may comprise 0.1 to 1 weight percent dry matter cellulose nanocrystal, preferably 0.3 to 0.8 weight percent dry matter cellulose nanocrystal, more preferably 0.5 weight percent dry matter cellulose nanocrystal.
In particular, the cut filler tobacco material may comprise 0.075 to 0.2 weight percent dry matter tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, or guar gum, preferably 0.1 weight percent dry matter tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, or guar gum.
In particular, the cut filler tobacco material may comprise 0.25 to 1 weight percent dry matter dextrin, preferably 0.35 to 0.7 weight percent dry matter dextrin, more preferably 0.5 weight percent dry matter dextrin.
AH weight percent indications regarding the cut filler tobacco material are with respect to the weight of the cut filler tobacco material.
According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a use of a binder to improve the filling power of a cut filler tobacco material comprising loose tobacco leaf pieces, wherein the binder least partially coats individual loose tobacco leaf pieces, forming at least a partial coating.
The cut filler tobacco material may further comprise elements of smaller size than the tobacco leaf pieces, such as tobacco dust particles, wherein the elements of smaller size are connected to the tobacco leaf pieces.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for producing cut filler tobacco material with improved filling power, comprising the following components: a tank comprising binder liquid, an application station for applying the binder liquid to loose tobacco leaf pieces, such that the binder at least partially coats individual loose tobacco leaf pieces, forming at least a partial coating on the tobacco leaf pieces.
The invention is defined in the claims. However, below there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein. Example Ex1 : Method for producing cut filler tobacco material with improved filling power, comprising the following step: providing a binder to loose tobacco leaf pieces, wherein the binder at least partially coats individual loose tobacco leaf pieces, forming at least a partial coating on the tobacco leaf pieces.
Example Ex2: The method according to Ex1 , wherein the tobacco leaf pieces are tobacco leaf strips.
Example Ex3: The method according Ex1 or Ex2, wherein the tobacco leaf pieces predominantly comprise uncured tobacco, cured tobacco, whole leaf tobacco or tobacco lamina.
Example Ex4: The method according to according to Ex1 or Ex3, wherein the tobacco leaf pieces are tobacco strands.
Example Ex5: The method according to according to Ex4, wherein the tobacco strands are obtained from reconstituted tobacco.
Example Ex6: The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1-Ex5, wherein the binder is at most only partially absorbed into the loose tobacco leaf pieces.
Example Ex7: The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1-Ex6, wherein the binder increases the structural stability of the tobacco leaf pieces.
Example Ex8: The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1-Ex7, comprising a conditioning step, wherein the tobacco leaf pieces are conditioned and wherein the conditioning step occurs prior to providing the binder.
Example Ex9: The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1-Ex8, comprising a casing step, wherein at least one casing is provided to the tobacco leaf pieces and wherein the binder is provided during the casing step.
Example Ex10: The method according to Ex9, wherein the binder is provided together with at least one casing.
Example Ex11 : The method according to Ex9 or Ex10, wherein the casing step occurs subsequent to a conditioning step.
Example Ex12: The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex11 , comprising a blending step, wherein the tobacco leaf pieces are mixed with at least one other type of tobacco leaf pieces.
Example Ex13: The method according to Ex12, wherein the blending step occurs subsequent to the casing step.
Example Ex14: The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex13, comprising a cutting step, wherein the tobacco leaf pieces are cut to a smaller width.
Example Ex15: The method according to Ex14, wherein the smaller width is maximally 1 millimeter, preferably 1.0 to 0.8 millimeter, or wherein the smaller width is maximally 1.1 millimeter, preferably 1.05 to 0.95 millimeter.
Example Ex16: The method according to Ex14 or Ex15, wherein the cutting step occurs subsequent to a blending step.
Example Ex17: The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex16, comprising a drying step, wherein the tobacco leaf pieces are dried to a desired moisture content.
Example Ex18: The method according to Ex17, wherein the desired moisture content is 5 to 30 weight percent, preferably 10 to 20 weight percent.
Example Ex19: The method according to Ex17 or Ex18, wherein the drying step is flash drying.
Example Ex20: The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex17- Ex19, wherein the drying step utilizes rotary dryers.
Example Ex21 : The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex17- Ex20, wherein the drying step is microwaving.
Example Ex22: The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex17- Ex21, wherein the drying step occurs subsequent to a cutting step.
Example Ex23: The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex22, comprising a mixing step, wherein at least one additive is provided to the tobacco leaf pieces and wherein the binder is provided during the mixing step.
Example Ex24: The method according to Ex23, wherein the mixing step occurs subsequent to a drying step.
Example Ex25: The method according to Ex23 or Ex24, wherein the additive contains at least one of the following: tobacco stem, tobacco strip, tobacco midribs, tobacco cut filler, small tobacco lamina, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco dust, or expanded tobacco.
Example Ex26: The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex25, comprising a flavoring step, wherein at least one flavoring component is provided to the tobacco leaf pieces and wherein the binder is provided during the flavoring step.
Example Ex27: The method according to Ex26, wherein the flavoring component is a flavoring solution.
Example Ex28: The method according to Ex27, wherein the flavoring solution component is sprayed. Example Ex29: The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex26- Ex28, wherein the flavoring step occurs subsequent to a mixing step.
Example Ex30: The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex29, wherein the binder comprises at least one of the following: a polysaccharide, a dextrin or a lignin.
Example Ex31 : The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex30, wherein the binder comprises at least one of the following: micro-fibri Hated cellulose, cellulose nanocrystal, tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, dextrin, lignin, carboxymethyl cellulose, konjac gum or guar gum.
Example Ex32: The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex31 , wherein the binder comprises at least micro-fibri Hated cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose.
Example Ex33: The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex32, wherein the binder comprises at least micro-fibrillated cellulose and xanthan gum.
Example Ex34: The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex33, comprising a step of heating the binder to a temperature between 45 degrees Celsius and 75 degrees Celsius, preferably between 50 degrees Celsius and 70 degrees Celsius, more preferably between 54 degrees Celsius and 66 degrees Celsius.
Example Ex35: The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex34, wherein the binder is a binder solution or a binder dispersion.
Example Ex36: The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex35, wherein the binder is provided via spraying.
Example Ex37: The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex36, wherein the binder comprises tragacanth gum and water, preferably 0.1 to 4 % dry matter tragacanth gum, more preferably 0.5 to 2 % dry matter tragacanth gum, and most preferably 0.8 to 1 .5 % dry matter tragacanth gum.
Example Ex38: The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex36, wherein the binder comprises xanthan gum and water, preferably 0.1 to 4 % dry matter xanthan gum, more preferably 0.5 to 2 % dry matter xanthan gum, and most preferably 0.8 to 1.5 % dry matter xanthan gum.
Example Ex39: The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex36, wherein the binder comprises konjac gum and water, preferably 0.1 to 4 % dry matter konjac gum, more preferably 0.5 to 2 % dry matter konjac gum, and most preferably 0.8 to 1 .5 % dry matter xanthan gum.
Example Ex40: The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex36, wherein the binder comprises micro-fibrillated cellulose and water, preferably 0.1 to 5 % dry matter micro-fibri Hated cellulose, more preferably 1 to 2 % dry matter micro-fibri Hated cellulose, and most preferably 1.5 to 1.8 % dry matter micro-fibrillated cellulose.
Example Ex41 : The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex36, wherein the binder comprises cellulose nanocrystal and water, preferably 1 to 10 % dry matter cellulose nanocrystal, more preferably 4 to 9 % dry matter cellulose nanocrystal, and most preferably 5.5 to 7 % dry matter cellulose nanocrystal.
Example Ex42: The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex36, wherein the binder comprises dextrin and water, preferably 1 to 10 % dry matter dextrin, more preferably 2 to 8 % dry matter dextrin, and most preferably 4.5 to 6 % dry matter dextrin.
Example Ex43: The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex36, wherein the binder comprises guar gum and water, preferably 1 to 9 % dry matter guar gum, more preferably 2 to 5 % dry matter guar gum, and most preferably 2.5 to 3.5 % dry matter guar gum.
Example Ex44: The method according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex1- Ex36, wherein the binder comprises carboxymethyl cellulose and water, preferably 0.1 to 9 % dry matter carboxymethyl cellulose, more preferably 0.5 to 5 % dry matter carboxymethyl cellulose, and most preferably 1 to 3 % dry matter carboxymethyl cellulose.
Example Ex45: Cut filler tobacco material comprising loose tobacco leaf pieces and a binder, wherein the binder at least partially coats individual loose tobacco leaf pieces, forming at least a partial coating on the loose tobacco leaf pieces.
Example Ex46: Cut filler tobacco material according to Ex45, wherein the cut filler tobacco material comprises 0.02 to 0.6 % dry matter micro-fibrillated cellulose, preferably 0.029 to 0.4 % dry matter micro-fibrillated cellulose, more preferably 0.1 % dry matter micro-fibrillated cellulose.
Example Ex47: Cut filler tobacco material according to Ex45 or Ex46, wherein the cut filler tobacco material comprises 0.1 to 1 % dry matter cellulose nanocrystal, preferably 0.3 to 0.8 % dry matter cellulose nanocrystal, more preferably 0.5 % dry matter cellulose nanocrystal.
Example Ex48: Cut filler tobacco material according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex45-Ex47, wherein the cut filler tobacco material comprises 0.075 to 0.2 % dry matter tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, or guar gum, preferably 0.1 % dry matter tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, or guar gum.
Example Ex49: Cut filler tobacco material according to one or more of the preceding examples Ex45-Ex48, wherein the cut filler tobacco material comprises 0.25 to 1 % dry matter dextrin, preferably 0.35 to 0.7 % dry matter dextrin, more preferably 0.5 % dry matter dextrin. Example Ex50: Use of a binder to improve the filling power of a cut filler tobacco material comprising loose tobacco leaf pieces, wherein the binder least partially coats individual loose tobacco leaf pieces, forming at least a partial coating.
Example Ex51 : Use of a binder according to Ex50, wherein the cut filler tobacco material further comprises elements of smaller size than the tobacco leaf pieces, such as tobacco dust particles, wherein the elements of smaller size are connected to the tobacco leaf pieces
Example Ex52: System for producing cut filler tobacco material with improved filling power, comprising the following components: a tank comprising binder liquid, an application station for applying the binder liquid to loose tobacco leaf pieces, such that the binder at least partially coats individual loose tobacco leaf pieces, forming at least a partial coating on the tobacco leaf pieces.
Examples of embodiments of the invention will now be further described with reference to the figures in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a method for producing cut filler tobacco material with improved filling power, according to an embodiment of the invention.
As illustrated in Figure 1 , loose tobacco leaf pieces 1 are removed from their storage containers 2 via a robotic arm 3 and placed on a conveyor belt 4 to be transported to a direct conditioning and casing cylinder (DCCC) 5. Steam and casing mixtures are then applied to the loose tobacco leaf pieces 1 in the DCCC 5, whereby said loose tobacco leaf pieces 1 are unfurled, moisturized, and provided certain flavoring treatments. Alternatively, no flavoring treatments are provided in the DCCC 5. The loose tobacco leaf pieces 1 are subsequently transported to a blending silo 6, wherein other grades of tobacco leaf pieces are blended with the loose tobacco leaf pieces 1. The blended tobacco leaf pieces 1 are then transferred to a cutter 7, where the loose tobacco leaf pieces 1 are cut to a maximum width of 1 millimeter. Thereafter, the loose tobacco leaf pieces 1 are transported to a flash tower dryer 8, to achieve a final desired moisture content. After this point in the process, a mixing step occurs, wherein at least one additive 12 is provided to the tobacco leaf pieces 1 . Subsequently, at least one flavoring component is sprayed on the loose tobacco leaf pieces 1 in an after-cut cylinder 9. The loose tobacco leaf pieces are then transported to a final blending silo 10 prior to being distributed and partitioned into individual storage units 11 .
A binder can be provided in the direct conditioning and casing cylinder 5, together with the additive 12 or in the after-cut cylinder 9.
For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A ± 5 % of A. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

Claims

1. Method for producing cut filler tobacco material with improved filling power, comprising the following step: providing a binder to loose tobacco leaf pieces, wherein the binder at least partially coats individual loose tobacco leaf pieces, forming at least a partial coating on the tobacco leaf pieces, further comprising a casing step, wherein at least one casing is provided to the tobacco leaf pieces and wherein at least one additive is provided to the tobacco leaf pieces, further comprising a flavoring step, wherein at least one flavoring component is provided to the tobacco leaf pieces and wherein the binder is provided during the casing step, the mixing step or the flavoring step.
2. Method according claim 1 , wherein the binder comprises at least one of the following: micro- fibrillated cellulose, cellulose nanocrystal, tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, dextrin, lignin, carboxymethyl cellulose, konjac gum or guar gum.
3. Method according claim 1 or 2, wherein the binder comprises tragacanth gum and water, preferably 0.1 to 4 % dry matter tragacanth gum, more preferably 0.5 to 2 % dry matter tragacanth gum, and most preferably 0.8 to 1.5 % dry matter tragacanth gum.
4. Method according claim 1 or 2, wherein the binder comprises micro-fibri Hated cellulose and water, preferably 0.1 to 5 % dry matter micro-fibrillated cellulose, more preferably 1 to 2 % dry matter micro-fibrillated cellulose, and most preferably 1.5 to 1.8 % dry matter micro-fibrillated cellulose.
5. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the binder comprises cellulose nanocrystal and water, preferably 1 to 10 % dry matter cellulose nanocrystal, more preferably 4 to 9 % dry matter cellulose nanocrystal, and most preferably 5.5 to 7 % dry matter cellulose nanocrystal.
6. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the binder comprises dextrin and water, preferably 1 to 10 % dry matter dextrin, more preferably 2 to 8 % dry matter dextrin, and most preferably 4.5 to 6 % dry matter dextrin.
7. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the binder comprises carboxymethyl cellulose and water, preferably 0.1 to 9 % dry matter carboxymethyl cellulose, more preferably 0.5 to 5 % dry matter carboxymethyl cellulose, and most preferably 1 to 3 % dry matter carboxymethyl cellulose.
8. Cut filler tobacco material comprising loose tobacco leaf pieces and a binder, wherein the binder at least partially coats individual loose tobacco leaf pieces, forming at least a partial coating on the loose tobacco leaf pieces, and wherein the binder comprises at least one of the following: tragacanth gum and water, micro-fibrillated cellulose and water, cellulose nanocrystal and water,
2 to 8 % dry matter dextrin and water, and
0.1 to 9 % dry matter carboxymethyl cellulose and water.
9. Cut filler tobacco according to claim 8, wherein the cut filler tobacco material comprises 0.02 to 0.6 % dry matter micro-fibrillated cellulose, preferably 0.029 to 0.4 % dry matter micro-fibrillated cellulose, more preferably 0.1 % dry matter micro-fibrillated cellulose.
10. Cut filler tobacco according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the cut filler tobacco material comprises 0.1 to 1 % dry matter cellulose nanocrystal, preferably 0.3 to 0.8 % dry matter cellulose nanocrystal, more preferably 0.5 % dry matter cellulose nanocrystal.
11. Cut filler tobacco according to any one of the claims 8 to 10, wherein the cut filler tobacco material comprises 0.075 to 0.2 % dry matter tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, or guar gum, preferably 0.1 % dry matter tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, or guar gum.
12. Use of a binder to improve the filling power of a cut filler tobacco material comprising loose tobacco leaf pieces, wherein the binder least partially coats individual loose tobacco leaf pieces, forming at least a partial coating, and wherein the binder comprises at least one of the following: tragacanth gum and water, micro-fibrillated cellulose and water, cellulose nanocrystal and water,
2 to 8 % dry matter dextrin and water, and
0.1 to 9 % dry matter carboxymethyl cellulose and water.
EP24709114.3A 2023-03-08 2024-03-08 Method for improving the filling power of cut filler tobacco material by providing a binder Pending EP4676244A1 (en)

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PCT/EP2024/056235 WO2024184528A1 (en) 2023-03-08 2024-03-08 Method for improving the filling power of cut filler tobacco material by providing a binder

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US4936920A (en) * 1988-03-09 1990-06-26 Philip Morris Incorporated High void volume/enhanced firmness tobacco rod and method of processing tobacco
EP2783585A1 (en) * 2013-03-28 2014-10-01 Philip Morris Products S.A. Tobacco based casing
WO2017137857A1 (en) * 2016-02-09 2017-08-17 Philip Morris Products S.A. Smoking article with hydrophobic wrapper and reduced tobacco loose ends

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