WO2022029310A1

WO2022029310A1 - A packaging for tobacco products or tobacco substitute products comprising a particulate tobacco odorant

Info

Publication number: WO2022029310A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/072051
Authority: WO
Inventors: Theodorus VERLAAN; Miguel SORIANO
Original assignee: Jt International Sa
Priority date: 2020-08-07
Filing date: 2021-08-06
Publication date: 2022-02-10
Also published as: JP2023538509A; EP4192760A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging for tobacco products or tobacco substitute products, comprising a container and an odorization device, which is suitable for releasing odorizing molecules to the environment upon opening of the container, wherein the odorization device comprises an inert carrier material and an odorizing composition comprising tobacco particles having an average particle size (sD₅₀ laser diffraction) ≤ 30 μm which is adhered to the carrier material. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing such packaging comprising the steps of: providing a container or a pre-product of a container, providing an odorizing composition comprising tobacco particles having an average particle size ≤ 30 μm, application of the odorizing composition on an inert carrier material which is part of the container or the pre-product of the container or which is separate from the container or the pre-product and brought in contact to the container or the pre-product at a later stage, arranging a tobacco product or a tobacco substitute product in the container, and closing the container.

Description

A packaging for tobacco products or tobacco substitute products comprising a particulate tobacco odorant

Description

The present invention is directed to a packaging for tobacco products or tobacco substitute products, comprising a container and an odorization device, which is suitable for releasing odorizing molecules to the environment upon opening of the container. Furthermore, a method for producing a tobacco packaging comprising a container and an odorization device is described.

Tobacco products and tobacco substitute products are used in high quantities worldwide. Usually these products are provided in packages, which protect the product from damage and maintain the tobacco flavor of the product. In some regions and/or for some tobacco products or Heat- not- Burn/vape products restrictions in using additives (e.g. top note flavorings) exist. Some of these products have no or only a limited inherent characteristic scent. Thus, the product does not provide tobacco scents when the packaging is opened by a user. It has already been tried to provide an additional scent within a packaging. Thus, some known packages comprise an additional flavorant, which is released upon opening of the packaging.

An example for such a packaging is disclosed in the patent application US 593 8 018 A. this document describes a package for a tobacco product having a re-usable, resealable, aroma releasant. The aroma releasant is arranged to connect a tobacco product containment portion and a closure portion of the package. At least a part of the aroma releasant is a peel seal, which is unsealed when the package is opened. In the unsealed state, an aroma substance could exit a respective reservoir. To prevent undesired loss of flavorant, the aroma releasant is arranged in contact to the closure of the packaging and the aroma releasant is closed together with the packaging.

From document US 106 53 175 B2 a package for smokeless tobacco including a flavor patch is known. The flavor patch could be attached to a lid of a can and provides an aroma to the consumer immediately upon opening of the package. The flavor patch includes a fibrous absorbent material and a liquid flavorant releasably absorbed in pores of the fibrous absorbent material.

Furthermore, from document US 661 2 429 B2 a flip open box package for cigarettes is known. On an interior surface of its flip top an encapsulated flavor material is provided. The encapsulated flavor is released upon opening of the box by frictional interaction of frame components or with the product. This friction causes the microcapsules to open and release the aroma.

All these known products have the drawback that the scent is artificial and could only be provided for a limited time after the packaging has been opened for the first time.

Furthermore, the known packagings are quite complex and their manufacture difficult. Thus, also an easy method for manufacturing a tobacco packaging is desired. Preferably, such a tobacco packaging could be manufactured with common handling machines.

It has been found that the problems of the known products and methods could be overcome by a packaging for tobacco products or tobacco substitute products according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 13.

A packaging for tobacco products or tobacco substitute products according to the invention comprises a container and an odorization device, which is suitable for releasing odorizing molecules to the environment upon opening of the container. The odorization device comprises an inert carrier material and an odorizing composition comprising tobacco particles having an average particle size (sDso laser diffraction) < 30 pm which is adhered to the carrier material. The odorizing composition may comprise further odorizing substances. However, the small tobacco particles have been found to be important since they provide a full tobacco flavor over a long period. The tobacco particles may originate from any part of the tobacco plant, e.g. leaves, stems or roots.

Preferably the average size of the tobacco particles (sDso laser diffraction) is > 1 pm, preferably > 2.5 pm, more preferably > 5 pm, most preferably > 8 pm. It has been found that grinding of the tobacco particles to a smaller particle size could affect the odor. It is believed that some of the odorizing molecules decompose due to the high shear energy. Furthermore, some odorizing molecules could exit too small tobacco particles during the grinding process or during a later handling process. This would result in a depletion of these odorizing molecules in the tobacco particles and an odorizing composition different with respect to the full tobacco odor.

The tobacco particles having such a small average particle size are providing a high surface area from which odorizing molecules could leave the particle. The particle size of < 30 pm has been found to allow transfer of a plurality of odorizing molecules homogeneously over a long time period. Thus, a full tobacco odor could be maintained. The particle size allows migration of bigger and smaller molecules from an internal volume of the particles to their surface from which these molecules could pass over to the packaging volume and - after opining of the packaging - could be sensed by a user. It has been shown that the mean size of the leaf tobacco particles provides an optimal volume to surface ratio, due to which a mixture with widely constant ratios of odorizing molecules leaves the particles over a long time interval.

The term “inert”, especially in combination with the word “carrier”, means in the context of the present invention, that a first substance does not chemically interact with the second substance (e.g. the carrier). An inert carrier is preferably inert with respect to the surrounding environment. Thus, the carrier itself remains chemically unchanged when contacted by other packaging materials, the gas inside the packaging volume and/or the odorizing composition. However, “inert” does not mean that no interaction between the other packaging materials, the gas inside the packaging volume and/or the odorizing composition and the (inert) carrier is possible. Especially physical interactions like energy transfer (e.g. friction) is possible. Also, other physical properties of the inert material (e.g. the carrier) could change due to such an interaction. For example, its shape or (specific) surface area could change because of application of an external force. Since it is an important feature of preferred embodiments of the invention that an odorizing composition and/or an odorizing molecule is adhered to a surface of an inert carrier and released from its surface upon an activation signal (e.g. friction), also this change of a surface property of the inert carrier material is possible and is not excluded by the term “inert”.

Preferably releasing of the odorizing molecules from the odorization device is initiable by an activation signal. This embodiment is advantageous, since releasing of the odorizing molecules could be triggered by the user. Thus, depletion of odorizing molecules from the odorization device during storage (when no odor is required), could be avoided. Preferably the activation signal is given when the packaging is handled by a user. For example, the activation signal could be triggered automatically when the packaging is opened and/or when a tobacco product is taken out of the packaging.

In a preferred embodiment, the activation signal is selected from a group comprising temperature change, human contact, friction, mechanical strain, exposure to visible light, humidity change, pressure change, electric signal, UV-light, IR-radiation, light and electromagnetic radiation. Thus, it is possible, that releasing of the odorizing molecules from the odorization device is initiated when the packaging is opened or when a tobacco product is taken out of the packaging. The process of opening the packaging can for example result in a change of temperature, humidity or pressure and/or in exposure to electromagnetic radiation such as visible light, UV-light or IR-radiation. Furthermore, opening of the packaging could trigger an electrical signal.

Any of these signals could be used for releasing the odorizing molecules from the odorization device. For example, a bond (chemical bond, van-der-Waals bond and/or London force) between the odorizing molecules and the carrier could be cleaved thermally or due to irradiation. Alternatively or in addition thereto, also mechanical stress due to the process of taking a tobacco product out of the packaging could initiate releasing of the odorizing molecules. In a preferred embodiment, the odorization device is deformed by a mechanical force caused by the movement of the tobacco product. This deformation opens or enlarges a surface of the carrier from which odorizing molecules could enter the surrounding gas.

Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the odorizing composition is arranged in a closed environment. This closed environment could for example be opened by application of mechanical force, which may be caused by the movement of the tobacco product when taken out of the packaging or by the movement of a closure when opening the packaging. Preferably the closed environment is a capsule. This is advantageous, since a capsule could be handled easily and different capsules are known, which could be opened by different activation signals. More preferably the capsule is a microcapsule. Microcapsules are advantageous since little amounts of the odorizing composition could be encapsulated separately from each other in different microcapsules, from which only a single microcapsule or a small number of microcapsules is opened when an activation signal is given. This allows conservation of odorizing composition over a long period in the remaining (unopened) microcapsules.

Preferably, the odorization device is located at an inner surface of the container. This embodiment is preferred since the packaging not only protects the product but also the odorization device. Furthermore, the inner volume of the packaging could provide (and maintain) defined characteristics, which change upon opening of the packaging. Thus, one or more of the changing characteristics could trigger the activation signal. In an example entering of light in a previously closed packaging activates releasing of odorizing molecules.

In another preferred embodiment, the odorization device is located at a position of the container which is prone to mechanical strain and/or friction and/or raise of temperature caused by handling and/or opening of the container and/or by taking tobacco out of the container. An example for such an arrangement is positioning the odorization device on an inner surface of a closure which shifts along a corresponding surface of the packaging during the opening process. Such a surface could for example be a contact surface between the lid and the container. It is also possible that the odorization device is positioned on an inner frame of the container, preferably on the ears.

In an alternative embodiment, thermal energy provided by the user is used for releasing of odorizing molecules. Thermal energy (for examples of the user’s hands when touching the packaging) could be directed to the odorization device, where it activates release of odorizing molecules. In such a case the odorization device is positioned on outer walls of the container and/or the lid. It is conceivable that the odorization device is located on the inside and/or the outside of an inner liner that wraps the product inside the packaging.

It is conceivable that the odorization device is applied to a manually operated sticker, in particular on the positions where the user needs to touch the packaging during the opening or closing process. Preferably, the sticker has also at least one other function, for example, resealing the packaging, and/or the sticker could also have a decorative character. More preferred, the odorization device is included in the glue that reseals the packaging. It is also possible that the odorization device is arranged on an insert within the packaging, for example, a communication insert arranged between the inner frame and the inner liner. It is also conceivable that all mentioned options to position the odorization device are executed in a snus can, a packaging for cartridges containing a vaporizable substance to be vaporized in a portable hand-held device, loose-leaf pouches or heat-not-burn consumables. Additionally, for the loose-leaf pouches it is also possible to apply the odorization device on the foil (e.g. plastic foil) on the inside, especially inside the tobacco pocket. Preferably, the odorization device is arranged in the zip lock. If the packaging is a snus can, the odorization device can also be located on the inside and/or outside of the main compartment, especially on the circumferential side wall. In another embodiment, the odorization device is placed on the rims of the main compartment and/or lid. In a most preferred embodiment, there is a combination of locations for the odorization devices in and/or on the packaging.

In a preferred embodiment, a form of the carrier material is selected from a group comprising fibers, filtering material, fiber tow, staple fibers, randomly oriented staple fibers, sheets, paper sheet, folded paper, rolled paper, crimped paper, matrix material, sponge type, ceramic material, fleece, multiple tubes, single tube, granulate, spherical particles, cubes, cuboids and parallelepipeds. These kinds of carrier materials have been found advantageous, since they are commonly used for other purposes in the production of smoking articles. Thus, it is known in the art, how to handle these materials. Furthermore, these materials could be handled with common handling machines.

Preferably, the tobacco particles of the odorization device are obtained by grinding. To avoid decomposing of the odorizing molecules of the tobacco during the grinding process it has been found advantageous to reduce the viscosity of the grinding composition. This could be achieved by adding a solvent to this composition. Such a solvent (or “dispersion medium”) is preferably selected from a group comprising water, monovalent alcohols, polyvalent alcohols, sugar alcohols, sugars and polyvalent alcohol esters. By using such a dispersion medium, the average particle size can be adjusted to the desired value without significant changes of the odor.

More preferably, the one or more dispersion medium is selected from a group comprising water, monovalent alcohol, monovalent aliphatic alcohol, methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2- propanol, 1-butanol, 2-butanol, 2-methyl-1 -propanol, 2,2-dimethylethanol, cyclohexanol, monovalent alcohol having an aromatic substituent, benzyl alcohol, monovalent alcohol containing one or more halogen element monovalent alcohol having one or more ether bond, polyvalent alcohol, glycerol, propylene glycol, sugar alcohol, sorbitol, maltitol, xylitol, erythritol, lactitol, sorbitan, xylose, arabinose, mannose, trehalose, sugar, lactose, sucrose, coupling sugar, glucose, enzyme-saccharified starch syrup, acid-saccharified starch syrup, maltose starch syrup, maltose, isomerized sugar, fructose, reduced maltose, reduced starch syrup, honey, polyvalent alcohol ester, fatty acid polyvalent alcohol ester and fatty acid triglyceride.

Some of the odorizing molecules of the tobacco could be extracted to the liquid medium during the grinding process. To avoid loss of these odorizing molecules, the liquid (dispersion) medium or a derivative therefrom, which is preferably enriched with odorizing molecules (e.g. a concentrate) is also part of the odorizing composition. Preferably any extract of tobacco is kept at low temperatures to avoid loss of odorizing molecules.

Preferably the odorizing composition comprises a cold extract of tobacco. Such a cold extract is preferably obtained at a temperature of < 30°C, preferably < 20°C, more preferably < 15°C, most preferably < 10°C, to prevent decomposition and/or dissipation of the odorizing tobacco molecules. Preferably the liquid medium of the extract has a temperature of > -20°C, preferably > -10°C, more preferably > -5°C, most preferably > 0°C, to facilitate its handling.

Preferably the ratio of the tobacco particles in a dispersion is > 0,5 % (w/w), preferably > 1 % (w/w), > 2 % (w/w) or > 5 % (w/w), more preferably > 10 % (w/w), most preferably > 20 % (w/w) and < 95 % (w/w), preferably < 90 % (w/w), < 80 % (w/w) or < 70 % (w/w), more preferably < 60 % (w/w), most preferably < 50 % (w/w). It has been found that these ratios allow grinding of the leaf tobacco to the desired average particle size in most of the solvents without significant loss of odor.

Beside the tobacco particles with an average particle size of 30 micrometer or less, the odorizing composition preferably comprises a liquid medium like alcohol or water, in which the tobacco particles are dispersed.

In a preferred embodiment, the tobacco particles are dispersed in a liquid medium having a temperature of < 30°C, preferably < 20°C, more preferably < 15°C, most preferably < 10°C, to prevent decomposition and/or dissipation of the tobacco odor. Preferably the liquid medium of the dispersion has a temperature of > -20°C, preferably > -10°C, more preferably > -5°C, most preferably > 0°C, to facilitate its handling.

Preferably the container is selected from a group comprising a bag, a tin, a can, a box, a capsule, a stand-up zip lock bag, a stand-up pouch or a bucket tin. Containers of this type are often used in tobacco industry and could be handled with known handling machines. It has been found that these containers are suitable for accommodating an odorization device.

In a further preferred embodiment, the container comprises a material selected from a group comprising paper, metal, metal foil, polymer, PE, PP, laminate, paper metal laminate, paper polymer laminate, metal polymer laminate and paper metal polymer laminate. Some of these materials are suitable inert carriers in the meaning of the present invention. Thus, the odorization device could easily be formed by adhering the odorizing composition to a surface of these materials. Preferably, the odorizing composition could be printed onto this surface.

Preferably, the container further contains a tobacco product (or substitute tobacco product) selected from a group comprising cigarettes, loose tobacco, snus, heat not burn consumables, e-liquid cartridges. Especially for products not containing tobacco, it has been found advantageous, to provide a tobacco odor within the packaging. Thus, a packaging comprising an odorization device for releasing odorizing molecules from tobacco particles is especially preferred for products like non-tobacco snus or white snus, heat not burn consumables and e-liquid.

In a preferred embodiment, the odorizing composition is applied in a predetermined pattern on the carrier. This embodiment allows application of sings, which could be recognized by the user. Preferably the predetermined pattern is a symmetrical geometrical pattern, a letter, a symbol, a logo and/or a trademark. Thus, the product could be distinguished from other products easily. To further increase the recognizability the odorizing composition is preferably applied together with a coloring substance. More preferably the odorizing composition is part of an ink. Application of the odorizing composition together with a coloring substance facilitated the production process, since the printing and the odorizing composition could be applied in a single step, preferably by common printing machines.

A further aspect of the invention is a method for manufacturing a packaging for tobacco products or tobacco substitute products, the method comprising the steps of: providing a container or a pre-product of a container, providing an odorizing composition comprising tobacco particles having an average particle size (sDso laser diffraction) < 30 pm, application of the odorizing composition on an inert carrier material which is part of the container or the pre-product of the container or which is separate from the container or the pre-product and brought in contact to the container or the pre-product at a later stage, arranging a tobacco product in the container, and closing the container.

This method allows production of a selection of a packaging for tobacco products or tobacco substitute products, which provides a desired flavor upon opening of the container, in an easy manner. Furthermore, this method allows selection of a desired odor independently from the odor of the tobacco article. Packaging for products, which originally do not provide a full tobacco odor, could be adjusted in such a way the odor molecules not provided by the product could be provided by the odorizing composition instead.

Preferably, the odorizing composition is part of an ink. This allows application of the odorizing composition in a predetermined pattern on the container or a pre-product of a container. Preferably, the ink is applied by printing. This variation of the method allows application of sings in a very easy manner. The ink could be printed in a predetermined pattern, which could be recognized by the user. Preferably, the predetermined pattern is a symmetrical geometrical pattern, a letter, a symbol, a logo and/or a trademark. Especially trademarks allow for easy differentiation between products from different suppliers. The recognizability of the pattern could be enhanced by application of the odorizing composition together with a coloring substance. Application of the odorizing composition together with a coloring substance not only enhanced the recognizability but also facilitates the production process, since the printing and the odorizing composition could be applied in a single step. More preferably the ink including the odorizing composition and the coloring substance are applied by a common printing machine.

Preferably, the odorizing composition is arranged in a closed environment. This reduces depletion of the odorizing molecules over a long period. Preferably the closed environment is a capsule or a microcapsule. These embodiments are preferred since they are easy to handle and allow conservation of the odorizing composition over very long periods. The closed environment can preferably be opened by an external signal or a treatment. This signal or a treatment is preferably selected from a group comprising temperature raise, contact by a human, application of friction, application of mechanical strain, exposure to visible light, change of humidity, change of pressure, application of an electric signal, application of UV-light, application of IR-radiation, application of light and application of electromagnetic radiation.

These signals or treatments could be given together with the process of opening the container. For example, it is possible that light enters the packaging upon opening and causes a light sensitive capsule containing the odorizing composition to decompose. Alternatively or additionally, opening of the capsules could be caused by human contact. The contact could result in friction, temperature increase, lowering the pH (due to the low pH of the human skin), or increase humidity, which all (separately from each other or in any combination) could cause the capsules to open and releasing of odorizing molecules.

It will be understood that the embodiments explained above are merely a first embodiment of the method and/or system of the invention. In this respect, the disclosure of the invention is not limited to these embodiments.

All the features disclosed in the application documents are claimed as being essential to the invention in so far as they are individually or in combination novel over the prior art.

Further advantages, objectives and features of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, in the following description with reference to the appended figures. In the figures, like components in different embodiments can exhibit the same reference symbols.

The figures show:

Fig. 1 a schematic view of a packaging 1 for cigarettes;

Fig. 2 a schematic view of a packaging 1 for loose leaf tobacco;

Fig. 3 a schematic view of a packaging 1 for snus; Fig. 4 an enlarged sectional view of an odorization device 3;

Fig. 1 shows a packaging 1 for cigarettes 10. This packaging 1 comprises an outer packaging 2a with a body section 22 and a lid 12. The lid 12 is hinged on the body section 22 so as to open the packaging 1 and allow access to the consumables 11 (here preferably cigarettes) arranged in a container 2 in the inner volume 13 of the body section 22. The lid 12 here is shown in an open state of packaging 1.

Reference numeral 41 refers to an inner frame, conventionally attached to an inner surface 9 of front 14 and side 15 walls of the body section 22 of the packaging 1 and extending longitudinally 43 upwards outside the inner volume 13 thereof to provide a mating closing surface 16 for the lid 12, preventing it from self-opening or “smiling” after packaging 1 has been opened and several consumables 11 removed from a container 2. In the represented figure the inner frame 41 comprises a recess 42 for allowing access to the consumables 11 and removal from the container 2 by a user. The recess 42 may be of different shape to that shown in the figure, and may in particular extend more widely into the inner frame 41 to offer a larger access to the consumables 11 in the body section 22.

Reference numeral 17 refers to a section of an inner packaging of the packaging 1 wrapping the consumables 11 in the body section 22 to protect them from contacting the inner surfaces 9 of the body section 22 and lid 12 before first opening of the packaging 1. This wrapping is typically referred to as inner liner.

Reference numeral 3 refers to an odorization device 3 comprising odorizing molecules. The odorization device 3 is preferably positioned on the inner surface 9 of the lid 12 (not shown) which shifts along a corresponding surface 9 of the packaging 1 during the opening and closing process, and/or on front, back and/or side walls of the inner frame 41 of the container 2, for example, on ears (not shown) of the inner frame 41. It is also conceivable that the odorization device 3 is positioned on the outer surface 26 of the outer packaging 2a and extends along the front 14 and side 15 walls. The width 32 and length 33 of the odorization device 3 can vary. It is possible that the odorization device 3 covers the whole outer 26 and/or inner 9 surface.

In Fig. 2 a packaging 1 (here pouch) filled with consumables 11 (here tobacco) in a compartment 18 is shown. The pouch 1 comprises an outer envelope 19, which comprises afront 20 and a back 21 wall as well as a cover flap 12. Further, the envelope 19 has at least a first 22a, a second 22b and a lower 22c outer edge.

Preferably the cover flap 12 is connected to a non-fixed edge 23 of the back 21 wall. Ideally, the pouch 1 is shaped rectangular, with the first 22a and the second 22b outer edges opposing each other, in particular in parallel, and the lower 22c outer edge opposing the nonfixed edges 23. Preferably a length 24 of the envelope 19 along the lower 22c outer edge is larger than a width 25 of the envelope 19 along the first 22a and second 22b outer edge. It is possible that the length 24 of the envelope 19 is smaller than a width 25 of the envelope 19. It may also be possible that the envelope 19 has a round or rounded shape with the first 22a, the second 22b and/or the lower 22c outer edges curved.

In a closed state of the pouch 1 , an inner surface 9 of the lid 19 preferably opposes an outer surface 26 of the front 20 wall. To form the pouch 1 , the front 20 and the back 21 walls are preferably connected to each other at the first 22a, second 22b and lower 22c outer edge of the envelope 19 resulting in an opening 27 between the non-fixed edges 23 of the front 20 and back 21 wall. Preferably, the front 20 and the back 21 walls are connected via welded or glued seams 28 at the first 22a, second 22b and/or lower 22c outer edge of the envelope 19.

Preferably, an intermediate 30 wall is arranged between the front 20 and the back 21 wall, wherein inner surfaces 9 of the front 20 (not shown here) and the back 21 wall preferably oppose each other. Ideally, the inner surface 9 (not shown here) of the intermediate 30 wall opposes the inner surface 9 of the back wall 21 , whereby an outer surface 26 of the intermediate 30 wall preferably opposes the inner surface 9 of the front 20 wall, thereby creating a first compartment 18a and a second compartment 18b.

While preferably the first compartment 18a is formed between the front 20 and the intermediate 30 wall, the second compartment 18b is formed between the intermediate 30 and the back 21 wall. Both, the first and second compartment 18b are preferably closed in a closed state of the pouch 1 and/or envelope 19, in particular in a state where the inner surface 9 of the cover flap 12 opposes an outer surface 26 of the front 20 wall.

Preferably, the second compartment 18b is filled with attachments 29 for a smoking experience. An opening 27 of the second compartment 18b is defined by the non-fixed edge 23 of the back 21 wall and an upper edge 22d of the intermediate wall 30. The consumables 11 are fillable into the first compartment 18a through an opening 27 defined by the upper edge 22d of the intermediate 30 wall and the non-fixed edge 23 of the front wall 20.

Ideally, the envelope 19 consists of one coherent piece 31, with the coherent piece 31 folded such that the a lower inner edge 22c of the front 20 wall is connected to a lower inner edge 22c of the back 21 wall, wherein the non-fixed edge 23 of the back 21 wall is connected to the cover flap 12. Thus, the back 21 wall is arranged between the cover flap 12 and the front 20 wall.

With at least two edges 22a, 22b, the intermediate 30 wall is connected to the first 22a and second 22b inner edge of the front 20 and/or back 21 wall, in particular also connected to the lower 22c inner edge of the front 20 and/or back 21 wall. It may also be possible that with at least two edges, the intermediate 30 wall is connected to the lower 22c inner edge of the front 20 and/or back 21 wall and to either the first 22a or second 22b inner edge of the front 20 and/or back 21 wall. However, it is preferred that the intermediate wall 30 is part of the coherent piece 31, in which case it is made out of two panels folded against each other along the upper edge 22d of the intermediate wall 30. It may be possible to have two lower edges 22c, namely one between the front 20 and a first panel of the intermediate 30 wall and another one between a second panel of the intermediate 30 wall and the back 21 wall. This allows a user to insert his/her hand between both panels of the intermediate 30 wall to carry the packaging 1 or hold it while extracting its contents. It is preferred though that there are only two side edges 22a, 22b connecting the front 20 wall, back 21 wall and intermediate 30 wall to prevent the first and second compartments 18a, 18b from rotating to each other as this can complicate extraction of the contents of the packaging 1.

The packaging 1 comprises also the odorization device 3. The odorization device 3 is positioned on the inner 9 and/or outer 26 surface of the cover flap 12 (not shown here). Preferably, there is more than one odorization device 3 arranged on the inner surface 9, wherein they are extending in the width 25 and the length 24. The several odorization devices 3 are spread located on the inner surface 9. It is also possible that only one of the odorization devices 3 is located on the inner surface 9 of the cover flap 12. Preferably, there is at least one odorization device 3 on the outer surface 26 (not shown here), wherein they are also extending in the width 25 and the length 24. The several odorization devices 3 are spread located on the outer surface 26. It is possible that the odorization devices 3 are located inside and/or outside of the cover flap 12 and additionally applied along at least one of the non-fixed edges 23. It is also conceivable that the odorization device 3 is a sticker 34 for resealing the packaging 1, wherein the odorization device 3 is located on the outer surface (not shown here) of the sticker 34 and/or on the glued inner surface 9. It is also conceivable that the odorization device 3 is positioned on the outer surface 26 of the front wall 20, wherein the width 32 and length 33 of the odorization device 3 is variable. It is possible that the odorization device 3 covers the whole outer 26 and/or inner 9 surface.

In Fig. 3 a schematic view of the constituents of a cylindrically shaped packaging 1 (here preferably a snus can) for tobacco products is shown. The container 1 comprises a closable receptacle 35. Also there is a matching cap 36 affiliated to the packaging 1.

The closable receptacle 35 and the matching cap 36 are both cylindrically shaped, wherein the closable receptacle 35 comprises an upper edge 22d, a closable top side opening 27, a lower edge 22c, an outer surface 26, and an inner surface 9. With the lower edge 22c and the upper edge 22d and the outer 26 and the inner 9 surfaces an inner volume 13 is created.

The cap 36 comprises a top face 37 and a lateral section 38. The cap 36 is arrangeable at the upper edge 22d of the receptacle 35 and forms a closure of the closable top side opening 27, wherein the top face 37 of the cap 36 is positioned parallel to the closable top side opening 27 and perpendicular to lateral side of the receptacle 39 of the container 1.

Additionally, the cap 36 circumferentially encloses a part of a lateral side 39 adjacent to the upper edge 22d of the receptacles 35.

Further, the cap 36 is preferably completely detachable from the receptacle 35 and forms a closure of the closable top side opening 27. Preferably, the receptacle 35 is made of carton, metal, plastic and/or another synthetic material, wherein the receptacles 35 can have a transparent section constituting a window to show what’s inside.

The receptacle 35 and the cap 36 comprise preferably a thread 40, wherein the thread 40 on the receptacle 35 fits to the thread 40 on the cap 36 for closing and opening the top side opening 27.

The packaging 1 comprises the odorization device 3 on the outer 26 and/or inner 9 surface. It is conceivable that the odorization device 3 is a sticker 34 on the outer surface 26 of the packaging 1 , wherein the width 32 and length 33 of the odorization device 3 is variable. It is possible that the odorization device 3 encloses the whole outer 26 and/or inner 9 surface. It is also possible that the odorization device 3 is positioned on the top face 37 and/or the lateral section 38 of the cap 36.

Fig. 4 shows an enlarged sectional view of an odorization device 3 with the inert carrier material 5 and the odorizing molecules 4. In this embodiment the inert carrier material 5 is a sheet comprising an outer surface 26. The tobacco particles 7 are adhered to the outside surface 26 of the inert carrier material 5, wherein the odorizing molecules 4 are naturally comprised in the tobacco particles 7. The tobacco particles, preferably together with other odorizing substances, form an odorizing composition 6, which is preferably deposited on the outer surface 26 of the inert carrier material 5.

List of reference symbols packaging container a outer packaging odorization device odorizing molecules inert carrier material odorization composition tobacco particles inner surface 1 consumables 2 lid / cover flap 3 inner volume / closed environment 4 front panels 5 side panels 6 mating closing surface 7 inner packaging 8 compartment 9 envelope 0 front wall 1 back wall 2 body section 2a first edge 2b second edge 2c lower edge 2d upper edge 3 non-fixed edge 4 length of the envelope 5 width of the envelope 6 outer surface 7 opening 8 seams 9 attachments 0 intermediate wall coherent piece width of the odorization device length of the odorization device sticker receptacle cap top face of the cap lateral section lateral side of the receptacle thread inner frame recess

Claims

Claims A packaging (1) for tobacco products or tobacco substitute products, comprising a container (2) and an odorization device (3), which is suitable for releasing odorizing molecules (4) to the environment upon opening of the container (2), characterized in that the odorization device (3) comprises an inert carrier material (5) and an odorizing composition (6) comprising tobacco particles (7) having an average particle size < 30 pm which is adhered to the carrier material (5). The packaging (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that releasing of the odorizing molecules (4) from the odorization device (3) is initiable by an activation signal. The packaging (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the activation signal is selected from a group comprising temperature change, human contact, friction, mechanical strain, exposure to visible light, humidity change, pressure change, electric signal, UV-light, IR-radiation, light and electromagnetic radiation. The packaging (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the odorizing composition (6) is arranged in a closed environment (13), preferably a capsule, more preferably a microcapsule. The packaging (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the odorization device (3) is located at an inner surface (9) of the container (2). The packaging (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the odorization device (3) is located at a position (10) of the container (2) which is prone to mechanical strain and/or friction and/or raise of temperature caused by handling and/or opening of the container (2) and/or by taking a product (11) out of the container (2). The packaging (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that a form of the carrier material (5) is selected from a group comprising fibers, filtering material, fiber tow, staple fibers, randomly oriented staple fibers, sheets, paper sheet, folded paper, rolled paper, crimped paper, matrix material, sponge type, ceramic material, fleece, multiple tubes, single tube, granulate, spherical particles, cubes, cuboids and parallelepipeds. The packaging (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the average size of the tobacco particles is > 1 pm, preferably > 2.5 pm, more preferably > 5 pm, most preferably > 8 pm. The packaging (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the odorizing composition (6) comprises a cold extract of tobacco. The packaging (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the container (2) is selected from a group comprising a bag, a tin, a can, a box, a capsule, a stand-up zip lock bag, a stand-up pouch or a bucket tin and/or comprising a material selected from a group comprising paper, metal, metal foil, polymer, PE, PP, laminate, paper metal laminate, paper polymer laminate, metal polymer laminate and paper metal polymer laminate. The packaging (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the container (2) further contains a tobacco product selected from a group comprising cigarettes, loose tobacco, snus, heat not burn consumables, e-liquid cartridges. The packaging (1) according to any preceding claim, characterized by the odorizing composition (6) is applied in a predetermined pattern on the carrier, preferably a symmetrical geometrical pattern, a letter, a symbol, a logo and/or a trademark, and is more preferably applied together with a coloring substance. A method for manufacturing a packaging (1) for tobacco products or tobacco substitute products, the method comprising the steps of: providing a container (2) or a pre-product of a container (2), providing an odorizing composition (6) comprising tobacco particles having an average particle size < 30 pm, application of the odorizing composition (6) on an inert carrier material (5) which is part of the container (2) or the pre-product of the container (2) or which is separate from the container (2) or the pre-product and brought in contact to the container (2) or the pre-product at a later stage, arranging a tobacco product or a tobacco substitute product in the container (2), and closing the container (2). The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the odorizing composition (6) is part of an ink and applied to the container (2) or a pre-product of a container (2) by printing. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the odorizing composition (6) is arranged in a closed environment (13), preferably a capsule or a microcapsule, which can be opened by a treatment selected from a group comprising temperature raise, contact by a human, application of friction, application of mechanical strain, exposure to visible light, change of humidity, change of pressure, application of an electric signal, application of UV-light, application of I Irradiation, application of light and application of electromagnetic radiation.