Abstract: A smokeless tobacco composition configured for insertion into the mouth of a user is provided. The smokeless tobacco composition includes a tobacco material, a sugar alcohol, and a natural gum binder component, wherein the composition is in the form of a pastille. A process for preparing a smokeless tobacco composition pastille configured for insertion into the mouth of a user is also provided. The process includes providing an aqueous mixture comprising a hydrated natural gum binder component, mixing a tobacco material with the aqueous mixture to form a smokeless tobacco mixture, heating the smokeless tobacco mixture, depositing the heated smokeless tobacco mixture into a mould, and curing the smokeless tobacco mixture to form a smokeless tobacco composition pastille.

Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product configured for insertion into the mouth of a user is provided. The smokeless tobacco product includes a tobacco material and a specific starch material that imparts specific textural properties to the product. A process for preparing a smokeless tobacco product with a desired textural property is also provided.

Abstract: A filter material adapted for use as a filter element of a smoking article is provided, the filter material being in the form of a fibrous tow that includes a plurality of filaments of a degradable polyester and a plasticizer composition applied thereto, the plasticizer composition and the degradable polyester having a Relative Energy Difference calculated using Hansen Solubility Parameters of less than about 1.3. Exemplary degradable polyesters include polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polycaprolactone, polybutylene succinate adipate and copolymers or blends thereof. Exemplary plasticizer compositions include one or more of dimethylisosorbide, propylene carbonate, methylbenzyl alcohol, glycerol carbonate acetate, glycerol carbonate ethyl ether, and mixtures thereof, optionally in combination with triacetin. Filter elements and smoking articles, such as cigarettes, that contain the filter material are also provided.

Abstract: A meltable smokeless tobacco composition configured for insertion into the mouth of a user is provided. The smokeless tobacco composition includes a tobacco material and a lipid having a melting point of about 36° C. to about 45° C. An associated process is also provided. The process includes melting a lipid having a melting point of about 36° C. to about 45° C. to form a molten lipid composition, mixing a tobacco material with the molten lipid composition to form a molten smokeless tobacco composition, and cooling the molten smokeless tobacco composition to form a solidified smokeless tobacco composition.