SUSTAINABLE FILTER

A filter or mouthpiece for a smoking article such as a cigarette or a tobacco heating product, the filter or mouthpiece comprising several segments, wherein at least one segment comprises paper and/or biodegradable filtering material.

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Description
INTRODUCTION

The present invention provides filters or mouthpieces for use with a smoking article such as a cigarette, tobacco heating product, a heat-not-burn (HNB) product or heated tobacco product (HTP).

BACKGROUND

Mouthpieces or filter elements for smoking articles such as cigarettes, tobacco heating products, heat-not-burn (HNB) products of HTP may be manufactured from a number of different materials. Presently, 98% of commercial cigarette filters comprise an amount of cellulose acetate (source: Euromonitor International). However, cellulose acetate is not readily biodegradable and, as a result, cigarette filters (and cigarette butts) comprising cellulose acetate may persist in the environment for many years. Due to this, and in consideration of new EU legislation aimed at reducing the use of single-use plastics such as cellulose acetate filters, there is increasing interest in filters and filter elements (and mouthpieces) that do not comprise single-use plastics and are biodegradable.

An alternative filtration material to cellulose acetate is paper. Filters comprising paper as the filtering material are well known in the art. Paper filters offer a number of advantages over cellulose acetate filters in terms of enhanced biodegradability and higher filtration efficiencies at a given pressure drop. However, they also have a number of disadvantages compared to cellulose acetate filters, for example they may have a deleterious effect on the taste of the cigarette, reduced filter firmness and an unattractive pre- and post-smoking appearance (as a result of staining). Further, paper filters typically have a reduced retention of toxic phenolic compounds and a much higher retention of tar and nicotine than those made from cellulose acetate. Thus the experience of smoking cigarettes with conventional paper filters is not comparable to that from a conventional cellulose acetate filtered cigarette.

It is therefore desirable to provide a mouthpiece or filter for a smoking article (e.g., a cigarette, a tobacco heating product, a heat-not-burn (HNB) product or HTP) which provides acceptable filtration properties and firmness (i.e., hardness) while having an improved biodegradability compared to conventional materials such as cellulose acetate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION First Aspect of the Invention

According to the present invention in a first aspect there is provided a filter (or mouthpiece) (e.g., for a smoking article such as a cigarette, a tobacco heating product, a HNB product or HTP) comprising:

    • first and second longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) elements;
    • a longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core between the first and second longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) elements, the core comprising a filtering material comprising a paper and/or other biodegradable material; and
    • a filter wrapper engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending tubular elements and the longitudinally extending core;
    • wherein the first and second longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) elements each (independently) comprise a longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) hollow tube of paper and/or other biodegradable filtering material; a filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material engaged around the hollow tube along the full (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube; and a wrapper (e.g., plugwrap) engaged around the filler layer along the full (e.g., longitudinal) length of the filler layer, wherein the hollow tube, the filler layer and the wrapper are the same length.

The components used in the present invention are biodegradable and have an enhanced biodegradability compared to cellulose acetate. Therefore, the present invention provides a filter or mouthpiece of enhanced biodegradability, and thus is more environmentally friendly and is more in line with EU legislation.

The term “biodegradable” refers to the filter or mouthpiece (or components thereof such as filter wrapper, hollow tube of paper, filtering material) being able to exhibit a biodegradation of at least 90% after 6 months under controlled composting conditions (see ISO14855-1 Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions—Method by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide).

Preferably the filter or mouthpiece (or components thereof such as filter wrapper, hollow tube of paper, filtering material) of the invention is “readily biodegradable”. The phrase “readily biodegradable” refers to the filter or mouthpiece (or components thereof such as filter wrapper, hollow tube of paper, filtering material) being able to disintegrate rapidly and completely biodegrade when immersed in water. Preferably the filter or mouthpiece (or components thereof such as filter wrapper, hollow tube of paper, filtering material) has the ‘Ready Biodegradability’ level of biodegradability as measured according to OECD 301B ‘Ready Biodegradability’ method (modified Sturm test), which is well known in the art. The phase “readily biodegradable” will here be understood to mean ‘Ready Biodegradability’ level of biodegradability.

The applicants have found that the filter or mouthpiece according to this aspect of the invention provides excellent filtration properties and filtration performance, while also being biodegradable.

Preferably the length of the filter or mouthpiece is from 5 to 50 mm, e.g., from 15 to 40 mm, e.g., from 20 to 30 mm, e.g., 27 mm. Preferably the circumference or perimeter of the mouthpiece or filter element is from 14 to 30 mm, e.g., from 16 to 25 mm, e.g., from 24 to 25 mm. Preferably the first (e.g. mouth end or buccal end) longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element is of length 5 to 10 mm (e.g. 7.5 mm). Preferably the second (e.g. non-mouth end or tobacco end) longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element is of length 5 to 10 mm (e.g. 7.5 mm). Preferably the a longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core is of length 10 to 14 mm (e.g. 12 mm).

Longitudinally Extending Tubular (e.g. Annular) Elements

The first and second longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) elements each (independently) comprise a longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) hollow tube of paper and/or other biodegradable filtering material; a filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material engaged around the hollow tube along the full (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube; and a wrapper (e.g., plugwrap) engaged around the filler layer along the full (e.g., longitudinal) length of the filler layer, wherein the hollow tube, the filler layer and the wrapper are the same length.

Preferably the cross-section of the or each longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element(s) is uniform (e.g., uniform axial cross-section).

Preferably the cross-section is annular, meaning the cross-section of the or each longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element(s) has an inner perimeter or circumference and an outer perimeter or circumference. Preferably the inner perimeter or circumference is circular, meaning the hollow tube is substantially cylindrical in shape. Preferably the outer perimeter or circumference is circular, meaning the or each longitudinally extending tubular element is substantially cylindrical in shape. This can be seen in e.g., FIG. 1. However, the inner perimeter or circumference and the outer perimeter or circumference may be any shape. For example, the outer perimeter or circumference may be circular or oval in shape and the inner perimeter or circumference may be circular, semi-circular (D-shaped), square, triangular, star shaped, trilobal, pentagonal or cog-shaped cross-section, or in the shape of a logo or other pattern.

Preferably the circumference or perimeter of the hollow tube of paper and/or other biodegradable filtering material is from 4 to 25 mm, e.g., from 5 to 20 mm, e.g., from 6 to 18 mm, e.g., from 8 to 10 mm.

The hollow tube may comprise paper. Preferably the paper of the hollow tube is a plugwrap of basis weight from 80 to 160 gsm, for example, a plugwrap of basis weight from 90 to 140 gsm, for example a plugwrap of basis weight from 100 to 120 gsm, for example a plugwrap of basis weight of 100 gsm. The applicants have found that the use of a plugwrap of basis weight from 80 to 160 gsm provides a suitably rigid hollow tube which supports the filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material and maintains its tubular shape. Advantageously, a plugwrap of basis weight from 80 to 160 gsm is also biodegradable.

The filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material is engaged around the hollow tube along the full (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube. In other words, the filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material circumscribes the hollow tube along the full (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube so there is substantially no underlap or overlap/extension beyond the full (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube. Preferably the filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material engaged around the hollow tube is of width or thickness (t) from 0.6 to 2.0 mm, e.g., from 0.8 to 1.8 mm, e.g., from 1.0 to 1.6 mm, e.g., 1.3 mm. This can be seen in e.g., FIG. 1.

The term “width or thickness” will here be readily understood to mean the shortest distance from any position on the circumference of the hollow tube (e.g., if the hollow tube is substantially cylindrical) to the outer circumference or perimeter of the filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material. However, it will be appreciated that, unless the filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material is engaged uniformly around the hollow tube (e.g., in a circular shape) then there may be more than one value for width or thickness. Further, it will be appreciated that if the cross-section of the hollow tube (i.e., the inner perimeter or circumference) is semi-circular (D-shaped), square, triangular, star shaped, trilobal, pentagonal or cog-shaped cross-section, or in the shape of a logo or other pattern then there may be more than one value for width or thickness. The term “width or thickness” will here be readily understood to mean the shortest distance from any position on the perimeter of the hollow tube to the circumference or perimeter of the filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material.

The paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material may be paper (in any form) which is conventionally used in mouthpieces or filter elements. The paper may be, for example, filter paper, non-woven paper, airlaid paper or cellulose/lyocell/viscose based paper. The paper may be a non-woven paper made with non-plastic plant based fibres (e.g., flax, hemp, jute, sisal, abaca, coconut, bamboo, starch or wood pulp) or a blend of these materials. Preferably, the other biodegradable filtering material does not comprise cellulose acetate. Preferably, the filler layer does not comprise cellulose acetate.

The paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material may be in the form of a blend of different paper filtering materials and/or other biodegradable filtering materials. The paper may be coated with a hydrophobic coating or hydrophobic material.

The applicants have found that the use of non-woven papers (e.g., made with non-plastic plant based fibres (e.g., flax, hemp, jute, sisal, abaca, coconut, bamboo, starch or wood pulp) and/or airlaid papers are particularly suitable for the filler layer because they are flexible and straightforward to manufacture into a layer engaged around the hollow tube, have excellent filtration properties and filtration performance, while also being biodegradable. Further, the applicants have found the use of non-woven papers (e.g., made with non-plastic plant based fibres (e.g., flax, hemp, jute, sisal, abaca, coconut, bamboo, starch or wood pulp) and/or airlaid papers provides a unique visual end appearance that is appealing to the consumer and may help in combating counterfeiting.

The filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material may be comprised of multiple (i.e., more than one) sheets or layers of paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material.

The filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material may comprise carbon (e.g., activated carbon granules). The paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material may be impregnated or embedded with carbon.

Preferably the wrapper engaged around the filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material is paper (e.g., a plugwrap) of basis weight from 50 to 150 gsm, e.g., a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight from 60 to 140 gsm, e.g., a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight from 70 to 130 gsm, e.g., a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight from 80 to 120 gsm, e.g., a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight of 100 gsm.

The applicants have found that the use of a paper (e.g., plugwrap) wrapper of basis weight from 50 to 150 gsm engaged around the filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material is a suitable outer wrap and may provide a firmness (i.e., hardness) similar to cellulose acetate based tubes (e.g., hollow acetate tubes), which in turn may provide the mouthpiece or filter element with a desirable firmness (i.e., hardness). Advantageously, a paper (e.g., plugwrap) wrapper of basis weight 50 to 150 gsm is biodegradable.

The wrapper (e.g., plugwrap) engaged around the filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material may be non-porous. Alternatively, the wrapper (e.g., plugwrap) engaged around the filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material may be ventilated or air permeable, with an air permeability of from 0 to 32,000 Coresta units.

The wrapper engaged around the filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material is engaged around the filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material along the full (e.g., longitudinal) length of the filler layer. In other words, the wrapper engaged around the filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material circumscribes the layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material along the full (e.g., longitudinal) length of the filler layer so there is substantially no underlap or overlap/extension beyond the filler layer.

The (or each) longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element(s) may be biodegradable, with greater than 90% biodegradability as measured according to ISO14855-1 Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions-Method by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide. Preferably the mouthpiece or filter element exhibits a biodegradation of at least 90% after 6 months as measured according to ISO 14855-1. Preferably the or each longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element(s) has ‘Ready Biodegradability’ level of biodegradability as measured according to OECD 301B ‘Ready Biodegradability’ method (modified Sturm test).

Longitudinally Extending Core

The longitudinally extending core may be formed from a paper (e.g. uncoated paper, coated paper, siliconized paper, e.g. Puracel FM26, Puracel FM36 and/or Greenbutts) and/or other biodegradable material which is gathered laterally into rod form and held in place (e.g. by a wrapper, e.g. by a core wrapper). The longitudinally extending core may be formed from a paper (e.g. uncoated paper, coated paper, siliconized paper, e.g. Puracel FM26, Puracel FM36 and/or Greenbutts) and/or other biodegradable material of width 250 to 350 mm, for example 251 to 350 mm, for example 280 to 320 mm, for example 300 mm, which is gathered laterally into rod form and held in place (e.g. by a wrapper, e.g. by a core wrapper). It will be appreciated that the longitudinally extending core may have a wrapper (e.g. core wrapper) which holds the filtering material in shape (e.g. in core form, e.g. in rod or plug form). This wrapper (e.g. core wrapper) is e.g. separate from the wrapper (e.g filter wrapper) which is engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending tubular elements and the longitudinally extending core. If there is a wrapper (e.g. core wrapper) for the longitudinally extending core, it will be appreciated that the wrapper (e.g. filter wraper) engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending tubular elements and the longitudinally extending core is wrapped around the wrapper (e.g. core wrapper) of the longitudinally extending core as well as the longitudinally extending core itself.

The longitudinally extending core of the first aspect of the invention is preferably as described below for the “second longitudinally extending core” of the second to fourth aspects of the invention.

Second to Fourth Aspects of the Invention

According to the present invention in a second aspect there is provided a filter (or mouthpiece) (e.g., for a smoking article such as a cigarette, a tobacco heating product, a HNB product or HTP) comprising:

    • a longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element;
    • a first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core comprising a first filtering material which is a paper and/or other biodegradable material, wherein the first longitudinally extending core has a pressure drop of from 0.1 to 1 mmWG per mm of its length, for example 0.31 to 0.7 mmWG per mm of its length, for example from 0.5 to 0.6 mmWG per mm of its length, for example 0.55 mmWG per mm of its length;
    • a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core between the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element and first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core comprising a second filtering material comprising a paper and/or other biodegradable material; and
    • a filter wrapper engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores and the tubular element;
    • wherein the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element comprises a longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) hollow tube of paper and/or other biodegradable filtering material; a filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material engaged around the hollow tube along the full (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube; and a wrapper (e.g., plugwrap) engaged around the filler layer along the full (e.g., longitudinal) length of the filler layer, wherein the hollow tube, the filler layer and the wrapper are the same length.

The filter (or mouthpiece) of this aspect may further comprise a an additive release vessel [e.g. capsule, e.g. a frangible capsule, e.g. (e.g. frangible) capsule which contains a smoke or vapor additive] enclosed within the second filtering material.

Thus, according to the present invention in a third aspect there is provided a filter (or mouthpiece) (e.g., for a smoking article such as a cigarette, a tobacco heating product, a HNB product or HTP) comprising:

    • a longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element;
    • a first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core comprising a first filtering material which is a paper and/or other biodegradable material, wherein the first longitudinally extending core has a pressure drop of from 0.1 to 1 mmWG per mm of its length, for example 0.31 to 0.7 mmWG per mm of its length, for example from 0.5 to 0.6 mmWG per mm of its length, for example 0.55 mmWG per mm of its length;
    • a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core between the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element and first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core comprising a second filtering material which is a paper and/or other biodegradable material, and an additive release vessel [e.g. capsule, e.g. a frangible capsule, e.g. (e.g. frangible) capsule which contains a smoke or vapor additive] enclosed within the second filtering material; and
    • a filter wrapper engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores and the tubular element;
    • wherein the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element comprises a longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) hollow tube of paper and/or other biodegradable filtering material; a filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material engaged around the hollow tube along the full (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube; and a wrapper (e.g., plugwrap) engaged around the filler layer along the full (e.g., longitudinal) length of the filler layer, wherein the hollow tube, the filler layer and the wrapper are the same length.

The additive release vessel may be a capsule such as a frangible capsule. The additive release vessel, which may be a capsule, such as a frangible capsule, may comprise an additive. The additive may comprise a smoke modifying agent such as a flavourant and/or a liquid, solid or other material e.g. to aid smoke filtration. The flavourant may, for example, be menthol, spearmint, peppermint, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, lemon, chocolate, peach, strawberry, vanilla or the like. The amount of additive, for example flavourant, may be less than 35 mg per filter element. The additive release vessel, such as a capsule or frangible capsule, may be spherical. The additive release vessel (such as a capsule or frangible capsule) may have a width at its broadest point of 2.0 to 4 mm, for example 2.8 to 3.5 mm, for example 2.8 mm or 3 mm.

If an additive release vessel such as a frangible capsule is present, the capsule is preferably positioned so the centre of the capsule is located closer to the nearest end of the first longitudinally extending cylindrical core than the nearest end of the longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element. For example, if the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core is of length 12 mm the capsule may be positioned so the centre of the capsule is located 4.5 mm to 5.5 mm (e.g. 5 mm) from the nearest end of the first (e.g. tobacco end) longitudinally extending cylindrical core and 6.5 mm to 7.5 mm (e.g. 7 mm) from the nearest end of the (e.g. mouth end) longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element. This asymmetric positioning (e.g. closer to the tobacco end than the mouth end) may advantageously prevent capsule shadow in the mouth end (that is, prevents the capsule from being seen at the mouth end) and/or may also prevent capsule jump to the tobacco end (that is, prevents the capsule from escaping from the second core to the first core).

In other examples of the invention the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element is not present, and the filter wrapper engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) extends beyond the end of the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core to thereby define a cavity at the end of the filter (or mouthpiece).

Thus, according to the present invention in a fourth aspect there is provided a filter (or mouthpiece) (e.g., for a smoking article such as a cigarette, a tobacco heating product, a HNB product or HTP) comprising:

    • a first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core comprising a first filtering material which is a paper and/or other biodegradable material, wherein the first longitudinally extending core has a pressure drop of from 0.1 to 1 mmWG per mm of its length, for example 0.31 to 0.7 mmWG per mm of its length, for example from 0.5 to 0.6 mmWG per mm of its length, for example 0.55 mmWG per mm of its length;
    • a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core adjacent (e.g. abutted to) an end of the first longitudinally extending core, the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core comprising a second filtering material which is a paper and/or other biodegradable material; and
    • a filter wrapper engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores;
    • wherein the filter wrapper extends beyond the end of the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core to thereby define a cavity (or recess) at the end of the filter (or mouthpiece).

The first longitudinally extending core has a pressure drop of from 0.1 to 1 mmWG per mm of its length, for example 0.31 to 0.7 mmWG per mm of its length, for example from 0.5 to 0.6 mmWG per mm of its length, for example a pressure drop of from 0.53 to 0.57 mmWG per mm of its length, for example a pressure drop of 0.55 mmWG per mm of its length. Preferably the first longitudinally extending core has a pressure drop of from 0.5 to 0.6 mmWG per mm of its length, for example a pressure drop of from 0.53 to 0.57 mmWG per mm of its length, for example a pressure drop of 0.55 mmWG per mm of its length. The first longitudinally extending core may be formed from a paper (e.g. uncoated paper, coated paper, siliconized paper, e.g. ZNP paper) and/or other biodegradable material which is gathered laterally into rod form and held in place (e.g. by a wrapper, e.g. a first core wrapper). The first longitudinally extending core may be formed from a paper (e.g. uncoated paper, coated paper, siliconized paper, e.g. ZNP paper) and/or other biodegradable material of width 20 mm to 350 mm, for example of width 200 mm to 350 mm, for example of width 250 to 350 mm, for example 251 to 350 mm, for example 280 to 320 mm, for example 300 mm, which is gathered laterally into rod form and held in place (e.g. by a wrapper, e.g. a first core wrapper).

As set out above, it is preferred that the first longitudinally extending core has a pressure drop of from 0.5 to 0.6 mmWG per mm of its length, for example a pressure drop of from 0.53 to 0.57 mmWG per mm of its length, for example a pressure drop of 0.55 mmWG per mm of its length. The density of a second longitudinally extending core which has a pressure drop of from 0.5 to 0.6 mmWG per mm of its length and is formed from 300 mm wide paper will be 0.269 g/cm3. Preferably, the density of the second longitudinally extending core is from 0.20 g/cm3 to 0.33 g/cm3, for example 0.24 g/cm3 to 0.30 g/cm3, for example 0.25 g/cm3 to 0.29 g/cm3, for example 0.26 g/cm3 to 0.275 g/cm3, for example 0.269 g/cm3.

It will be appreciated that the first longitudinally extending core may have a wrapper (e.g. first core wrapper) which holds the filtering material in shape (e.g. in core form, e.g. in rod or plug form). This wrapper (e.g. first core wrapper) is e.g. separate from the wrapper (e.g. filter wrapper) which is engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores and the tubular element. If there is a wrapper (e.g. first core wrapper) for the first longitudinally extending core, it will be appreciated that the wrapper (e.g. filter wrapper) engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores and the tubular element is wrapped around the wrapper (e.g. first core wrapper) of the first longitudinally extending core as well as the first longitudinally extending core itself.

The second longitudinally extending core may be formed from a paper (e.g. uncoated paper, coated paper, siliconized paper, e.g. Puracel FM26, Puracel FM36 and/or Greenbutts) and/or other biodegradable material which is gathered laterally into rod form and held in place (e.g. by a wrapper, e.g. by a second core wrapper). The second longitudinally extending core may be formed from a paper (e.g. uncoated paper, coated paper, siliconized paper, e.g. Puracel FM26, Puracel FM36 and/or Greenbutts) and/or other biodegradable material of width 250 to 350 mm, for example 251 to 350 mm, for example 280 to 320 mm, for example 300 mm, which is gathered laterally into rod form and held in place (e.g. by a wrapper, e.g. by a second core wrapper). It will be appreciated that the second longitudinally extending core may have a wrapper (e.g. second core wrapper) which holds the filtering material in shape (e.g. in core form, e.g. in rod or plug form). This wrapper (e.g. second core wrapper) is e.g. separate from the wrapper (e.g filter wrapper) which is engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores and the tubular element. If there is a wrapper (e.g. second core wrapper) for the second longitudinally extending core, it will be appreciated that the wrapper (e.g. filter wraper) engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores and the tubular element is wrapped around the wrapper (e.g. second core wrapper) of the second longitudinally extending core as well as the second longitudinally extending core itself.

The longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element (if present) is preferably as described above for the first aspect of the invention.

The applicants have surprisingly found that filters according to aspects the invention combine biodegradilbility (are “readily biodegradeable”) with a comparable smoke chemistry delivery to the products in the market which use cellulose actetate.

The first filtering material may comprise a paper and/or other biodegradable material which is readily biodegradable. The second filtering material may comprise a paper and/or other biodegradable material which is readily biodegradable. Preferably, each of the first and second filtering materials comprise a paper and/or other biodegradable material which is readily biodegradable.

The term “biodegradable” as used herein refers to the filtering material and filter being able to exhibit a biodegradation of at least 90% after 6 months under controlled composting conditions (see ISO14855-1 Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions-Method by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide).

Preferably, the paper and/or other biodegradable material (e.g. non-cellulose acetate containing material) used in the filtering material(s) of the filter of the present invention is “readily biodegradable” and has an enhanced biodegradability compared to cellulose acetate. Therefore, the present invention provides a filter of enhanced biodegradability, and thus is more environmentally friendly and is more in line with EU legislation.

The phrase “readily biodegradable” as used herein refers to the filtering material and filter being able to disintegrate rapidly and completely biodegrade when immersed in water. Preferably the filter (and filtering materials used therein) has the ‘Ready Biodegradability’ level of biodegradability as measured according to OECD 301B ‘Ready Biodegradability’ method (modified Sturm test), which is well known in the art. The phase “readily biodegradable” will here be understood to mean ‘Ready Biodegradability’ level of biodegradability.

The paper and/or other biodegradable material (e.g. non-cellulose acetate containing filtering material) is preferably readily biodegradable. The paper and/or other biodegradable material (e.g. non-cellulose acetate containing filtering material) may be comprised of any paper (in any form) which is conventionally used in filters or filter elements. The paper may be, for example, filtering paper, aperture paper, crepe paper, air-laid paper or machine glazed paper etc. of varying grades. The fibre of the paper and/or other biodegradable material (e.g. non-cellulose acetate containing filtering material) may be a natural fibre (e.g. flax, hemp, sisal, jute, abaca, cotton, coconut fibres, bamboo fibres, starch (e.g. from corn), or tobacco) or any roll material. The paper may be woven or non-woven, or in the form of a coherent web of paper, or a longitudinally corrugated and/or fibrillated web of paper e.g. gathered laterally into, and held, in plug form. The paper and/or other biodegradable material (e.g. non-cellulose acetate containing filtering material) may be in the form of a coherent web comprising a first paper and/or other biodegradable material (e.g. non-cellulose acetate containing filtering material) and a second paper and/or other biodegradable material (e.g. non-cellulose acetate containing filtering material). The paper and/or other biodegradable material (e.g. non-cellulose acetate containing filtering material) may be in the form of a blend of different paper materials and/or other biodegradable materials (e.g. non-cellulose acetate containing filtering materials). The paper filtering material may have the same or a similar structure to those papers sold under the trademark Myria® or Puracel® (of Essentra plc).

The first filtering material may comprise a paper and/or other biodegradable material which is readily biodegradable. The first filtering material may comprise a paper and/or other biodegradable material as described above. In some examples, the first filtering material comprises Uncoated Paper, Coated Paper and/or Siliconized Paper.

The second filtering material may comprise a paper and/or other biodegradable material which is readily biodegradable. The second filtering material may comprise a paper and/or other biodegradable material as set out in the paragraph above. In some examples, the second filtering material comprises Puracel FM26, Puracel FM36 and/or Greenbutts.

Preferably, the first filtering material comprises a paper having a basis weight from 20 gsm to 200 gsm. For example, the first filtering material may be a paper having a basis weight from 40 gsm to 180 gsm, e.g. from 60 gsm to 160 gsm, e.g. from 80 gsm to 140 gsm, e.g. from 100 gsm to 120 gsm, e.g. from 20 gsm to 60 gsm, e.g. from 30 gsm to 40 gsm.

Preferably, the second filtering material comprises a paper having a basis weight from 20 gsm to 200 gsm. For example, the second filtering material may be a paper having a basis weight from 40 gsm to 180 gsm, e.g. from 60 gsm to 160 gsm, e.g. from 80 gsm to 140 gsm, e.g. from 100 gsm to 120 gsm, e.g. from 20 gsm to 60 gsm, e.g. from 30 gsm to 40 gsm.

The filter of the invention may be cylindrical. The filter of the invention may be cylindrical with circumference from 12 to 30 mm (e.g., 15 to 28 mm), more preferably from 17 to 25 mm, (e.g., 18 to 25 mm, e.g., 20 to 24 mm, e.g., 22 to 24 mm, e.g., 23 mm, e.g., 22 mm, e.g. 22.45 mm).

The wrapper (e.g. filter wrapper) engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores and the tubular element may be a paper (e.g., plugwrap), preferably a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight 20 to 160 gsm, for example a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight 24 to 150 gsm, for example a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight 70 to 150 gsm, for example a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight 70 to 140 gsm. Preferably the wrapper (e.g. filter wrapper) engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores and the tubular element is biodegradable, more preferably readily biodegradable.

The wrapper for the first longitudinally extending core (e.g. first core wrapper), if present, and/or the wrapper for the second longitudinally extending core (e.g. second core wrapper), if present, may be a paper (e.g., plugwrap). The paper may be a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight 20 to 160 gsm, for example a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight 24 to 150 gsm, for example a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight 70 to 150 gsm, for example a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight 70 to 140 gsm. Preferably the wrapper for the first longitudinally extending core (e.g. first core wrapper), if present, and the wrapper for the second longitudinally extending core (e.g. second core wrapper), if present, is biodegradable, more preferably readily biodegradable. The wrapper for the first longitudinally extending core (e.g. first core wrapper) and the wrapper for the second longitudinally extending core (e.g. second core wrapper) may be made from the same material or from different materials.

The filter of the invention may be of length 10 to 50 mm (e.g., from 20 to 35 mm). Preferably, the filter of the invention is of length 15 to 35 mm, for example 20 mm to 30 mm, for example 27 mm.

The first longitudinally extending core may be of length 3 to 11 mm, for example 7 to 10 mm, for example 7, 8, 9 or 10 mm, for example 8 mm.

The second longitudinally extending core may be of length 8 to 16 mm, for example 10 to 15 mm, for example 12 mm.

The longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element (if present) may be of length 5 to 16 mm, for example 6 to 8 mm, for example 7 mm.

The cavity or recess at the end of the filter defined by the wrapper may be of length 3 to 16 mm, for example 4 to 8 mm, for example 5 mm.

Fifth and Sixth Aspects of the Invention-Additive Containing Aspects

According to the present invention in a fifth aspect there is provided a filter (or mouthpiece) (e.g., for a smoking article such as a cigarette, a tobacco heating product, a HNB product or HTP) comprising:

    • a first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core comprising a first filtering material which is a paper and/or other biodegradable material, the first filtering material having particulate additive disposed therein, and a first core wrapper engaged around the first filtering material;
    • a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core adjacent (e.g. abutted to) an end of the first longitudinally extending core, the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core comprising a second filtering material which is a paper and/or other biodegradable material; and
    • a filter wrapper engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending cores;
    • wherein the filter wrapper extends beyond the end of the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core to thereby define a cavity or recess at the end of the filter (or mouthpiece).

According to the present invention in a sixth aspect there is provided a filter (or mouthpiece) (e.g., for a smoking article such as a cigarette, a tobacco heating product, a HNB product or HTP) comprising:

    • a first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core comprising a first filtering material which is a paper and/or other biodegradable material, the first filtering material having particulate additive disposed therein, and a first core wrapper engaged around the first filtering material;
    • a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core adjacent (e.g. abutted to) an end of the first longitudinally extending core, the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core comprising a second filtering material which is a paper and/or other biodegradable material;
    • a longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element adjacent (e.g. abutted to) the end of the second longitudinally extending core distal from the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element comprising a longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) hollow tube of paper and/or other biodegradable filtering material; a filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material engaged around the hollow tube along the full (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube; and a tubular element wrapper (e.g., plugwrap) engaged around the filler layer along the full (e.g., longitudinal) length of the filler layer, wherein the hollow tube, the filler layer and the tubular element wrapper are the same length; and
    • a filter wrapper engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending cores and the longitudinally extending tubular element.

In the fifth and sixth embodiments, the pressure drop across the filter (or mouthpiece) may be 50 to 80 mmHg, for example 55 to 75 mmHg, for example 64 otr 74 mmHg.

In the fifth and sixth embodiments, the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core preferably comprises embossed paper filtering material and/or embossed other biodegradable filtering material with a particulate additive embedded therein.

The embossed paper filtering material and/or embossed other biodegradable filtering material is biodegradable and has an enhanced biodegradability compared to cellulose acetate. Therefore, the present invention provides a multi-segment filter of enhanced biodegradability, and thus is more environmentally friendly and is more in line with EU legislation. The term “biodegradable” refers to the filtering material, filter segment or multi-segment filter being able to exhibit a biodegradation of at least 90% after 6 months under controlled composting conditions (see ISO14855-1 Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions-Method by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide). Preferably the embossed paper filtering material and/or embossed other biodegradable filtering material is biodegradable is “readily biodegradable”. The phrase “readily biodegradable” refers to the filtering material, filter segment or multi-segment filter being able to disintegrate rapidly and completely biodegrade when immersed in water. Preferably the embossed paper filtering material and/or embossed other biodegradable filtering material is biodegradable has the ‘Ready Biodegradability’ level of biodegradability as measured according to OECD 301B ‘Ready Biodegradability’ method (modified Sturm test), which is well known in the art. The phase “readily biodegradable” will here be understood to mean ‘Ready Biodegradability’ level of biodegradability.

The (embossed) paper filtering material and/or (embossed) other biodegradable filtering material of the first and/or second filter segment may be paper (in any form) which is conventionally used in filters for smoking articles. The paper may be, for example, standard paper, non-woven paper, airlaid paper, carbon impregnated paper (i.e., for higher additive loading) or cellulose/lyocell/viscose based paper. The paper may be a non-woven paper made with non-plastic plant based fibres (e.g., flax, hemp, jute, sisal, abaca, coconut, bamboo, starch or wood pulp) or a blend of these materials.

The first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core may comprise embossed paper filtering material and/or embossed other biodegradable filtering material (with particulate additive embedded therein) with a first core wrapper (e.g., a paper wrapper, e.g., a plug wrap) engaged around the core. This wrapper (e.g. first core wrapper) is e.g. separate from the wrapper (e.g. filter wrapper) which is engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores and other elements if present. If there is a wrapper (e.g. first core wrapper) for the first longitudinally extending core, it will be appreciated that the wrapper (e.g. filter wrapper) engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores and other elements if present is wrapped around the wrapper (e.g. first core wrapper) of the first longitudinally extending core as well as the first longitudinally extending core itself.

In an example, the embossed paper filtering material and/or embossed other biodegradable filtering material (with particulate additive embedded therein) of the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core is gathered into rod form and secured in place (e.g., by a lapped and stuck seam as is known in the art) with a first core wrapper (e.g., a paper wrapper, e.g., a plug wrap) engaged around the rod.

The first core wrapper may be a paper (e.g., a plugwrap) of basis weight from 25 to 160 gsm, e.g., a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight from 40 to 120 gsm, e.g., a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight from 50 to 100 gsm, e.g., a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight from 60 to 80 gsm, e.g., a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight of 70 gsm.

The first core wrapper (e.g., a paper wrapper, e.g., a plugwrap) may be non-porous. Alternatively, the wrapper (e.g., a paper wrapper, e.g., a plugwrap) may be ventilated or air permeable, with an air permeability of from 0 to 32,000 Coresta units.

The particulate additive may be activated carbon (e.g., activated carbon granules), zeolite, ion exchange resin (e.g., a weakly basic anion exchange resin), sepiolite (e.g., sepiolite granules), silica gel, alumina, molecular sieve, carbonaceous polymer resins and diatomaceous earths. The particulate additive may be a mixture of two or more of these additives.

The inclusion of a particulate additive (e.g., activated carbon) in a filter or a filter segment of a multi-segment filter may remove (i.e., adsorb) gas phase constituents in the smoke or vapour of the smoking article and consequently improve the filtration performance of the filter.

The particulate additive may be of mesh size in the range 12 to 90. Preferably, the particulate additive is of mesh size 30/70 or mesh size 40/60. It will be readily understood that mesh size is defined as the number of openings in one square inch of a screen.

Further, it will be appreciated that mesh size 30/70 means particles that are smaller than 30 mesh and larger than 70 mesh and mesh size 40/60 means particles that are smaller than 40 mesh and larger than 60 mesh. The applicants have found particulate additives of mesh size 30/70 are particularly suitable for application to paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material whilst also providing desirable adsorption properties (i.e., to adsorb gas phase constituents).

The particulate additive may be embedded into the embossed paper filtering material and/or embossed other biodegradable filtering material. In an example, particulate additive may be embedded into the embossed paper filtering material and/or embossed other biodegradable filtering material without the use of adhesive and/or binder and/or a polymer.

The applicants have found that by embedding a particulate additive (e.g., activated carbon) into the paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material, rather than e.g., impregnating the particulate additive into the paper pulp or using carbon impregnated paper, they can achieve higher additive loading and consequently improved filtration performance. Further, the applicants have found that embedding the particulate additive may prevent the particles from discharging and falling out of place during use of the multi-segment filter (e.g., in a smoking article) thus providing a more enjoyable experience for the smoker.

The particulate additive may include a flavourant e.g., menthol, peppermint, fruit, berry, vanilla, chocolate, coffee etc. In an example, the additive may be sepiolite granules to which a menthol flavourant has been applied.

The second longitudinally extending core of the fifth and sixth aspects of the invention is preferably as described above for the “second longitudinally extending core” of the second to fourth aspects of the invention.

The longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element (if present) is preferably as described above for the first aspect of the invention.

The applicants have surprisingly found that filters according to these aspects of the invention combine biodegradilbility (are “readily biodegradeable”) with a comparable smoke chemistry delivery to the products in the market which use cellulose actetate.

The filter of the invention may be of length 10 to 50 mm (e.g., from 20 to 35 mm). Preferably, the filter of the invention is of length 15 to 35 mm, for example 20 mm to 30 mm, for example 27 mm.

The first longitudinally extending core may be of length 3 to 15 mm, for example 7 to 12 mm, for example 7, 8, 9 or 10 mm, for example 8 or 10 mm.

The second longitudinally extending core may be of length 8 to 16 mm, for example 10 to 15 mm, for example 12 mm.

The longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element (if present) may be of length 5 to 16 mm, for example 6 to 8 mm, for example 7 mm.

The cavity or recess at the end of the filter defined by the wrapper may be of length 3 to 16 mm, for example 4 to 8 mm, for example 5 mm.

Seventh and Eighth Aspects of the Invention—Hybrid Additive Containing Aspects

According to the present invention in a seventh aspect there is provided a filter (or mouthpiece) (e.g., for a smoking article such as a cigarette, a tobacco heating product, a HNB product or HTP) comprising:

    • a first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core comprising a first filtering material which is cellulose acetate tow, the first filtering material having particulate additive disposed therein, and a first core wrapper engaged around the first filtering material;
    • a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core adjacent (e.g. abutted to) an end of the first longitudinally extending core, the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core comprising a second filtering material which is cellulose acetate tow;
    • a longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element adjacent (e.g. abutted to) the end of the second longitudinally extending core distal from the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element comprising a longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) hollow tube of paper and/or other biodegradable filtering material; a filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material engaged around the hollow tube along the full (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube; and a tubular element wrapper (e.g., plugwrap) engaged around the filler layer along the full (e.g., longitudinal) length of the filler layer, wherein the hollow tube, the filler layer and the tubular element wrapper are the same length; and
    • a filter wrapper engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending cores and the longitudinally extending tubular element.

The longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element of this aspect of the invention is preferably as described above for the first aspect of the invention. The first and second longitudinally extending cores are made by methods well known in the art, for example the first core corresponds with the relevant portion of an “active acetate” filter available from www.essentra.com, and the second core corresponds with a “mono-acetate” filter available from www.essentra.com.

In the seventh embodiment, the pressure drop across the filter (or mouthpiece) may be 80 to 110 mmHg, for example 90 to 100 mmHg, for example 97 mmHg.

According to the present invention in an eighth aspect there is provided a filter (or mouthpiece) (e.g., for a smoking article such as a cigarette, a tobacco heating product, a HNB product or HTP) comprising:

    • a first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core comprising a first filtering material which is a paper and/or other biodegradable material, the first filtering material having particulate additive disposed therein, and a first core wrapper engaged around the first filtering material;
    • a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core adjacent (e.g. abutted to) an end of the first longitudinally extending core, the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core comprising a second filtering material which is a paper and/or other biodegradable material;
    • a longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element adjacent (e.g. abutted to) the end of the second longitudinally extending core distal from the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element comprising a longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) hollow tube of plasticised cellulose acetate; and
    • a filter wrapper engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending cores and the longitudinally extending tubular element.

In the eighth embodiment, the pressure drop across the filter (or mouthpiece) may be 50 to 80 mmHg, for example 55 to 75 mmHg, for example 73 mmHg.

In the eighth embodiment, the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core preferably comprises embossed paper filtering material and/or embossed other biodegradable filtering material with a particulate additive embedded therein.

The embossed paper filtering material and/or embossed other biodegradable filtering material is biodegradable and has an enhanced biodegradability compared to cellulose acetate. Therefore, the present invention provides a multi-segment filter of enhanced biodegradability, and thus is more environmentally friendly and is more in line with EU legislation. The term “biodegradable” refers to the filtering material, filter segment or multi-segment filter being able to exhibit a biodegradation of at least 90% after 6 months under controlled composting conditions (see ISO14855-1 Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions-Method by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide). Preferably the embossed paper filtering material and/or embossed other biodegradable filtering material is biodegradable is “readily biodegradable”. The phrase “readily biodegradable” refers to the filtering material, filter segment or multi-segment filter being able to disintegrate rapidly and completely biodegrade when immersed in water. Preferably the embossed paper filtering material and/or embossed other biodegradable filtering material is biodegradable has the ‘Ready Biodegradability’ level of biodegradability as measured according to OECD 301B ‘Ready Biodegradability’ method (modified Sturm test), which is well known in the art. The phase “readily biodegradable” will here be understood to mean ‘Ready Biodegradability’ level of biodegradability.

The (embossed) paper filtering material and/or (embossed) other biodegradable filtering material of the first and/or second filter segment may be paper (in any form) which is conventionally used in filters for smoking articles. The paper may be, for example, standard paper, non-woven paper, airlaid paper, carbon impregnated paper (i.e., for higher additive loading) or cellulose/lyocell/viscose based paper. The paper may be a non-woven paper made with non-plastic plant based fibres (e.g., flax, hemp, jute, sisal, abaca, coconut, bamboo, starch or wood pulp) or a blend of these materials.

The first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core may comprise embossed paper filtering material and/or embossed other biodegradable filtering material (with particulate additive embedded therein) with a first core wrapper (e.g., a paper wrapper, e.g., a plug wrap) engaged around the core. This wrapper (e.g. first core wrapper) is e.g. separate from the wrapper (e.g. filter wrapper) which is engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores and other elements if present. If there is a wrapper (e.g. first core wrapper) for the first longitudinally extending core, it will be appreciated that the wrapper (e.g. filter wrapper) engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores and other elements if present is wrapped around the wrapper (e.g. first core wrapper) of the first longitudinally extending core as well as the first longitudinally extending core itself.

In an example, the embossed paper filtering material and/or embossed other biodegradable filtering material (with particulate additive embedded therein) of the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core is gathered into rod form and secured in place (e.g., by a lapped and stuck seam as is known in the art) with a first core wrapper (e.g., a paper wrapper, e.g., a plug wrap) engaged around the rod.

The first core wrapper may be a paper (e.g., a plugwrap) of basis weight from 25 to 160 gsm, e.g., a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight from 40 to 120 gsm, e.g., a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight from 50 to 100 gsm, e.g., a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight from 60 to 80 gsm, e.g., a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight of 70 gsm or 78 gsm.

The first core wrapper (e.g., a paper wrapper, e.g., a plugwrap) may be non-porous. Alternatively, the wrapper (e.g., a paper wrapper, e.g., a plugwrap) may be ventilated or air permeable, with an air permeability of from 0 to 32,000 Coresta units.

The particulate additive may be activated carbon (e.g., activated carbon granules), zeolite, ion exchange resin (e.g., a weakly basic anion exchange resin), sepiolite (e.g., sepiolite granules), silica gel, alumina, molecular sieve, carbonaceous polymer resins and diatomaceous earths. The particulate additive may be a mixture of two or more of these additives.

The inclusion of a particulate additive (e.g., activated carbon) in a filter or a filter segment of a multi-segment filter may remove (i.e., adsorb) gas phase constituents in the smoke or vapour of the smoking article and consequently improve the filtration performance of the filter.

The particulate additive may be of mesh size in the range 12 to 90. Preferably, the particulate additive is of mesh size 30/70 or mesh size 40/60. It will be readily understood that mesh size is defined as the number of openings in one square inch of a screen. Further, it will be appreciated that mesh size 30/70 means particles that are smaller than 30 mesh and larger than 70 mesh and mesh size 40/60 means particles that are smaller than 40 mesh and larger than 60 mesh. The applicants have found particulate additives of mesh size 30/70 are particularly suitable for application to paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material whilst also providing desirable adsorption properties (i.e., to adsorb gas phase constituents).

The particulate additive may be embedded into the embossed paper filtering material and/or embossed other biodegradable filtering material. In an example, particulate additive may be embedded into the embossed paper filtering material and/or embossed other biodegradable filtering material without the use of adhesive and/or binder and/or a polymer.

The applicants have found that by embedding a particulate additive (e.g., activated carbon) into the paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material, rather than e.g., impregnating the particulate additive into the paper pulp or using carbon impregnated paper, they can achieve higher additive loading and consequently improved filtration performance. Further, the applicants have found that embedding the particulate additive may prevent the particles from discharging and falling out of place during use of the multi-segment filter (e.g., in a smoking article) thus providing a more enjoyable experience for the smoker.

The particulate additive may include a flavourant e.g., menthol, peppermint, fruit, berry, vanilla, chocolate, coffee etc. In an example, the additive may be sepiolite granules to which a menthol flavourant has been applied.

The second longitudinally extending core of the eighth aspect of the invention is preferably as described above for the “second longitudinally extending core” of the second to fourth aspects of the invention.

The longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element of the eighth aspect of the invention is formed from cellulose acetate by methods well known in the art for making hollow cellulose acetate tube filters.

The applicants have surprisingly found that filters according to these aspects of the invention combine a certain degree of improved biodegradilbility with a comparable smoke chemistry delivery to the products in the market which use cellulose actetate for every component.

The filter of the invention may be of length 10 to 50 mm (e.g., from 20 to 35 mm). Preferably, the filter of the invention is of length 15 to 35 mm, for example 20 mm to 30 mm, for example 27 mm.

The first longitudinally extending core may be of length 3 to 15 mm, for example 4 to 12 mm, for example 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 mm, for example 10 mm.

The second longitudinally extending core may be of length 8 to 16 mm, for example 10 to 15 mm, for example 10 mm.

The longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element may be of length 5 to 16 mm, for example 6 to 12 mm, for example 7 mm.

Ninth and Tenth Aspects of the Invention

According to the present invention in a ninth and tenth aspects there is provided a filter (or mouthpiece) comprising:

    • a first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core comprising a first filtering material wherein the filtering material is one of: paper, biodegradable material, and cellulose acetate;
    • a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core abutted to the first longitudinally extending core, the second longitudinally extending core comprising a second filtering material which is paper and/or other biodegradable material, wherein the second longitudinally extending core has a pressure drop from 0.1 to 1 mmWG per mm of its length, for example 0.2 to 0.8 mmWG per mm of its length, for example from 0.4 to 0.6 mmWG per mm of its length, for example 0.55 mmWG per mm of its length;
    • a longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element abutted to the second longitudinally extending core and distanced from the first longitudinally extending core, wherein the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element comprises a longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) hollow tube of paper and/or other biodegradable filtering material; a filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material engaged around the hollow tube along the full (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube; and a wrapper (e.g., plugwrap) engaged around the filler layer along the full length (e.g., longitudinal) of the filler layer, wherein the hollow tube, the filler layer and the wrapper are the same length; and
    • a filter wrapper engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending cores and the tubular element.

In a ninth aspect of the present invention the filtering material of the first longitudinally extending core is paper. The components used in this aspect are biodegradable and have an enhanced biodegradability compared to cellulose acetate. Therefore, the present invention provides a filter or mouthpiece of enhanced biodegradability, and thus is more environmentally friendly and is more in line with EU legislation.

In a tenth aspect of the present invention, the filtering material of the first longitudinally extending core is cellulose acetate.

The term “biodegradable” refers to the filter or mouthpiece (or components thereof such as filter wrapper, hollow tube of paper, filtering material) being able to exhibit a biodegradation of at least 90% after 6 months under controlled composting conditions (see ISO14855-1 Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions—Method by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide).

Preferably the filter or mouthpiece (or components thereof such as filter wrapper, hollow tube of paper, filtering material) of the invention is “readily biodegradable”. The phrase “readily biodegradable” refers to the filter or mouthpiece (or components thereof such as filter wrapper, hollow tube of paper, filtering material) being able to disintegrate rapidly and completely biodegrade when immersed in water. Preferably the filter or mouthpiece (or components thereof such as filter wrapper, hollow tube of paper, filtering material) has the ‘Ready Biodegradability’ level of biodegradability as measured according to OECD 301B ‘Ready Biodegradability’ method (modified Sturm test), which is well known in the art. The phase “readily biodegradable” will here be understood to mean ‘Ready Biodegradability’ level of biodegradability.

The applicants have found that the filter or mouthpiece according to the ninth aspect of the invention provides excellent filtration properties and filtration performance, while also being biodegradable. The filter or mouthpiece according to the tenth aspect of the invention provides excellent filtration properties and filtration performance, while also being more biodegradable than filters/mouthpieces that do not include any paper components.

Preferably the length of the filter or mouthpiece is from 5 to 50 mm, e.g., 5 to 50 mm, e.g., from 10 to 40 mm, e.g., from 25 to 38 mm, e.g., from 30 to 35 mm, e.g., 33 mm. Preferably the circumference or perimeter of the mouthpiece or filter element is from 14 to 30 mm, e.g., from 16 to 25 mm, e.g., from 24 to 25 mm. Preferably the first (e.g. mouth end or buccal end) longitudinally extending core (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core is of length 5 to 16 mm (e.g. 7 mm). Preferably the second (e.g. non-mouth end or tobacco end) longitudinally extending core (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core is of length 5 to 24 mm (e.g. 18 mm). Preferably the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element is of length 5 to 10 mm (e.g. 8 mm).

Longitudinally Extending Core

The first and second longitudinally extending cores may be formed from paper (e.g. uncoated paper, coated paper, siliconized paper, e.g. Puracel FM26, Puracel FM36 and/or Greenbutts) and/or other biodegradable material which is gathered laterally into rod form and held in place (e.g. by a wrapper, e.g. by a core wrapper). The first and second longitudinally extending core may be formed from paper (e.g. uncoated paper, coated paper, siliconized paper, e.g. Puracel FM26, Puracel FM36 and/or Greenbutts) and/or airlaid non-woven material and/or other biodegradable material of width 150 to 350 mm, for example 250 to 350 mm, for example 280 to 320 mm, for example 300 mm, which is gathered laterally into rod form and held in place (e.g. by a wrapper, e.g. by a first core wrapper, e.g., by a second core wrapper). The first longitudinally extending core may be formed of cellulose acetate, as is well known in the art.

It will be appreciated that the first and second longitudinally extending cores may each have a wrapper (e.g. a first core wrapper, e.g., a second core wrapper) which holds the filtering material in shape (e.g. in core form, e.g. in rod or plug form). This wrapper (e.g. first core wrapper, e.g., second core wrapper) is e.g. separate from the wrapper (e.g. filter wrapper) which is engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending cores and the longitudinally extending tubular element. If there is a wrapper (e.g. first core wrapper) for the longitudinally extending cores, it will be appreciated that the wrapper (e.g. filter wrapper) engaged around the longitudinally extending tubular element and the longitudinally extending cores is wrapped around the wrapper (e.g. first core wrapper, e.g., second core wrapper) of the longitudinally extending cores as well as the longitudinally extending cores themselves.

Longitudinally Extending Tubular (e.g. Annular) Elements

The longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element comprises a longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) hollow tube of paper and/or other biodegradable filtering material; a filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material engaged around the hollow tube along the full (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube; and a wrapper (e.g., plugwrap) engaged around the filler layer along the full (e.g., longitudinal) length of the filler layer, wherein the hollow tube, the filler layer and the wrapper are the same length.

Preferably the cross-section of the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element is uniform (e.g., uniform axial cross-section).

Preferably the cross-section is annular, meaning the cross-section of the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element has an inner perimeter or circumference and an outer perimeter or circumference. Preferably the inner perimeter or circumference is circular, meaning the hollow tube is substantially cylindrical in shape. Preferably the outer perimeter or circumference is circular, meaning the or each longitudinally extending tubular element is substantially cylindrical in shape. This can be seen in e.g., FIG. 1. However, the inner perimeter or circumference and the outer perimeter or circumference may be any shape. For example, the outer perimeter or circumference may be circular or oval in shape and the inner perimeter or circumference may be circular, semi-circular (D-shaped), square, triangular, star shaped, trilobal, pentagonal or cog-shaped cross-section, or in the shape of a logo or other pattern.

Preferably the circumference or perimeter of the hollow tube of paper and/or other biodegradable filtering material is from 4 to 30 mm, e.g., from 14 to 30 mm, e.g., from 15 to 20 mm.

The hollow tube may comprise paper. Preferably the paper of the hollow tube is a plugwrap of basis weight from 60 to 220 gsm, for example, a plugwrap of basis weight from 90 to 140 gsm, for example a plugwrap of basis weight from 100 to 120 gsm, for example a plugwrap of basis weight of 100 gsm. The applicants have found that the use of a plugwrap of basis weight from 60 to 220 gsm provides a suitably rigid hollow tube which supports the filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material and maintains its tubular shape. Advantageously, a plugwrap of basis weight from 60 to 220 gsm is also biodegradable.

The filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material is engaged around the hollow tube along the full (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube. In other words, the filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material circumscribes the hollow tube along the full (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube so there is substantially no underlap or overlap/extension beyond the full (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube. Preferably the filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material engaged around the hollow tube is of width or thickness (t) from 0.6 to 2.0 mm, e.g., from 0.8 to 1.8 mm, e.g., from 1.0 to 1.6 mm, e.g., 1.3 mm. This can be seen in e.g., FIG. 1.

The term “width or thickness” will here be readily understood to mean the shortest distance from any position on the circumference of the hollow tube (e.g., if the hollow tube is substantially cylindrical) to the outer circumference or perimeter of the filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material. However, it will be appreciated that, unless the filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material is engaged uniformly around the hollow tube (e.g., in a circular shape) then there may be more than one value for width or thickness. Further, it will be appreciated that if the cross-section of the hollow tube (i.e., the inner perimeter or circumference) is semi-circular (D-shaped), square, triangular, star shaped, trilobal, pentagonal or cog-shaped cross-section, or in the shape of a logo or other pattern then there may be more than one value for width or thickness. The term “width or thickness” will here be readily understood to mean the shortest distance from any position on the perimeter of the hollow tube to the circumference or perimeter of the filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material.

The paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material may be paper (in any form) which is conventionally used in mouthpieces or filter elements. The paper may be, for example, filter paper, non-woven paper, airlaid paper or cellulose/lyocell/viscose based paper. The paper may be a non-woven paper made with non-plastic plant based fibres (e.g., flax, hemp, jute, sisal, abaca, coconut, bamboo, starch or wood pulp) or a blend of these materials. Preferably, the other biodegradable filtering material does not comprise cellulose acetate. Preferably, the filler layer does not comprise cellulose acetate.

The paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material may be in the form of a blend of different paper filtering materials and/or other biodegradable filtering materials. The paper may be coated with a hydrophobic coating or hydrophobic material.

The applicants have found that the use of non-woven papers (e.g., made with non-plastic plant based fibres (e.g., flax, hemp, jute, sisal, abaca, coconut, bamboo, starch or wood pulp) and/or airlaid papers are particularly suitable for the filler layer because they are flexible and straightforward to manufacture into a layer engaged around the hollow tube, have excellent filtration properties and filtration performance, while also being biodegradable. Further, the applicants have found the use of non-woven papers (e.g., made with non-plastic plant based fibers (e.g., flax, hemp, jute, sisal, abaca, coconut, bamboo, starch or wood pulp) and/or airlaid papers provides a unique visual end appearance that is appealing to the consumer and may help in combating counterfeiting.

The filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material may be comprised of multiple (i.e., more than one) sheets or layers of paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material.

The filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material may comprise carbon (e.g., activated carbon granules). The paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material may be impregnated or embedded with carbon.

Preferably the wrapper engaged around the filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material is paper (e.g., a plugwrap) of basis weight from 40 to 150 gsm, e.g., a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight from 60 to 140 gsm, e.g., a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight from 70 to 130 gsm, e.g., a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight from 80 to 120 gsm, e.g., a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight of 100 gsm.

The applicants have found that the use of a paper (e.g., plugwrap) wrapper of basis weight from 40 to 150 gsm engaged around the filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material is a suitable outer wrap and may provide a firmness (i.e., hardness) similar to cellulose acetate based tubes (e.g., hollow acetate tubes), which in turn may provide the mouthpiece or filter element with a desirable firmness (i.e., hardness). Advantageously, a paper (e.g., plugwrap) wrapper of basis weight 40 to 150 gsm is biodegradable.

The wrapper (e.g., plugwrap) engaged around the filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material may be non-porous. Alternatively, the wrapper (e.g., plugwrap) engaged around the filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material may be ventilated or air permeable, with an air permeability of from 0 to 32,000 Coresta units.

The wrapper engaged around the filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material is engaged around the filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material along the full (e.g., longitudinal) length of the filler layer. In other words, the wrapper engaged around the filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material circumscribes the layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material along the full (e.g., longitudinal) length of the filler layer so there is substantially no underlap or overlap/extension beyond the filler layer.

The longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element may be biodegradable, with greater than 90% biodegradability as measured according to ISO14855-1 Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions-Method by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide. Preferably the mouthpiece or filter element exhibits a biodegradation of at least 90% after 6 months as measured according to ISO 14855-1. Preferably the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element has ‘Ready Biodegradability’ level of biodegradability as measured according to OECD 301B ‘Ready Biodegradability’ method (modified Sturm test).

The applicants have surprisingly found that filters according to aspects the invention combine improved biodegradability (are “readily biodegradable”) with a comparable smoke chemistry delivery to the products in the market which use cellulose acetate.

The first filtering material may comprise a paper and/or other biodegradable material which is readily biodegradable. The second filtering material may comprise a paper and/or other biodegradable material which is readily biodegradable. Preferably, each of the first and second filtering materials comprise a paper and/or other biodegradable material which is readily biodegradable.

The terms “biodegradable” and “readily biodegradable” are defined elsewhere herein.

The paper and/or other biodegradable material (e.g. non-cellulose acetate containing filtering material) is preferably readily biodegradable. The paper and/or other biodegradable material (e.g. non-cellulose acetate containing filtering material) may be comprised of any paper (in any form) which is conventionally used in filters or filter elements. The paper may be, for example, filtering paper, aperture paper, crepe paper, air-laid paper or machine glazed paper etc. of varying grades. The fibre of the paper and/or other biodegradable material (e.g. non-cellulose acetate containing filtering material) may be a natural fibre (e.g. flax, hemp, sisal, jute, abaca, cotton, coconut fibres, bamboo fibres, starch (e.g. from corn), or tobacco) or any roll material. The paper may be woven or non-woven, or in the form of a coherent web of paper, or a longitudinally corrugated and/or fibrillated web of paper e.g. gathered laterally into, and held, in plug form. The paper and/or other biodegradable material (e.g. non-cellulose acetate containing filtering material) may be in the form of a coherent web comprising a first paper and/or other biodegradable material (e.g. non-cellulose acetate containing filtering material) and a second paper and/or other biodegradable material (e.g. non-cellulose acetate containing filtering material). The paper and/or other biodegradable material (e.g. non-cellulose acetate containing filtering material) may be in the form of a blend of different paper materials and/or other biodegradable materials (e.g. non-cellulose acetate containing filtering materials). The paper filtering material may have the same or a similar structure to those papers sold under the trademark Myria® or Puracel® (of Filtrona, formally Essentra plc).

The first filtering material may comprise a paper and/or other biodegradable material which is readily biodegradable. The first filtering material may comprise a paper and/or other biodegradable material as described above. In some examples, the first filtering material comprises Uncoated Paper, Coated Paper, Siliconized Paper, Puracel FM26, Puracel FM36 and/or Greenbutts.

The second filtering material may comprise a paper and/or other biodegradable material which is readily biodegradable. The second filtering material may comprise a paper and/or other biodegradable material as set out in the paragraph above. In some examples, the second filtering material comprises Uncoated Paper, Coated Paper, Siliconized Paper Puracel FM26, Puracel FM36 and/or Greenbutts.

Preferably, the first filtering material comprises a paper having a basis weight from 20 gsm to 200 gsm. For example, the first filtering material may be a paper having a basis weight from 40 gsm to 180 gsm, e.g. from 60 gsm to 160 gsm, e.g. from 80 gsm to 140 gsm, e.g. from 100 gsm to 120 gsm, e.g. from 20 gsm to 60 gsm, e.g. from 30 gsm to 40 gsm.

Preferably, the second filtering material comprises a paper having a basis weight from 20 gsm to 200 gsm. For example, the second filtering material may be a paper having a basis weight from 40 gsm to 180 gsm, e.g. from 60 gsm to 160 gsm, e.g. from 80 gsm to 140 gsm, e.g. from 100 gsm to 120 gsm, e.g. from 20 gsm to 60 gsm, e.g. from 30 gsm to 40 gsm.

The filter of the invention may be cylindrical. The filter of the invention may be cylindrical with circumference from 12 to 30 mm (e.g., 15 to 28 mm), more preferably from 17 to 25 mm, (e.g., 18 to 25 mm, e.g., 20 to 24 mm, e.g., 22 to 24 mm, e.g., 23 mm, e.g., 22 mm, e.g. 22.45 mm).

The wrapper (e.g. filter wrapper) engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores and the tubular element may be a paper (e.g., plugwrap), preferably a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight 20 to 160 gsm, for example a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight 24 to 150 gsm, for example a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight 70 to 150 gsm, for example a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight 70 to 140 gsm. Preferably the wrapper (e.g. filter wrapper) engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores and the tubular element is biodegradable, more preferably readily biodegradable.

The wrapper for the first longitudinally extending core (e.g. first core wrapper), if present, and/or the wrapper for the second longitudinally extending core (e.g. second core wrapper), if present, may be a paper (e.g., plugwrap). The paper may be a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight 20 to 160 gsm, for example a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight 24 to 150 gsm, for example a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight 70 to 150 gsm, for example a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight 70 to 140 gsm. Preferably the wrapper for the first longitudinally extending core (e.g. first core wrapper), if present, and the wrapper for the second longitudinally extending core (e.g. second core wrapper), if present, is biodegradable, more preferably readily biodegradable. The wrapper for the first longitudinally extending core (e.g. first core wrapper) and the wrapper for the second longitudinally extending core (e.g. second core wrapper) may be made from the same material or from different materials.

The filter of the invention may be of length 10 to 50 mm (e.g., from 20 to 35 mm). Preferably, the filter of the invention is of length 5 to 50 mm, e.g., from 10 to 40 mm, e.g., from 25 to 38 mm, e.g., from 30 to 35 mm, e.g., 33 mm.

The first longitudinally extending core may be of length 3 to 11 mm, for example 5 to 10 mm, for example 7, 8, 9 or 10 mm, for example 7 mm

The second longitudinally extending core may be of length 8 to 24 mm, for example 10 to 20 mm, for example 18 mm.

The longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element may be of length 5 to 16 mm, for example 6 to 12 mm, for example 8 mm.

Preferably the pressure drop across the filter (or mouthpiece) is from 80 to 110 mmWg, for example from 90 to 100 mmWg. Preferably the pressure drop across the filter is 97 mmWg.

Smoke or Vapour Modifying Agent

Any filter or mouthpiece according to any embodiment of the invention may may comprise a smoke or vapour modifying agent which may modify or enhance the consumer experience. The smoke or vapour modifying agent may impart an additional taste or aroma to the vapour passing through the mouthpiece or filter or may be able to suppress certain flavours or aromas. The smoke or vapour modifying agent may be located on or in the hollow tube, filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material or the wrapper. The smoke or vapour modifying agent may be a liquid additive (e.g., a flavour enhancing additive). The flavour enhancing additive may be any known in the art, for example an additive which reduces the “paper taste” (e.g., menthol, peppermint, fruit, berry, vanilla, chocolate, coffee etc. with a suitable carrier e.g., propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, other oils).

The inclusion of a flavour enhancing additive or additives may overcome the “paper taste” sensation and may provide a smoking article (e.g., a cigarette, e.g., a tobacco heating product, e.g., a HNB product or HTP) with sensory characteristics similar to those from cellulose acetate filtered smoking articles.

General Considerations

It will be appreciated that filters or filter elements according to all aspects of the invention may be manufactured by methods and machinery well known in the art.

The filter wrapper may be of paper or other biodegradeable material. The filter wrapper may be a paper (e.g., plugwrap), preferably a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight 20 to 160 gsm, for example a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight 24 to 150 gsm, for example a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight 70 to 150 gsm, for example a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight 70 to 140 gsm. Preferably the filter wrapper is biodegradable, more preferably readily biodegradable.

The embodiments and figures below refer to and show filters or mouthpieces which are generally cylindrical. It will be appreciated that the invention and claims cover filters and mouthpieces which are not of circular cross section, for example filters or mouthpieces which are of oval cross section, elongated oval cross section etc. Thus, any filter (or mouthpiece) according to any aspect of the invention, may have a circular cross section. Further, any filter (or mouthpiece) according to any aspect of the invention, may have an oval or elongated oval cross section.

According to the present invention in a further aspect there is provided a smoking article (e.g., a cigarette, e.g., a tobacco heating product, e.g., a HNB product or HTP) comprising a filter or mouthpiece according to any aspect of the invention.

The filter or mouthpiece of any aspect of the invention may be suitable for use with all varieties of tobacco blends.

In a smoking article according to the invention, a filter or mouthpiece according to any aspect of the invention may be joined to a wrapped plug of tobacco (e.g. wrapped plug of modified tobacco, as is well known in the art) with one end of the filter or mouthpiece facing towards the tobacco rod. The filter or mouthpiece of the invention may be joined to the wrapped tobacco plug by ring tipping (i.e. an outer wrapper (e.g. tipping paper) which engages around just the adjacent ends of the wrapped filter and the tobacco plug to leave much of the filter wrap exposed). The filter or mouthpiece of the invention may be joined to the wrapped tobacco plug by a full tipping overwrap (i.e. an outer wrapper (e.g. tipping paper) which engages around the full wrapped filter length and the adjacent end of the tobacco plug). The wrapper (e.g. filter wrapper) may be ventilated by e.g. laser perforations. The ventilation may be applied to the wrapper (e.g. filter wrapper) before or after the filter or mouthpiece is joined to the wrapped tobacco plug.

The filter or mouthpiece according to any aspect of the invention [or smoking article (e.g., a cigarette, e.g., a tobacco heating product, e.g., a HNB product or HTP) according to the present invention] may further comprise one or more discrete further segments. The discrete further segments may be (e.g., cylindrical) plugs of tobacco smoke filtering material (e.g., paper), a (e.g., cylindrical) rod of tobacco (e.g., any form of tobacco (including reconstituted tobacco)), hollow (e.g., paper) tubes, capsule containing filters, carbon containing filters, CPS filters, tube filters, acetate filters, paper filters, menthol containing filters etc.

According to the present invention there is provided filters as herein described and claimed below.

The present invention will now be described in further detail by reference to the attached Figures in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a filter according to the first aspect of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a filter according to the second aspect of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a filter according to the third aspect of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a filter according to the fourth aspect of the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of a filter according to the fifth aspect of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a filter according to the sixth aspect of the invention;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of a hybrid filter according to the seventh aspect of the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of a hybrid filter according to the eighth aspect of the invention; and

FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of a filter according to a ninth aspect of the invention

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a filter 100 which is of length 27 mm and circumference 24.00 mm. The filter 100 comprises a first longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 105 and a second longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 110 with a longitudinally extending (substantially cylindrical) core 115 between the first and second longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) elements 105 and 110. A filter wrapper 120 is engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending tubular elements 105, 110 and the longitudinally extending core 115.

The first longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 105 comprises a longitudinally extending hollow tube 106 of paper of basis weight 160 gsm, length 7.5 mm and circumference 16 mm; a filler layer 107 comprising airlaid non-woven paper filtering material of width/thickness about 1.3 mm engaged around the full length hollow tube 106; and a plugwrap 108 of basis weight 78 gsm engaged around the full length of the filler layer 107 comprising airlaid non-woven paper filtering material. As seen in FIG. 1, the hollow tube 106, the filler layer comprising airlaid non-woven material 107 and the wrapper 108 are the same length (7.5 mm).

Longitudinally extending (substantially cylindrical) core 110 is abutted to one end of first longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 105. Longitudinally extending (substantially cylindrical) core 110 is of circumference 24.00 mm and length 12 mm. The longitudinally extending cylindrical core 110 is formed from a plug 111 of a first filtering material in the form of a sheet of Puracel FM36 paper (300 mm Puracel® FM 36 g/m2 SWM [of Essentra plc]) which is gathered together laterally into plug form and held in place with a core wrapper 112 of non-porous plug wrap [obtained from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd of Mundanjiang, China] of weight 45 gsm.

The second longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 115 is abutted to the end of the longitudinally extending (substantially cylindrical) core 110 which is opposite to that abutted to first longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 105. The second longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 115 comprises a longitudinally extending hollow tube 116 of paper of basis weight 160 gsm, length 7.5 mm and circumference 16 mm; a filler layer 117 comprising airlaid non-woven paper filtering material of width/thickness about 1.3 mm engaged around the full length hollow tube 116; and a plugwrap 118 of basis weight 78 gsm engaged around the full length of the filler layer 117 comprising airlaid non-woven paper filtering material. As seen in FIG. 1, the hollow tube 116, the filler layer comprising airlaid non-woven material 117 and the wrapper 118 are the same length (7.5 mm).

A filter wrapper 120 of stiff plug wrap of 45 g/m2 weight [from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd of Mundanjiang, China] is engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending tubular elements 105, 110 and the longitudinally extending core 115. The ends of the filter wrapper 120 are flush with the ends of the first and second longitudinally extending tubular elements 105, 110. The filter wrapper 120 has an overlapping longitudinal edge with adhesive applied thereon which provides a lapped and stuck seam (not shown) holding the further wrapper 120 around the first and second longitudinally extending tubular elements 105, 110 and the longitudinally extending core 115 and (optionally) a further adhesive in anchor lines (not shown) to hold the first and second longitudinally extending tubular elements 105, 110 and the longitudinally extending core 115 in place.

The first and second longitudinally extending tubular elements 105, 110 may be made by using techniques known in the art by a method comprising the steps of: gathering and securing a sheet of paper of basis weight 160 gsm with a lapped and stuck seam to form the longitudinally extending hollow tube 106, 116; advancing four sheets of airlaid non-woven paper filtering material of width 70 mm in a longitudinal direction; separating the four sheets of longitudinally advancing airlaid non-woven paper filtering material by a cone separator; gathering the four separated sheets of longitudinally advancing airlaid non-woven paper filtering material around the longitudinally extending hollow tube 106, 116 to form filler layer 107, 117 comprising airlaid non-woven paper filtering material engaged around hollow tube 106, 116; gathering and securing a plugwrap 108, 118 of basis weight 78 gsm with a lapped and stuck seam around the filler layer comprising airlaid non-woven paper filtering material; and cutting the continuous rod at 7.5 mm intervals to form the individual first and second longitudinally extending tubular elements 105, 110.

The components of the filter of FIG. 1 are all made of paper material and are all “readily biodegradeable”, meaning they are able to disintegrate rapidly and completely biodegrade when immersed in water, such that filter 100 (and materials therein) have the ‘Ready Biodegradability’ level of biodegradability as measured according to OECD 301B ‘Ready Biodegradability’ method (modified Sturm test), which is well known in the art.

The applicants have surprisingly found that filters such as filter 100 combine biodegradilbility (are “readily biodegradeable”) with a comparable smoke chemistry delivery to the product in the market which uses cellulose actetate (see Example 1). Further the applicants have found the filters of the invention are adaptable to provide a customizable design to match a desired smoke chemistry delivery profile.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of a filter 200 which is of length 27 mm and circumference 24.00 mm. The filter 200 comprises a longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 205 at the mouth end, a first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 210 at the tobacco end, and a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 215 between the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element and first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 210. A filter wrapper 220 is engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores 210 and 215 and the tubular element 205.

The longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 205 comprises a longitudinally extending hollow tube 206 of paper of basis weight 160 gsm, length 7.0 mm and circumference 16 mm; a filler layer 207 comprising airlaid non-woven paper filtering material of width/thickness about 1.3 mm engaged around the full length hollow tube 206; and a plugwrap 208 of basis weight 78 gsm engaged around the full length of the filler layer 207 comprising airlaid non-woven paper filtering material. As seen in FIG. 2, the hollow tube 206, the filler layer comprising airlaid non-woven material 207 and the wrapper 208 are the same length (7.0 mm). The longitudinally extending tubular elements 205 may be made using techniques known in the art, for example by the method described above for the annular elements in the filter of FIG. 1.

The filter 200 also includes a first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 210 at the tobacco end of the filter. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 210 is of circumference 24.00 mm and length 8 mm. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 210 comprises a plug 211 of a first filtering material in the form of a sheet of ZNP paper (obtained from PT Bukit Muria Jaya (BMJ) of West Java, Indonesia) of width 300 mm which is gathered laterally into rod form and held in place with a first core wrapper 212 of non-porous plug wrap [from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd of Mundanjiang, China] of weight 78 gsm. The first longitudinally extending core has a pressure drop of 0.55 mmWG per mm of its length.

The filter 200 also includes a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 215 between the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element 205 and the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 210. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 215 is of circumference 24.00 mm and length 12 mm. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 215 is formed from a plug 216 of a first filtering material in the form of a sheet of Puracel FM36 paper (300 mm Puracel® FM36 g/m2 SWM [of Essentra plc]) which is gathered together laterally into plug form and held in place with a second core wrapper 217 of non-porous plug wrap [obtained from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd of Mundanjiang, China] of weight 45 gsm.

A further filter wrapper 220 of stiff plug wrap of 45 g/m2 weight [from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd of Mundanjiang, China] is engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores 210 and 215 and the tubular element 205. The filter wrapper 220 has an overlapping longitudinal edge with adhesive applied thereon which provides a lapped and stuck seam (not shown) holding the further wrapper 220 around the wrapped cores 210 and 215 and annular element 205 and optionally a further adhesive in anchor lines (not shown) to hold the wrapped cores 210 and 215 and annular element 205 in place.

The components of the filter of FIG. 2 are all made of paper material and are all “readily biodegradeable”, meaning they are able to disintegrate rapidly and completely biodegrade when immersed in water, such that filter 200 (and materials therein) have the ‘Ready Biodegradability’ level of biodegradability as measured according to OECD 301B ‘Ready Biodegradability’ method (modified Sturm test), which is well known in the art.

The applicants have surprisingly found that filters such as filter 200 combine biodegradilbility (are “readily biodegradeable”) with comparable smoke chemistry delivery to the product in the market which uses cellulose actetate (Example 1). Further the applicants have found the filters of the invention are adaptable to provide a customizable design to match a desired smoke chemistry delivery profile.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of a filter 300 which is of length 27 mm and circumference 24.00 mm. The filter 300 comprises a longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 305 at the mouth end, a first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 310 at the tobacco end, and a second, capsule-containing, longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 315 between the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element and first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 310. A filter wrapper 320 is engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores 310 and 315 and the tubular element 305.

The longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 305 comprises a longitudinally extending hollow tube 306 of paper of basis weight 160 gsm, length 7.0 mm and circumference 16 mm; a filler layer 307 comprising airlaid non-woven paper filtering material of width/thickness about 1.3 mm engaged around the full length hollow tube 306; and a plugwrap 308 of basis weight 78 gsm engaged around the full length of the filler layer 307 comprising airlaid non-woven paper filtering material. As seen in FIG. 3, the hollow tube 306, the filler layer comprising airlaid non-woven material 307 and the wrapper 308 are the same length (7.0 mm). The longitudinally extending tubular elements 305 may be made using techniques known in the art, for example by the method described above for the annular elements in the filter of FIG. 1.

The filter 300 also includes a first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 310. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 310 is of circumference 24.00 mm and length 8 mm. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 310 comprises a plug 311 of a first filtering material in the form of a sheet of ZNP paper (obtained from PT Bukit Muria Jaya (BMJ) of West Java, Indonesia) of width 300 mm which is gathered laterally into rod form and held in place with a first core wrapper 312 of non-porous plug wrap [from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd of Mundanjiang, China] of weight 78 gsm. The first longitudinally extending core has a pressure drop of 0.55 mmWG per mm of its length.

The filter 300 also includes a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 315 between the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element 305 and the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 310. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 315 is of circumference 24.00 mm and length 12 mm. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 315 is formed from a plug 316 of a first filtering material in the form of a sheet of Puracel FM26 paper (300 mm Puracel® FM26 g/m2 SWM [of Essentra plc]) which is gathered together laterally into plug form and held in place with a second core wrapper 317 of non-porous coated paper plug wrap [obtained from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd of Mundanjiang, China] of weight 45 gsm. The plug 316 of a first filtering material has embedded therein an an additive release vessel in the form of a frangible flavour (e.g. menthol) containing capsule 318 of diameter 2.8 mm. Such capsules are well know in the art. The capsule 318 is positioned so the centre of the capsule is located closer to the nearest end of the first (tobacco end) longitudinally extending cylindrical core 310 than the nearest end of the longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 305. Thus, in the present Example, the capsule 318 is positioned so the centre of the capsule is located 5 mm from the nearest end of the first (tobacco end) longitudinally extending cylindrical core 310 and 7 mm from the nearest end of the longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 305. The asymmetric positioning closer to the tobacco end than the mouth end advantageously prevents capsule shadow in the mouth end (that is, prevents the capsule from being seen at the mouth end) while also preventing capsule jump to the tobacco end (that is, prevents the capsule from escaping from the second core 315 to the first core 310). Methods of producing capsule containing filters are well known in the art, for example by inserting or dropping the capsule into the sheet of Puracel FM26 paper (300 mm Puracel® FM26 g/m2 SWM [of Essentra plc]) as it is gathered together laterally into plug form prior to wrapping with first core wrapper 317.

A further filter wrapper 320 of stiff plug wrap of 45 g/m2 weight [from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd of Mundanjiang, China] is engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores 310 and 315 and the tubular element 305. The filter wrapper 320 has an overlapping longitudinal edge with adhesive applied thereon which provides a lapped and stuck seam (not shown) holding the further wrapper 320 around the wrapped cores 310 and 315 and annular element 305 and optionally a further adhesive in anchor lines (not shown) to hold the wrapped cores 310 and 315 and annular element 305 in place.

The components of the filter of FIG. 3 (apart from the capsule) are all made of paper material and are all “readily biodegradeable”, meaning they are able to disintegrate rapidly and completely biodegrade when immersed in water, such that filter 300 (and materials therein) have the ‘Ready Biodegradability’ level of biodegradability as measured according to OECD 301B ‘Ready Biodegradability’ method (modified Sturm test), which is well known in the art. Capsules with the ‘Ready Biodegradability’ level of biodegradability as measured according to OECD 301B ‘Ready Biodegradability’ method (modified Sturm test), are also well known in the art.

The applicants have surprisingly found that filters such as filter 300 combine biodegradilbility (are “readily biodegradeable”) with a comparable smoke chemistry delivery to the product in the market which uses cellulose actetate (Example 2 below).

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of a filter 400 which is of length 25 mm and circumference 24.00 mm. The filter 400 comprises a first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 410 at the tobacco end, and a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 415 adjacent (e.g. abutted to) to one end of the first longitudinally extending core 410. A filter wrapper 420 is engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores 410 and 415 and extends beyond the end of the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 415 which is opposite core 410 to thereby define a cavity or recess 421 at the mouth end of the filter (or mouthpiece).

The filter 400 includes a first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 410 at the tobacco end of the filter. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 410 is of circumference 24.00 mm and length 8 mm. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 410 comprises a plug 411 of a first filtering material in the form of a sheet of ZNP paper (obtained from PT Bukit Muria Jaya (BMJ) of West Java, Indonesia) of width 300 mm which is gathered laterally into rod form and held in place with a first core wrapper 412 of non-porous plug wrap [from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd of Mundanjiang, China] of weight 78 gsm. The first longitudinally extending core has a pressure drop of 0.55 mmWG per mm of its length.

The filter 400 also includes a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 415 adjacent (e.g. abutted to) to one end (the non-tobacco end) of the first longitudinally extending core 410. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 415 is of circumference 24.00 mm and length 12 mm. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 415 is formed from a plug 416 of a first filtering material in the form of a sheet of Puracel FM36 paper (300 mm Puracel® FM36 g/m2 SWM [of Essentra plc]) which is gathered together laterally into plug form and held in place with a second core wrapper 417 of non-porous plug wrap [obtained from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd of Mundanjiang, China] of weight 45 gsm.

A further filter wrapper 420 of stiff plug wrap of 100 g/m2 weight [from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd of Mundanjiang, China] is engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores 410 and 415, and extends longitudinally 5 mm further beyond the end of the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 415 which is opposite core 410 to thereby define a cavity or recess 421 of length 5 mm at the mouth end of the filter (or mouthpiece). The filter wrapper 420 has an overlapping longitudinal edge with adhesive applied thereon which provides a lapped and stuck seam (not shown) holding the further wrapper 420 around the wrapped cores 410 and 415 and optionally a further adhesive in anchor lines (not shown) to hold the wrapped cores 410 and 415 in place.

The components of the filter of FIG. 4 are all made of paper material and are all “readily biodegradeable”, meaning they are able to disintegrate rapidly and completely biodegrade when immersed in water, such that filter 400 (and materials therein) have the ‘Ready Biodegradability’ level of biodegradability as measured according to OECD 301B ‘Ready Biodegradability’ method (modified Sturm test), which is well known in the art.

The applicants have surprisingly found that filters such as filter 400 combine biodegradilbility (are “readily biodegradeable”) with comparable smoke chemistry delivery to the product in the market which uses cellulose actetate (Example 3). Further the applicants have found the filters of the invention are adaptable to provide a customizable design to match a desired smoke chemistry delivery profile.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of a filter 500 which is of length 27 mm and circumference 24.00 mm. The filter 500 comprises a first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 510 at the tobacco end, and a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 515 adjacent (e.g. abutted to) to one end of the first longitudinally extending core 510. A filter wrapper 520 is engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores 510 and 515 and extends beyond the end of the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 515 which is opposite core 510 to thereby define a cavity or recess 521 at the mouth end of the filter (or mouthpiece).

The filter 500 includes a first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 510 at the tobacco end of the filter. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 510 is of circumference 24.00 mm and length 10 mm. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 510 comprises a plug 511 of a first filtering material in the form of a sheet of embossed paper [Puracel FM36 paper (300 mm Puracel® FM36 g/m2 SWM of Essentra plc)] of width 300 mm with activated carbon granules embedded therein at a loading of 4.9 mg activated carbon/mm, which is gathered laterally into rod form and held in place with a first core wrapper 512 of non-porous plug wrap [from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd of Mundanjiang, China] of weight 78 gsm. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 510 is made by methods well known in the art: for example, the embossed paper may have activated carbon applied thereto and embedded therein by means of a roller or rollers, and is then gathered into rod form and secured in place (e.g., by a lapped and stuck seam as is known in the art) with a first core wrapper (e.g., a paper wrapper, e.g., a plug wrap) engaged around the rod.

The filter 500 also includes a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 515 adjacent (e.g. abutted to) to one end (the non-tobacco end) of the first longitudinally extending core 510. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 515 is of circumference 24.00 mm and length 12 mm. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 515 is formed from a plug 516 of a first filtering material in the form of a sheet of Puracel FM36 paper (300 mm Puracel® FM36 g/m2 SWM [of Essentra plc]) which is gathered together laterally into plug form and held in place with a second core wrapper 517 of non-porous plug wrap [obtained from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd of Mundanjiang, China] of weight 45 gsm.

A further filter wrapper 520 of stiff plug wrap of 78 g/m2 weight [from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd of Mundanjiang, China] is engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores 510 and 515, and extends longitudinally 5 mm further beyond the end of the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 515 which is opposite core 510 to thereby define a cavity or recess 521 of length 5 mm at the mouth end of the filter (or mouthpiece). The filter wrapper 520 has an overlapping longitudinal edge with adhesive applied thereon which provides a lapped and stuck seam (not shown) holding the further wrapper 520 around the wrapped cores 510 and 515 and optionally a further adhesive in anchor lines (not shown) to hold the wrapped cores 510 and 515 in place.

The components of the filter of FIG. 5 are selected such that the pressure drop across the filter (or mouthpiece) is from 50 to 80 mmHg, for example from 55 to 75 mmHg. In this example the pressure drop across the filter (or mouthpiece) is 64 mmHg.

The components of the filter of FIG. 5 are all made of paper material and are all “readily biodegradeable”, meaning they are able to disintegrate rapidly and completely biodegrade when immersed in water, such that filter 500 (and materials therein) have the ‘Ready Biodegradability’ level of biodegradability as measured according to OECD 301B ‘Ready Biodegradability’ method (modified Sturm test), which is well known in the art.

The applicants have surprisingly found that filters such as filter 500 combine biodegradilbility (are “readily biodegradeable”) with comparable smoke chemistry delivery to the product in the market which uses cellulose actetate (Example 4). Further the applicants have found the filters of the invention are adaptable to provide a customizable design to match a desired smoke chemistry delivery profile.

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic view of a filter 600 which is of length 27 mm and circumference 24.00 mm. The filter 600 comprises a first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 610 at the tobacco end; a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 615 adjacent (e.g. abutted to) to one end of the first longitudinally extending core 610; and a longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 605 at the mouth end. A filter wrapper 620 is engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores 610 and 615 and the tubular (annular) element 605.

The filter 600 includes a first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 610 at the tobacco end of the filter. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 610 is of circumference 24.00 mm and length 8 mm. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 610 comprises a plug 611 of a first filtering material in the form of a sheet of embossed paper [Puracel FM36 paper (300 mm Puracel® FM36 g/m2 SWM of Essentra plc)] of width 300 mm with activated carbon granules embedded therein at a loading of 4.9 mg activated carbon/mm, which is gathered laterally into rod form and held in place with a first core wrapper 612 of non-porous plug wrap [from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd of Mundanjiang, China] of weight 78 gsm. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 610 is made by methods well known in the art: for example, the embossed paper may have activated carbon applied thereto and embedded therein by means of a roller or rollers, and is then gathered into rod form and secured in place (e.g., by a lapped and stuck seam as is known in the art) with a first core wrapper (e.g., a paper wrapper, e.g., a plug wrap) engaged around the rod.

The filter 600 also includes a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 615 adjacent (e.g. abutted to) to one end (the non-tobacco end) of the first longitudinally extending core 610. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 615 is of circumference 24.00 mm and length 12 mm. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 615 is formed from a plug 616 of a first filtering material in the form of a sheet of Puracel FM36 paper (300 mm Puracel® FM36 g/m2 SWM [of Essentra plc]) which is gathered together laterally into plug form and held in place with a second core wrapper 617 of non-porous plug wrap [obtained from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd of Mundanjiang, China] of weight 45 gsm.

At the mouth end, filter 600 includes a longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 605 comprising a longitudinally extending hollow tube 606 of paper of basis weight 160 gsm, length 7.0 mm and circumference 16 mm; a filler layer 607 comprising airlaid non-woven paper filtering material of width/thickness about 1.3 mm engaged around the full length hollow tube 606; and a plugwrap 608 of basis weight 78 gsm engaged around the full length of the filler layer 607 comprising airlaid non-woven paper filtering material. As seen in FIG. 6, the hollow tube 606, the filler layer comprising airlaid non-woven material 607 and the wrapper 608 are the same length (7.0 mm). The longitudinally extending tubular elements 605 may be made using techniques known in the art, for example by the method described above for the annular elements in the filter of FIG. 1. It will be appreciated that element 605 is adjacent (e.g. abutted to) the end of the second longitudinally extending core 615 distal from the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 610.

A further filter wrapper 620 of stiff plug wrap of 100 g/m2 weight [from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd of Mundanjiang, China] is engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores 610 and 615 and the longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 605. The filter wrapper 620 has an overlapping longitudinal edge with adhesive applied thereon which provides a lapped and stuck seam (not shown) holding the further wrapper 620 around the wrapped cores 610 and 615 and element 605, and optionally a further adhesive in anchor lines (not shown) to hold the wrapped cores 610 and 615 and element 605 in place.

The components of the filter of FIG. 6 are selected such that the pressure drop across the filter (or mouthpiece) is from 50 to 80 mmHg, for example from 55 to 75 mmHg. In this example the pressure drop across the filter (or mouthpiece) is 70 mmHg.

The components of the filter of FIG. 6 are all made of paper material and are all “readily biodegradeable”, meaning they are able to disintegrate rapidly and completely biodegrade when immersed in water, such that filter 600 (and materials therein) have the ‘Ready Biodegradability’ level of biodegradability as measured according to OECD 301B ‘Ready Biodegradability’ method (modified Sturm test), which is well known in the art.

The applicants have surprisingly found that filters such as filter 600 combine biodegradilbility (are “readily biodegradeable”) with comparable smoke chemistry delivery to the product in the market which uses cellulose actetate (Example 5). Further the applicants have found the filters of the invention are adaptable to provide a customizable design to match a desired smoke chemistry delivery profile.

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic view of a filter 700 which is of length 27 mm and circumference 24.00 mm. The filter 700 comprises a first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 710 at the tobacco end; a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 715 adjacent (e.g. abutted to) to one end of the first longitudinally extending core 710; and a longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 705 at the mouth end. A filter wrapper 720 is engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores 710 and 715 and the tubular (annular) element 705.

The filter 700 includes a first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 710 at the tobacco end of the filter. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 710 is of circumference 24.00 mm and length 10 mm. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 710 comprises a plug 711 of a first filtering material in the form of a plasticised cellulose acetate tow with activated carbon granules embedded therein at a loading of 4.9 mg activated carbon/mm, which is gathered laterally into rod form and held in place with a first core wrapper 712 of non-porous plug wrap [from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd of Mundanjiang, China] of weight 78 gsm. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 710 is made by methods well known in the art for making so called “active acetate” filters available from www.essentra.com: for example, the plasticised cellulose acetate tow may have activated carbon applied thereto and embedded therein by means of a roller or rollers, and then be gathered into rod form and secured in place (e.g., by a lapped and stuck seam as is known in the art) with a first core wrapper (e.g., a paper wrapper, e.g., a plug wrap) engaged around the rod.

The filter 700 also includes a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 715 adjacent (e.g. abutted to) to one end (the non-tobacco end) of the first longitudinally extending core 710. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 715 is of circumference 24.00 mm and length 10 mm. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 715 is formed from a plug 716 of a first filtering material in the form of a plasticised cellulose acetate tow which is gathered together laterally into plug form and held in place with a second core wrapper 717 of non-porous plug wrap [obtained from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd of Mundanjiang, China] of weight 45 gsm. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 715 is made by methods well known in the art for making so called “mono-acetate” filters available from www.essentra.com.

At the mouth end, filter 700 includes a longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 705 comprising a longitudinally extending hollow tube 706 of paper of basis weight 160 gsm, length 7.0 mm and circumference 16 mm; a filler layer 707 comprising airlaid non-woven paper filtering material of width/thickness about 1.3 mm engaged around the full length hollow tube 706; and a plugwrap 708 of basis weight 78 gsm engaged around the full length of the filler layer 707 comprising airlaid non-woven paper filtering material. As seen in FIG. 7, the hollow tube 706, the filler layer comprising airlaid non-woven material 707 and the wrapper 708 are the same length (7.0 mm). The longitudinally extending tubular element 705 may be made using techniques known in the art, for example by the method described above for the annular elements in the filter of FIG. 1. It will be appreciated that element 705 is adjacent (e.g. abutted to) the end of the second longitudinally extending core 715 distal from the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 710.

A further filter wrapper 720 of stiff plug wrap of 100 g/m2 weight [from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd of Mundanjiang, China] is engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores 710 and 715 and the longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 705. The filter wrapper 720 has an overlapping longitudinal edge with adhesive applied thereon which provides a lapped and stuck seam (not shown) holding the further wrapper 720 around the wrapped cores 710 and 715 and element 705, and optionally a further adhesive in anchor lines (not shown) to hold the wrapped cores 710 and 715 and element 705 in place.

The components of the filter of FIG. 7 are selected such that the pressure drop across the filter (or mouthpiece) is from 80 to 110 mmHg, for example from 90 to 100 mmHg. In this example the pressure drop across the filter (or mouthpiece) is 97 mmHg.

The applicants have surprisingly found that filters such as filter 700 combine improved biodegradilbility with comparable smoke chemistry delivery and pressure drop to the product in the market which uses all cellulose actetate components (Example 6). Further the applicants have found the filters of the invention are adaptable to provide a customizable design to match a desired smoke chemistry delivery profile.

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic view of a filter 800 which is of length 27 mm and circumference 24.00 mm. The filter 800 comprises a first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 810 at the tobacco end; a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 815 adjacent (e.g. abutted to) to one end of the first longitudinally extending core 810; and a longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 805 at the mouth end. A filter wrapper 820 is engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores 810 and 815 and the tubular (annular) element 805.

The filter 800 includes a first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 810 at the tobacco end of the filter. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 810 is of circumference 24.00 mm and length 10 mm. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 810 comprises a plug 811 of a first filtering material in the form of a sheet of embossed paper [Puracel FM36 paper (300 mm Puracel® FM36 g/m2 SWM of Essentra plc)] of width 300 mm with activated carbon granules embedded therein at a loading of 4.9 mg activated carbon/mm, which is gathered laterally into rod form and held in place with a first core wrapper 812 of non-porous plug wrap [from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd of Mundanjiang, China] of weight 78 gsm. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 810 is made by methods well known in the art: for example, the embossed paper may have activated carbon applied thereto and embedded therein by means of a roller or rollers, and then be gathered into rod form and secured in place (e.g., by a lapped and stuck seam as is known in the art) with a first core wrapper (e.g., a paper wrapper, e.g., a plug wrap) engaged around the rod.

The filter 800 also includes a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 815 adjacent (e.g. abutted to) to one end (the non-tobacco end) of the first longitudinally extending core 810. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 815 is of circumference 24.00 mm and length 10 mm. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 815 is formed from a plug 816 of a first filtering material in the form of a sheet of Puracel FM36 paper (300 mm Puracel® FM36 g/m2 SWM [of Essentra plc]) which is gathered together laterally into plug form and held in place with a second core wrapper 817 of non-porous plug wrap [obtained from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd of Mundanjiang, China] of weight 45 gsm.

At the mouth end, filter 800 includes a longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 805 comprising a longitudinally extending hollow annular tube 806 of length 7.0 mm and outer circumference 16 mm and wall thickness 1.2 mm. The longitudinally extending hollow annular tube 806 is made of plasticised cellulose acetate by methods well known in the art for making hollow cellulose acetate tubular filter elements. It will be appreciated that element 805 is adjacent (e.g. abutted to) the end of the second longitudinally extending core 815 distal from the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 810.

A further filter wrapper 820 of stiff plug wrap of 100 g/m2 weight [from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd of Mundanjiang, China] is engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores 810 and 815 and the longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 805. The filter wrapper 820 has an overlapping longitudinal edge with adhesive applied thereon which provides a lapped and stuck seam (not shown) holding the further wrapper 820 around the wrapped cores 810 and 815 and element 805, and optionally a further adhesive in anchor lines (not shown) to hold the wrapped cores 810 and 815 and element 805 in place.

The components of the filter of FIG. 8 are selected such that the pressure drop across the filter (or mouthpiece) is from 50 to 80 mmHg, for example from 55 to 75 mmHg. In this example the pressure drop across the filter (or mouthpiece) is 73 mmHg.

The applicants have surprisingly found that filters such as filter 800 combine improved biodegradilbility with comparable smoke chemistry (especially nicotine) delivery to the product in the market which uses all cellulose actetate components (Example 7). Further the applicants have found the filters of the invention are adaptable to provide a customizable design to match a desired smoke chemistry delivery profile.

Example 1—Filters of FIGS. 1 and 2

A filter according to the invention as illustrated with reference to FIG. 1 of length 27 mm including a first longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 105 [of length 7.5 mm (paper tube/non woven paper filler/paper plugwrap)] and a second longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 110 [of length 7.5 mm (paper tube/non woven paper filler/paper plugwrap)] with a longitudinally extending core 115 of length 20 mm (FM 36 paper) between the first and second longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) elements 105 and 110 was attached to a tobacco envelope (standard tobacco) by methods well known in the art to provide a filter cigarette for testing. This is referred to as test Example HPH111535.

A filter according to the invention as illustrated with reference to FIG. 2 of length 27 mm including a longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 205 [of length 7.0 mm (paper tube/non woven paper filler/paper plugwrap)], a first longitudinally extending core 210 of length 8 mm (ZNP paper); and a second longitudinally extending core 215 of length 12 mm (FM36 paper) between the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element 205 and first longitudinally extending core 210, was attached to a tobacco envelope (standard tobacco) by methods well known in the art to provide a filter cigarette for testing. This is referred to as test Example HPG111511.

The reference filter cigarette had a dual filter (7 mm acetate tube abutted to 20 mm non-wrapped acetate plug) attached to a tobacco envelope (standard tobacco) by methods well known in the art to provide a filter cigarette (SDW869999RO) for testing.

All items were tested using the same tobacco standard and using ISO standard (ISO 4387:2019 Tar; ISO 8454:2019 CO; ISO 10315:2021 Nicotine). The tar, nicotine and CO collected mass yields of the cigarettes HPH111535 and HPG111511 (each including a filter according to the invention) and the reference cigarette were measured by methods well known in the art [ISO 3308:2012 Routine analytical cigarette-smoking machine-Definitions and standard conditions); ISO 4387:2019 Tar; ISO 8454:2019 CO; ISO 10315:2021 Nicotine]. The results are illustrated in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Cigarette Product HPH111535 HPG111511 (Invention (Invention SDW869999RO FIG. 1) FIG. 2) reference PD (tip) 65 70 105 (mmWG) Tar yield 17.29 15.70 14.18 (mg/cigarette) Nicotine yield 0.90 0.88 0.84 (mg/cigarette)) COyield 17.10 16.27 15.21 (mg/product)

Table 1 shows that filters according to the present invention may provide comparable Smoke Delivery performance to conventional cellulose acetate filters (the reference), while also providing improved biodegradability (because they do not contain e.g. cellulose acetate elements).

Example 2—Capsule Filter of FIG. 3

A filter according to the invention as illustrated with reference to FIG. 3 of length 27 mm including a longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 305 of length 7.0 mm (paper tube/non woven paper filler/paper plugwrap), a first longitudinally extending core 310 of length 8 mm (ZNP paper); and a second longitudinally extending core 315 of length 12 mm (FM26 paper with capsule therein) between the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element 305 and first longitudinally extending core 310, was attached to a tobacco envelope (standard tobacco) by methods well known in the art to provide a filter cigarette for testing. This is referred to as test Example HCG111468.

The reference filter cigarette had a dual filter (7 mm acetate tube abutted to 20 mm wrapped acetate plug with capsule embedded therein) attached to a tobacco envelope (standard tobacco) by methods well known in the art to provide a filter cigarette (TCD1101611) for testing.

A further reference filter cigarette had a dual filter (7 mm paper tube abutted to 20 mm paper plug with capsule embedded therein) attached to a tobacco envelope (standard tobacco) by methods well known in the art to provide a filter cigarette (SAM111310) for testing.

All items were tested using the same tobacco standard and using ISO standard (ISO 4387:2019 Tar; ISO 8454:2019 CO; ISO 10315:2021 Nicotine). The tar, nicotine and CO collected mass yields of the cigarettes HCG111468 (each including a filter according to the invention) and the reference cigarettes were measured by methods well known in the art [ISO 3308:2012 Routine analytical cigarette-smoking machine-Definitions and standard conditions); ISO 4387:2019 Tar; ISO 8454:2019 CO; ISO 10315:2021 Nicotine]. The results are illustrated in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Cigarette Product HCG111468 (Invention TCD1101611 SAM111310 FIG. 3) (reference) (reference) PD (tip) 55 85 85 (mmWG) Tar yield 15.09 14.52 14.34 (mg/cigarette) Nicotine yield 0.91 0.93 0.78 (mg/cigarette)) COyield 15.05 14.13 15.01 (mg/product)

Table 2 shows that filters according to the present invention may provide comparable Smoke Delivery performance to conventional cellulose acetate filters (the reference TCD1101611), while also providing improved biodegradability (because they do not contain e.g. cellulose acetate elements). The Table also shows that simply replacing cellulose acetate with paper is not effective because such a filter has inferior nicotine retention (the reference SAM111310 is a paper version of TCD1101611).

Example 3—Recess Filter of FIG. 4

A filter according to the invention as illustrated with reference to FIG. 4 of length 25 mm including a first tobacco end longitudinally extending core 410 of length 8 mm (ZNP paper); and a second longitudinally extending core 415 of length 12 mm (FM36 paper), and a recess at the mouth end of length 5 mm, was attached to a tobacco envelope (standard tobacco) by methods well known in the art to provide a filter cigarette for testing. This is referred to as test Example PRW111469.

The reference recess filter cigarette had a filter (20 mm non-wrapped acetate plug with 5 mm recess) attached to a tobacco envelope (standard tobacco) by methods well known in the art to provide a filter cigarette (DRW810632A) for testing.

The tar, nicotine and CO collected mass yields of the cigarettes PRW01 (including a filter according to the invention) and the reference cigarette were measured by methods well known in the art [ISO 3308:2012 Routine analytical cigarette-smoking machine-Definitions and standard conditions); ISO 4387:2019 Tar; ISO 8454:2019 CO; ISO 10315:2021 Nicotine]. The results are illustrated in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Cigarette Product PRW111469 (Invention DRW810632 FIG. 4) DRW421540A PD (tip) 73 113 (mmWG) Tar yield 13.01 12.32 (mg/cigarette) Nicotine yield 0.85 0.82 (mg/cigarette)) COyield 13.05 13.64 (mg/product)

Table 3 shows that filters according to the present invention may provide comparable Smoke Delivery performance to conventional cellulose acetate filters (the reference DRW810632), while also providing improved biodegradability (because they do not contain e.g. cellulose acetate elements).

Example 4—Recess Filter with Additive of FIG. 5

A filter according to the invention as illustrated with reference to FIG. 5 of length 27 mm including a first tobacco end longitudinally extending core 510 of length 10 mm (embossed paper with additive embedded therein); and a second longitudinally extending core 515 of length 12 mm (FM36 paper), and a recess at the mouth end of length 5 mm, was attached to a tobacco envelope (standard tobacco) by methods well known in the art to provide a filter cigarette for testing. This is referred to as test Example PRB111586.

The reference recess filter cigarette had a filter (10 mm cellulose acetate element with activated carbon at tobacco end abutted to 12 mm non-wrapped acetate plug, with 5 mm recess at mouth end) attached to a tobacco envelope (standard tobacco) by methods well known in the art to provide a filter cigarette (DRB810632) for testing.

The tar, nicotine and CO collected mass yields of the cigarettes PRB01 (including a filter according to the invention) and the reference cigarette were measured by methods well known in the art [ISO 3308:2012 Routine analytical cigarette-smoking machine-Definitions and standard conditions); ISO 4387:2019 Tar; ISO 8454:2019 CO; ISO 10315:2021 Nicotine]. The results are illustrated in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Cigarette Product PRB111586 (Invention FIG. 5) DRB810632 PD (tip) 64 115 (mmWG) Tar yield 12.81 10.73 (mg/cigarette) Nicotine yield 0.93 0.88 (mg/cigarette)) COyield 13.50 15.06 (mg/product)

Table 4 shows that filters according to the present invention may provide comparable Smoke Delivery performance to conventional cellulose acetate filters (the reference DRW421540A), while also providing improved biodegradability (because they do not contain e.g. cellulose acetate elements).

Example 5—Triple Filter with Additive of FIG. 6

A filter according to the invention as illustrated with reference to FIG. 6 of length 27 mm including a first tobacco end longitudinally extending core 610 of length 8 mm (embossed paper with additive embedded therein); a second longitudinally extending core 615 of length 12 mm (FM36 paper); and a tubular (annular) element 605 at the mouth end of length 7 mm, was attached to a tobacco envelope (standard tobacco) by methods well known in the art to provide a filter cigarette for testing. This is referred to as test Example HPB111560.

The reference recess filter cigarette had a filter (10 mm cellulose acetate element with activated carbon at tobacco end abutted to 12 mm non-wrapped acetate plug, with 7 mm acetate tube at mouth end) attached to a tobacco envelope (standard tobacco) by methods well known in the art to provide a filter cigarette (HTC859046) for testing.

The tar, nicotine and CO collected mass yields of the cigarettes HPB111560 (including a filter according to the invention) and the reference cigarette were measured by methods well known in the art [ISO 3308:2012 Routine analytical cigarette-smoking machine-Definitions and standard conditions); ISO 4387:2019 Tar; ISO 8454:2019 CO; ISO 10315:2021 Nicotine]. The results are illustrated in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Cigarette Product HPB111560 (Invention FIG. 6) HTC859046 PD (tip) 70 95 (mmWG) Tar yield 11.04 14.24 (mg/cigarette) Nicotine yield 0.77 0.79 (mg/cigarette)) COyield 14.35 14.27 (mg/product)

Table 5 shows that filters according to the present invention may provide comparable Smoke Delivery performance to conventional cellulose acetate filters (the reference HTC859046), while also providing improved biodegradability (because they do not contain e.g. cellulose acetate elements).

Example 6—Triple Filter with Additive of FIG. 7

A filter according to the invention as illustrated with reference to FIG. 7 of length 27 mm including a first tobacco end longitudinally extending core 710 of length 10 mm (cellulose acetate with additive embedded therein); a second longitudinally extending core 715 of length 10 mm (cellulose acetate); and a tubular (annular) element 705 at the mouth end of length 7 mm, was attached to a tobacco envelope (standard tobacco) by methods well known in the art to provide a filter cigarette for testing. This is referred to as test Example HPA111635.

The reference recess filter cigarette had a filter (10 mm cellulose acetate element with activated carbon at tobacco end abutted to 10 mm non-wrapped acetate plug, with 7 mm acetate tube at mouth end) attached to a tobacco envelope (standard tobacco) by methods well known in the art to provide a filter cigarette (HTC859046) for testing.

The tar, nicotine and CO collected mass yields of the cigarettes HPA111635 (including a filter according to the invention) and the reference cigarette were measured by methods well known in the art [ISO 3308:2012 Routine analytical cigarette-smoking machine-Definitions and standard conditions); ISO 4387:2019 Tar; ISO 8454:2019 CO; ISO 10315:2021 Nicotine]. The results are illustrated in Table 6.

TABLE 6 Cigarette Product HPA111635 (Invention FIG. 7) HTC859046 PD (tip) 97 95 (mmWG) Tar yield 12.38 14.24 (mg/cigarette) Nicotine yield 0.84 0.79 (mg/cigarette)) COyield 14.05 14.27 (mg/product)

Table 6 shows that filters according to the present invention may provide comparable Smoke Delivery performance to conventional cellulose acetate filters (the reference HTC859046), while also including elements with improved biodegradability.

Example 7—Triple Filter with Additive of FIG. 8

A filter according to the invention as illustrated with reference to FIG. 8 of length 27 mm including a first tobacco end longitudinally extending core 810 of length 10 mm (embossed paper with additive embedded therein); a second longitudinally extending core 815 of length 10 mm (FM36 paper); and a tubular (annular) cellulose acetate element 805 at the mouth end of length 7 mm, was attached to a tobacco envelope (standard tobacco) by methods well known in the art to provide a filter cigarette for testing. This is referred to as test Example HAP111636.

The reference recess filter cigarette had a filter (10 mm cellulose acetate element with activated carbon at tobacco end abutted to 10 mm non-wrapped acetate plug, with 7 mm acetate tube at mouth end) attached to a tobacco envelope (standard tobacco) by methods well known in the art to provide a filter cigarette (HTC859046) for testing.

The tar, nicotine and CO collected mass yields of the cigarettes HAP111636 (including a filter according to the invention) and the reference cigarette were measured by methods well known in the art [ISO 3308:2012 Routine analytical cigarette-smoking machine-Definitions and standard conditions); ISO 4387:2019 Tar; ISO 8454:2019 CO; ISO 10315:2021 Nicotine]. The results are illustrated in Table 7.

TABLE 7 Cigarette Product HAP111636 (Invention FIG. 8) HTC859046 PD (tip) 73 95 (mmWG) Tar yield 11.32 14.24 (mg/cigarette) Nicotine yield 0.78 0.79 (mg/cigarette)) COyield 14.75 14.27 (mg/product)

Table 7 shows that filters according to the present invention may provide comparable Smoke Delivery performance to conventional cellulose acetate filters (the reference HTC859046), while also including elements with improved biodegradability.

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic view of a filter 9100 which is of length 33 mm and a circumference 24 mm. The filter 9100 comprises a longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 9105 at a mouth end, a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 9110 abutted to the first longitudinally extending core 9105, a longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element 9115 at a tobacco end abutted to the second longitudinally extending core 9110 and distanced longitudinally from the first longitudinally extending core 9105 by the length of the second longitudinally extending core 9110. A filter wrapper 9120 is engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores 9105 and 9110 and the tubular element 9115. The filter 9100 includes a first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 9105 at the mouth end of the filter 9100 is of circumference 24 mm and a length 7 mm. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 9105 comprises a plug 9125 of a first filtering material in the form of a sheet of Puracel® FM36 paper (300 mm Puracel® FM36 g/m2 SWM [of Essentra plc]) which is gathered together laterally into plug form and held in place with a first core wrapper 9130 of non-porous plug wrap [obtained from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd of Mundanjiang, China] of weight 45 gsm.

The filter 9100 also includes a second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 9110 abutted to the an end of the first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 9105 which is not the mouth end of the filter 9100. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 9110 is of circumference 24 mm and length 18 mm. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 9110 comprises plug 9135 of a first filtering material in the form of a sheet of ZNP paper (obtained from PT Bukit Muria Jaya (BMJ) of West Java, Indonesia) of width 300 mm which is gathered laterally into rod form and held in place with a second core wrapper 9140 of non-porous plug wrap [from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd of Mundanjiang, China] of weight 78 gsm. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 9110 has a pressure drop of 0.55 mmWG per mm of its length.

The filter 9100 also includes a longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 9115 at a tobacco end and abutted to an end of the second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 9110. The longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 9115 distanced from the first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 9105 by the length of the second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 9110. The longitudinally extending tubular element 9115 comprises a longitudinally extending hollow tube 9145 of paper of basis weight 160 gsm, length 8 mm and a circumference 16 mm; a filler layer 9150 comprising airlaid non-woven paper filtering material of width/thickness about 1.3 mm engaged around the full length of the hollow tube 9145; and a plugwrap 9155 of basis weight 78 gsm engaged around the full length of the filler layer 9150 comprising airlaid non-woven paper filtering material. As seen in FIG. 9, the hollow tube 9145, the filler layer comprising airlaid non-woven paper filtering material 9150 and the wrapper 9155 are the same length (8 mm).

The longitudinally extending tubular element 9115 may be made using techniques known in the art by a method comprising the steps of: gathering and securing a sheet of paper of basis weight 160 gsm with a lapped and stuck seam to form the longitudinally extending hollow tube 9145; advancing four sheets of airlaid non-woven paper filtering material of width 70 mm in a longitudinal direction; separating the four sheets of longitudinally advancing airlaid non-woven paper filtering material by a cone separator; gathering the four separated sheets of longitudinally advancing airlaid non-woven paper filtering material around the longitudinally extending hollow tube 9145 to form filler layer 9150 comprising airlaid non-woven paper filtering material engaged around hollow tube 9145; gathering and securing a plugwrap 9155 of basis weight 78 gsm with a lapped and stuck seam around the filler layer comprising airlaid non-woven paper filtering material; and cutting the continuous rod at 8.5 mm intervals to form the individual longitudinally extending tubular element 9115.

A further filter wrapper 9120 of stiff plug wrap of 45 g/m2 weight [from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd of Mundanjiang, China] is engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores 9105 and 9110 and the tubular element 9115. The filter wrapper 9120 has an overlapping longitudinal edge with adhesive applied thereon which provides a lapped and stuck seam (not shown) holding the filter wrapper 9120 around the wrapped cores 9105 and 9110 and annular element 9115 and optionally a further adhesive in anchor lines (not shown) to hold the wrapped cores 9105 and 9110 and annular element 9115 in place.

The components of the filter of FIG. 9 are all made of paper material and are all “readily biodegradable”, meaning they are able to disintegrate rapidly and completely biodegrade when immersed in water, such that filter 9100 (and materials therein) have the ‘Ready Biodegradability’ level of biodegradability as measured according to OECD 301B ‘Ready Biodegradability’ method (modified Sturm test), which is well known in the art.

The applicants have surprisingly found that filters such as filter 9100 combine biodegradability (are “readily biodegradable”) with expected comparable smoke chemistry delivery to the product in the market which uses cellulose acetate. Further the applicants have found the filters of the invention are adaptable to provide a customizable design to match a desired smoke chemistry delivery profile.

It will be appreciated that according to the tenth aspect of the invention, the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core comprising a first filtering material in the form of cellulose acetate, as is well known in the art. The other components are as for FIG. 9. The applicants have surprisingly found that filters according to the tenth aspect of the invention combine expected comparable smoke chemistry delivery to the product in the market, with improved biodegradability over the product on the market because more of the components are biodegradable. Further the applicants have found the filters of the tenth aspect of the invention are adaptable to provide a customizable design to match a desired smoke chemistry delivery profile.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. A filter (or mouthpiece) comprising:

a longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element;
a first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core comprising a first filtering material which is a paper and/or other biodegradable material, wherein the first longitudinally extending core has a pressure drop of from 0.1 to 1 mmWG per mm of its length, for example 0.31 to 0.7 mmWG per mm of its length, for example from 0.5 to 0.6 mmWG per mm of its length, for example 0.55 mmWG per mm of its length;
a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core between the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element and first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core comprising a second filtering material comprising a paper and/or other biodegradable material; and
a filter wrapper engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores and the tubular element;
wherein the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element comprises a longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) hollow tube of paper and/or other biodegradable filtering material; a filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material engaged around the hollow tube along the full (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube; and a wrapper (e.g., plugwrap) engaged around the filler layer along the full (e.g., longitudinal) length of the filler layer, wherein the hollow tube, the filler layer and the wrapper are the same length.

3. A filter (or mouthpiece) according to claim 2 further comprising an additive release vessel [e.g. capsule, e.g. a frangible capsule, e.g. (e.g. frangible) capsule which contains a smoke or vapor additive] enclosed within the second filtering material.

4. A filter (or mouthpiece) comprising:

a longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element;
a first longitudinally extending core (e.g., substantially cylindrical) comprising a first filtering material which is a paper and/or other biodegradable material, wherein the first longitudinally extending core has a pressure drop of from 0.1 to 1 mmWG per mm of its length, for example 0.31 to 0.7 mmWG per mm of its length, for example from 0.5 to 0.6 mmWG per mm of its length, for example 0.55 mmWG per mm of its length;
a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core between the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element and first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core comprising a second filtering material which is a paper and/or other biodegradable material, and an additive release vessel [e.g. capsule, e.g. a frangible capsule, e.g. (e.g. frangible) capsule which contains a smoke or vapor additive] enclosed within the second filtering material; and
a filter wrapper engaged around the first and second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) cores and the tubular element;
wherein the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g. annular) element comprises a longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) hollow tube of paper and/or other biodegradable filtering material; a filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material engaged around the hollow tube along the full (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube; and a wrapper (e.g., plugwrap) engaged around the filler layer along the full (e.g., longitudinal) length of the filler layer, wherein the hollow tube, the filler layer and the wrapper are the same length.

5-8. (canceled)

9. A filter (or mouthpiece) according to claim 2 of circumference 4 to 25 mm, e.g., from 5 to 20 mm, e.g., from 6 to 18 mm, e.g., from 8 to 10 mm.

10. A filter (or mouthpiece) according to claim 2 wherein the paper of the hollow tube is a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight from 80 to 160 gsm, e.g., a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight from 90 to 140 gsm, e.g., a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight from 100 to 120 gsm, e.g., a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight 100 gsm.

11. A filter (or mouthpiece) according to claim 2 wherein the filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material engaged around the hollow tube is of width or thickness from 0.6 to 2.0 mm, e.g., from 0.8 to 1.8 mm, e.g., from 1.0 to 1.6 mm, e.g., 1.3 mm, optionally wherein the filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material is comprised of multiple (i.e., more than one) sheets or layer of paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material.

12. (canceled)

13. A filter (or mouthpiece) according to claim 2 wherein the tubular element wrapper engaged around the filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material is a paper (e.g., a plugwrap) of basis weight from 50 to 150 gsm, e.g., a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight from 60 to 140 gsm, e.g., a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight from 70 to 130 gsm, e.g., a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight from 80 to 120 gsm, e.g., a paper (e.g., plugwrap) of basis weight of 100 gsm.

14. A filter (or mouthpiece) according to claim 2 wherein the tubular element wrapper (e.g., plugwrap) engaged around the filler layer comprising paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material is non-porous.

15. (canceled)

16. A filter (or mouthpiece) according to claim 2 wherein the or each paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material is filter paper, non-woven paper, airlaid paper or cellulose/lyocell/viscose based paper, optionally wherein the or each paper filtering material and/or other biodegradable filtering material is a non-woven paper made with non-plastic plant based fibres (e.g., flax, hemp, jute, sisal, abaca, coconut, bamboo, starch or wood pulp) or a bend of these materials.

17. (canceled)

18. A filter (or mouthpiece) according to claim 2 wherein the filter wrapper comprises paper or other biodegradeable material.

19. A filter (or mouthpiece) according to claim 2 having greater than 90% biodegradability as measured according to ISO14855-1 Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions—Method by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide, optionally having ‘Ready Biodegradability’ level of biodegradability as measured according to OECD 301B ‘Ready Biodegradability’ method (modified Storm test).

20. (canceled)

21. A filter (or mouthpiece) according to claim 2 having having length of from 5 to 50 mm, e.g., from 10 to 30 mm, e.g., from 8 to 24 mm, e.g., from 15 to 20 mm, e.g., 18 mm.

22. A smoking article (e.g., a cigarette, e.g., a tobacco heating product, e.g., a HNB product or HTP) comprising a mouthpiece or filter according to claim 2 joined to a wrapped tobacco rod with one end of the filter facing towards the tobacco rod.

23. A multi-segment filter comprising a mouthpiece or filter according to claim 2 and one or more discrete further segments.

24-63. (canceled)

64. A filter (or mouthpiece) according to claim 2 having circular cross section, an oval con section, or an elongated oval cross section.

65. (canceled)

Patent History
Publication number: 20260191256
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 22, 2023
Publication Date: Jul 9, 2026
Inventors: Muhamad Ilham Fadila RAMADHAN (East Java), Arief RAHMAN (East Java), Agus FAHRONI (East Java), GIYANTO - (East Java), Juhan KUNCAHYONO (East Java), Koko KURNIAWAN (East Java)
Application Number: 19/131,131
Classifications
International Classification: A24D 3/06 (20060101); A24D 1/20 (20200101); A24D 3/04 (20060101); A24D 3/10 (20060101);