Sustainable filter

Abstract

A filter (100) or mouthpiece for a smoking article, such as a cigarette or tobacco heating product, the filter or mouthpiece comprising a number of segments (105, 110, 115) wherein at least one segment comprises paper and / or biodegradable filter material.

Description

[0001] Introduction

[0002] The present invention provides a filter tip and a mouthpiece for use with smoking articles such as cigarettes, tobacco heating products, heat-not-burn (HNB) products or heated tobacco products (HTP). Background Art

[0003] A mouthpiece or filter element for a smoking article such as a cigarette, a tobacco heating product, an HNB product or an HTP can be made of a variety of different materials. Currently, 98% of commercially available cigarette filter tips contain a certain amount of cellulose acetate (source of information: Euromonitor International). However, cellulose acetate is not readily biodegradable, and thus, cigarette filter tips (and butts) containing cellulose acetate may persist in the environment for many years. For this reason, and in view of new EU legislation aimed at reducing the use of disposable plastics such as cellulose acetate in filter tips, there is an increasing interest in filter tips and filter elements (as well as mouthpieces) that are free of disposable plastics and biodegradable.

[0004] A filter material that can replace cellulose acetate is paper. Filter tips containing paper as the filter material are known in the art. In terms of improving biodegradability and filtration efficiency at a given pressure drop, paper filter tips have many advantages over cellulose acetate filter tips. However, compared with cellulose acetate filter tips, they also have many disadvantages, for example, they may have an adverse effect on the taste of cigarettes, reduce the firmness of the filter tip and the appearance before and after smoking (due to unaesthetic coloring). In addition, compared with filter tips made of cellulose acetate, paper filter tips generally have a lower retention rate for toxic phenolic compounds and a much higher retention rate for tar and nicotine. Therefore, the experience of smoking a cigarette with a conventional paper filter tip is comparable to that of smoking a conventionally cellulose acetate-filtered cigarette.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a mouthpiece or filter tip for a smoking article (e.g., a cigarette, a tobacco heating product, an HNB product or an HTP) that has acceptable filtration characteristics and firmness, i.e., hardness, while having improved biodegradability compared to conventional materials such as cellulose acetate. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The first aspect of the present invention

[0007] According to the present invention, in a first aspect, there is provided a filter tip (or mouthpiece) (e.g., for a smoking article such as a cigarette, a tobacco heating product, an HNB product or an HTP), the filter tip (or mouthpiece) comprising:

[0008] A first longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element and a second longitudinally extending tubular element;

[0009] A longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core between the first longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element and the second longitudinally extending tubular element, the core comprising a filter material, the filter material comprising paper and / or other biodegradable materials; and

[0010] A filter wrapper that engages around the first longitudinally extending tubular element, the second longitudinally extending tubular element, and the longitudinally extending core;

[0011] Wherein the first longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element and the second longitudinally extending tubular element each (independently) comprise a longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) hollow tube of paper and / or other biodegradable filter material; a filler layer of paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material that engages around the hollow tube along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube; and a wrapper (e.g., tipping paper) that engages around the filler layer along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the filler layer, wherein the hollow tube, the filler layer, and the wrapper are of the same length.

[0012] The components used in the present invention are biodegradable and have enhanced biodegradability compared to cellulose acetate. Thus, the present invention provides a filter tip or mouthpiece with enhanced biodegradability, and is therefore more environmentally friendly and more compliant with EU legislation.

[0013] The term "biodegradable" means that the filter tip or mouthpiece (or its components, such as the filter wrapper, the paper hollow tube, the filter material) is capable of exhibiting a biodegradation rate of at least 90% after 6 months under controlled composting conditions (see ISO 14855-1 Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions – Method by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide).

[0014] Preferably, the filter tip or mouthpiece (or its components, such as the filter tip wrapper, the paper hollow tube, the filter material) of the present invention is "easily biodegradable". The phrase "easily biodegradable" means that the filter tip or mouthpiece (or its components, such as the filter tip wrapper, the paper hollow tube, the filter material) can decompose rapidly and be completely biodegradable when immersed in water. Preferably, as measured according to the OECD 301B "Ready Biodegradability" method (modified Sturm test) well-known in the art, the filter tip or mouthpiece (or its components, such as the filter tip wrapper, the paper hollow tube, the filter material) has a biodegradability capacity at the "ready biodegradable" level. The phrase "ready biodegradable" should be understood herein to mean a biodegradability capacity at the "ready biodegradable" level.

[0015] The applicant has found that the filter tip or mouthpiece according to this aspect of the present invention provides excellent filtering characteristics and filtering performance, and is also biodegradable.

[0016] Preferably, the length of the filter tip or mouthpiece is from 5 mm to 50 mm, such as from 15 mm to 40 mm, such as from 20 mm to 30 mm, such as 27 mm. Preferably, the circumference or perimeter of the mouthpiece or filter tip element is from 14 mm to 30 mm, such as from 16 mm to 25 mm, such as from 24 mm to 25 mm. Preferably, the length of the first (e.g., mouth end or oral end) longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element is from 5 mm to 10 mm (e.g., 7.5 mm). Preferably, the length of the second (e.g., non-mouth end or tobacco end) longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element is from 5 mm to 10 mm (e.g., 7.5 mm). Preferably, the length of the longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core is from 10 mm to 14 mm (e.g., 12 mm).

[0017] Longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element

[0018] The first longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element and the second longitudinally extending tubular element each (independently) comprise a longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) hollow tube of paper material and / or other biodegradable filter material; a filler layer comprising paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material joined around the hollow tube along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube; and a wrapper (e.g., tipping paper) joined around the filler layer along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the filler layer, wherein the lengths of the hollow tube, the filler layer, and the wrapper are the same.

[0019] Preferably, the cross-section of the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element or each longitudinally extending tubular element is uniform (e.g., uniform axial cross-section).

[0020] Preferably, the cross-section is annular, which means that the cross-section of the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element or each longitudinally extending tubular element has an inner perimeter or inner circumference and an outer perimeter or outer circumference. Preferably, the inner perimeter or inner circumference is circular, which means that the shape of the hollow tube is substantially cylindrical. Preferably, the outer perimeter or outer circumference is circular, which means that the shape of the longitudinally extending tubular element or each longitudinally extending tubular element is substantially cylindrical. This can be seen, for example, in Figure 1 However, the inner perimeter or inner circumference and the outer perimeter or outer circumference can be of any shape. For example, the shape of the outer perimeter or outer circumference can be circular or oval, and the cross-section of the inner perimeter or inner circumference can be circular, semi-circular (D-shaped), square, triangular, star-shaped, trefoil-shaped, pentagonal or gear-shaped, or shaped like a logo or other pattern.

[0021] Preferably, the circumference or perimeter of the hollow tube of paper material and / or other biodegradable filter material is from 4 mm to 25 mm, such as from 5 mm to 20 mm, such as from 6 mm to 18 mm, such as from 8 mm to 10 mm.

[0022] The hollow tube may comprise paper material. Preferably, the paper material of the hollow tube is formed paper with a basis weight of 80 gsm to 160 gsm, such as formed paper with a basis weight of 90 gsm to 140 gsm, such as formed paper with a basis weight of 100 gsm to 120 gsm, such as formed paper with a basis weight of 100 gsm. The applicant has found that using formed paper with a basis weight of 80 gsm to 160 gsm provides a hollow tube with appropriate stiffness that supports a filler layer comprising paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material and maintains its tubular shape. Advantageously, the formed paper with a basis weight of 80 gsm to 160 gsm is also biodegradable.

[0023] A filler layer comprising paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material is joined around the hollow tube along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube. In other words, a filler layer comprising paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material surrounds the hollow tube along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube, and thus does not substantially underlap or overlap / extend beyond the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube. Preferably, the width or thickness (t) of the filler layer comprising paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material joined around the hollow tube is from 0.6 mm to 2.0 mm, such as from 0.8 mm to 1.8 mm, such as from 1.0 mm to 1.6 mm, such as 1.3 mm. This can be seen, for example, in Figure 1 However, the inner perimeter or inner circumference and the outer perimeter or outer circumference can be of any shape. For example, the shape of the outer perimeter or outer circumference can be circular or oval, and the cross-section of the inner perimeter or inner circumference can be circular, semi-circular (D-shaped), square, triangular, star-shaped, trefoil-shaped, pentagonal or gear-shaped, or shaped like a logo or other pattern.

[0024] The term "width or thickness" shall be readily understood herein 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 outer perimeter of the filler layer including the paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter materials. However, it should be understood that there may be more than one width or thickness value unless the filler layer including the paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter materials is uniformly joined around the hollow tube, e.g., in a circular shape. Additionally, it should be understood that if the cross-section of the hollow tube, i.e., the inner perimeter or inner circumference, is semi-circular (D-shaped), square, triangular, star-shaped, trefoil-shaped, pentagonal or gear-shaped cross-section, or shaped like a logo or other pattern, there may be more than one width or thickness value. The term "width or thickness" shall be readily understood herein to mean the shortest distance from any position on the perimeter of the hollow tube to the circumference or perimeter of the filler layer including the paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter materials.

[0025] The paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter materials can be paper materials (in any form) commonly used in mouthpieces or filter elements. The paper can be, for example, filter paper, non-woven paper, airlaid paper or cellulose / lyocell / viscose-based paper. The paper can be non-woven paper made from non-plastic plant-based fibers (e.g., flax, jute, sisal, abaca, coconut, bamboo, starch or wood pulp) or blends of these materials. Preferably, the other biodegradable filter materials do not include cellulose acetate. Preferably, the filler layer does not include cellulose acetate.

[0026] The paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter materials can be in the form of a blend of different paper filter materials and / or other biodegradable filter materials. The paper can be coated with a hydrophobic coating or hydrophobic material.

[0027] The Applicant has found that the use of non-woven paper, e.g., made from plant-based non-plastic fibers such as flax, jute, sisal, manila hemp, coconut, bamboo, starch or wood pulp and / or airlaid paper, is particularly suitable for the filler layer because they are flexible and easy to manufacture into a layer joined around the hollow tube, have excellent filtration characteristics and filtration performance, and are also biodegradable. Additionally, the Applicant has found that the use of non-woven paper, e.g., made from plant-based non-plastic fibers such as flax, jute, sisal, manila hemp, coconut, bamboo, starch or wood pulp and / or airlaid paper provides a unique visual end appearance that attracts consumers and can help prevent counterfeiting.

[0028] The filler layer including the paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter materials can be composed of a plurality, i.e., more than one, sheets or layers of paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter materials.

[0029] The filler layer comprising the paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter materials may include carbon, such as activated carbon particles. The paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter materials may be impregnated or embedded with carbon.

[0030] Preferably, the wrapper bonded around the filler layer comprising the paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter materials is a paper material (e.g., forming paper) with a basis weight of 50 gsm to 150 gsm, such as a paper material (e.g., forming paper) with a basis weight of 60 gsm to 140 gsm, such as a paper material (e.g., forming paper) with a basis weight of 70 gsm to 130 gsm, such as a paper material (e.g., forming paper) with a basis weight of 80 gsm to 120 gsm, such as a paper material (e.g., forming paper) with a basis weight of 100 gsm.

[0031] The applicant has found that the use of a paper material (e.g., forming paper) wrapper with a basis weight of 50 gsm to 150 gsm bonded around the filler layer comprising the paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter materials is a suitable outer package and has a firmness (i.e., hardness) similar to that of a cellulose acetate-based tube (e.g., a hollow acetate tube), which in turn can provide a mouthpiece or filter element with the desired firmness (i.e., hardness). Advantageously, the paper material (e.g., forming paper) wrapper with a basis weight of 50 gsm to 150 gsm is biodegradable.

[0032] The wrapper (e.g., forming paper) bonded around the filler layer comprising the paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter materials may be non-porous. Alternatively, the wrapper (e.g., forming paper) bonded around the filler layer comprising the paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter materials may be ventilated or breathable, with a gas permeability of 0 Coresta to 32,000 Coresta units.

[0033] The wrapper bonded around the filler layer comprising the paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter materials is bonded around the filler layer comprising the paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter materials along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the filler layer. In other words, the wrapper bonded around the filler layer comprising the paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter materials surrounds the layer comprising the paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter materials along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the filler layer, and thus substantially does not underlap or overlap / extend beyond the filler layer.

[0034] The (or each) longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element may be biodegradable, wherein the biodegradation ability, as measured by analyzing the evolved carbon dioxide according to ISO 14855-1 for the ultimate aerobic biodegradation ability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions, is greater than 90%. Preferably, the biodegradation after 6 months of the mouthpiece or filter element, as measured according to ISO 14855-1, is at least 90%. Preferably, the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element or each longitudinally extending tubular element has a biodegradation ability at the "readily biodegradable" level, as measured according to the OECD 301B "readily biodegradable" method (modified Sturm test) known in the art.

[0035] Longitudinally extending core

[0036] The longitudinally extending core may be formed of paper material (e.g., uncoated paper material, coated paper material, siliconized paper material, such as Puracel FM26, Puracel FM36, and / or Greenbutts) and / or other biodegradable materials, and the paper material and / or other biodegradable materials are laterally aggregated into a rod form and held in place (e.g., by a wrapper, such as a core wrapper). The longitudinally extending core may be formed of paper material (e.g., uncoated paper material, coated paper material, siliconized paper material, such as Puracel FM26, Puracel FM36, and / or Greenbutts) and / or other biodegradable materials with a width of 250 mm to 350 mm, such as 251 mm to 350 mm, such as 280 mm to 320 mm, such as 300 mm, and the paper material and / or other biodegradable materials are laterally aggregated into a rod form and held in place (e.g., by a wrapper, such as a core wrapper). It should be understood that the longitudinally extending core may have a wrapper (e.g., a core wrapper) that holds the filter material in a certain shape (e.g., in the form of a core, such as in the form of a rod or a core rod). The wrapper (e.g., a core wrapper) is separate from, for example, the wrapper (e.g., a filter wrapper) that engages around the first longitudinally extending tubular element, the second longitudinally extending tubular element, and the longitudinally extending core. If there is a wrapper (e.g., a core wrapper) for the longitudinally extending core, it should be understood that the wrapper (e.g., a filter wrapper) that engages around the first longitudinally extending tubular element, the second longitudinally extending tubular element, and the longitudinally extending core wraps around the wrapper (e.g., a core wrapper) of the longitudinally extending core and the longitudinally extending core itself.

[0037] The longitudinally extending core of the first aspect of the present invention is preferably as described below for the "second longitudinally extending core" of the second to fourth aspects of the present invention.

[0038] The second to fourth aspects of the present invention

[0039] According to the present invention, in a second aspect, there is provided a filter tip (or mouthpiece) (e.g., for a smoking article such as a cigarette, a tobacco heating product, an HNB product or an HTP), the filter tip comprising:

[0040] a longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element;

[0041] a first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the first longitudinally extending core comprising a first filter material which is a paper material and / or other biodegradable material, wherein the first longitudinally extending core has a pressure drop of 0.1 mmWG to 1 mmWG per mm of length, e.g., 0.31 mmWG to 0.7 mmWG per mm of length, e.g., 0.5 mmWG to 0.6 mmWG per mm of length, e.g., 0.55 mmWG per mm of length;

[0042] a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core between the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element and the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the

[0043] second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core comprising a second filter material which comprises a paper material and / or other biodegradable material; and

[0044] a filter tip wrapper which engages around the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core and the second longitudinally extending core and the tubular element;

[0045] wherein the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element comprises a longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) hollow tube of a paper material and / or other biodegradable filter material; a filler layer of a paper filter material and / or

[0046] or other biodegradable filter material which engages around the hollow tube along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube; and a wrapper (e.g., tipping paper) which engages around the filler layer along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the filler layer, wherein the hollow tube, the filler layer and the wrapper have the same length.

[0047] The filter tip (or mouthpiece) of this aspect may further comprise an additive release container [e.g., a capsule, e.g., a fragile capsule, e.g., a (e.g., fragile) capsule containing a smoke or vapor additive] encapsulated within the second filter material.

[0048] Thus, according to the present invention, in a third aspect, there is provided a filter tip (or mouthpiece) (e.g., for a smoking article such as a cigarette, a tobacco heating product, an HNB product or an HTP), the filter tip comprising:

[0049] a longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element;

[0050] A first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the first longitudinally extending core comprising a first filter material that is a paper material and / or other biodegradable material, wherein the first longitudinally extending core has a pressure drop of 0.1 mmWG to 1 mmWG per mm length, such as 0.31 mmWG to 0.7 mmWG per mm length, such as 0.5 mmWG to 0.6 mmWG per mm length, such as 0.55 mmWG per mm length;

[0051] A second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core between the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element and the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the

[0052] second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core comprising a second filter material that is a paper material and / or other biodegradable material, and an additive release container [e.g., a capsule, such as a fragile capsule, such as a (e.g., fragile) capsule containing a smoke or vapor additive] encapsulated within the second filter material; and

[0053] A filter wrapper that engages around the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the second longitudinally extending core, and the tubular element;

[0054] wherein the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element comprises a longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) hollow tube of a paper material and / or other biodegradable filter material; comprising a paper filter material and / or

[0055] or other biodegradable filter material packing layer that engages around the hollow tube along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube; and a wrapper (e.g., tipping paper) that engages around the packing layer along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the packing layer, wherein the hollow tube, the packing layer, and the wrapper have the same length.

[0056] The additive release container can be a capsule, such as a fragile capsule. The additive release container that can be a capsule (such as a fragile capsule) can contain an additive. The additive can contain a smoke modifier, such as a flavor and / or a liquid, solid, or other material, for example to assist in smoke filtration. The flavor can be, for example, menthol, spearmint, peppermint, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, lemon, chocolate, peach, strawberry, vanilla, etc. The amount of the additive (e.g., flavor) can be less than 35 mg per filter tip element. The additive release container (such as a capsule or a fragile capsule) can be spherical. The width of the additive release container (such as a capsule or a fragile capsule) at its widest point can be 2.0 mm to 4 mm, such as 2.8 mm to 3.5 mm, such as 2.8 mm or 3 mm.

[0057] If there is an additive release container, such as a frangible capsule, the capsule is preferably positioned such that the center of the capsule is closer to the proximal end of the first longitudinally extending cylindrical core than the proximal end of the longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element. For example, if the length of the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core is 12 mm, the capsule can be positioned such that the center of the capsule is located 4.5 mm to 5.5 mm (e.g., 5 mm) from the proximal 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 proximal end of the longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element (e.g., mouth end). This asymmetrical positioning (e.g., closer to the tobacco end than the mouth end) can advantageously prevent a capsule shadow in the mouth end (i.e., prevent the capsule from being seen at the mouth end) and / or can also prevent the capsule from jumping to the tobacco end (i.e., prevent the capsule from escaping from the second core to the first core).

[0058] In other examples of the present invention, there is no longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element, and a filter wrapper that engages around the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core and the second longitudinally extending core extends beyond the end of the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, thereby defining a cavity at the end of the filter tip (or mouthpiece).

[0059] Thus, according to the present invention, in a fourth aspect, there is provided a filter tip (or mouthpiece) (e.g., for a smoking article such as a cigarette, a tobacco heating product, an HNB product, or an HTP), the filter tip comprising:

[0060] A first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core that includes a first filter material that is a paper material and / or other biodegradable material, wherein the first longitudinally extending core has a pressure drop of 0.1 mmWG to 1 mmWG per mm of length, such as 0.31 mmWG to 0.7 mmWG per mm of length, such as 0.5 mmWG to 0.6 mmWG per mm of length, such as 0.55 mmWG per mm of length;

[0061] A second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core that is adjacent (e.g., abuts) the end of the first longitudinally extending core, the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core including a second filter material that is a paper material and / or other biodegradable material; and

[0062] A filter wrapper that engages around the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core and the second longitudinally extending core;

[0063] Wherein the filter wrapper extends beyond the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical)

[0064] the end of the core, thereby defining a cavity (or recess) at the end of the filter tip (or mouthpiece).

[0065] The first longitudinally extending core has a pressure drop of 0.1 mmWG to 1 mmWG per mm length, such as 0.31 mmWG to 0.7 mmWG per mm length, such as 0.5 mmWG to 0.6 mmWG per mm length, such as 0.53 mmWG to 0.57 mmWG per mm length, such as 0.55 mmWG per mm length. Preferably, the first longitudinally extending core has a pressure drop of 0.5 mmWG to 0.6 mmWG per mm length, such as 0.53 mmWG to 0.57 mmWG per mm length, such as 0.55 mmWG per mm length. The first longitudinally extending core may be formed of paper material (such as uncoated paper, coated paper, silicated paper, such as ZNP paper) and / or other biodegradable materials, which are laterally aggregated into a rod form and held in place (such as by a wrapper, such as a first core wrapper). The first longitudinally extending core may be formed of paper material (such as uncoated paper, coated paper, silicated paper, such as ZNP paper) and / or other biodegradable materials with a width of 20 mm to 350 mm, such as 200 mm to 350 mm, such as 250 mm to 350 mm, such as 251 mm to 350 mm, such as 280 mm to 320 mm, such as 300 mm, which are laterally aggregated into a rod form and held in place (such as by a wrapper, such as a first core wrapper).

[0066] As described above, preferably, the first longitudinally extending core has a pressure drop of 0.5 mmWG to 0.6 mmWG per mm length, such as 0.53 mmWG to 0.57 mmWG per mm length, such as 0.55 mmWG per mm length. The density of the second longitudinally extending core having a pressure drop of 0.5 mmWG to 0.6 mmWG per mm length and formed of 300 mm wide paper will be 0.269 g / cm 3 . Preferably, the density of the second longitudinally extending core is 0.20 g / cm 3 to 0.33 g / cm 3 , such as 0.24 g / cm 3 to 0.30 g / cm 3 , such as 0.25 g / cm 3 to 0.29 g / cm 3 , such as 0.26 g / cm 3 to 0.275 g / cm 3 , such as 0.269 g / cm 3 .

[0067] It should be understood that the first longitudinally extending core may have a wrapper (such as a first core wrapper) that holds the filter material in a certain shape (such as in the form of a core, such as in the form of a rod or a core rod). The wrapper (such as, for example, the first core wrapper) is separate from, for example, the wrapper (such as the filter tip wrapper) that engages around the first longitudinally extending (such as, substantially cylindrical) core, the second longitudinally extending core, and the tubular element. If there is a wrapper (such as a first core wrapper) for the first longitudinally extending core, it should be understood that the wrapper (such as the filter tip wrapper) that engages around the first longitudinally extending (such as, substantially cylindrical) core, the second longitudinally extending core, and the tubular element wraps around the wrapper (such as the first core wrapper) of the first longitudinally extending core and the first longitudinally extending core itself.

[0068] The second longitudinally extending core may be formed of paper material (such as uncoated paper material, coated paper material, silicated paper material, such as Puracel FM26, Puracel FM36, and / or Greenbutts) and / or other biodegradable materials, and the paper material and / or other biodegradable materials are laterally aggregated into the form of a rod and held in place (such as by a wrapper, such as by a second core wrapper). The second longitudinally extending core may be formed of paper material (such as uncoated paper material, coated paper material, silicated paper material, such as Puracel FM26, Puracel FM36, and / or Greenbutts) and / or other biodegradable materials with a width of 250 mm to 350 mm, such as 251 mm to 350 mm, such as 280 mm to 320 mm, such as 300 mm, and the paper material and / or other biodegradable materials are laterally aggregated into the form of a rod and held in place (such as by a wrapper, such as by a second core wrapper). It should be understood that the second longitudinally extending core may have a wrapper (such as a second core wrapper) that holds the filter material in a certain shape (such as in the form of a core, such as in the form of a rod or a core rod). The wrapper (such as, for example, the second core wrapper) is separate from, for example, the wrapper (such as the filter tip wrapper) that engages around the first longitudinally extending (such as, substantially cylindrical) core, the second longitudinally extending core, and the tubular element. If there is a wrapper (such as a second core wrapper) for the second longitudinally extending core, it should be understood that the wrapper (such as the filter tip wrapper) that engages around the first longitudinally extending (such as, substantially cylindrical) core, the second longitudinally extending core, and the tubular element wraps around the wrapper (such as the second core wrapper) of the second longitudinally extending core and the second longitudinally extending core itself.

[0069] The longitudinally extending tubular (such as annular) element (if present) is preferably as described above for the first aspect of the present invention.

[0070] The applicant surprisingly found that the filter tips according to aspects of the present invention combine biodegradability ("readily biodegradable") with a smoke chemical delivery comparable to that of products using cellulose acetate on the market.

[0071] The first filter material may comprise paper and / or other biodegradable materials that are readily biodegradable. The second filter material may comprise paper and / or other biodegradable materials that are readily biodegradable. Preferably, each of the first filter material and the second filter material comprises paper and / or other biodegradable materials that are readily biodegradable.

[0072] As used herein, the term "biodegradable" means that the filter material and the filter tip are capable of exhibiting a biodegradation rate of at least 90% after 6 months under controlled composting conditions (see ISO 14855-1 Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions - Method by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide).

[0073] Preferably, the paper and / or other biodegradable materials (such as materials without cellulose acetate) used in the filter material of the filter tip of the present invention are "readily biodegradable" and have enhanced biodegradability compared to cellulose acetate. Thus, the present invention provides a filter tip with enhanced biodegradability, which is therefore more environmentally friendly and more compliant with EU legislation.

[0074] As used herein, the phrase "readily biodegradable" means that the filter material and the filter tip can decompose rapidly and be completely biodegradable when immersed in water. Preferably, as measured according to the well-known OECD 301B "readily biodegradable" method (modified Sturm test) in the art, the filter tip (and the filter material used therein) has a biodegradability at the "readily biodegradable" level. The phrase "readily biodegradable" should be understood herein to mean a biodegradability at the "readily biodegradable" level.

[0075] The paper material and / or other biodegradable materials (e.g., filter materials without cellulose acetate) are preferably readily biodegradable. The paper material and / or other biodegradable materials (e.g., filter materials without cellulose acetate) can include any paper (in any form) conventionally used in a filter tip or filter element. The paper can be, for example, different grades of filter paper, perforated paper, crepe paper, airlaid paper, or machine-glazed paper, etc. The fibers of the paper material and / or other biodegradable materials (e.g., filter materials without cellulose acetate) can be natural fibers (e.g., linen, sisal, jute, abaca, cotton, coconut fiber, bamboo fiber, starch (e.g., from corn), or tobacco) or any rolled material. The paper can be woven or non-woven, or in the form of an adhesive paper web, or in the form of a longitudinally corrugated and / or fibrillated paper web, e.g., laterally aggregated and held in the form of a mandrel. The paper material and / or other biodegradable materials (e.g., filter materials without cellulose acetate) can be in the form of an adhesive paper web, including a first paper material and / or other biodegradable materials (e.g., filter materials without cellulose acetate) and a second paper material and / or other biodegradable materials (e.g., filter materials without cellulose acetate). The paper material and / or other biodegradable materials (e.g., filter materials without cellulose acetate) can be in the form of a blend of different paper materials and / or other biodegradable materials (e.g., filter materials without cellulose acetate). The paper material filter can have the same or a similar structure as those papers sold under the trademarks or (Essentra plc).

[0076] The first filter material can include a paper material and / or other biodegradable materials that are readily biodegradable. The first filter material can include the paper material and / or other biodegradable materials as described above. In some examples, the first filter material includes an uncoated paper material, a coated paper material, and / or a siliconized paper material.

[0077] The second filter material can include a paper material and / or other biodegradable materials that are readily biodegradable. The second filter material can include the paper material and / or other biodegradable materials as described in the above paragraphs. In some examples, the second filter material includes Puracel FM26, Puracel FM36, and / or Greenbutts.

[0078] Preferably, the first filter material includes a paper material with a basis weight of 20 gsm to 200 gsm. For example, the first filter material can be a paper material with a basis weight of 40 gsm to 180 gsm, such as 60 gsm to 160 gsm, such as 80 gsm to 140 gsm, such as 100 gsm to 120 gsm, such as 20 gsm to 60 gsm, such as 30 gsm to 40 gsm.

[0079] Preferably, the second filter material comprises a paper material having a basis weight of 20 gsm to 200 gsm. For example, the second filter material may be a paper material having a basis weight of 40 gsm to 180 gsm, such as 60 gsm to 160 gsm, such as 80 gsm to 140 gsm, such as 100 gsm to 120 gsm, such as 20 gsm to 60 gsm, such as 30 gsm to 40 gsm.

[0080] The filter tip of the present invention may be cylindrical. The filter tip of the present invention may be cylindrical, having a circumference of 12 mm to 30 mm (such as 15 mm to 28 mm), more preferably 17 mm to 25 mm (such as 18 mm to 25 mm, such as 20 mm to 24 mm, such as 22 mm to 24 mm, such as 23 mm, such as 22 mm, such as 22.45 mm).

[0081] The wrapper (such as the filter tip wrapper) that joins around the first longitudinally extending (such as, substantially cylindrical) core, the second longitudinally extending core, and the tubular element may be a paper material (such as, forming paper), preferably a paper material (such as, forming paper) having a basis weight of 20 gsm to 160 gsm, such as a paper material (such as, forming paper) having a basis weight of 24 gsm to 150 gsm, such as a paper material (such as, forming paper) having a basis weight of 70 gsm to 150 gsm, such as a paper material (such as, forming paper) having a basis weight of 70 gsm to 140 gsm. Preferably, the wrapper (such as the filter tip wrapper) that joins around the first longitudinally extending (such as, substantially cylindrical) core, the second longitudinally extending core, and the tubular element is biodegradable, more preferably readily biodegradable.

[0082] The wrapper (such as the first core wrapper) (if any) for the first longitudinally extending core and / or the wrapper (such as the second core wrapper) (if any) for the second longitudinally extending core may be a paper material (such as, forming paper). The paper material may be a paper material (such as, forming paper) having a basis weight of 20 gsm to 160 gsm, such as a paper material (such as, forming paper) having a basis weight of 24 gsm to 150 gsm, such as a paper material (such as, forming paper) having a basis weight of 70 gsm to 150 gsm, such as a paper material (such as, forming paper) having a basis weight of 70 gsm to 140 gsm. Preferably, the wrapper (such as the first core wrapper) (if any) for the first longitudinally extending core and the wrapper (such as the second core wrapper) (if any) for the second longitudinally extending core are biodegradable, more preferably readily biodegradable. The wrapper (such as the first core wrapper) for the first longitudinally extending core and the wrapper (such as the second core wrapper) for the second longitudinally extending core may be made of the same material or different materials.

[0083] The length of the filter tip of the present invention can be from 10 mm to 50 mm (for example, from 20 mm to 35 mm). Preferably, the length of the filter tip of the present invention is from 15 mm to 35 mm, for example from 20 mm to 30 mm, for example 27 mm.

[0084] The length of the first longitudinally extending core can be from 3 mm to 11 mm, for example from 7 mm to 10 mm, for example 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm or 10 mm, for example 8 mm.

[0085] The length of the second longitudinally extending core can be from 8 mm to 16 mm, for example from 10 mm to 15 mm, for example 12 mm.

[0086] The length of the longitudinally extending tubular (for example, annular) element (if present) can be from 5 mm to 16 mm, for example from 6 mm to 8 mm, for example 7 mm.

[0087] The length of the cavity or groove at the filter tip end defined by the wrapper can be from 3 mm to 16 mm, for example from 4 mm to 8 mm, for example 5 mm.

[0088] The fifth and sixth aspects of the present invention - aspects containing additives

[0089] According to the present invention, in a fifth aspect, there is provided a filter tip (or mouthpiece) (for example, for a smoking article such as a cigarette, a tobacco heating product, an HNB product or an HTP), the filter tip comprising:

[0090] A first longitudinally extending (for example, substantially cylindrical) core, the first longitudinally extending core comprising a first filter material which is a paper material and / or other biodegradable material and a first core wrapper joined around the first filter material, the first filter material having particulate additives disposed therein;

[0091] A second longitudinally extending (for example, substantially cylindrical) core, the second longitudinally extending core being adjacent (for example, adjacent to) the end of the first longitudinally extending core, the second longitudinally extending (for example, substantially cylindrical) core comprising a second filter material which is a paper material and / or other biodegradable material; and

[0092] A filter tip wrapper, the filter tip wrapper being joined around the first longitudinally extending core and the second longitudinally extending core;

[0093] Wherein the filter tip wrapper extends beyond the end of the second longitudinally extending (for example, substantially cylindrical)

[0094] core, thereby defining a cavity or groove at the end of the filter tip (or mouthpiece).

[0095] According to the present invention, in a sixth aspect, there is provided a filter tip (or mouthpiece) (e.g., for a smoking article such as a cigarette, a tobacco heating product, an HNB product, or an HTP), the filter tip comprising:

[0096] a first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the first longitudinally extending core comprising a first filter material that is a paper material and / or other biodegradable material and a first core wrapper joined around the first filter material, the first filter material having particulate additives disposed therein;

[0097] a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the second longitudinally extending core being adjacent (e.g., contiguous) to an end of the first longitudinally extending core, the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core comprising a second filter material that is a paper material and / or other biodegradable material;

[0098] a longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element, the longitudinally extending tubular element being adjacent

[0099] (e.g., contiguous) to an end of the second longitudinally extending core that is remote 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 material and / or other biodegradable filter material;

[0100] a filler layer comprising a paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material joined around the hollow tube along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube; and a tubular element wrapper (e.g., tipping paper) joined around the filler layer along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the filler layer, wherein the hollow tube, the filler layer, and the tubular element wrapper have the same length; and

[0101] a filter tip wrapper joined around the first longitudinally extending core, the second longitudinally extending core, and the longitudinally extending tubular element.

[0102] In the fifth and sixth embodiments, the pressure drop across the filter tip (or mouthpiece) can be 50 mmHg to 80 mmHg, such as 55 mmHg to 75 mmHg, such as 64 mmHg to 74 mmHg.

[0103] In the fifth and sixth embodiments, the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core preferably comprises an embossed paper filter material and / or an embossed other biodegradable filter material in which particulate additives are embedded.

[0104] Embossed paper-based filter materials and / or embossed other biodegradable filter materials are biodegradable and have enhanced biodegradability compared to cellulose acetate. Accordingly, the present invention provides a multi-segment filter tip with enhanced biodegradability, which is thus more environmentally friendly and more compliant with EU legislation. The term "biodegradable" means that the filter material, filter tip segment or multi-segment filter tip is able to exhibit a biodegradation rate of at least 90% after 6 months under controlled composting conditions (see ISO 14855-1 Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions – Method by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide). Preferably, the embossed paper-based filter materials and / or embossed other biodegradable filter materials are biodegradable, "readily biodegradable". The phrase "readily biodegradable" means that the filter material, filter tip segment or multi-segment filter tip is able to decompose rapidly and completely biodegrade when immersed in water. Preferably, the embossed paper-based filter materials and / or embossed other biodegradable filter materials have a biodegradability at the "readily biodegradable" level as measured according to the well-known OECD 301B "readily biodegradable" method (modified Sturm test) in the art. The phrase "readily biodegradable" should be understood herein to mean a biodegradability at the "readily biodegradable" level.

[0105] The (embossed) paper-based filter materials and / or (embossed) other biodegradable filter materials of the first filter tip segment and / or the second filter tip segment can be paper (in any form) conventionally used in filter tips for smoking articles. The paper can be, for example, standard paper, nonwoven paper, airlaid paper, carbon-impregnated paper (i.e., for higher additive loadings) or cellulose / lyocell / viscose-based paper. The paper can be nonwoven paper made from non-plastic plant-based fibers (such as flax, jute, sisal, abaca, coconut, bamboo, starch or wood pulp) or blends of these materials.

[0106] The first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core may comprise embossed paper filter material and / or embossed other biodegradable filter material (with particulate additives embedded therein), wherein a first core wrapper (e.g., a paper wrapper, e.g., tipping paper) is joined around the core. The wrapper (e.g., the first core wrapper) is separate, for example, from a wrapper (e.g., a filter tip wrapper) that joins around the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core and a second longitudinally extending core and other elements (if present). If there is a wrapper for the first longitudinally extending core (e.g., the first core wrapper), it should be understood that the wrapper (e.g., the filter tip wrapper) that joins around the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core and the second longitudinally extending core and other elements (if present) wraps around the wrapper of the first longitudinally extending core (e.g., the first core wrapper) and the first longitudinally extending core itself.

[0107] In one example, the embossed paper filter material and / or embossed other biodegradable filter material (with particulate additives embedded therein) of the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core is aggregated in rod form and secured in place (e.g., by lap and adhesive seams known in the art) using a first core wrapper (e.g., a paper wrapper, e.g., tipping paper) joined around the rod.

[0108] The first core wrapper can be a paper (e.g., tipping paper) with a basis weight of 25 gsm to 160 gsm, e.g., a paper (e.g., tipping paper) with a basis weight of 40 gsm to 120 gsm, e.g., a paper (e.g., tipping paper) with a basis weight of 50 gsm to 100 gsm, e.g., a paper (e.g., tipping paper) with a basis weight of 60 gsm to 80 gsm, e.g., a paper (e.g., tipping paper) with a basis weight of 70 gsm.

[0109] The first core wrapper (e.g., a paper wrapper, e.g., tipping paper) can be non-porous. Alternatively, the wrapper (e.g., a paper wrapper, e.g., tipping paper) can be ventilated or breathable, with a breathability of 0 Coresta to 32,000 Coresta units.

[0110] The particulate additives can be activated carbon (e.g., activated carbon particles), zeolite, ion exchange resin (e.g., weakly basic anion exchange resin), sepiolite (e.g., sepiolite particles), silica gel, alumina, molecular sieve, carbon-containing polymer resin, and diatomaceous earth. The particulate additives can be a mixture of two or more of these additives.

[0111] Including particulate additives (e.g., activated carbon) in the filter tip or a filter tip section of a multi-segment filter tip can remove (i.e., adsorb) gaseous components in the smoke or vapor of a smoking article and thus improve the filtration performance of the filter tip.

[0112] The particulate additive may have a mesh size in the range of 12 to 90. Preferably, the particulate additive has a mesh size of 30 / 70 or a mesh size of 40 / 60. It should be readily understood that the mesh size is defined as the number of openings in a one square inch screen. Further, it should be understood that a mesh size of 30 / 70 means particles smaller than 30 mesh and larger than 70 mesh, and a mesh size of 40 / 60 means particles smaller than 40 mesh and larger than 60 mesh. The Applicant has found that particulate additives with a mesh size of 30 / 70 are particularly suitable for application to paper filter materials and / or other biodegradable filter materials, while also providing desired adsorption properties (i.e., adsorption of gaseous components).

[0113] The particulate additive may be embedded in an embossed paper filter material and / or an embossed other biodegradable filter material. In one example, the particulate additive may be embedded in an embossed paper filter material and / or an embossed other biodegradable filter material without the use of adhesives and / or binders and / or polymers.

[0114] The Applicant has found that by embedding the particulate additive (e.g., activated carbon) in a paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material, rather than, for example, impregnating the particulate additive into the pulp or using carbon-impregnated paper, they can achieve higher additive loadings and thus improve filtration performance. Further, the Applicant has found that embedding the particulate additive prevents the particles from discharging and falling off during the use of a multi-segment filter tip (e.g., in a smoking article), thus providing a more pleasant experience for the smoker.

[0115] The particulate additive may include flavors such as menthol, mint, fruit, berry, vanilla, chocolate, coffee, etc. In one example, the additive may be sepiolite particles to which a menthol flavor has been applied.

[0116] The second longitudinally extending core of the fifth and sixth aspects of the present invention is preferably as described above for the "second longitudinally extending core" of the second to fourth aspects of the present invention.

[0117] The longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element (if present) is preferably as described above for the first aspect of the present invention.

[0118] The Applicant has surprisingly found that the filter tips according to these aspects of the present invention combine biodegradability ("readily biodegradable") and smoke chemical delivery comparable to products using cellulose acetate on the market.

[0119] The length of the filter tip of the present invention may be from 10 mm to 50 mm (e.g., from 20 mm to 35 mm). Preferably, the length of the filter tip of the present invention is from 15 mm to 35 mm, such as from 20 mm to 30 mm, such as 27 mm.

[0120] The length of the first longitudinally extending core can be from 3 mm to 15 mm, such as from 7 mm to 12 mm, such as 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm or 10 mm, such as 8 mm or 10 mm.

[0121] The length of the second longitudinally extending core can be from 8 mm to 16 mm, such as from 10 mm to 15 mm, such as 12 mm.

[0122] The length of the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element (if present) can be from 5 mm to 16 mm, such as from 6 mm to 8 mm, such as 7 mm.

[0123] The length of the cavity or recess at the filter tip defined by the wrapper can be from 3 mm to 16 mm, such as from 4 mm to 8 mm, such as 5 mm.

[0124] The seventh and eighth aspects of the present invention - aspects containing mixed additives

[0125] According to the present invention, in a seventh aspect, there is provided a filter tip (or mouthpiece) (e.g., for a smoking article such as a cigarette, a tobacco heating product, an HNB product or an HTP), the filter tip comprising:

[0126] A first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the first longitudinally extending core comprising a first filter material which is a cellulose acetate tow and a first core wrapper joined around the first filter material, the first filter material having particulate additives disposed therein;

[0127] A second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the second longitudinally extending core being adjacent (e.g., adjacent to) an end of the first longitudinally extending core, the second longitudinally extending (e.g.,

[0128] substantially cylindrical) core comprising a second filter material which is a cellulose acetate tow;

[0129] A longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element, the longitudinally extending tubular element being adjacent (e.g., adjacent to) an end of the second longitudinally extending core remote 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 material and / or other biodegradable filter material;

[0130] A filler layer comprising a paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material joined around the hollow tube along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube; and a tubular element wrapper (e.g., tipping paper) joined around the filler layer along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the filler layer, wherein the hollow tube, the filler layer and the tubular element wrapper have the same length; and

[0131] A filter tip wrapper that engages around a first longitudinally extending core, a second longitudinally extending core, and a longitudinally extending tubular element.

[0132] 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 longitudinally extending core and the second longitudinally extending core are made by methods known in the art. For example, the first core corresponds to the relevant part of the "active acetate" filter tip available from www.essentra.com, and the second core corresponds to the "monoacetate" filter tip available from www.essentra.com.

[0133] In a seventh embodiment, the pressure drop across the filter tip (or mouthpiece) can be 80 mmHg to 110 mmHg, such as 90 mmHg to 100 mmHg, such as 97 mmHg.

[0134] According to the present invention, in an eighth aspect, there is provided a filter tip (or mouthpiece) (e.g., for a smoking article such as a cigarette, a tobacco heating product, an HNB product, or an HTP), the filter tip comprising:

[0135] A first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core that includes a first filter material as a paper material and / or other biodegradable material and a first core wrapper that engages around the first filter material, the first filter material having particulate additives disposed therein;

[0136] A second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core that is adjacent (e.g., adjacent to) an end of the first longitudinally extending core, the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core including a second filter material as a paper material and / or other biodegradable material;

[0137] A longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element that is adjacent (e.g., adjacent to) an end of the second longitudinally extending core that is remote from the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element including a longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) hollow tube of plasticized cellulose acetate; and

[0138] A filter tip wrapper that engages around the first longitudinally extending core, the second longitudinally extending core, and the longitudinally extending tubular element.

[0139] In an eighth embodiment, the pressure drop across the filter tip (or mouthpiece) can be 50 mmHg to 80 mmHg, such as 55 mmHg to 75 mmHg, such as 73 mmHg.

[0140] In an eighth embodiment, the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core preferably comprises an embossed paper filter material and / or an embossed other biodegradable filter material in which particulate additives are embedded.

[0141] The embossed paper filter material and / or the embossed other biodegradable filter material is biodegradable and has enhanced biodegradability compared to cellulose acetate. Thus, the present invention provides a multi-segmented filter tip with enhanced biodegradability, making it more environmentally friendly and more compliant with EU legislation. The term "biodegradable" means that the filter material, filter tip segment or multi-segmented filter tip is capable of exhibiting a biodegradation rate of at least 90% after 6 months under controlled composting conditions (see ISO 14855-1 Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions – Method by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide). Preferably, the embossed paper filter material and / or the embossed other biodegradable filter material is biodegradable, "readily biodegradable". The phrase "readily biodegradable" means that the filter material, filter tip segment or multi-segmented filter tip is capable of decomposing rapidly and completely biodegrading when immersed in water. Preferably, as measured according to the well-known OECD 301B "readily biodegradable" method (modified Sturm test) in the art, the embossed paper filter material and / or the embossed other biodegradable filter material has a biodegradability at the "readily biodegradable" level. The phrase "readily biodegradable" should be understood herein to mean a biodegradability at the "readily biodegradable" level.

[0142] The (embossed) paper filter material and / or the (embossed) other biodegradable filter material of the first filter tip segment and / or the second filter tip segment can be paper (in any form) conventionally used in the filter tips of smoking articles. The paper can be, for example, standard paper, non-woven paper, airlaid paper, carbon-impregnated paper (i.e., for higher additive loadings) or cellulose / lyocell / viscose-based paper. The paper can be a non-woven paper made of non-plastic plant-based fibers (e.g., flax, jute, sisal, abaca, coconut, bamboo, starch or wood pulp) or blends of these materials.

[0143] The first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core may comprise embossed paper filter material and / or other biodegradable embossed filter material (with particulate additives embedded therein), where a first core wrapper (e.g., a paper wrapper, e.g., tipping paper) is joined around the core. The wrapper (e.g., the first core wrapper) is separate, for example, from a wrapper (e.g., a filter tip wrapper) that joins around the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core and a second longitudinally extending core and other elements (if present). If there is a wrapper for the first longitudinally extending core (e.g., the first core wrapper), it should be understood that the wrapper (e.g., the filter tip wrapper) that joins around the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core and the second longitudinally extending core and other elements (if present) wraps around the wrapper of the first longitudinally extending core (e.g., the first core wrapper) and the first longitudinally extending core itself.

[0144] In one example, the embossed paper filter material and / or other biodegradable embossed filter material (with particulate additives embedded therein) of the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core is aggregated in the form of a rod and secured in place (e.g., by lap and adhesive seams known in the art) using a first core wrapper (e.g., a paper wrapper, e.g., tipping paper) joined around the rod.

[0145] The first core wrapper can be a paper (e.g., tipping paper) with a basis weight of 25 gsm to 160 gsm, e.g., a paper (e.g., tipping paper) with a basis weight of 40 gsm to 120 gsm, e.g., a paper (e.g., tipping paper) with a basis weight of 50 gsm to 100 gsm, e.g., a paper (e.g., tipping paper) with a basis weight of 60 gsm to 80 gsm, e.g., a paper (e.g., tipping paper) with a basis weight of 70 gsm or 78 gsm.

[0146] The first core wrapper (e.g., a paper wrapper, e.g., tipping paper) can be non-porous. Alternatively, the wrapper (e.g., a paper wrapper, e.g., tipping paper) can be ventilated or breathable, with a breathability of 0 Coresta to 32,000 Coresta units.

[0147] The particulate additives can be activated carbon (e.g., activated carbon particles), zeolite, ion exchange resin (e.g., weakly basic anion exchange resin), sepiolite (e.g., sepiolite particles), silica gel, alumina, molecular sieve, carbon-containing polymer resin, and diatomaceous earth. The particulate additives can be a mixture of two or more of these additives.

[0148] Including particulate additives (e.g., activated carbon) in the filter tip or the filter tip section of a multi-segment filter tip can remove (i.e., adsorb) the gaseous components in the smoke or vapor of a smoking article and thus improve the filtering performance of the filter tip.

[0149] The particulate additive may have a mesh size in the range of 12 to 90. Preferably, the particulate additive has a mesh size of 30 / 70 or a mesh size of 40 / 60. It should be readily understood that the mesh size is defined as the number of openings in a one square inch screen. Further, it should be understood that a mesh size of 30 / 70 means particles smaller than 30 mesh and larger than 70 mesh, and a mesh size of 40 / 60 means particles smaller than 40 mesh and larger than 60 mesh. The Applicant has found that particulate additives with a mesh size of 30 / 70 are particularly suitable for use in paper filter materials and / or other biodegradable filter materials, while also providing desirable adsorption properties (i.e., adsorbing gaseous components).

[0150] The particulate additive may be embedded in an embossed paper filter material and / or an embossed other biodegradable filter material. In one example, the particulate additive may be embedded in an embossed paper filter material and / or an embossed other biodegradable filter material without the use of adhesives and / or binders and / or polymers.

[0151] The Applicant has found that by embedding the particulate additive (e.g., activated carbon) in a paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material, rather than, for example, impregnating the particulate additive into the pulp or using carbon-impregnated paper, they can achieve higher additive loadings and thus improve filtration performance. Further, the Applicant has found that embedding the particulate additive prevents the particles from discharging and falling off during the use of a multi-segment filter tip (e.g., in a smoking article), thus providing a more pleasant experience for the smoker.

[0152] The particulate additive may include flavors such as menthol, mint, fruit, berries, vanilla, chocolate, coffee, etc. In one example, the additive may be sepiolite particles to which a menthol flavor has been applied.

[0153] The second longitudinally extending core of the eighth aspect of the present invention is preferably as described above for the "second longitudinally extending core" of the second to fourth aspects of the present invention.

[0154] The longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element of the eighth aspect of the present invention is formed from cellulose acetate by methods well known in the art for manufacturing hollow cellulose acetate tube filter tips.

[0155] The Applicant has surprisingly found that the filter tips according to these aspects of the present invention combine a certain degree of improved biodegradability with a smoke chemical delivery comparable to products on the market that use cellulose acetate for each component.

[0156] The length of the filter tip of the present invention can be from 10 mm to 50 mm (e.g., from 20 mm to 35 mm). Preferably, the length of the filter tip of the present invention is from 15 mm to 35 mm, such as from 20 mm to 30 mm, such as 27 mm.

[0157] The length of the first longitudinally extending core can be from 3 mm to 15 mm, such as from 4 mm to 12 mm, such as 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm or 10 mm, such as 10 mm.

[0158] The length of the second longitudinally extending core can be from 8 mm to 16 mm, such as from 10 mm to 15 mm, such as 10 mm.

[0159] The length of the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element can be from 5 mm to 16 mm, such as from 6 mm to 12 mm, such as 7 mm.

[0160] The ninth and tenth aspects of the present invention

[0161] According to the present invention, in a ninth aspect and a tenth aspect, there is provided a filter tip (or mouthpiece) comprising:

[0162] A first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core comprising a first filter material, wherein the filter material is one of: paper, biodegradable material, and cellulose acetate;

[0163] A second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core adjacent to the first longitudinally extending core, the second longitudinally extending core comprising a second filter material which is paper and / or other biodegradable material, wherein the second longitudinally extending core has a pressure drop of from 0.1 mmWG to 1 mmWG per mm of length, such as from 0.2 mmWG to 0.8 mmWG per mm of length, such as from 0.4 mmWG to 0.6 mmWG per mm of length, such as 0.55 mmWG per mm of length;

[0164] A longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element adjacent to the second longitudinally extending core and spaced apart 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 filter material; a filler layer of paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material joined around the hollow tube along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube; and a wrapper (e.g., forming paper) joined around the filler layer along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the filler layer, wherein the hollow tube, the filler layer, and the wrapper have the same length; and

[0165] A filter tip wrapper that engages around a first longitudinally extending core, a second longitudinally extending core, and a tubular member.

[0166] In a ninth aspect of the present invention, the filter material of the first longitudinally extending core is a paper material. The components used in this aspect are biodegradable and have enhanced biodegradability compared to cellulose acetate. Thus, the present invention provides a filter tip or mouthpiece with enhanced biodegradability, which is therefore more environmentally friendly and more compliant with EU legislation.

[0167] In a tenth aspect of the present invention, the filter material of the first longitudinally extending core is cellulose acetate.

[0168] The term "biodegradable" means that a filter tip or mouthpiece (or its components, such as a filter tip wrapper, a paper hollow tube, a filter material) is capable of exhibiting a biodegradation rate of at least 90% after 6 months under controlled composting conditions (see ISO 14855-1 Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions – Method by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide).

[0169] Preferably, the filter tip or mouthpiece (or its components, such as a filter tip wrapper, a paper hollow tube, a filter material) of the present invention is "readily biodegradable". The phrase "readily biodegradable" means that a filter tip or mouthpiece (or its components, such as a filter tip wrapper, a paper hollow tube, a filter material) can decompose rapidly and be completely biodegradable when immersed in water. Preferably, as measured according to the OECD 301B "readily biodegradable" method (modified Sturm test) well-known in the art, the filter tip or mouthpiece (or its components, such as a filter tip wrapper, a paper hollow tube, a filter material) has a biodegradability at the "readily biodegradable" level. The phrase "readily biodegradable" should be understood herein to mean a biodegradability at the "readily biodegradable" level.

[0170] The applicant has found that a filter tip or mouthpiece according to the tenth aspect of the present invention provides excellent filtration characteristics and performance, and is also biodegradable. A filter tip or mouthpiece according to the tenth aspect of the present invention provides excellent filtration characteristics and performance, and is also more biodegradable than a filter tip / mouthpiece that does not include any paper components.

[0171] Preferably, the length of the filter or mouthpiece is from 5 mm to 50 mm, such as from 5 mm to 50 mm, such as from 10 mm to 40 mm, such as from 25 mm to 38 mm, such as from 30 mm to 35 mm, such as 33 mm. Preferably, the circumference or perimeter of the mouthpiece or filter element is from 14 mm to 30 mm, such as from 16 mm to 25 mm, such as from 24 mm to 25 mm. Preferably, the length of the first (e.g., mouth-end or oral-end) longitudinally extending core (e.g., substantially cylindrical core) is from 5 mm to 16 mm (e.g., 7 mm). Preferably, the length of the second (e.g., non-mouth-end or tobacco-end) longitudinally extending core (e.g., substantially cylindrical core) is from 5 mm to 24 mm (e.g., 18 mm). Preferably, the length of the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element is from 5 mm to 10 mm (e.g., 8 mm).

[0172] Longitudinally extending core

[0173] The first longitudinally extending core and the second longitudinally extending core can be formed from paper material (such as uncoated paper material, coated paper material, silicated paper material, such as Puracel FM26, Puracel FM36 and / or Greenbutts) and / or other biodegradable materials, the paper material and / or other biodegradable materials being laterally aggregated into a rod form and held in place (e.g., by a wrapper, such as by a core wrapper). The first longitudinally extending core and the second longitudinally extending core can be formed from paper material (such as uncoated paper material, coated paper material, silicated paper material, such as Puracel FM26, Puracel FM36 and / or Greenbutts) and / or airlaid nonwoven material and / or other biodegradable materials having a width of from 150 mm to 350 mm, such as from 250 mm to 350 mm, such as from 280 mm to 320 mm, such as 300 mm, the paper material and / or airlaid nonwoven material and / or other biodegradable materials being laterally aggregated into a rod form and held in place (e.g., by a wrapper, such as by a first core wrapper, such as by a second core wrapper). The first longitudinally extending core can be formed from cellulose acetate, as is known in the art.

[0174] It should be understood that the first longitudinally extending core and the second longitudinally extending core may each have a wrapper (such as a first core wrapper, such as a second core wrapper) that holds the filter material in a certain shape (such as in the form of a core, such as in the form of a rod or a core rod). The wrapper (such as a first core wrapper, such as a second core wrapper) is separate from, for example, the wrapper (such as a filter tip wrapper) that engages around the first longitudinally extending core, the second longitudinally extending core, and the longitudinally extending tubular element. If there is a wrapper for the longitudinally extending core (such as a first core wrapper), it should be understood that the wrapper (such as a filter tip wrapper) that engages around the longitudinally extending tubular element and the longitudinally extending core wraps around the wrapper of the longitudinally extending core (such as a first core wrapper, such as a second core wrapper) and the longitudinally extending core itself.

[0175] Longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element

[0176] The longitudinally extending tubular (such as annular) element includes a longitudinally extending (such as substantially cylindrical) hollow tube of paper material and / or other biodegradable filter material; a filler layer including paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material that engages around the hollow tube along the entire (such as longitudinal) length of the hollow tube; and a wrapper (such as a forming paper) that engages around the filler layer along the entire (such as longitudinal) length of the filler layer, wherein the lengths of the hollow tube, the filler layer, and the wrapper are the same.

[0177] Preferably, the cross-section of the longitudinally extending tubular (such as annular) element is uniform (such as a uniform axial cross-section).

[0178] Preferably, the cross-section is annular, which means that the cross-section of the longitudinally extending tubular (such as annular) element has an inner perimeter or inner circumference and an outer perimeter or outer circumference. Preferably, the inner perimeter or inner circumference is circular, which means that the shape of the hollow tube is substantially cylindrical. Preferably, the outer perimeter or outer circumference is circular, which means that the shape of the longitudinally extending tubular element or each longitudinally extending tubular element is substantially cylindrical. This can be seen, for example Figure 1 herein. However, the inner perimeter or inner circumference and the outer perimeter or outer circumference can be of any shape. For example, the shape of the outer perimeter or outer circumference can be circular or elliptical, and the cross-section of the inner perimeter or inner circumference can be circular, semi-circular (D-shaped), square, triangular, star-shaped, trefoil-shaped, pentagonal, or gear-shaped, or shaped like a logo or other pattern.

[0179] Preferably, the circumference or perimeter of the hollow tube of paper material and / or other biodegradable filter material is from 4 mm to 30 mm, such as from 14 mm to 30 mm, such as from 15 mm to 20 mm.

[0180] The hollow tube may comprise a paper material. Preferably, the paper material of the hollow tube is a formed paper having a basis weight of 60 gsm to 220 gsm, such as a formed paper having a basis weight of 90 gsm to 140 gsm, such as a formed paper having a basis weight of 100 gsm to 120 gsm, such as a formed paper having a basis weight of 100 gsm. The applicant has found that using a formed paper having a basis weight of 60 gsm to 220 gsm provides a hollow tube with appropriate stiffness, which supports a filler layer comprising a paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter materials and maintains its tubular shape. Advantageously, the formed paper having a basis weight of 60 gsm to 220 gsm is also biodegradable.

[0181] A filler layer comprising a paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter materials is joined around the hollow tube along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube. In other words, a filler layer comprising a paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter materials surrounds the hollow tube along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube, and thus does not substantially lap or overlap / extend beyond the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube. Preferably, the width or thickness (t) of the filler layer comprising a paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter materials joined around the hollow tube is 0.6 mm to 2.0 mm, such as 0.8 mm to 1.8 mm, such as 1.0 mm to 1.6 mm, such as 1.3 mm. This can be seen, for example Figure 1 in.

[0182] The term "width or thickness" should be readily understood herein to mean the shortest distance from any position on the circumference of the hollow tube, such as if the hollow tube is substantially cylindrical, to the outer circumference or outer perimeter of the filler layer comprising a paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter materials. However, it should be understood that there may be more than one width or thickness value unless the filler layer comprising a paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter materials is joined around the hollow tube uniformly, such as in a circular shape. Additionally, it should be understood that if the cross-section of the hollow tube, i.e., the inner perimeter or inner circumference, is a semi-circular (D-shaped), square, triangular, star-shaped, trefoil-shaped, pentagonal or gear-shaped cross-section, or is shaped like a logo or other pattern, there may be more than one width or thickness value. The term "width or thickness" should be readily understood herein 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 a paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter materials.

[0183] The paper filtration material and / or other biodegradable filtration materials can be paper materials (in any form) commonly used in mouthpieces or filter elements. The paper material can be, for example, filter paper material, non-woven paper material, air-laid paper material, or cellulose / lyocell / viscose-based paper material. The paper can be a non-woven paper material made of non-plastic plant-based fibers (such as flax, jute, sisal, abaca, coconut, bamboo, starch, or wood pulp) or a blend of these materials. Preferably, the other biodegradable filtration materials do not include cellulose acetate. Preferably, the filler layer does not include cellulose acetate.

[0184] The paper filtration material and / or other biodegradable filtration materials can be in the form of a blend of different paper filtration materials and / or other biodegradable filtration materials. The paper can be coated with a hydrophobic coating or hydrophobic material.

[0185] The applicant has found that the use of non-woven paper materials, such as those made of plant-based non-plastic fibers, such as flax, jute, sisal, abaca, coconut, bamboo, starch, or wood pulp, and / or air-laid paper materials is particularly suitable for the filler layer because they are flexible and easy to manufacture into layers that wrap around a hollow tube, have excellent filtration characteristics and filtration performance, and are also biodegradable. Additionally, the applicant has found that the use of non-woven paper materials, such as those made of plant-based non-plastic fibers (such as flax, jute, sisal, abaca, coconut, bamboo, starch, or wood pulp) and / or air-laid paper materials provides a unique visual end appearance that attracts consumers and can help prevent counterfeiting.

[0186] The filler layer comprising the paper filtration material and / or other biodegradable filtration materials can be composed of multiple, i.e., more than one, sheets or layers of the paper filtration material and / or other biodegradable filtration materials.

[0187] The filler layer comprising the paper filtration material and / or other biodegradable filtration materials can include carbon, such as activated carbon particles. The paper filtration material and / or other biodegradable filtration materials can be impregnated or embedded with carbon.

[0188] Preferably, the wrapper that wraps around the filler layer comprising the paper filtration material and / or other biodegradable filtration materials is a paper material (such as forming paper) with a basis weight of 40 gsm to 150 gsm, such as a paper material (such as forming paper) with a basis weight of 60 gsm to 140 gsm, such as a paper material (such as forming paper) with a basis weight of 70 gsm to 130 gsm, such as a paper material (such as forming paper) with a basis weight of 80 gsm to 120 gsm, such as a paper material (such as forming paper) with a basis weight of 100 gsm.

[0189] The Applicant has found that the use of a wrapper made of paper (e.g., shaped paper) with a basis weight of 40 gsm to 150 gsm, which wraps around a filler layer comprising a paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter materials, is a suitable outer package and has a firmness (i.e., hardness) similar to that of a cellulose acetate-based tube (e.g., a hollow acetate tube), which in turn can provide a mouthpiece or filter element with the desired firmness (i.e., hardness). Advantageously, the wrapper made of paper (e.g., shaped paper) with a basis weight of 40 gsm to 150 gsm is biodegradable.

[0190] The wrapper (e.g., shaped paper) that wraps around a filler layer comprising a paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter materials can be non-porous. Alternatively, the wrapper (e.g., shaped paper) that wraps around a filler layer comprising a paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter materials can be ventilated or breathable, with a breathability rate of 0 Coresta to 32,000 Coresta units.

[0191] The wrapper that wraps around a filler layer comprising a paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter materials is joined around the filler layer along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the filler layer. In other words, the wrapper that wraps around a filler layer comprising a paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter materials surrounds the layer comprising a paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter materials along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the filler layer, and thus does not substantially underlap or overlap / extend beyond the filler layer.

[0192] The longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element can be biodegradable, wherein the biodegradation ability, as measured by analyzing the evolved carbon dioxide according to ISO 14855-1 for the ultimate aerobic biodegradation ability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions, is greater than 90%. Preferably, the biodegradation of the mouthpiece or filter element after 6 months, as measured according to ISO 14855-1, is at least 90%. Preferably, as measured according to the OECD 301B "readily biodegradable" method (modified Sturm test) well known in the art, the longitudinally extending tubular element has a "readily biodegradable" level of biodegradation ability.

[0193] The Applicant has surprisingly found that the filter tips according to various aspects of the present invention combine improved biodegradation ability ("readily biodegradable") with a smoke chemical delivery comparable to that of products using cellulose acetate on the market.

[0194] The first filter material may include paper material and / or other biodegradable materials that are readily biodegradable. The second filter material may include paper material and / or other biodegradable materials that are readily biodegradable. Preferably, each of the first filter material and the second filter material includes paper material and / or other biodegradable materials that are readily biodegradable.

[0195] The terms "biodegradable" and "readily biodegradable" are defined elsewhere herein.

[0196] The paper material and / or other biodegradable materials (e.g., filter materials without cellulose acetate) are preferably readily biodegradable. The paper material and / or other biodegradable materials (e.g., filter materials without cellulose acetate) may include any paper (in any form) conventionally used in a filter tip or filter tip element. The paper may be, for example, different grades of filter paper, perforated paper, crepe paper, airlaid paper, or machine-glazed paper, etc. The fibers of the paper material and / or other biodegradable materials (e.g., filter materials without cellulose acetate) may be natural fibers (e.g., flax, sisal, jute, abaca, cotton, coconut fiber, bamboo fiber, starch (e.g., from corn), or tobacco) or any rolled material. The paper may be woven or non-woven, or in the form of an adhesive paper web, or in the form of a longitudinally corrugated and / or fibrillated paper web, such as laterally aggregated and held in the form of a mandrel. The paper material and / or other biodegradable materials (e.g., filter materials without cellulose acetate) may be in the form of an adhesive paper web, including a first paper material and / or other biodegradable materials (e.g., filter materials without cellulose acetate) and a second paper material and / or other biodegradable materials (e.g., filter materials without cellulose acetate). The paper material and / or other biodegradable materials (e.g., filter materials without cellulose acetate) may be in the form of a blend of different paper materials and / or other biodegradable materials (e.g., filter materials without cellulose acetate). The paper material filter material may have the same or a similar structure as those papers sold under the trademark or (Filtrona, formally Elitron).

[0197] The first filter material may include paper material and / or other biodegradable materials that are readily biodegradable. The first filter material may include the paper material and / or other biodegradable materials as described above. In some examples, the first filter material includes uncoated paper material, coated paper material, silicated paper material, Puracel FM26, Puracel FM36, and / or Greenbutts.

[0198] The second filter material may include paper material and / or other biodegradable materials that are biodegradable. The second filter material may include paper material and / or other biodegradable materials as described in the above paragraph. In some examples, the second filter material includes uncoated paper material, coated paper material, silicated paper material, Puracel FM26, Puracel FM36, and / or Greenbutts.

[0199] Preferably, the first filter material includes a paper material with a basis weight of 20 gsm to 200 gsm. For example, the first filter material may be a paper material with a basis weight of 40 gsm to 180 gsm, such as 60 gsm to 160 gsm, such as 80 gsm to 140 gsm, such as 100 gsm to 120 gsm, such as 20 gsm to 60 gsm, such as 30 gsm to 40 gsm.

[0200] Preferably, the second filter material includes a paper material with a basis weight of 20 gsm to 200 gsm. For example, the second filter material may be a paper material with a basis weight of 40 gsm to 180 gsm, such as 60 gsm to 160 gsm, such as 80 gsm to 140 gsm, such as 100 gsm to 120 gsm, such as 20 gsm to 60 gsm, such as 30 gsm to 40 gsm.

[0201] The filter tip of the present invention may be cylindrical. The filter tip of the present invention may be cylindrical, with a circumference of 12 mm to 30 mm (such as 15 mm to 28 mm), more preferably 17 mm to 25 mm (such as 18 mm to 25 mm, such as 20 mm to 24 mm, such as 22 mm to 24 mm, such as 23 mm, such as 22 mm, such as 22.45 mm).

[0202] The wrapper (such as the filter tip wrapper) that engages around the first longitudinally extending (such as, substantially cylindrical) core and the second longitudinally extending core and the tubular element may be a paper material (such as, forming paper), preferably a paper material (such as, forming paper) with a basis weight of 20 gsm to 160 gsm, such as a paper material (such as, forming paper) with a basis weight of 24 gsm to 150 gsm, such as a paper material (such as, forming paper) with a basis weight of 70 gsm to 150 gsm, such as a paper material (such as, forming paper) with a basis weight of 70 gsm to 140 gsm. Preferably, the wrapper (such as the filter tip wrapper) that engages around the first longitudinally extending (such as, substantially cylindrical) core and the second longitudinally extending core and the tubular element is biodegradable, more preferably easily biodegradable.

[0203] The wrapper for the first longitudinally extending core (e.g., the first core wrapper), if present, and / or the wrapper for the second longitudinally extending core (e.g., the second core wrapper), if present, can be a paper material (e.g., formed paper). The paper material can be a paper material (e.g., formed paper) with a basis weight of 20 gsm to 160 gsm, such as a paper material (e.g., formed paper) with a basis weight of 24 gsm to 150 gsm, such as a paper material (e.g., formed paper) with a basis weight of 70 gsm to 150 gsm, such as a paper material (e.g., formed paper) with a basis weight of 70 gsm to 140 gsm. Preferably, the wrapper for the first longitudinally extending core (e.g., the first core wrapper), if present, and the wrapper for the second longitudinally extending core (e.g., the second core wrapper), if present, are biodegradable, and more preferably readily biodegradable. The wrapper for the first longitudinally extending core (e.g., the first core wrapper) and the wrapper for the second longitudinally extending core (e.g., the second core wrapper) can be made of the same material or different materials.

[0204] The length of the filter tip of the present invention can be 10 mm to 50 mm (e.g., 20 mm to 35 mm). Preferably, the length of the filter tip of the present invention is 5 mm to 50 mm, such as 10 mm to 40 mm, such as 25 mm to 38 mm, such as 30 mm to 35 mm, such as 33 mm.

[0205] The length of the first longitudinally extending core can be 3 mm to 11 mm, such as 5 mm to 10 mm, such as 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm or 10 mm, such as 7 mm.

[0206] The length of the second longitudinally extending core can be 8 mm to 24 mm, such as 10 mm to 20 mm, such as 18 mm.

[0207] The length of the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element can be 5 mm to 16 mm, such as 6 mm to 12 mm, such as 8 mm.

[0208] Preferably, the pressure drop across the filter tip (or mouthpiece) is 80 mmWg to 110 mmWg, such as 90 mmWg to 100 mmWg. Preferably, the pressure drop across the filter tip is 97 mmWg.

[0209] Smoke or vapor modifier

[0210] Any filter or mouthpiece according to any embodiment of the present invention may include a smoke or vapor modifier, which may alter or enhance the consumer experience. The smoke or vapor modifier may impart additional flavors or fragrances to the vapor passing through the mouthpiece or filter, or may be capable of suppressing certain flavors or fragrances. The smoke or vapor modifier may be located above or within a hollow tube, a filler layer or wrapper including a paper-based filter material and / or other biodegradable filter materials. The smoke or vapor modifier may be a liquid additive, such as a flavor enhancing additive. The flavor enhancing additive may be any additive known in the art, for example, an additive that reduces "paper taste", such as menthol, peppermint, fruit, berries, vanillin, chocolate, coffee, etc. with a suitable carrier, such as propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, other oils.

[0211] A smoking article (such as a cigarette, such as a tobacco heating product, such as an HNB product or an HTP) including one or more flavor enhancing additives may overcome the "paper taste" sensation and may provide sensory characteristics similar to those of a smoking article filtered through cellulose acetate.

[0212] General considerations

[0213] It should be understood that the filter or filter element according to all aspects of the present invention can be manufactured by methods and machinery well known in the art.

[0214] The filter wrapper may be a paper-based or other biodegradable material. The filter wrapper may be a paper-based material (such as, for example, forming paper), preferably a paper-based material (such as, for example, forming paper) with a basis weight of 20 gsm to 160 gsm, such as a paper-based material (such as, for example, forming paper) with a basis weight of 24 gsm to 150 gsm, such as a paper-based material (such as, for example, forming paper) with a basis weight of 70 gsm to 150 gsm, such as a paper-based material (such as, for example, forming paper) with a basis weight of 70 gsm to 140 gsm. Preferably, the filter wrapper is biodegradable, and more preferably, it is easily biodegradable.

[0215] The following embodiments and drawings relate to and illustrate a generally cylindrical filter or mouthpiece. It should be understood that the present invention and the claims cover filters and mouthpieces that do not have a circular cross-section, such as filters or mouthpieces with an oval cross-section, an elongated oval cross-section, etc. Thus, any filter (or mouthpiece) according to any aspect of the present invention may have a circular cross-section. In addition, any filter (or mouthpiece) according to any aspect of the present invention may have an oval or elongated oval cross-section.

[0216] According to the present invention, in a further aspect, there is provided a smoking article (such as a cigarette, such as a tobacco heating product, such as an HNB product or an HTP), which includes a filter or mouthpiece according to any aspect of the present invention.

[0217] The filter tip or mouthpiece of any aspect of the present invention may be adapted to be used with all kinds of tobacco blends.

[0218] In a smoking article according to the present invention, the filter tip or mouthpiece of any aspect of the present invention may be connected to a wrapped core rod of tobacco (e.g., a wrapped core rod of modified tobacco as known in the art), wherein one end of the filter tip or mouthpiece faces the tobacco rod. The filter tip or mouthpiece of the present invention may be connected to the wrapped tobacco core rod by a tipping wrap (i.e., an outer wrapper (e.g., tipping paper) that engages only around the adjacent ends of the wrapped filter tip and the tobacco core rod to expose most of the filter tip wrapper). The filter tip or mouthpiece of the present invention may be connected to the wrapped tobacco core rod by a full-tip overwrap (i.e., an outer wrapper (e.g., tipping paper) that engages around the entire length of the wrapped filter tip and the adjacent end of the tobacco core rod). The wrapper (e.g., the filter tip wrapper) may be ventilated, for example, by laser perforation. Ventilation may be applied to the wrapper (e.g., the filter tip wrapper) before or after the filter tip or mouthpiece is connected to the wrapped tobacco core rod.

[0219] The filter tip or mouthpiece [or the smoking article according to the present invention (e.g., a cigarette, e.g., a tobacco heating product, e.g., an HNB product or an HTP)] of any aspect of the present invention may further include one or more discrete additional segments. The discrete additional segments may be a (e.g., cylindrical) core rod of tobacco smoke filtering material (e.g., paper), a (e.g., cylindrical) rod of tobacco (e.g., any form of tobacco including reconstituted tobacco), a hollow (e.g., paper) tube, a capsule-containing filter tip, a carbon-containing filter tip, a CPS filter tip, a tube filter tip, an acetate filter tip, a paper filter tip, a menthol-containing filter tip, etc.

[0220] According to the present invention, there is provided a filter tip as described herein and claimed below.

[0221] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0222] Figure 1 A schematic view of a filter tip according to a first aspect of the present invention is shown;

[0223] Figure 2 A schematic view of a filter tip according to a second aspect of the present invention is shown;

[0224] Figure 3 A schematic view of a filter tip according to a third aspect of the present invention is shown;

[0225] Figure 4 A schematic view of a filter tip according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is shown;

[0226] Figure 5Shows a schematic diagram of a filter tip according to the fifth aspect of the present invention;

[0227] Figure 6 Shows a schematic diagram of a filter tip according to the sixth aspect of the present invention;

[0228] Figure 7 Shows a schematic diagram of a hybrid filter tip according to the seventh aspect of the present invention;

[0229] Figure 8 Shows a schematic diagram of a hybrid filter tip according to the eighth aspect of the present invention; and

[0230] Figure 9 Shows a schematic diagram of a filter tip according to the ninth aspect of the present invention.

[0231] Figure 1 Shows a schematic diagram of a filter tip 100 having a length of 27 mm and a circumference of 24.00 mm. The filter tip 100 includes 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 therebetween. A filter tip wrapper 120 is joined around the first longitudinally extending tubular element 105, the second longitudinally extending tubular element 110, and the longitudinally extending core 115.

[0232] The first longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 105 includes a longitudinally extending hollow tube 106 of paper with a basis weight of 160 gsm, a length of 7.5 mm, and a circumference of 16 mm; a filler layer 107 including an airlaid nonwoven paper filter material joined around the entire length of the hollow tube 106 with a width / thickness of approximately 1.3 mm; and a forming paper 108 with a basis weight of 78 gsm, joined around the entire length of the filler layer 107 including the airlaid nonwoven paper filter material. As Figure 1 shown, the hollow tube 106, the filler layer 107 including the airlaid nonwoven material, and the wrapper 108 have the same length (7.5 mm).

[0233] The longitudinally extending (substantially cylindrical) core 110 abuts one end of the first longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 105. The longitudinally extending (substantially cylindrical) core 110 has a circumference of 24.00 mm and a length of 12 mm. The longitudinally extending cylindrical core 110 is made of a sheet of Puracel FM36 paper ([of [Yisheng Hua Company]] 300 mm FM 36 g / m 2The mandrel 111 of the first filter material in the form of (SWM) is formed by laterally aggregating the paper sheet together into the form of a mandrel and held in place by a core wrapper 112 of non-porous forming paper with a basis weight of 45 gsm [obtained from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd of Mudanjiang, China].

[0234] A second longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 115 abuts the end of the longitudinally extending (substantially cylindrical) core 110, which end is opposite to the end abutting the first longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 105. The second longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 115 includes a longitudinally extending hollow tube 116 of paper material with a basis weight of 160 gsm, a length of 7.5 mm and a circumference of 16 mm; a filler layer 117, which includes an air-laid nonwoven paper material filter material joined around the entire length of the hollow tube 116 with a width / thickness of about 1.3 mm; and a forming paper 118 with a basis weight of 78 gsm, joined around the entire length of the filler layer 117 including the air-laid nonwoven paper material filter material. As Figure 1 shown, the lengths of the hollow tube 116, the filler layer 117 including the air-laid nonwoven material, and the wrapper 118 are the same (7.5 mm).

[0235] A filter tip wrapper 120 of hard forming paper with a weight of 45 g / m 2 [from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd of Mudanjiang, China] is joined around the first longitudinally extending tubular element 105, the second longitudinally extending tubular element 110, and the longitudinally extending core 115. The ends of the filter tip wrapper 120 are flush with the ends of the first longitudinally extending tubular element 105 and the second longitudinally extending tubular element 110. The filter tip wrapper 120 has overlapping longitudinal edges to which an adhesive is applied, which provides a lapped and bonded seam (not shown), which holds the additional wrapper 120 around the first longitudinally extending tubular element 105, the second longitudinally extending tubular element 110, and the longitudinally extending core 115, and (optionally) holds the additional adhesive in an anchor line (not shown) to hold the first longitudinally extending tubular element 105, the second longitudinally extending tubular element 110, and the longitudinally extending core 115 in place.

[0236] The first longitudinally extending tubular element 105 and the second longitudinally extending tubular element 110 can be manufactured by a method including the following steps using techniques known in the art: aggregating and fixing sheets of paper material with a basis weight of 160 gsm by lapping and bonding seams to form longitudinally extending hollow tubes 106, 116; causing four sheets of airlaid nonwoven paper filter material with a width of 70 mm to travel in the longitudinal direction; separating the four longitudinally traveling sheets of airlaid nonwoven paper filter material by a tapered separator; aggregating the four separated sheets of airlaid nonwoven paper filter material traveling longitudinally around the longitudinally extending hollow tubes 106, 116 to form filler layers 107, 117 including airlaid nonwoven paper filter material joined around the hollow tubes 106, 116; aggregating and fixing former papers 108, 118 with a basis weight of 78 gsm by lapping and bonding seams, the former papers surrounding the filler layer including airlaid nonwoven paper filter material; and cutting the continuous rod at intervals of 7.5 mm to form separate first longitudinally extending tubular element 105 and second longitudinally extending tubular element 110.

[0237] Figure 1 The components of the filter tip are all made of paper material and are all "readily biodegradable", which means that they can decompose rapidly and completely biodegrade when immersed in water, such that the filter tip 100 (and the materials therein) has a biodegradation ability at a "readily biodegradable" level as measured by the well-known OECD 301B "readily biodegradable" method (modified Sturm test) in the art.

[0238] The applicant has surprisingly found that a filter tip (such as filter tip 100) combines biodegradation ability ("readily biodegradable") with a smoke chemical delivery comparable to products using cellulose acetate on the market (see Example 1). In addition, the applicant has found that the filter tips of the present invention can be adapted to provide a customizable design to match a desired smoke chemical delivery profile.

[0239] Figure 2 A schematic view of a filter tip 200 with a length of 27 mm and a circumference of 24.00 mm is shown. The filter tip 200 includes 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 the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 210. A filter tip wrapper 220 is joined around the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 210 and the second longitudinally extending core 215 as well as the tubular element 205.

[0240] The longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 205 includes a longitudinally extending hollow tube 206 of paper having a basis weight of 160 gsm, a length of 7.0 mm and a circumference of 16 mm; a filler layer 207, which includes an airlaid nonwoven paper filter material having a width / thickness of about 1.3 mm and joined around the entire length of the hollow tube 206; and a forming paper 208 having a basis weight of 78 gsm and joined around the entire length of the filler layer 207 that includes the airlaid nonwoven paper filter material. As Figure 2 shown, the hollow tube 206, the filler layer 207 including the airlaid nonwoven material, and the wrapper 208 have the same length (7.0 mm). The longitudinally extending tubular element 205 can be manufactured using techniques known in the art, for example, by the method described above for the Figure 1 annular element in the filter tip.

[0241] The filter tip 200 further includes a first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 210 at the tobacco end of the filter tip. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 210 has a circumference of 24.00 mm and a length of 8 mm. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 210 includes a mandrel 211 of a first filter material in the form of a sheet of ZNP paper having a width of 300 mm (obtained from PT Bukit Muria Jaya (BMJ) of West Java, Indonesia), which is laterally aggregated into a rod form and held in place by a first core wrapper 212 of non-porous forming paper having a weight of 78 gsm [from Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd. of Mudanjiang, China, Mudanjiang]. The first longitudinally extending core has a pressure drop of 0.55 mmWG per mm length.

[0242] The filter tip 200 further 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 has a circumference of 24.00 mm and a length of 12 mm. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 215 is formed by a mandrel 216 of a first filter material in the form of a sheet of Puracel FM36 paper ([of Yisheng Hua Co., Ltd.] 300 mm FM36 g / m 2 SWM), which is laterally aggregated together into a mandrel form and held in place by a second core wrapper 217 of non-porous forming paper having a weight of 45 gsm [obtained from Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd. of Mudanjiang, China, Mudanjiang].

[0243] An additional weight of 45 g / m 2The filter wrapper 220 of the hard-formed paper [from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd., Mudanjiang, China] is joined around a first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 210, a second longitudinally extending core 215, and a tubular element 205. The filter wrapper 220 has overlapping longitudinal edges to which an adhesive is applied, which provides a lap and bond seam (not shown) that holds additional wrappers 220 around the wrapper cores 210 or 215 and the annular element 205, and (optionally) holds additional adhesive in an anchor line (not shown) to hold the wrapper cores 210 or 215 and the annular element 205 in place.

[0244] Figure 2 The components of the filter tip are all made of paper material and are all "readily biodegradable", which means that they can decompose rapidly and completely biodegrade when immersed in water, such that the filter tip 200 (and the materials therein) has a biodegradation ability at a "readily biodegradable" level as measured by the well-known OECD 301B "readily biodegradable" method (modified Sturm test) in the art.

[0245] The applicant has surprisingly found that a filter tip (such as filter tip 200) combines biodegradation ability ("readily biodegradable") with a smoke chemical delivery comparable to that of products using cellulose acetate on the market (Example 1). In addition, the applicant has found that the filter tips of the present invention can be adapted to provide a customizable design to match a desired smoke chemical delivery profile.

[0246] Figure 3 A schematic view of a filter tip 300 having a length of 27 mm and a circumference of 24.00 mm is shown. The filter tip 300 includes 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 the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 310. A filter wrapper 320 is joined around the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 310, the second longitudinally extending core 315, and the tubular element 305.

[0247] The longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 305 includes a longitudinally extending hollow tube 306 of paper material having a basis weight of 160 gsm, a length of 7.0 mm, and a circumference of 16 mm; a filler layer 307 that includes an air-laid nonwoven paper filter material joined around the entire length of the hollow tube 306 with a width / thickness of about 1.3 mm; and a forming paper 308 having a basis weight of 78 gsm joined around the entire length of the filler layer 307 that includes the air-laid nonwoven paper filter material. As Figure 3As shown, the hollow tube 306, the filler layer 307 including the airlaid nonwoven material, and the wrapper 308 have the same length (7.0 mm). The longitudinally extending tubular element 305 can be manufactured using techniques known in the art, such as by the method described above for the annular element in the Figure 1 filter tip.

[0248] The filter tip 300 further includes a first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 310. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 310 has a circumference of 24.00 mm and a length of 8 mm. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 310 includes a mandrel 311 of a first filter material in the form of a ZNP paper sheet (obtained from BMJ Company in West Java, Indonesia) with a width of 300 mm. The paper sheet is laterally aggregated into a rod form and held in place by a first core wrapper 312 of a non-porous forming paper [from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd. in Mudanjiang, China] with a weight of 78 gsm. The first longitudinally extending core has a pressure drop of 0.55 mmWG per mm length.

[0249] The filter tip 300 further 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 has a circumference of 24.00 mm and a length of 12 mm. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 315 is made of a Puracel FM26 paper sheet ([from Yisheng Hua Co., Ltd.]) 300 mm FM26 g / m 2The core rod 316 of the first filter material in the form of (SWM) is formed by laterally aggregating the paper sheet material together into the form of a core rod and held in place by a second core wrapper 317 of a non-porous coated paper material with a weight of 45 gsm [obtained from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd., Mudanjiang, China]. An additive release container is embedded in the core rod 316 of the first filter material, and the additive release container is in the form of a fragile fragrance-containing (e.g., menthol) capsule 318 with a diameter of 2.8 mm. Such capsules are well known in the art. The capsule 318 is positioned such that the center of the capsule is closer to the proximal end of the first (tobacco end) longitudinally extending cylindrical core 310 than the proximal end of the longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 305. Thus, in an embodiment of the present invention, the capsule 318 is positioned such that the center of the capsule is 5 mm from the proximal end of the first (tobacco end) longitudinally extending cylindrical core 310 and 7 mm from the proximal end of the longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 305. The asymmetric positioning closer to the tobacco end than the mouth end advantageously prevents the shadow of the capsule in the mouth end (i.e., prevents the capsule from being seen at the mouth end), while also preventing the capsule from jumping to the tobacco end (i.e., preventing the capsule from escaping from the second core 315 to the first core 310). Methods for producing filter tips containing capsules are well known in the art, for example, by inserting or dropping the capsules into a Puracel FM26 paper sheet ([of Essentra Components] 300 mm FM26 g / m 2 (SWM) since it is laterally aggregated together into the form of a core rod before being wrapped with the first core wrapper 317.

[0250] Another filter tip wrapper 320 of a hard forming paper with a weight of 45 g / m 2 [from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd., Mudanjiang, China] is joined around the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 310, the second longitudinally extending core 315, and the tubular element 305. The filter tip wrapper 320 has overlapping longitudinal edges to which an adhesive is applied, and the adhesive provides a lapped and bonded seam (not shown) that holds the additional wrapper 320 around the wrapped cores 310 or 315 and the annular element 305, and (optionally) holds the additional adhesive in an anchor line (not shown) to hold the wrapped cores 310 or 315 and the annular element 305 in place.

[0251] Figure 3The components of the filter tip (except for the capsules) are all made of paper materials and are all "readily biodegradable", which means that they can decompose rapidly and completely biodegrade when immersed in water, such that the filter tip 300 (and the materials therein) has a biodegradation ability at a "readily biodegradable" level as measured by the well-known OECD 301B "readily biodegradable" method (modified Sturm test) in the art. Capsules having a biodegradation ability at a "readily biodegradable" level as measured by the OECD 301B "readily biodegradable" method (modified Sturm test) are also well known in the art.

[0252] The applicant has surprisingly found that the filter tip (such as filter tip 300) combines a biodegradation ability ("readily biodegradable") with a smoke chemical delivery comparable to that of products using cellulose acetate on the market (Example 2 below).

[0253] Figure 4 A schematic view of a filter tip 400 having a length of 25 mm and a circumference of 24.00 mm is shown. The filter tip 400 includes 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., adjacent to) one end of the first longitudinally extending core 410. A filter tip wrapper 420 engages around the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 410 and the second longitudinally extending core 415, and extends beyond the end of the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 415 opposite to the core 410, thereby defining a cavity or recess 421 at the mouth end of the filter tip (or mouthpiece).

[0254] The filter tip 400 includes a first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 410 at the tobacco end of the filter tip. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 410 has a circumference of 24.00 mm and a length of 8 mm. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 410 includes a core rod 411 of a first filter material in the form of a ZNP paper sheet with a width of 300 mm (obtained from BMJ Company in West Java, Indonesia), the paper sheet being laterally aggregated into a rod form and held in place by a first core wrapper 412 of a non-porous forming paper with a weight of 78 gsm [from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd. in Mudanjiang, China]. The first longitudinally extending core has a pressure drop of 0.55 mmWG per mm length.

[0255] The filter tip 400 further includes a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 415 adjacent (e.g., adjacent to) one end (non-tobacco end) of the first longitudinally extending core 410. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 415 has a circumference of 24.00 mm and a length of 12 mm. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 415 is made of a Puracel FM36 paper sheet ([from Yishenghua Co., Ltd.]) 300 mm FM36 g / m 2 The core 416 of the first filter material in the form of (SWM) is formed by laterally aggregating the paper sheet material together into the form of a core and held in place by a second core wrapper 417 of non-porous forming paper with a weight of 45 gsm [obtained from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd., Mudanjiang, China].

[0256] Another filter tip wrapper 420 of hard forming paper with a weight of 100 g / m 2 [from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd., Mudanjiang, China] is joined around the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 410 and the second longitudinally extending core 415 and further longitudinally extends 5 mm beyond the end of the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 415 opposite to the core 410, thereby defining a cavity or recess 421 with a length of 5 mm at the mouth end of the filter tip (or mouthpiece). The filter tip wrapper 420 has overlapping longitudinal edges to which an adhesive is applied, which provides a lapped and bonded seam (not shown), which holds the additional wrapper 420 around the cores 410 and 415 and (optionally) holds the additional adhesive in an anchor line (not shown) to hold the cores 410 and 415 in place.

[0257] Figure 4 All components of the filter tip are made of paper material and are all "readily biodegradable", which means that they can decompose rapidly and completely biodegrade when immersed in water, such that the filter tip 400 (and the materials therein) has a biodegradation ability at the level of "readily biodegradable" as measured by the well-known OECD 301B "readily biodegradable" method (modified Sturm test) in the art.

[0258] The applicant has surprisingly found that a filter tip (such as filter tip 400) combines biodegradation ability ("readily biodegradable") with a smoke chemical delivery comparable to products using cellulose acetate on the market (Example 3). In addition, the applicant has found that the filter tips of the present invention can be adapted to provide a customizable design to match the desired smoke chemical delivery profile.

[0259] Figure 5A schematic view of a filter tip 500 with a length of 27 mm and a perimeter of 24.00 mm is shown. The filter tip 500 includes 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., adjacent to) one end of the first longitudinally extending core 510. A filter tip wrapper 520 is joined around the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 510 and the second longitudinally extending core 515, and extends beyond the end of the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 515 opposite the core 510, thereby defining a cavity or recess 521 at the mouth end of the filter tip (or mouthpiece).

[0260] The filter tip 500 includes a first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 510 at the tobacco end of the filter tip. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 510 has a perimeter of 24.00 mm and a length of 10 mm. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 510 includes a core rod 511 formed of a first filter material in the form of an embossed paper sheet with a width of 300 mm, in which activated carbon particles are embedded and the loading is 4.9 mg of activated carbon / mm [Puracel FM36 paper (300 mm of SWM from Yishenghua Company)] FM36 g / m 2 The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 510 is formed by methods known in the art: for example, the embossed paper sheet may have activated carbon applied to it and embedded therein by one or more rollers, and then be aggregated into a rod form and fixed in place (e.g., by lap and adhesive joints known in the art), where the first core wrapper (e.g., a paper wrapper, e.g., a forming paper) is joined around the rod.

[0261] The filter tip 500 further includes a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 515 adjacent (e.g., adjacent to) one end (non-tobacco end) of the first longitudinally extending core 510. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 515 has a perimeter of 24.00 mm and a length of 12 mm. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 515 is formed by a core rod 516 of a first filter material in the form of a Puracel FM36 paper sheet ([from Yishenghua Company] 300 mm FM36 g / m 2 SWM), the paper sheets are laterally aggregated together into a core rod form and held in place by a second core wrapper 517 of a non-porous forming paper with a weight of 45 gsm [obtained from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd. in Mudanjiang, China].

[0262] Another weight of 78 g / m 2The filter wrapper 520 of hard-formed paper [from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd., Mudanjiang, China] is joined around a first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 510 and a second longitudinally extending core 515, and further extends longitudinally 5 mm beyond the end of the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 515 opposite the core 510, thereby defining a cavity or recess 521 of length 5 mm at the mouth end of the filter (or mouthpiece). The filter wrapper 520 has overlapping longitudinal edges to which an adhesive is applied, which provides a lap and bonded seam (not shown) that holds additional wrappers 520 around the wrapped cores 510 and 515, and (optionally) holds additional adhesive in an anchor line (not shown) to hold the wrapped cores 510 and 515 in place.

[0263] Figure 5 The components of the filter are selected such that the pressure drop across the filter (or mouthpiece) is 50 mmHg to 80 mmHg, e.g., 55 mmHg to 75 mmHg. In this example, the pressure drop across the filter (or mouthpiece) is 64 mmHg.

[0264] Figure 5 The components of the filter are all made of paper material and are all "readily biodegradable", which means that they can decompose rapidly and completely biodegrade when immersed in water, such that the filter 500 (and the materials therein) has a biodegradation ability at a "readily biodegradable" level as measured by the well-known OECD 301B "readily biodegradable" method (modified Sturm test) in the art.

[0265] The applicant has surprisingly found that a filter (such as filter 500) combines biodegradation ability ("readily biodegradable") with smoke chemical delivery comparable to products using cellulose acetate on the market (Example 4). Furthermore, the applicant has found that the filter of the present invention can be adapted to provide a customizable design to match a desired smoke chemical delivery profile.

[0266] Figure 6 A schematic view of a filter 600 of length 27 mm and circumference 24.00 mm is shown. The filter 600 includes 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., adjacent 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 joined around the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 610 and the second longitudinally extending core 615 and the tubular (annular) element 605.

[0267] The filter tip 600 includes a first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 610 at the tobacco end of the filter tip. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 610 has a circumference of 24.00 mm and a length of 8 mm. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 610 includes an embossed paper sheet material [Puracel FM36 paper (300 mm of SWM from Essity)] with a width of 300 mm, in which activated carbon particles are embedded and the loading is 4.9 mg of activated carbon / mm. A mandrel 611 of a first filter material in the form of the embossed paper sheet material is formed, and the embossed paper sheet material is laterally aggregated into a rod form and held in place by a first core wrapper 612 of non-porous forming paper with a weight of 78 gsm [from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd., Mudanjiang, China]. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 610 is made by methods known in the art: for example, the embossed paper sheet material may have activated carbon applied thereto and embedded therein through one or more rollers, and then aggregated into a rod form and fixed in place (e.g., by lap and adhesive joints known in the art), where the first core wrapper (e.g., a paper wrapper, e.g., forming paper) is joined around the rod. FM36 g / m 2 SWM)] The filter tip 600 further includes a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 615 adjacent (e.g., adjacent to) one end (non-tobacco end) of the first longitudinally extending core 610. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 615 has a circumference of 24.00 mm and a length of 12 mm. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 615 is formed by a mandrel 616 of a first filter material in the form of a Puracel FM36 paper sheet material ([from Essity] 300 mm

[0268] FM36 g / m FM36 g / m 2 SWM), and the paper sheet material is laterally aggregated together into a mandrel form and held in place by a second core wrapper 617 of non-porous forming paper with a weight of 45 gsm [obtained from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd., Mudanjiang, China].

[0269] At the mouth end, the filter tip 600 includes a longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 605, which includes a longitudinally extending hollow tube 606 of paper with a basis weight of 160 gsm, a length of 7.0 mm, and a circumference of 16 mm; a filler layer 607, which includes an air-laid nonwoven paper filter material with a width / thickness of about 1.3 mm joined around the entire length of the hollow tube 606; and a forming paper 608 with a basis weight of 78 gsm, joined around the entire length of the filler layer 607 including the air-laid nonwoven paper filter material. As Figure 6 shown, the lengths of the hollow tube 606, the filler layer 607 including the air-laid nonwoven material, and the wrapper 608 are the same (7.0 mm). The longitudinally extending tubular element 605 can be made using techniques known in the art, for example, as described above forFigure 1 manufactured by the method of the annular element in the filter tip. It should be understood that the element 605 is adjacent to (e.g., abuts) the end of the second longitudinally extending core 615 that is remote from the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 610.

[0270] Another weight is 100 g / m 2 The filter tip wrapper 620 [from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd., Mudanjiang, China] of the hard forming paper with a weight of is joined around the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 610, the second longitudinally extending core 615, and the longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 605. The filter tip wrapper 620 has overlapping longitudinal edges to which an adhesive is applied, and the adhesive provides a lap and bond seam (not shown) that holds the additional wrapper 620 around the core 610 or 615 and the element 605, and (optionally) holds the additional adhesive in an anchor line (not shown) to hold the core 610 or 615 and the element 605 in place.

[0271] Figure 6 The components of the filter tip are selected such that the pressure drop across the filter tip (or mouthpiece) is 50 mmHg to 80 mmHg, e.g., 55 mmHg to 75 mmHg. In this example, the pressure drop across the filter tip (or mouthpiece) is 70 mmHg.

[0272] Figure 6 All components of the filter tip are made of paper material and are all "readily biodegradable", which means that they can decompose rapidly and completely biodegrade when immersed in water, such that the filter tip 600 (and the materials therein) has a biodegradation ability at the level of "readily biodegradable" as measured by the well-known OECD 301B "readily biodegradable" method (modified Sturm test) in the art.

[0273] The applicant has surprisingly found that a filter tip (such as the filter tip 600) combines biodegradation ability ("readily biodegradable") with a smoke chemical delivery comparable to that of products using cellulose acetate on the market (Example 5). In addition, the applicant has found that the filter tip of the present invention can be adapted to provide a customizable design to match the desired smoke chemical delivery profile.

[0274] Figure 7A schematic view of a filter tip 700 with a length of 27 mm and a perimeter of 24.00 mm is shown. The filter tip 700 includes 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., adjacent to) one end of the first longitudinally extending core 710; and a longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 705 at the mouth end. A filter tip wrapper 720 is joined around the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 710, the second longitudinally extending core 715, and the tubular (annular) element 705.

[0275] The filter tip 700 includes a first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 710 at the tobacco end of the filter tip. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 710 has a perimeter of 24.00 mm and a length of 10 mm. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 710 includes a mandrel 711 of a first filter material in the form of a plasticized cellulose acetate tow in which activated carbon particles are embedded, with a loading of 4.9 mg of activated carbon / mm. The plasticized cellulose acetate tow is laterally aggregated into a rod form and held in place by a first core wrapper 712 of a non-porous forming paper [from Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd., Mudanjiang, China, Mudanjiang] with a weight of 78 gsm. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 710 is made by a method known in the art for manufacturing so-called "active acetate" filter tips available from www.essentra.com: for example, the plasticized cellulose acetate tow may have activated carbon applied to it and embedded therein by one or more rollers, and then aggregated into a rod form and fixed in place (e.g., by lap and adhesive seams known in the art), where the first core wrapper (e.g., a paper wrapper, e.g., a forming paper) is joined around the rod.

[0276] The filter tip 700 further includes a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 715 adjacent (e.g., adjacent to) one end (non-tobacco end) of the first longitudinally extending core 710. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 715 has a perimeter of 24.00 mm and a length of 10 mm. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 715 is formed by a mandrel 716 of a first filter material in the form of a plasticized cellulose acetate tow, which is laterally aggregated together into a mandrel form and held in place by a second core wrapper 717 of a non-porous forming paper [obtained from Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd., Mudanjiang, China, Mudanjiang] with a weight of 45 gsm. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 715 is made by a method known in the art for manufacturing so-called "monoacetate" filter tips available from www.essentra.com.

[0277] At the mouth end, the filter tip 700 includes a longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 705 which includes a longitudinally extending hollow tube 706 of paper having a basis weight of 160 gsm, a length of 7.0 mm and a circumference of 16 mm; a filler layer 707 which includes an airlaid nonwoven paper filter material having a width / thickness of about 1.3 mm bonded around the entire length of the hollow tube 706; and a forming paper 708 having a basis weight of 78 gsm bonded around the entire length of the filler layer 707 which includes the airlaid nonwoven paper filter material. As Figure 7 shown, the hollow tube 706, the filler layer 707 including the airlaid nonwoven material, and the wrapper 708 are of the same length (7.0 mm). The longitudinally extending tubular element 705 can be manufactured using techniques known in the art, such as by the method described above for the annular element in the filter tip for Figure 1 . It should be understood that the element 705 is adjacent (e.g., abuts) the end of the second longitudinally extending core 715 remote from the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 710.

[0278] An additional filter tip wrapper 720 of stiff forming paper having a weight of 100 g / m 2 [from Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd., Mudanjiang, China] is bonded around the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 710 and the second longitudinally extending core 715 and the longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 705. The filter tip wrapper 720 has overlapping longitudinal edges to which an adhesive is applied which provides a lap and bond seam (not shown) which holds the additional wrapper 720 around the wrapped cores 710 or 715 and the element 705, and (optionally) holds additional adhesive in an anchor line (not shown) to hold the wrapped cores 710 or 715 and the element 705 in place.

[0279] Figure 7 The components of the filter tip for are selected such that the pressure drop across the filter tip (or mouthpiece) is from 80 mmHg to 110 mmHg, such as from 90 mmHg to 100 mmHg. In this example, the pressure drop across the filter tip (or mouthpiece) is 97 mmHg.

[0280] The applicant has surprisingly found that a filter tip (such as filter tip 700) combines improved biodegradability with smoke chemical delivery and pressure drop comparable to products using all cellulose acetate components on the market (Example 6). Further, the applicant has found that the filter tips of the present invention can be adapted to provide a customizable design to match a desired smoke chemical delivery profile.

[0281] Figure 8A schematic view of a filter 800 with a length of 27 mm and a circumference of 24.00 mm is shown. The filter 800 includes 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., adjacent 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 joined around the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 810, the second longitudinally extending core 815, and the tubular (annular) element 805.

[0282] 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 has a circumference of 24.00 mm and a length of 10 mm. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 810 includes a rod 811 of a first filter material in the form of an embossed paper sheet with a width of 300 mm, in which activated carbon particles are embedded and the loading is 4.9 mg of activated carbon / mm [Puracel FM36 paper (300 mm of SWM from Ecolab Inc.)], the embossed paper sheet being laterally aggregated into a rod form and held in place by a first core wrapper 812 of a non-porous forming paper with a weight of 78 gsm [from Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd. in Mudanjiang, China]. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 810 is made by methods known in the art: for example, the embossed paper sheet may have activated carbon applied thereto and embedded therein by one or more rollers, and then aggregated into a rod form and fixed in place (e.g., by lap and adhesive seams known in the art), where the first core wrapper (e.g., a paper wrapper, e.g., a forming paper) is joined around the rod. FM36 g / m 2 SWM)] form a rod 811 of a first filter material, the embossed paper sheet being laterally aggregated into a rod form and held in place by a first core wrapper 812 of a non-porous forming paper with a weight of 78 gsm [from Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd. in Mudanjiang, China]. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 810 is made by methods known in the art: for example, the embossed paper sheet may have activated carbon applied thereto and embedded therein by one or more rollers, and then aggregated into a rod form and fixed in place (e.g., by lap and adhesive seams known in the art), where the first core wrapper (e.g., a paper wrapper, e.g., a forming paper) is joined around the rod.

[0283] The filter 800 further includes a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 815 adjacent (e.g., adjacent to) one end (non-tobacco end) of the first longitudinally extending core 810. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 815 has a circumference of 24.00 mm and a length of 10 mm. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 815 is formed by a rod 816 of a first filter material in the form of a Puracel FM36 paper sheet ([from Ecolab Inc.] 300 mm FM36 g / m 2 SWM), the paper sheet being laterally aggregated together into a rod form and held in place by a second core wrapper 817 of a non-porous forming paper with a weight of 45 gsm [obtained from Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd. in Mudanjiang, China].

[0284] At the mouth end, the filter 800 includes a longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 805, which includes a longitudinally extending hollow annular tube 806 having a length of 7.0 mm, an outer circumference of 16 mm, and a wall thickness of 1.2 mm. The longitudinally extending hollow annular tube 806 is made of plasticized cellulose acetate by methods well known in the art for manufacturing hollow cellulose acetate tubular filter elements. It should be understood that the element 805 is adjacent to (e.g., abuts) the end of the second longitudinally extending core 815 that is remote from the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 810.

[0285] Another tipping paper with a weight of 100 g / m 2 of the filter wrapper 820 [from Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd., Mudanjiang, China] is joined around the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 810, the second longitudinally extending core 815, and the longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 805. The filter wrapper 820 has overlapping longitudinal edges to which an adhesive is applied, which provides a lap and bonded seam (not shown) that holds the additional wrapper 820 around the cores 810 or 815 and the element 805, and (optionally) holds additional adhesive in an anchor line (not shown) to hold the cores 810 or 815 and the element 805 in place.

[0286] Figure 8 The components of the filter are selected such that the pressure drop across the filter (or mouthpiece) is from 50 mmHg to 80 mmHg, e.g., from 55 mmHg to 75 mmHg. In this example, the pressure drop across the filter (or mouthpiece) is 73 mmHg.

[0287] The applicant has surprisingly found that a filter (such as filter 800) combines improved biodegradability with a smoke chemistry (particularly nicotine) delivery comparable to products using all cellulose acetate components on the market (Example 7). Additionally, the applicant has found that the filters of the present invention can be adapted to provide a customizable design to match a desired smoke chemistry delivery profile.

[0288] Example 1- Figure 1 and Figure 2 filter tip

[0289] As referenced Figure 1The filter tip with a length of 27 mm according to the present invention as shown is attached to a tobacco wrapper (standard tobacco) by a method well-known in the art to provide a filter-tipped cigarette for testing. The filter tip includes a first longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 105 with a length of 7.5 mm (paper tube / non-woven paper filler / paper forming paper) and a second longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 110 with a length of 7.5 mm (paper tube / non-woven paper filler / paper forming paper), and there is a longitudinally extending core 115 (FM 36 paper) with a length of 20 mm between the first longitudinally extending tubular (such as annular) element 105 and the second longitudinally extending tubular element 110. This is called test example HPH111535.

[0290] As shown in the reference Figure 2 The filter tip with a length of 27 mm according to the present invention as shown is attached to a tobacco wrapper (standard tobacco) by a method well-known in the art to provide a filter-tipped cigarette for testing. The filter tip includes a longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 205 with a length of 7.0 mm (paper tube / non-woven paper filler / paper forming paper), a first longitudinally extending core 210 (ZNP paper) with a length of 8 mm; and a second longitudinally extending core 215 (FM36 paper) with a length of 12 mm between the longitudinally extending tubular (such as, annular) element 205 and the first longitudinally extending core 210. This is called test example HPG111511.

[0291] The reference filter-tipped cigarette has a double filter tip (a 7-mm acetate tube adjacent to a 20-mm non-wrapped acetate core rod) attached to a tobacco wrapper (standard tobacco) by a method well-known in the art to provide a filter-tipped cigarette for testing (SDW869999RO).

[0292] All items use the same tobacco standard and are tested using ISO standards (ISO 4387:2019 for tar; ISO 8454:2019 for CO; ISO 10315:2021 for nicotine). The collected tar, nicotine, and CO mass yields of cigarettes HPH111535 and HPG111511 (each including a filter tip according to the present invention) and the reference cigarette are measured by a method well-known in the art [ISO 3308:2012 Conventional analytical smoking machines - Definitions and standard conditions; ISO 4387:2019 for tar; ISO 8454:2019 for CO; ISO 10315:2021 for nicotine]. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0293] Table 1

[0294]

[0295] Table 1 shows that the filter tips according to the present invention can provide smoke delivery performance comparable to that of conventional cellulose acetate filter tips (reference), while also providing improved biodegradability (since they do not contain, for example, cellulose acetate elements).

[0296] Example 2 - Figure 3 capsule filter tip

[0297] As the reference Figure 3 The filter tip with a length of 27 mm according to the present invention as shown is attached to a tobacco wrapper (standard tobacco) by a method known in the art to provide a filter tip cigarette for testing. The filter tip includes a longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 305 with a length of 7.0 mm (paper tube / non-woven paper filler / paper forming paper), a first longitudinally extending core 310 with a length of 8 mm (ZNP paper); and a second longitudinally extending core 315 with a length of 12 mm between the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element 305 and the first longitudinally extending core 310 (FM26 paper with capsules therein). This is taken as Test Example HCG111468.

[0298] The reference filter tip cigarette has a double filter tip (a 7 mm acetate tube adjacent to a 20 mm wrapped acetate core rod with capsules embedded therein) attached to a tobacco wrapper (standard tobacco) by a method known in the art to provide a filter tip cigarette for testing (TCD1101611).

[0299] Another reference filter tip cigarette has a double filter tip (a 7 mm paper tube adjacent to a 20 mm paper core rod with capsules embedded therein) attached to a tobacco wrapper (standard tobacco) by a method known in the art to provide a filter tip cigarette for testing (SAM111310).

[0300] All items are tested using the same tobacco standard and using ISO standards (ISO 4387:2019 for tar; ISO 8454:2019 for CO; ISO 10315:2021 for nicotine). The collected tar, nicotine, and CO mass yields of cigarette HCG111468 (each including a filter tip according to the present invention) and the reference cigarettes are measured by a method known in the art [ISO 3308:2012 Conventional analytical smoking machine - Definitions and standard conditions; ISO 4387:2019 for tar; ISO 8454:2019 for CO; ISO 10315:2021 for nicotine]. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0301] Table 2

[0302]

[0303] Table 2 shows that the filter according to the present invention can provide smoke delivery performance comparable to that of a conventional cellulose acetate filter (reference TCD1101611), while also providing improved biodegradability (since they do not contain, for example, cellulose acetate elements). The table also shows that simply replacing cellulose acetate with paper is ineffective, as such filters have poor nicotine retention (reference SAM111310 is the paper version of TCD1101611).

[0304] Example 3- Figure 4 fluted filter tip

[0305] As shown in the reference Figure 4 A filter according to the present invention having a length of 25 mm is attached to a tobacco wrapper (standard tobacco) by a method known in the art to provide a filter cigarette for testing. The filter includes a first longitudinally extending core 410 (ZNP paper) with a length of 8 mm at the tobacco end; and a second longitudinally extending core 415 (FM36 paper) with a length of 12 mm, and a groove with a length of 5 mm at the mouth end. This is referred to as test example PRW111469.

[0306] The reference grooved filter cigarette has a filter (a 20 mm unwrapped acetate core rod with a 5 mm groove) attached to a tobacco wrapper (standard tobacco) by a method known in the art to provide a filter cigarette for testing (DRW810632A).

[0307] The mass yields of tar, nicotine, and CO collected from cigarette PRW01 (including the filter according to the present invention) and the reference cigarette are measured by a method known in the art [ISO 3308:2012 Conventional analytical smoking machine - Definitions and standard conditions; ISO4387:2019 Tar; ISO 8454:2019 CO; ISO 10315:2021 Nicotine]. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0308] Table 3

[0309]

[0310] Table 3 shows that the filter according to the present invention can provide smoke delivery performance comparable to that of a conventional cellulose acetate filter (reference DRW810632), while also providing improved biodegradability (since they do not contain, for example, cellulose acetate elements).

[0311] Example 4 - Depressed filter tip with Figure 5 additive

[0312] As shown in the reference Figure 5The filter tip according to the present invention with a length of 27 mm as shown is attached to a tobacco wrapper (standard tobacco) by a method well-known in the art to provide a filter-tip cigarette for testing. The filter tip includes a first longitudinally extending core 510 with a length of 10 mm at the tobacco end (where embossed paper material with additives is embedded); a second longitudinally extending core 515 with a length of 12 mm (FM36 paper material); and a groove with a length of 5 mm at the mouth end. This is called test example PRB111586.

[0313] The reference grooved filter-tip cigarette has a filter tip (a 10-mm cellulose acetate element with activated carbon at the tobacco end adjacent to a 12-mm non-wrapped acetate core rod and a 5-mm groove at the mouth end) attached to a tobacco wrapper (standard tobacco) by a method well-known in the art to provide a filter-tip cigarette for testing (DRB810632).

[0314] The mass yields of tar, nicotine, and CO collected from cigarette PRB01 (including the filter tip according to the present invention) and the reference cigarette are measured by a method well-known in the art [ISO 3308:2012 Conventional analytical smoking machine - Definitions and standard conditions; ISO 4387:2019 Tar; ISO 8454:2019 CO; ISO 10315:2021 Nicotine]. The results are shown in Table 4.

[0315] Table 4

[0316]

[0317] Table 4 shows that the filter tip according to the present invention can provide smoke delivery performance comparable to that of a conventional cellulose acetate filter tip (reference DRW421540A), while also providing improved biodegradability (since they do not contain, for example, cellulose acetate elements).

[0318] Example 5 - Triple filter with Figure 6 additive

[0319] As referenced Figure 6 The filter tip according to the present invention with a length of 27 mm as shown is attached to a tobacco wrapper (standard tobacco) by a method well-known in the art to provide a filter-tip cigarette for testing. The filter tip includes a first longitudinally extending core 610 with a length of 8 mm at the tobacco end (where embossed paper material with additives is embedded); a second longitudinally extending core 615 with a length of 12 mm (FM36 paper material); and a tubular (annular) element 605 with a length of 7 mm at the mouth end. This is called test example HPB111560.

[0320] The reference fluted filter cigarette has a filter (a 10 mm cellulose acetate element with activated carbon at the tobacco end adjacent to a 12 mm unwrapped acetate plug and a 7 mm acetate tube at the mouth end) attached to a tobacco wrapper (standard tobacco) by methods known in the art to provide a filter cigarette for testing (HTC859046).

[0321] The collection tar, nicotine, and CO mass yields of cigarette HPB111560 (including the filter according to the invention) and the reference cigarette are measured by methods known in the art [ISO 3308:2012 Routine analytical smoking machine - Definitions and standard conditions; ISO 4387:2019 Tar; ISO 8454:2019 CO; ISO 10315:2021 Nicotine]. The results are shown in Table 5.

[0322] Table 5

[0323]

[0324] Table 5 shows that the filters according to the invention can provide smoke delivery performance comparable to that of conventional cellulose acetate filters (reference HTC859046), while also providing improved biodegradability (since they do not contain, for example, cellulose acetate elements).

[0325] Example 6 - Triple filter with Figure 7 additive

[0326] As referenced Figure 7 A 27 mm long filter according to the invention as shown is attached to a tobacco wrapper (standard tobacco) by methods known in the art to provide a filter cigarette for testing. The filter comprises a first longitudinally extending core 710 of 10 mm length at the tobacco end (cellulose acetate with additives embedded therein); a second longitudinally extending core 715 of 10 mm length (cellulose acetate); and a tubular (annular) element 705 of 7 mm length at the mouth end. This is referred to as Test Example HPA111635.

[0327] The reference fluted filter cigarette has a filter (a 10 mm cellulose acetate element with activated carbon at the tobacco end adjacent to a 10 mm unwrapped acetate plug and a 7 mm acetate tube at the mouth end) attached to a tobacco wrapper (standard tobacco) by methods known in the art to provide a filter cigarette for testing (HTC859046).

[0328] The collected tar, nicotine, and CO mass yields of cigarette HPA111635 (including the filter according to the present invention) and the reference cigarette were measured by methods well-known in the art [ISO 3308:2012 Conventional analytical smoking machine - Definitions and standard conditions; ISO 4387:2019 Tar; ISO 8454:2019 CO; ISO 10315:2021 Nicotine]. The results are shown in Table 6.

[0329] Table 6

[0330]

[0331] Table 6 shows that the filter according to the present invention can provide smoke delivery performance comparable to that of a conventional cellulose acetate filter (reference HTC859046), while also including elements with improved biodegradability.

[0332] Example 7 - Triple filter with Figure 8 additive

[0333] As shown in the reference Figure 8 A filter with a length of 27 mm according to the present invention as shown was attached to a tobacco wrapper (standard tobacco) by a method well-known in the art to provide a filter cigarette for testing. The filter includes a first longitudinally extending core 810 with a length of 10 mm at the tobacco end (embossed paper material with additives embedded therein); a second longitudinally extending core 815 with a length of 10 mm (FM36 paper material); and a tubular (annular) cellulose acetate element 805 with a length of 7 mm at the mouth end. This is referred to as test example HAP111636.

[0334] The reference grooved filter cigarette has a filter attached to a tobacco wrapper (standard tobacco) by a method well-known in the art (a 10 mm cellulose acetate element with activated carbon at the tobacco end adjacent to a 10 mm non-wrapped acetate core rod and a 7 mm acetate tube at the mouth end) to provide a filter cigarette for testing (HTC859046).

[0335] The collected tar, nicotine, and CO mass yields of cigarette HAP111636 (including the filter according to the present invention) and the reference cigarette were measured by methods well-known in the art [ISO 3308:2012 Conventional analytical smoking machine - Definitions and standard conditions; ISO 4387:2019 Tar; ISO 8454:2019 CO; ISO 10315:2021 Nicotine]. The results are shown in Table 7.

[0336] Table 7

[0337]

[0338] Table 7 shows that the filter according to the present invention can provide smoke delivery performance comparable to that of a conventional cellulose acetate filter (reference HTC859046), while also including an element with improved biodegradability.

[0339] Figure 9 A schematic view of a filter 9100 having a length of 33 mm and a circumference of 24 mm is shown. The filter 9100 includes a longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 9105 at the mouth end, a second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 9110 adjacent to the first longitudinally extending core 9105, and a longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element 9115 adjacent to the second longitudinally extending core 9110 at the tobacco end and longitudinally spaced from the first longitudinally extending core 9105 by the length of the second longitudinally extending core 9110. A filter wrapper 9120 engages around the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 9105, the second longitudinally extending core 9110, and the tubular element 9115.

[0340] The filter 9100 includes a first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 9105 having a circumference of 24 mm and a length of 7 mm at the mouth end of the filter 9100. The first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 9105 includes a core rod 9125 of a first filter material in the form of a sheet of FM36 paper ([Yisheng Hua Co., Ltd.] 300 mm FM36 g / m2 SWM), the sheet of paper being laterally gathered together into a core rod form and held in place by a first core wrapper 9130 of non-porous forming paper having a weight of 45 gsm [obtained from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd., Mudanjiang, China]. The filter 9100 further includes a second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 9110 that is adjacent to an end of the first longitudinally extending cylindrical core 9105 that is not the mouth end of the filter 9100. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 9110 has a circumference of 24 mm and a length of 18 mm. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 9110 includes a core rod 9135 of a first filter material in the form of a sheet of ZNP paper having a width of 300 mm (obtained from BMJ Co., West Java, Indonesia), the sheet of paper being laterally gathered into a rod form and held in place by a second core wrapper 9140 of non-porous forming paper [from Mudanjiang Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd., Mudanjiang, China] having a weight of 78 gsm. The second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 9110 has a pressure drop of 0.55 mmWG per mm of length.

[0341]

[0342] ​The filter tip 9100 further includes a longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 9115 at the tobacco end and adjacent to the end of the second longitudinally extending cylindrical core 9110. The longitudinally extending tubular (annular) element 9115 is spaced 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 includes a longitudinally extending hollow tube 9145 of paper stock having a basis weight of 160 gsm, a length of 8 mm, and a circumference of 16 mm; a filler layer 9150 including an airlaid nonwoven paper stock filter material joined around the entire length of the hollow tube 9145 with a width / thickness of about 1.3 mm; and a forming paper 9155 having a basis weight of 78 gsm joined around the entire length of the filler layer 9150 including the airlaid nonwoven paper stock filter material. As Figure 9 shown, the lengths of the hollow tube 9145, the filler layer 9150 including the airlaid nonwoven paper stock filter material, and the wrapper 9155 are the same (8 mm).

[0343] The longitudinally extending tubular element 9115 can be manufactured by a method including the following steps using techniques known in the art: gathering and securing sheets of paper stock having a basis weight of 160 gsm by lapping and adhesive seams to form a longitudinally extending hollow tube 9145; causing four sheets of airlaid nonwoven paper stock filter material each having a width of 70 mm to travel in the longitudinal direction; separating the four longitudinally traveling sheets of airlaid nonwoven paper stock filter material by a tapered separator; gathering the four separated sheets of longitudinally traveling airlaid nonwoven paper stock filter material around the longitudinally extending hollow tube 9145 to form a filler layer 9150 including the airlaid nonwoven paper stock filter material joined around the hollow tube 9145; gathering and securing by lapping and adhesive seams a forming paper 9155 having a basis weight of 78 gsm, the forming paper surrounding the filler layer including the airlaid nonwoven paper stock filter material; and cutting the continuous rod at 8.5 mm intervals to form individual longitudinally extending tubular elements 9115.

[0344] An additional filter tip wrapper 9120 of stiff forming paper having a weight of 45 g / m 2 [from Hengfeng Paper Co., Ltd., Mudanjiang, Mudanjiang, China] is joined around the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core 9105 and the second longitudinally extending core 9110 and the tubular element 9115. The filter tip wrapper 9120 has overlapping longitudinal edges to which an adhesive is applied, the adhesive providing lapping and adhesive seams (not shown) that hold the filter tip wrapper 9120 around the wrapped cores 9105 or 9110 and the annular element 9115 and (optionally) hold additional adhesive in an anchor line (not shown) to hold the wrapped cores 9105 or 9110 and the annular element 9115 in place.

[0345] Figure 9 The components of the filter tip are all made of paper materials and are all "readily biodegradable", which means that they can decompose rapidly and completely biodegrade when immersed in water, such that the filter tip 9100 (and the materials therein) has a biodegradation ability at a "readily biodegradable" level as measured by the well-known OECD 301B "readily biodegradable" method (modified Sturm test) in the art.

[0346] The applicant has surprisingly found that a filter tip (such as filter tip 9100) combines a biodegradation ability ("readily biodegradable") with a smoke chemical delivery comparable to that expected for products using cellulose acetate on the market. In addition, the applicant has found that the filter tip of the present invention can be adapted to provide a customizable design to match a desired smoke chemical delivery profile.

[0347] It should be understood that according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core includes a first filter material in the form of cellulose acetate, as is well known in the art. The other components are the same as Figure 9 those. The applicant has surprisingly found that the filter tip according to the tenth aspect of the present invention combines a smoke chemical delivery comparable to that expected for products on the market with an improved biodegradation ability superior to that of products on the market, since more components are biodegradable. In addition, the applicant has found that the filter tip of the tenth aspect of the present invention can be adapted to provide a customizable design to match a desired smoke chemical delivery profile.

Claims

1. A filter tip (or mouthpiece), the filter tip (or mouthpiece) comprising: A first longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element and a second longitudinally extending tubular element; A longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core between the first longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element and the second longitudinally extending tubular element, the core comprising a filter material, the filter material comprising paper and / or other biodegradable materials; And A filter tip wrapper that engages around the first longitudinally extending tubular element, the second longitudinally extending tubular element, and the longitudinally extending core; Wherein the first longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element and the second longitudinally extending tubular element each comprise a longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) hollow tube of paper and / or other biodegradable filter material; a filler layer of paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material that engages around the hollow tube along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube; and a wrapper (e.g., tipping paper) that engages around the filler layer along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the filler layer, wherein the hollow tube, the filler layer, and the wrapper are of the same length.

2. A filter tip (or mouthpiece), the filter tip (or mouthpiece) comprising: A longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element; A first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the first longitudinally extending core comprising a first filter material that is paper and / or other biodegradable material, wherein the first longitudinally extending core has a pressure drop of 0.1 mmWG to 1 mmWG per mm length, e.g., 0.31 mmWG to 0.7 mmWG per mm length, e.g., 0.5 mmWG to 0.6 mmWG per mm length, e.g., 0.55 mmWG per mm length; A second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core between the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element and the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core comprising a second filter material, the second filter material comprising paper and / or other biodegradable materials; And A filter tip wrapper that engages around the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the second longitudinally extending core, 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 filter material; a filler layer of paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material that engages around the hollow tube along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube; and a wrapper (e.g., tipping paper) that engages around the filler layer along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the filler layer, wherein the hollow tube, the filler layer, and the wrapper are of the same length.

3. The filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to claim 2, wherein the filter tip (or mouthpiece) further comprises an additive release container [such as a capsule, such as a fragile capsule, such as a (e.g., fragile) capsule containing a smoke or vapor additive] encapsulated within the second filter material.

4. A filter tip (or mouthpiece), the filter tip (or mouthpiece) comprising: A longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element; A first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the first longitudinally extending core comprising a first filter material that is a paper material and / or other biodegradable material, wherein the first longitudinally extending core has a pressure drop of from 0.1 mmWG to 1 mmWG per mm length, such as from 0.31 mmWG to 0.7 mmWG per mm length, such as from 0.5 mmWG to 0.6 mmWG per mm length, such as 0.55 mmWG per mm length; A second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core between the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element and the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core comprising a second filter material that is a paper material and / or other biodegradable material, and an additive release container [such as a capsule, such as a fragile capsule, such as a (e.g., fragile) capsule containing a smoke or vapor additive] encapsulated within the second filter material; And A filter tip wrapper that engages around the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core and the second longitudinally extending core and the tubular element; Wherein the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element comprises a longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) hollow tube of a paper material and / or other biodegradable filter material; a filler layer of a paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material that engages around the hollow tube along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube; and a wrapper (e.g., tipping paper) that engages around the filler layer along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the filler layer, wherein the hollow tube, the filler layer, and the wrapper are of the same length.

5. A filter tip (or mouthpiece), the filter tip (or mouthpiece) comprising: A first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the first longitudinally extending core comprising a first filter material that is a paper material and / or other biodegradable material, wherein the first longitudinally extending core has a pressure drop of from 0.1 mmWG to 1 mmWG per mm length, such as from 0.31 mmWG to 0.7 mmWG per mm length, such as from 0.5 mmWG to 0.6 mmWG per mm length, such as 0.55 mmWG per mm length; A second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core adjacent (e.g., adjacent to) an end of the first longitudinally extending core, the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core comprising a second filter material that is a paper material and / or other biodegradable material; And A filter plug wrapper that engages around the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core and the second longitudinally extending core; wherein the filter plug wrapper extends beyond the end of the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, thereby defining a cavity at the end of the filter plug (or mouthpiece).

6. A filter plug (or mouthpiece) comprising: A first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core including a first filter material that is a paper material and / or other biodegradable material and a first core wrapper that engages around the first filter material, the first filter material having particulate additives disposed therein; A second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core adjacent (e.g., adjoining) the end of the first longitudinally extending core, the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core including a second filter material that is a paper material and / or other biodegradable material; And A filter plug wrapper that engages around the first longitudinally extending core and the second longitudinally extending core; wherein the filter plug wrapper extends beyond the end of the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, thereby defining a cavity at the end of the filter plug (or mouthpiece).

7. A filter plug (or mouthpiece) comprising: A first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core including a first filter material that is a paper material and / or other biodegradable material and a first core wrapper that engages around the first filter material, the first filter material having particulate additives disposed therein; A second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core adjacent (e.g., adjoining) the end of the first longitudinally extending core, the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core including a second filter material that is a paper material and / or other biodegradable material; A longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element adjacent (e.g., adjoining) the end of the second longitudinally extending core remote from the first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element including a longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) hollow tube of a paper material and / or other biodegradable filter material; a filler layer of a paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material that engages around the hollow tube along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube; and a tubular element wrapper (e.g., tipping paper) that engages around the filler layer along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the filler layer, wherein the hollow tube, the filler layer, and the tubular element wrapper are of the same length; And A filter plug wrapper that engages around the first longitudinally extending core and the second longitudinally extending core and the longitudinally extending tubular element.

8. The filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first filter material comprises an embossed paper filter material and / or an embossed other biodegradable filter material in which particulate additives are embedded.

9. The filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of the preceding claims, having a perimeter of 4 mm to 25 mm, such as 5 mm to 20 mm, such as 6 mm to 18 mm, such as 8 mm to 10 mm.

10. The filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 or 7, wherein the paper material of the hollow tube is a paper material (e.g., forming paper) having a basis weight of 80 gsm to 160 gsm, such as a paper material (e.g., forming paper) having a basis weight of 90 gsm to 140 gsm, such as a paper material (e.g., forming paper) having a basis weight of 100 gsm to 120 gsm, such as a paper material (e.g., forming paper) having a basis weight of 100 gsm.

11. The filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 7 or 10, wherein the width or thickness of the filler layer comprising a paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material joined around the hollow tube is 0.6 mm to 2.0 mm, such as 0.8 mm to 1.8 mm, such as 1.0 mm to 1.6 mm, such as 1.3 mm.

12. The filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 7, 10 or 11, wherein the filler layer comprising a paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material is composed of a plurality (i.e., more than one) sheets or layers of a paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material.

13. The filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 7 or 10 to 12, wherein the tubular element wrapper joined around the filler layer comprising a paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material is a paper material (e.g., forming paper) having a basis weight of 50 gsm to 150 gsm, such as a paper material (e.g., forming paper) having a basis weight of 60 gsm to 140 gsm, such as a paper material (e.g., forming paper) having a basis weight of 70 gsm to 130 gsm, such as a paper material (e.g., forming paper) having a basis weight of 80 gsm to 120 gsm, such as a paper material (e.g., forming paper) having a basis weight of 100 gsm.

14. The filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 7 or 10 to 13, wherein the tubular element wrapper (e.g., forming paper) joined around the filler layer comprising a paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material is non-porous.

15. The filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of claims 5 to 6, the filter tip (or mouthpiece) having a pressure drop across the filter tip (or mouthpiece) of 50 mmHg to 80 mmHg, such as 55 mmHg to 75 mmHg.

16. A filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the paper-based filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material or each paper-based filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material is a filter paper, a non-woven paper, an air-laid paper or a cellulose / lyocell / viscose-based paper.

17. A filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the paper-based filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material or each paper-based filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material is a non-woven paper made of plant-based non-plastic fibers (e.g., flax, jute, sisal, manila hemp, coconut, bamboo, starch or wood pulp) or a blend of these materials.

18. A filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter tip wrapper comprises a paper or other biodegradable material.

19. A filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter tip (or mouthpiece) has a biodegradation ability of greater than 90% as measured by the method of analyzing the evolved carbon dioxide for the final aerobic biodegradation ability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions according to ISO 14855-1.

20. A filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter tip (or mouthpiece) has a biodegradation ability at the "readily biodegradable" level as measured by the OECD 301B "readily biodegradable" method (modified Sturm test).

21. A filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter tip (or mouthpiece) has a length of 5 mm to 50 mm, such as 10 mm to 30 mm, such as 8 mm to 24 mm, such as 15 mm to 20 mm, such as 18 mm.

22. A smoking article (e.g., a cigarette, e.g., a tobacco heating product, e.g., an HNB product or an HTP), the smoking article comprising a mouthpiece or filter tip according to any one of the preceding claims, or a filter tip comprising a mouthpiece or filter tip according to any one of the preceding claims, the filter tip being connected to a tobacco rod such that one end of the filter tip faces the wrapped tobacco rod.

23. A multi-segment filter tip, the multi-segment filter tip comprising a mouthpiece or filter tip according to any one of claims 1 to 21 and one or more separate additional segments.

24. A filter tip (or mouthpiece), the filter tip (or mouthpiece) comprising: A first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the first longitudinally extending core comprising a first filter material in the form of a cellulose acetate tow and a first core wrapper joined around the first filter material, the first filter material having particulate additives disposed therein; A second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the second longitudinally extending core being adjacent (e.g., adjacent to) an end of the first longitudinally extending core, the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core comprising a second filter material in the form of a cellulose acetate tow; A longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element, the longitudinally extending tubular element being adjacent to (e.g., abutting) the end of the second longitudinally extending core that is remote 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 material and / or other biodegradable filter material; a filler layer of paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material joined around the hollow tube along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube; and a tubular element wrapper (e.g., forming paper) joined around the filler layer along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the filler layer, wherein the hollow tube, the filler layer, and the tubular element wrapper have the same length; and a filter tip wrapper that joins around the first longitudinally extending core, the second longitudinally extending core, and the longitudinally extending tubular element.

25. The filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to claim 24, wherein the paper material of the hollow tube is a paper material (e.g., forming paper) having a basis weight of 80 gsm to 160 gsm, such as a paper material (e.g., forming paper) having a basis weight of 90 gsm to 140 gsm, such as a paper material (e.g., forming paper) having a basis weight of 100 gsm to 120 gsm, such as a paper material (e.g., forming paper) having a basis weight of 100 gsm.

26. The filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to claim 25, wherein the width or thickness of the filler layer comprising the paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material joined around the hollow tube is 0.6 mm to 2.0 mm, such as 0.8 mm to 1.8 mm, such as 1.0 mm to 1.6 mm, such as 1.3 mm.

27. The filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of claims 25 or 26, wherein the filler layer comprising the paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material is composed of a plurality (i.e., more than one) of sheets or layers of paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material.

28. The filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the tubular element wrapper (e.g., forming paper) joined around the filler layer comprising the paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material is a paper material (e.g., forming paper) having a basis weight of 50 gsm to 150 gsm, such as a paper material (e.g., forming paper) having a basis weight of 60 gsm to 140 gsm, such as a paper material (e.g., forming paper) having a basis weight of 70 gsm to 130 gsm, such as a paper material (e.g., forming paper) having a basis weight of 80 gsm to 120 gsm, such as a paper material (e.g., forming paper) having a basis weight of 100 gsm.

29. The filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of claims 24 to 28, wherein the tubular element wrapper (e.g., forming paper) joined around the filler layer comprising the paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material is non-porous.

30. A filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of claims 24 to 29, wherein the filter tip (or mouthpiece) has a pressure drop across the filter tip (or mouthpiece) of from 80 mmHg to 110 mmHg, such as 97 mmHg.

31. A filter tip (or mouthpiece), the filter tip (or mouthpiece) comprising: A first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the first longitudinally extending core comprising a first filter material that is a paper material and / or other biodegradable material and a first core wrapper bonded around the first filter material, the first filter material having particulate additives disposed therein; A second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the second longitudinally extending core adjacent (e.g., adjacent to) an end of the first longitudinally extending core, the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core comprising a second filter material that is a paper material and / or other biodegradable material; A longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element, the longitudinally extending tubular element adjacent (e.g., adjacent to) an end of the second longitudinally extending core remote 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 plasticized cellulose acetate; And A filter tip wrapper, the filter tip wrapper bonded around the first longitudinally extending core and the second longitudinally extending core and the longitudinally extending tubular element.

32. The filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to claim 31, wherein the first filter material comprises an embossed paper filter material and / or an embossed other biodegradable filter material with particulate additives embedded therein.

33. The filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material or each paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material is a filter paper material, a nonwoven paper material, an airlaid paper material, or a cellulose / lyocell / viscose-based paper material.

34. The filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material or each paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material is a nonwoven paper material made from plant-based non-plastic fibers (e.g., flax, jute, sisal, manila hemp, coconut, bamboo, starch, or wood pulp) or a blend of these materials.

35. The filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein the filter tip (or mouthpiece) has a pressure drop across the filter tip (or mouthpiece) of from 50 mmHg to 80 mmHg, such as from 55 mmHg to 75 mmHg, such as 73 mmHg.

36. The filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of claims 24 to 35, having a perimeter of from 4 mm to 25 mm, such as from 5 mm to 20 mm, such as from 6 mm to 18 mm, such as from 8 mm to 10 mm.

37. A filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of claims 24 to 36, the filter tip (or mouthpiece) having a length of 5 mm to 50 mm, such as 10 mm to 30 mm, such as 8 mm to 24 mm, such as 15 mm to 20 mm, such as 18 mm.

38. A filter tip (or mouthpiece), the filter tip (or mouthpiece) being substantially as described above with reference to FIGS. 7 or 8.

39. A filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of claims 24 to 38, wherein the filter tip wrapper comprises a paper material or other biodegradable material.

40. A filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of claims 24 to 39, wherein at least one component has a biodegradation capacity of greater than 90% as measured by the method of analyzing the evolved carbon dioxide for determining the ultimate aerobic biodegradation capacity of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions according to ISO 14855-1.

41. A filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of claims 24 to 40, wherein at least one component has a biodegradation capacity at the level of "readily biodegradable" as measured by the OECD 301B "Ready Biodegradability" method (modified Sturm test).

42. A smoking article (such as a cigarette, such as a tobacco heating product, such as an HNB product or an HTP), the smoking article comprising a mouthpiece or filter tip according to any one of claims 24 to 41, or a filter tip comprising a mouthpiece or filter tip according to any one of the preceding claims, the filter tip being connected to the tobacco rod in such a manner that one end portion of the filter tip faces the wrapped tobacco rod.

43. A multi-segment filter tip, the multi-segment filter tip comprising a mouthpiece or filter tip according to any one of claims 24 to 41 and one or more separate additional segments.

44. A filter tip (or mouthpiece), the filter tip (or mouthpiece) comprising: A first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the first longitudinally extending core comprising a first filter material, wherein the filter material is one of the following: a paper material, a biodegradable material, and cellulose acetate; A second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the second longitudinally extending core adjacent to the first longitudinally extending core, the second longitudinally extending core comprising a second filter material as a paper material and / or other biodegradable material, wherein the second longitudinally extending core has a pressure drop of 0.1 mmWG to 1 mmWG per mm of length, such as 0.2 mmWG to 0.8 mmWG per mm of length, such as 0.4 mmWG to 0.6 mmWG per mm of length, such as 0.55 mmWG per mm of length. A longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element, the longitudinally extending tubular element being adjacent to the second longitudinally extending core and spaced apart 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 material and / or other biodegradable filter material; a filler layer of paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material joined around the hollow tube along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the hollow tube; and a wrapper (e.g., tipping paper) joined around the filler layer along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of the filler layer, wherein the hollow tube, the filler layer, and the wrapper have the same length; and a filter tip wrapper joined around the first longitudinally extending core, the second longitudinally extending core, and the tubular element.

45. The filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to claim 44, wherein the first filter material is paper material.

46. The filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to claim 44, wherein the first filter material is cellulose acetate.

47. The filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of claims 44 to 46, the filter tip (or mouthpiece) having a length of 5 mm to 50 mm, such as 10 mm to 40 mm, such as 25 mm to 38 mm, such as 30 mm to 35 mm, such as 33 mm.

48. The filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of claims 44 to 47, wherein the circumference of the filter tip is 4 mm to 30 mm, such as 14 mm to 28 mm, such as 16 mm to 26 mm, such as 24 mm.

49. The filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of claims 44 to 48, wherein the paper material of the hollow tube is paper material (e.g., tipping paper) having a basis weight of 60 gsm to 220 gsm, such as paper material (e.g., tipping paper) having a basis weight of 90 gsm to 140 gsm, such as paper material (e.g., tipping paper) having a basis weight of 100 gsm to 120 gsm, such as paper material (e.g., tipping paper) having a basis weight of 100 gsm.

50. The filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to claim 49, wherein the width or thickness of the filler layer comprising paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material joined around the hollow tube is 0.6 mm to 2.0 mm, such as 0.8 mm to 1.8 mm, such as 1.0 mm to 1.6 mm, such as 1.3 mm.

51. The filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of claims 49 or 50, wherein the filler layer comprising paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material is composed of a plurality (i.e., more than one) of sheets or layers of paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material.

52. A filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of claims 44 to 51, wherein the tubular element wrapper that engages around the filler layer comprising a paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material is a paper material (e.g., tipping paper) having a basis weight of 40 gsm to 150 gsm, e.g., a paper material (e.g., tipping paper) having a basis weight of 60 gsm to 140 gsm, e.g., a paper material (e.g., tipping paper) having a basis weight of 70 gsm to 130 gsm, e.g., a paper material (e.g., tipping paper) having a basis weight of 80 gsm to 120 gsm, e.g., a paper material (e.g., tipping paper) having a basis weight of 100 gsm.

53. A filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of claims 44 to 52, wherein the tubular element wrapper (e.g., tipping paper) that engages around the filler layer comprising a paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material is poreless.

54. A filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of claims 44 to 53, wherein the filter tip (or mouthpiece) has a pressure drop across the filter tip (or mouthpiece) of 80 mmWg to 110 mmWg, e.g., 97 mmWg.

55. A filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of claims 44 to 54, wherein the paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material or each paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material is a filter paper, a nonwoven paper, an airlaid paper, or a cellulose / lyocell / viscose-based paper.

56. A filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of claims 44 to 55, wherein the paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material or each paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material is a nonwoven paper made of plant-based non-plastic fibers (e.g., flax, jute, sisal, manila hemp, coconut, bamboo, starch, or wood pulp) or a blend of these materials.

57. A filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of claims 44 to 56, wherein the filter tip wrapper comprises a paper material or other biodegradable material.

58. A filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of claims 44 to 57, wherein the filter tip (or mouthpiece) has a biodegradation capacity of greater than 90% as determined according to ISO 14855-1 for the ultimate aerobic biodegradation of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions - measured by the method of analyzing the evolved carbon dioxide.

59. A filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of claims 44 to 58, wherein the filter tip (or mouthpiece) has a biodegradation capacity at the "readily biodegradable" level as measured according to the OECD 301B "Readily Biodegradable" method (modified Sturm test).

60. A smoking article (such as a cigarette, such as a tobacco heating product, such as an HNB product or an HTP), the smoking article comprising a mouthpiece or filter according to any one of claims 44 to 59, or a filter comprising a mouthpiece or filter according to any one of the preceding claims, the filter being connected to a tobacco rod such that one end portion of the filter faces the wrapped tobacco rod.

61. A multi - segment filter, the multi - segment filter comprising a mouthpiece or filter according to any one of claims 44 to 60 and one or more discrete additional segments.

62. A filter (or mouthpiece), the filter (or mouthpiece) comprising: A first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the first longitudinally extending core comprising a first filter material that is a paper material and / or other biodegradable material and a first core wrapper joined around the first filter material, the first filter material having particulate additives disposed therein; A second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the second longitudinally extending core being adjacent (e.g., contiguous) to an end of the first longitudinally extending core, the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core comprising a second filter material that is a paper material and / or other biodegradable material; And A filter wrapper, the filter wrapper being joined around the first longitudinally extending core and the second longitudinally extending core; Wherein the filter wrapper extends beyond an end of the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, thereby defining a cavity at an end of the filter (or mouthpiece); And wherein the filter has a pressure drop across the filter (or mouthpiece) of 50 mmHg to 80 mmHg, such as 55 mmHg to 75 mmHg.

63. A filter (or mouthpiece), the filter (or mouthpiece) comprising: A first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the first longitudinally extending core comprising a first filter material that is a cellulose acetate tow and a first core wrapper joined around the first filter material, the first filter material having particulate additives disposed therein; A second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, the second longitudinally extending core being adjacent (e.g., contiguous) to an end of the first longitudinally extending core, the second longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core comprising a second filter material that is a cellulose acetate tow; A longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element, said longitudinally extending tubular element being adjacent (e.g., adjacent to) the end of said second longitudinally extending core remote from said first longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) core, said longitudinally extending tubular (e.g., annular) element comprising a longitudinally extending (e.g., substantially cylindrical) hollow tube of paper material and / or other biodegradable filter material; a filler layer of paper filter material and / or other biodegradable filter material joined around said hollow tube along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of said hollow tube; and a tubular element wrapper (e.g., tipping paper) joined around said filler layer along the entire (e.g., longitudinal) length of said filler layer, wherein the lengths of said hollow tube, said filler layer, and said tubular element wrapper are the same; and a filter tip wrapper, said filter tip wrapper being joined around said first longitudinally extending core, said second longitudinally extending core, and said longitudinally extending tubular element; wherein said filter tip has a pressure drop across said filter tip (or mouthpiece) of 80 mmHg to 100 mmHg, such as 97 mmHg.

64. The filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, 24 to 41, 44 to 59, 62 or 63, said filter tip (or mouthpiece) having a circular cross-section.

65. The filter tip (or mouthpiece) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, 24 to 41, 44 to 59, 62 or 63, said filter tip (or mouthpiece) having an oval or elongated oval cross-section.

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