A biodegradable filter plug for a tobacco article

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a biodegradable filter plug (50) for a tobacco article, comprising a first filter material comprising: first and second layers (11, 12) of cellulose-based material; and a flavour element (14) positioned between the first and second layers, wherein the first and second layers are compressed together around the flavour element to secure the flavour element in position. Optionally, the filter plug comprises a first filter material (10) and a second filter material (20), wherein the first filter material comprises the first and second layers of cellulose-based material and the flavour element and the second filter material comprises a cellulose-based material, and wherein the first and second filter materials are rolled and / or folded together in the filter plug.

Description

[0001] A BIODEGRADABLE FILTER PLUG FOR A TOBACCO ARTICLE

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a biodegradable filter plug for a tobacco article. In particular, the present invention relates to a biodegradable filter plug for use in combustible smoking articles and heat-not-burn tobacco articles. The present invention further relates to methods for producing such biodegradable filter plugs.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Filters known in the art for use in combustible smoking articles, such as cigarettes, and heat-not-burn tobacco articles typically comprise cellulose acetate fibres. Such filters can contain flavourings to impart flavour characteristics on the smoke or aerosol passing through them. Flavourings are often provided by capsules or granules disposed within the filter. In order to securely hold flavouring capsules or granules in place and to maintain an appropriate round filter shape, cellulose acetate filters typically comprise a plasticiser. Cellulose acetate and these plasticisers are not readily biodegradable materials.

[0006] In recent years, the reduction of the environmental impact associated with cellulose acetate filters has been a focus, and filters have been developed comprising alternative materials with improved biodegradable property. However, in such a case, when flavoured additives such as flavoured capsules are considered to impart additional flavours to the smoke or the aerosol generated, adhesives are often used in addition to plasticiser to maintain the flavoured capsule in the filter plug. Suitable biodegradable plasticisers and / or adhesives are not readily available for use with many cellulose-based filters, and consequently cellulose-based filters cannot effectively support flavourings.

[0007] It is an aim of the present invention to attempt to address these issues. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] In an aspect of the present invention there is provided a biodegradable filter plug for a tobacco article, comprising a first filter material including: first and second layers of cellulose-based material; and a flavour element positioned between the first and second layers, wherein the first and second layers are compressed together around the flavour element to secure the flavour element in position.

[0009] In various embodiments, the first and second layers may be compressed together at least partially around the flavour element to secure the flavour element in position. The first and second layers may be compressed together fully around the flavour element to secure the flavour element in position.

[0010] A “biodegradable” material is generally understood to mean a material that will decompose when exposed to a natural environment. The time period over which the material will decompose is also relevant, and in the context of this specification a “biodegradable filter plug” is generally understood to mean a filter plug that will decompose in a timescale of the order of weeks when exposed to a natural environment.

[0011] A filter plug may be a piece of filter material in the form of a rod provided with a tobacco article. As used herein, the terms “flavour element” may refer to a crushable or a breakable capsule comprising a flavoured or a sensate component, a mineral bead made of a porous or non-porous material wherein a flavoured or sensate component is respectively impregnated into or coated onto such a bead. Additionally, the “flavour element” could refer to a charcoal-based material. In the context of the present invention, the charcoal-based material encompassed charcoal particles, charcoal granules, charcoal beads or a mix thereof. The “flavour element” may also refer to a solid, semi-solid, an amorphous solid or a gel carrier, such as a polysaccharide carrier comprising a flavoured or sensate component.

[0012] With the present invention, flavourings can be entangled within the filter plug without the use of a plasticiser or an adhesive. By compressing the first and second layers together around the flavour element, the element can be securely held in place within the filter plug. The first and second layers of cellulose-based material act as a carrier of the flavouring within the filter plug itself and also during manufacturing of the filter plug.

[0013] It has been found that, due to the lack of suitable plasticisers for use in biodegradable filter plugs, it is difficult to securely place a flavour element within a biodegradable filter plug without using an adhesive. This is disadvantageous as many available adhesives are not biodegradable. Preferably, the flavour element is secured in position without any adhesive or plasticiser. In various embodiments, the flavour elements may be secured in position through the additional use of a biodegradable binder such as a solution comprising starch or starch derivative compounds, or pectin or pectin derivative components.

[0014] The first and second layers may be compressed partially around the flavour element. For example, the first and second layers may be compressed on opposing sides of the flavour element. Alternatively, the first and second layers may be compressed fully around the flavouring element, thus forming a container comprising the flavouring element. For example, in such an alternative, the first and second layers are compressed in a ring shape around the flavour element. In the context of the invention, it should be understood that any other shape fully surrounding the flavour element can be contemplated. In various embodiments, the biodegradable filter plugs described herein may be wrapped in a wrapper to hold the material forming the filter plug in place.

[0015] Preferably, the cellulose-based material of the first and second layers comprises paper, non-woven cellulose, regenerated cellulose (such as viscose), or a combination thereof. Unlike many plasticisers or adhesives, the first and second layers of cellulose-based material are biodegradable. The first and second layers preferably comprise the same cellulose-based material. In other embodiments the first and second layers may comprise different materials.

[0016] In various embodiments, the first and second layers of the first filter material are crimped together around the flavour element. In this way, the flavour element can be secured between the first and second layers easily using a crimping tool, or the like. Crimping is a technique that can be easily implemented in large-scale manufacture. The crimped portions of the first and second layers may form a pocket, a container or a pouch for the flavour element, for example. Alternatively, the first and second layers may be compressed together around the flavouring element by other means, such as stamping or embossing.

[0017] In various embodiments, the flavour element comprises at least one of a crushable capsule, a mineral bead, a charcoal-based material, a polysaccharide carrier or a combination thereof. Such media are effective in carrying flavourings. For example, a crushable capsule may comprise a liquid flavouring or a sensate component that can seep into the filter plug when the capsule is crushed by a user. The mineral bead or the charcoal-based material can be porous or non- porous and can support flavourings respectively absorbed or coated therein for long periods of time.

[0018] In various embodiments, the biodegradable filter plug further comprises a second filter material comprising a cellulose-based material, and wherein the first and second filter materials are rolled and / or folded together in the biodegradable filter plug. In this way, the first and second filter materials are rolled and / or folded together to dispose the flavour element within the biodegradable filter plug. Additionally, desired filtration properties can be provided.

[0019] During manufacture of traditional cellulose acetate filter plugs, cellulose acetate fibres are provided and are sprayed with an adhesive to hold the fibres together. A flavour element can then be inserted or added to the adhered fibres. By implementing the flavour elements in a first filter material, and combining this material with a second filter material, the use of an adhesive can be avoided in the present invention. However, in alternative embodiments, the filter plug may comprise a single filter material comprising the flavour elements without the use of an adhesive.

[0020] There is preferably a greater proportion of the second filter material within the biodegradable filter plug than the first filter material. In other terms, the majority of the volume and mass of the biodegradable filter plug is preferably occupied by the second filter material. In particular, the ratio of the second filter material to first filter material by mass within the biodegradable filter plug may be between 2 and 3. Preferably, the ratio of the second filter material to the first filter material by mass within the filter plug is between 1.8 and 3.5. Preferably, the ratio of the second filter material to the first filter material by mass within the filter plug is between 2.0 and 3.0. More preferably, the ratio of the second filter material to the first filter material by mass within the filter plug is between 2.0 and 2.9. Even more preferably, the ratio of the second filter material to the first filter material by mass within the filter plug may be around 2.0, 2.1 , 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8 or 2.9. Most preferably, the ratio of the second filter material to the first filter material by mass within the filter plug is around 2.6.

[0021] The second filter material may comprise paper, non-woven cellulose, regenerated cellulose such as viscose (e.g. Lyocell) or combinations thereof. Preferably, the first and second filter materials comprise the same cellulose-based material. However, they may comprise different cellulose-based materials.

[0022] Preferably, the second filter material has a greater thickness and / or surface area than the first filter material, or it is rolled and / or folded more compactly than the first filter material to provide a greater resistance to air flow than the first filter material when the filter plug is formed. In this way, the second filter material can provide a greater degree of filtration than the first filter material. The second filter material may have a greater width, thickness and / or surface area than the first filter material, for example. In various embodiments, the resistance to airflow of the filter plug can be adjusted by rolling and / or folding the first and / or second filter materials more or less compactly. In various embodiments, the resistance to airflow of the filter plug can be adapted by adjusting the crimping profile and / or the depth of the crimping of the second filter materials.

[0023] Preferably, the second filter material has a greater width than the first filter material. In this way, the flavouring elements via the first filter material can be provided through the centre of the biodegradable filter plug when the first and second filter materials are rolled and / or folded together. For example, prior to the filter materials being rolled and / or folded, the second filter material may have a width of about 10 to 20cm. In another example, the first filter material may have a width of about 1 to 5cm or about 10 to 20 cm, preferably about 4 cm, most preferably about 3cm.

[0024] In manufacture, the first and second filter materials may be provided in the form of an elongate tape prior to being rolled and / or folded together. The relatively narrow first filter material tape may be placed centrally on the relatively wide second filter material tape such that their respective longitudinal axes are aligned. The first and second filter material tapes can then be folded and / or rolled together.

[0025] Preferably, the second filter material has a greater density than the first filter material. It has been found that, in this arrangement, the flavour elements can be provided through the centre of the filter plug when the first and second filter materials are rolled and / or folded together. This is advantageous as airflow is typically strongest through the centre of a filter plug. In manufacture, the folding and / or rolling of the first and second filter materials is improved if the first material is less dense as it will be effectively entangled by the second filter material.

[0026] In various embodiments, the second filter material has a greater, or approximately equal, density to than first filter material. For example, the first and second filter materials may have a basis weight of about 30 to 100gsm, preferably about 40 to 70gsm. The first and second filter materials preferably have a thickness between 0.4mm and 0.8mm prior to rolling and / or folding and absent the presence of flavour elements. Therefore, the first and second filter materials preferably have a density of 30 to 300 mg / cm3in embodiments, with the density of the second filter material being greater than the first filter material. In various embodiments, the first and second filter materials may have a density of at least 40 mg / cm3, preferably of at least 50 mg / cm3, at least 60 mg / cm3, at least 70 mg / cm3, at least 80 mg / cm3, or at least 90 mg / cm3, and most preferably of at least 60 mg / cm3, and / or a density of at most 280 mg / cm3, preferably of at most 260 mg / cm3, at most 240 mg / cm3, at most 220 mg / cm3, at most 200 mg / cm3, at most 180 mg / cm3or at most 160 mg / cm3, at most 140 mg / cm3and most preferably of at most 120 mg / cm3, at most 100 mg / cm3, or at most 90 mg / cm3. It has also been found that if the first filter material is denser than the second filter material, then the filtration properties of the filter plug may be negatively impacted. Furthermore, if the first material is too dense it may affect flavouring release as the flavouring won’t be able to permeate through and escape from the first and second layers of cellulose material. Also, when in use, smoke or aerosol passing through the filter plug will not easily flow through the first filter material effectively. The flavouring will therefore not be imparted on the smoke or aerosol as significantly. Additionally, it has been found that the rolling and / or folding of the first and second filter materials is improved if the second filter material has a greater density than the first filter material.

[0027] In various embodiments, the first filter material may comprise a plurality of flavour elements positioned between the first and second layers, wherein the first and second layers are compressed together around the respective flavour elements to secure the respective flavour elements in position.

[0028] In this way, a plurality of individual flavour elements may be provided within the biodegradable filter plug, with each flavour element provided separately. For example, each flavour element may be provided in a pocket defined by the first and second layers. Alternatively, a plurality of flavour elements may be provided within the biodegradable filter plug, with multiple flavour elements of the plurality provided together. For example, multiple flavour elements may be provided in a pocket defined by the first and second layers.

[0029] Preferably, the biodegradable filter plug comprises fewer than 10 flavour elements. The biodegradable filter plug more preferably comprises 4 to 6 flavour elements, even more preferably 2 to 3 flavour elements, most preferably one flavour element. Alternatively, no more than three pockets per biodegradable filter plug may be provided between the first and second layers of the first filter material. In embodiments in which a crushable capsule is used as a flavour element, the number of pockets formed in the first filter material may correspond to the number of capsules used, with one capsule provided within each pocket. In embodiments in which the flavour element is a mineral bead or a charcoal-based material, a single flavour element preferably comprises less than 45mg of these materials by biodegradable filter plug, most preferably 30mg by biodegradable filter plug. For example, 1 , 2 or 3 pockets may be provided in the first filter material, each comprising a single crushable capsule, or 30mg of a mineral bead or a charcoalbased material.

[0030] In various embodiments, the flavour element is, or the plurality of flavour elements are, provided through the centre of the filter plug. In this way, the flavour release from the flavour element is enhanced as airflow is strongest through the central axis of the filter plug.

[0031] Preferably, the flavour element or elements are provided along a central axis of the filter plug, the central axis passing from the centre of one end face of the filter plug to the centre of the other end face and through the filter plug’s centre.

[0032] In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a combustible smoking article, comprising a biodegradable filter plug as described herein and a tobacco section.

[0033] In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a heat-not-burn tobacco article, comprising a biodegradable filter plug as described herein and a tobacco section. The tobacco section may extend directly from the biodegradable filter plug or additional plugs or sections may be provided in between.

[0034] In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of producing a first filter material comprising a flavouring component for a biodegradable filter plug for a tobacco article, said method comprising the steps of: positioning a flavour element between first and second layers of cellulose-based material; compressing the first and second layers together around the flavour element to secure the flavour element in position, and hereby forming the first filter material.

[0035] In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of producing a biodegradable filter plug for a tobacco article, comprising: folding or rolling a first filter material and a second filter material together, the first filter material comprising first and second layers of cellulose-based material and a flavour element positioned between the first and second layers, wherein the first and second layers are compressed together around the flavour element to secure the flavour element in position, the second filter material comprising a cellulose-based material; wrapping the folded or rolled first and second filter materials; and cutting the wrapped folded or rolled first and second filter materials.

[0036] The above-described product features may be implemented in method steps and vice-versa.

[0037] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] Aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way example, by reference to the drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 A is a diagram of a first filter material for a biodegradable filter plug for a tobacco article in an embodiment of the invention;

[0040] Figure 1 B is a diagram of a first filter material for a biodegradable filter plug for a tobacco article in another embodiment of the invention;

[0041] Figure 1 C is a cross-sectional view of a first filter material for a biodegradable filter plug for a tobacco article in another embodiment of the invention;

[0042] Figure 2 is a diagram of a manufacturing pipeline for producing a biodegradable filter plug for a tobacco article in an embodiment of the invention;

[0043] Figure 3A is a perspective view of a biodegradable filter plug for a tobacco article in an embodiment of the invention;

[0044] Figure 3B is an end view of the biodegradable filter plug for a tobacco article in the embodiment of the invention according to Figure 3A;

[0045] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a combustible smoking article in an embodiment of the invention; and

[0046] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a heat-not-burn tobacco article in an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Figure 1 A is a diagram of a first filter material 10 for a biodegradable filter plug for a tobacco article in an embodiment of the invention. The first filter material 10 comprises first and second layers 11 , 12 on opposite surfaces. The first and second layers 11 , 12 are crimped together along first and second crimped portions 13a, b which enclose a plurality of flavour elements 14. In this embodiment, the first filter material 10 is an elongate tape. Such an elongate tape is suitable for being fed into a manufacturing process for making a large quantity of biodegradable filter plugs therewith. The first filter material 10 is a flavouring component that can be used to provide flavouring to biodegradable filter plugs for use with a tobacco article.

[0048] The first and second layers 11 , 12 of the first filter material 10 comprise paper in this embodiment and are thus readily biodegradable after use. Although the first and second layers 11 , 12 comprise paper, this is not intended to be limiting on the present invention and other suitable types of cellulose-based material may be contemplated.

[0049] In order to secure the plurality of flavour elements 14 in place, the first and second layers 11 , 12 are crimped together along their lengths to form crimped portions 13a, 13b, which run parallel to one another along the length of the tape. The plurality of flavour elements 14 are disposed centrally along the length of the first filter material 10, with the crimped portions 13a, 13b provided on either side of each flavour element 14 and along the sides of the first filter material 10. The first and second layers 11 , 12 are therefore compressed partially around each flavour element 14. Each flavour element 14 is secured between each of the crimped portions 13a, 13b. The first filter material 10 therefore does not require an adhesive to secure the plurality of flavour elements 14 in place between the first and second layers 11 , 12. In this embodiment, the flavour elements 14 can be further secured in place through use of a binder such as a solution comprising starch or starch derivative compounds, or pectin or pectin derivative components. The use of a binder ensures that the flavour elements 14 maintain their position with respect to each other, the first and second layers 11 , 12 and the crimped portions 13a, 13b. In this embodiment, an elongate pocket for the flavour elements is formed between the crimped portions 13a, 13b and the first and second layers 11 ,12.

[0050] Figure 1 B is a diagram of a first filter material 10 for a biodegradable filter plug for a tobacco article in another embodiment of the invention. The first filter material in the embodiment according to Figure 1 B is similar to that of the embodiment according to Figure 1A, expect in that the embodiment according to Figure 1 B additionally includes transverse crimped portions 13c provided between each flavour element. Together with the crimped portions 13a, 13b, and the first and second layers 11 , 12 the transverse crimped promotions 13c form pockets for each of the flavour elements 14. Specifically, a pocket is formed by a section of the crimped portions 13a, 13b, and the first and second layers 11 ,12 between two transverse crimped portions 13c. In this embodiment, one flavour element 14 is provided within each pocket.

[0051] Figure 1C is a cross-sectional view of a first filter material 10 for a biodegradable filter plug for a tobacco article in another embodiment of the invention. In particular, Figure 1C is a cross-sectional view of a first filter material 10 according to the embodiments of Figure 1 A or Figure 1 B, the view being in the longitudinal direction. Figure 1C depicts a pocket formed between the crimped portions 13a, 13b and the first and second layers 11 ,12 within which one or more flavour elements can be provided. The thickness of the pocket ranges between 0.4mm and 4.5mm, whereas the thickness of the crimped portions ranges between 0.2mm and 2mm.

[0052] In the embodiments of Figures 1A, 1 B and 1 C, the flavour elements 14 comprise a crushable capsule that releases a liquid flavouring when crushed by a user. Such crushable capsules are designed to withstand breakage during the manufacturing process of a filter plug but should break under the force of a user’s fingers pinching the filter plug. Although the flavour elements 14 comprise a crushable capsule that releases a liquid flavouring in this embodiment, this is not intended to be limiting on the present invention and other suitable types of flavour element may be contemplated. Figure 2 is a diagram of a manufacturing pipeline 200 for producing a biodegradable filter rod 100 for a tobacco article in an embodiment of the invention. The filter rod 100 comprises a plurality of adjacent and continuous filter plugs. Preferably, a filter rod comprises 4 to 6 filter plugs. Such a filter rod can therefore be cut into 4 to 6 individual filter plugs. To produce a biodegradable filter rod 100, a first filter material 10, such as that described in the embodiment of the invention according to Figure 1 , is fed into a funnel F from a first bobbin (not shown) via pulleys P1. A second filter material 20 is also fed into the funnel F from a second bobbin (also not shown) via pulleys P2. In this embodiment, the second material comprises a single layer of cellulose based material, such as paper. Both the first and second filter materials 10, 20 are in the form of elongate tapes that can be fed through the manufacturing pipeline.

[0053] The first filter material 10 is fed into the funnel F on an upper surface of the second filter material 20. The width and density of the first material 10 is less than that of the second filter material 20. The first filter material 10 is located centrally on the upper surface of the second filter material 20 when it is fed into the funnel F. The purpose of the funnel F is to guide the first and second filter materials 10, 20 into a tongue T.

[0054] The tongue T, having an aperture with a width less than that of the first and second filter materials 10, 20 rolls and folds the first and second filter materials 10, 20 together to form an elongate cylindrical interior of a filter rod 100. As the width and density of the first filter material 10 is less than that of the second filter material 20, the first filter material is entangled within the second filter material 20 when the two materials are rolled and folded together. The first filter material 10 and the flavour elements 14 secured therein are therefore provided along the central axis within the filter rod interior.

[0055] Biodegradable wrapping paper 30 is also fed into the pipeline via a bobbin B to wrap the cylindrical filter plug interior with a single layer of wrapping paper 30. The elongate wrapped filter rod interior is then fed towards a rotating blade RB which cuts the continuous wrapped filter rod interior into a filter rod 100 made of multiple adjacent biodegradable filter plugs. Subsequently, in the process of making the tobacco article, the filter rod 100 made of multiple adjacent biodegradable filter plugs will be cut into individual cylindrical biodegradable filter plugs. The individual cylindrical biodegradable filter plugs comprise 1 to 3 flavour elements. Although each filter plug comprises 2 or 3 flavour elements in this embodiment, this is not intended to be limiting on the present invention and other quantities of flavour elements may be contemplated. In embodiments in which the flavour element is a mineral bead ora charcoal-based material, a single flavour element preferably comprises less than 45mg of these materials, most preferably 30mg. In embodiments in which the flavour elements are crushable capsules, 2 or 3 individual capsules may be provided.

[0056] In this embodiment, the first filter material 10 is manufactured prior to being fed into the pipeline 200 in a separate and external process. In alternative embodiments, the first filter material 10 may be manufactured in-situ prior to being fed into the funnel as an extension to the pipeline 200. The first filter material 10 is manufactured by positioning one or more flavour elements between first and second layers of paper and crimping the first and second layers together either partially around each flavour element, as shown in Figure 1A, or fully around one or more flavour elements, as shown in Figure 1 B.

[0057] Figure 3A is a perspective view of a biodegradable filter plug 50 for a tobacco article in an embodiment of the invention. Figure 3B is an alternative view of the biodegradable filter plug 50 for a tobacco article in the embodiment of the invention according to Figure 3A. In particular, Figure 3B depicts the biodegradable filter plug 50 for a tobacco article in the embodiment of the invention according to Figure 3A as viewed along the central axis of the filter plug 50.

[0058] The biodegradable filter plug 50 may be produced in a manufacturing pipeline such as that described in the embodiment of the invention according to Figure 2. The filter plug 50 comprises the first filter material 10 described in the embodiment of the invention according to Figure 1. The biodegradable filter plug 50 further comprises a second filter material 20 and a wrapper 30 such as those described in the embodiment of the invention according to Figure 2. The biodegradable filter plug 50 is cylindrical in shape, with its central axis running through the centre of the biodegradable filter plug from one end to the other. The first filter material 10 and the flavour elements secured therein are disposed along the central axis. In use, the flow of air carrying smoke or aerosol is strongest along the central axis. As such, the release of flavour from the flavour elements into the air flow is maximised. In this embodiment, the filter plug 50 comprises three flavour elements.

[0059] The first filter material 10 is rolled and folded amongst the second filter material 20, which is also rolled and folded. The second filter material 20 is provided in greater abundance compared to that of the first filter material in the biodegradable filter plug 50. The second filter material has a greater density, abundance, and resistance to airflow than the first material and therefore provides a greater degree of filtration in comparison to the first filter material.

[0060] In various embodiments, the second filter material has a greater, or approximately equal, density to than first filter material. For example, the first and second filter materials may have a basis weight of about 30 to 100gsm, preferably about 40 to 70gsm. The first and second filter materials preferably have a thickness between 0.4mm and 0.8mm prior to rolling and / or folding and absent the presence of flavour elements. Therefore, the first and second filter materials preferably have a density of 30 to 300 mg / cm3in embodiments, with the density of the second filter material being greater than the first embodiments. In various embodiments, the first and second filter materials may have a density of at least 40 mg / cm3, preferably of at least 50 mg / cm3, at least 60 mg / cm3, at least 70 mg / cm3, at least 80 mg / cm3, or at least 90 mg / cm3, and most preferably of at least 60 mg / cm3, and / or a density of at most 280 mg / cm3, preferably of at most 260 mg / cm3, at most 240 mg / cm3, at most 220 mg / cm3, at most 200 mg / cm3, at most 180 mg / cm3or at most 160 mg / cm3, at most 140 mg / cm3and most preferably of at most 120 mg / cm3, at most 100 mg / cm3, or at most 90 mg / cm3..

[0061] The first and second filter materials 10, 20 are wrapped with a paper wrapper 30 to retain both materials in place. In embodiments according to Figures 3Aand 3B, the biodegradable filter plug 50 comprises a first filter material 10 comprising one or more flavour elements 14 and a second filter material 20. In alternative embodiments, the biodegradable filter plug 50 may only comprise the first filter material 10 and the second filter material 20 may be omitted. For example, with reference to the embodiment of Figure 2, it would be possible to omit the second filter material 20 from the manufacturing pipeline 200 to produce a biodegradable filter plug 50. Therefore, it is possible to produce a filter plug comprising a single filter material comprising one or more flavour elements, such as the first filter material 10 described in the embodiment of the invention according to Figure 1.

[0062] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a combustible smoking article 400 in an embodiment of the invention. The combustible smoking article comprises a filter plug 50 according to the various embodiments described herein and a tobacco section 450. The tobacco section 450 comprises shredded or cut tobacco 455 wrapped in one or more paper outer layers. The filter plug 50 filters smoke created from the burning of the tobacco section 450 during use of the combustible smoking article 400.

[0063] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a heat-not-burn tobacco article 500 in an embodiment of the invention. The heat-not-burn tobacco article comprises a filter plug 50 according to the various embodiments described herein and a tobacco section 550. The tobacco section 550 comprises reconstituted tobacco blend 555 in the form of crimped reconstituted tobacco sheet or shredded reconstituted tobacco material wrapped in a paper outer layer. Alternatively, the tobacco section 550 may comprise powdered or ground tobacco wrapped in a paper outer layer. The tobacco section may additionally comprise an aluminium foil surrounding the tobacco section of the heat-not-burn tobacco article 500, in such a case the paper outer layer surrounds the aluminium foil. The filter plug 50 filters aerosol created from the heating of the tobacco section 550 during use of the heat-not-burn tobacco article 500.

[0064] In various embodiments, one or more filter plugs 50 may be provided in conjunction with the combustible smoking articles 400 or heat-not-burn tobacco article 500 described herein. In various other embodiments, a filter plug 50 may be provided at the tip end of a heat-not-burn tobacco article 500. In various other embodiments, a biodegradable filter plug 50 may be provided at a downstream end of the heat-not-burn tobacco article 500 and front plug made of cellulose acetate, paper, non-woven cellulose, regenerated cellulose such as viscose (e.g. Lyocell) or combinations thereof, may be provided at an upstream end of the heat- not-burn tobacco article 500.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A biodegradable filter plug for a tobacco article, comprising a first filter material, comprising: first and second layers of cellulose-based material; and a flavour element positioned between the first and second layers, wherein the first and second layers are compressed together around the flavour element to secure the flavour element in position.

2. A biodegradable filter plug according to claim 1 , wherein the cellulose- based material comprises paper, non-woven cellulose or regenerated cellulose.

3. A biodegradable filter plug according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flavour element is secured in position without any adhesive or plasticiser.

4. A biodegradable filter plug according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second layers are crimped, embossed or stamped together around the flavour element.

5. A biodegradable filter plug according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flavour element comprises at least one of a crushable capsule, a mineral bead, a charcoal-based material, a polysaccharide carrier or a combination thereof.

6. A biodegradable filter plug according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a second filter material comprising a cellulose-based material, and wherein the first and second filter materials are rolled and / or folded together in the biodegradable filter plug.

7. A biodegradable filter plug according to claim 6, wherein the second filter material has a greater thickness and / or surface area than the first filter material, or is rolled and / or folded more compactly than the first filter material to provide greater resistance to air flow than the first filter material.

8. A biodegradable filter plug according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the second filter material has a greater width than the first filter material.

9. A biodegradable filter plug according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the second filter material has a greater density than the first filter material.

10. A biodegradable filter plug according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first filter material comprises a plurality of flavour elements positioned between the first and second layers, wherein the first and second layers are compressed together around the respective flavour elements to secure the respective flavour elements in position.

11. A biodegradable filter plug according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flavour element is, or the plurality of flavour elements are, provided through the centre of the filter plug.

12. A combustible smoking article, comprising the biodegradable filter plug of any of the preceding claims and a tobacco section.

13. A heat-not-burn tobacco article, comprising the biodegradable filter plug of any of claims 1 to 11 and a tobacco section .

14. A method of producing a first filter material comprising a flavouring component for a biodegradable filter plug for a tobacco article, said method comprising the steps of: positioning a flavour element between first and second layers of cellulose- based material; compressing the first and second layers together around the flavour element to secure the flavour element in position, and hereby forming the first filter material.

15. A method of producing a biodegradable filter plug for a tobacco article, comprising: folding and / or rolling a first filter material and a second filter material together, the first filter material comprising first and second layers of cellulose- based material and a flavour element positioned between the first and second19 layers, wherein the first and second layers are compressed together around the flavour element to secure the flavour element in position, the second filter material comprising a cellulose-based material; wrapping the folded or rolled first and second filter materials; and cutting the wrapped folded or rolled first and second filter materials.

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