Tobacco Documents Online

T~ACCO ~CTER.NXL ~ORREN~O14DEMCE TO: FROM: SUBJECT: T" E" ~ITE~IR, JR" ~ i~ I. D. ~CDONALD ! J. Re~iszew.ki ~ I. G. Hacking /~ ~ K. Davies W. Bizon R. J. Miller P. H. Ha~sr J. R. MYHAND DATE: May 18, LUCKY 8TR'~XZ - Banelu~/swi~sorland 1992 T~e LUCKY STRIKE (Swiss blend) was adopted for products produced by BAT-Benelux in July 1991. This decision was based on CPT results which indicated that product made using the Swiss blend more closely matched Marlboro than the then-currant Belgium and German blends. Early this year, ~aestions were raised concerning smoking quality differences between produ=t manufactured in Belgium versus that produced in Swl~zerland. Indi~atlons were that the Benelux version was perceived as more irritating. This was uonfirmed through evaluatlons of these products by an expe~ in~e~nal B&W panel and through Dupont results. These evaluations found the Benelux version to be ~llg~more irritating, harsh and less acceptable than the Swiss counterpart. While the products were found not to be sta~is~ically different, ~he dill.fences in the attributes were directional. Given that BensluX and Switzerland use the same base leaf blen~ and casing/flavorlng formulas, differences in irritation and harshness should no~ be obtained. B&W requested that BAT-Bsnelux condu~t a review of all primary~secondary processing steps, including routine process and product monitoring data as a first step to i~8ntify possible causes. A meeting was held a~ BAT-Benelux t~ discuss the flndin~s and the followlng action plan developed to brlnq ~he LUCKY STRIK~ produc~s from Benelux and Switzerland closer together in smoking quality. BATCo document for Mayo Clinic 17 June 2002

- 2 - There were slight dlfferances in three grades which were brought about by suhsti~utlcn due to availa~illty problems. Leaf blenders from Benelux, Switzerland and B&w do not consider these as eignifican~ changes. However, es of May I, 1992, all grades are Identical except for some crop year differences. Expanded tobacco for Benelux-:sde LUCKY STRI~E was 100% Flue Cured while the Swiss and U.S. LUCKY STRIKE uses 50% Flue Cured/S0% Burley with glycerine casing. Benelux has moved to an expanded tobacco blend similar to that used by BAT-Suisse as of May 1, 1992. 3. Casln~/TOĽ Dressin~ 9reparation Formulas are identical, but analytical analysis indicated that lower levels of glycerine were in the Benelux product (finished cigarettes) than is typically seen in the Swiss and U.S. sx~o~ product. propylsne glycol levels were at the expected levels. Additionally, in-cigarette levels of humactants from Benelux were considorab!y more variable than observed from Switzerland and the U.S. A possible cause for lower glycerine levels was identified and corrected; and routine analysis (monitoring) of casing solutions will be carried out by BAT-Bsnelux to ensure the appropriate level of glycerine is present in the caslng/TOP dressings. 4. Cae~n= ~l~catlcn As Indlcatsd abovo, BAT-Benelux was incurrin~ a high level of application variability. Optimlzat~cn Gf the easing epplicatlon process has reduced this variability. The casing cylinder in the Benelux factory is under-slzed. Improvement in reducing the applicatlon variability has come from reducing the processing rates. Cyllnder replacement was planned for late 1992 or early 1993, but will be expedited. until the cylinder is replaced, processing rates will remain at reduced throughput levels. BATCo document for Mayo Clinic 17 June 2002

o 3 - Op~imlzation of the CLD process was initiated in December of 1982. Southampton is providing technical engineering support. Improvements have been which have resulted in bette~ control of air flows and temperatures. C~rrently Southampton personnel are profiling the Swiss dz~rer, once this wo~ is completed, a review of ~he appr~prlate will be perfo~ed and the Benelux d~er will he adjusted (If necessary) more closely ~o the Swiss uni~. Samples will ha monltcrad by B&W prior to c~anging OLD parameters. BAT-Benelux ~a~ routinely manufactured to a target of 13.5% in-pack molecule while Swltze~land produces to a 14% In-pacX tar~at, as does the U.S. for domestic ~hat BAT-Benelux supplles Is relatively mild In of ~emperature e~remes and ve~ slmilar ~0 that experienced in ~e U.S., ~e moisture ta~et has effectively increased to With the next production, samples will Be collected and sen; to B&W for evaluatlon. These samples will contain the follcwlng: a) Cer%ified grades b) Expanded tobacco c) Corrected casing level In-cigarette moisture (14.0%) e) Improved CLD procedures made as outlined in Points 1 through 4 and Point 6. ~f results continue t~ show observable irritation differenceS, further adjustment to the CLD conditions will be considered. Samples will be collected and evaluated versus the swiss product. These adjustments have been discussed and agreed by BAT-Suiase, Senelux and B&W. It is felt that these changes will result in a product comparable to Swiss LUCKY STRIKE. BATCo document for Mayo Clinic 17 June 2002

- 4 - 0 0 BATCo document for Mayo Clinic 17 June 2002