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Moves towards smoking and health legislation in
Brazil are expected in mid-1976. This is likely to
follow the U.S. and German pattern.
.
B-AT's position in the U.K. with respect to the
Medicines Act was outlined.
.
Part of Counsel's opinion on liability with regard
to the marketing of cigarettes and substitutes in U.K.
was reviewed and conference members were asked to put
forward names of suitable people of international repute
who could be approached as possible independent advisers.
10.
The need was identified for further development of the
central Millbank advisory service on smoking and health
matters. In particular, a capability of fairly rapid
reaction to enquiries and a broad and anticipatory approach,
similar to that developed by the Group's North American
competitors, was desired. Companies were asked to set out
in detail their suggestions in this field.
11.
After considerable discussion of the decision taken
at Merano, it was agreed to continue to report carbon
monoxide delivery internally in mg per cigarette, where
this is possible.
12.
It was agreed that consideration would now be given to
the inclusion of studies related to cardio-vascular disease
among the objectives in the Group Biological Research
programme.
13.
The progress of short-term inhalation work in Southampton
was reviewed. Techniques have been developed which deliver
adequate doses of smoke to the lungs of animals. The
techniques and equipment are now in considerable demand
from both our competitors and others. Publication of the
details of the technique is going ahead.
14..
It was suggested that changes in lung pathology
arising from short- or long-term inhalation work would only
be considered of significance by some U.S. opinion if these
were demonstrably irreversible.
15.
In considering the programme of future work in Life
Sciences, it was felt that the immediate need was to
delineate the extremes of product change which could be
effected, particularly in the design of low delivery
cigarettes, e.g. ventilation, tobacco expansion and high
efficiency filtration.
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BATCo document for PFSFC 1 March 1999

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16.
17.
The existence of the published Hunter Committee
Guidelines in the U.K. probably affects the legal and
ethical requirements which would need to be met in other
countries. However, there would clearly be conflicts
of medical opinion between various countries. Historically,
the treatment of additives demonstrated this, but it also'
demonstrated that, in the long term, adoption of standards
in one country does influence standards in others.
The role and future of the Group Biological Research
Meeting was critically reviewed. It was agreed that in
addition to the discussions which take place at the Group
Research Conference, the Directors of Research or their
representatives should meet at Southampton once a year,
in order to play a more active part.in resolving priorities
for the programme and obtaining wider commitment to the
planned work, particularly on the part of No. l's.
18.
The proposed cross-over experiment was discussed.
This is aimed at resolving whether the switch by consumers
from all tobacco cigarettes to those containing substitutes
might result in increased risks. Animal experiments
suggest a multi-stage process for carcinogenesis and there
is concern that, although smoke from a substitute may be
low in initiation potential, it could be higher than tobacco
smoke in promotor activity. It was agreed that this cannot
be resolved without an expensive experiment of the type
tabled, but, for various reasons, full commitment to
carrying out the test could not be obtained. It was agreed,
therefore, to postpone further consideration until the
results of a TRC cross-over experiment, using cigarette and
cigar tobaccos, was obtained. It was felt this recommendatlon
should be communicated to the Hot Springs Conference.
19.
In Germany, a switching experiment is being carried
out by Schievelbein on the cardio-vascular effects and
compensation reactions of human smokers switching from
high to low nicotine cigarettes and vice versa.
20.
The possible centralisation of short-term tests such
as NMFI, sebaceous gland, cysteine index, hyperplasia,
inhalation promotion and the Ames mutagenlcity test was
proposed; However, it was finally agreed that with the
possible exception of NMFI, these tests do not transfer
easily or quickly and that, therefore, the most appropriate
course of action was to allow them to continue operation in
the centres in which they are currently set up. In particular,
the development of the Ames mutagenicity test would be left
to the Canadian industry programme and, provided a steady
flow of samples could be arranged, Hamburg would be willing
to undertake sebaceous gland testing.
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BATCo document for PFSFC 1 March 1999

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SMOKING MATERIALS
21.
The work in B & W on developing non-combustlble
cigarette fillers is now complete, However, in order
to keep open the options on non-tobacco smoking materials,
which are available to the B-AT Group, it was agreed that
the biological testing of the B & W variants and the
further development of non-combustible filler should
continue at Southampton. The meeting would not support a
case for capital investment in semi-commercial plant at
this stage.
22.
The view on competitive tobacco substitutes is that
NSM is currently more acceptable than Cytrel in biological
terms, in spite of its high carbon monoxide delivery.
One, if not both, of these materials are currently being
consumer tested in the U.K.
23.
The meeting was informed that the Glory Mill plant
will go into the commercial production of PRT for IED in
September, 1976. A basis for agreement on the patent
position has been reached with Schweitzer. This involves
cross-llcensing of patents. In Brazil, a careful waste
utilisation study is being made of the various alternatives
which are available relating to the construction of a large
scale plant.
24.
25.
Germany is currently experimenting with a sheet
produced by Schweitzer containing 20% chalk and 5% wood
pulp. This is a cheaper product with attractive commercial
possibilities. Again, this is in the waste utilisation area.
In the PRT-71 project, an exercise is currently being
planned to design a small 500 tons per annum plant. This
will not necessarily be based on the Foudrinier type
machine. It could lead to bett~r designs of a big plant
but, in particular, would give more freedom'to all, if
successful, to consider introducing PRT-71 with the original
health orientated objectives.
INTERACTION OF SMOKE AND SMOKER
26.
There is still little known of the reaction of smokers
to Products with changed characteristics. Compensation has
been shown in the laboratories - people tend to try to take
more smoke from low delivery products over short periods of
time with the result that they perceive such cigarettes as
having higher draw resistance or faster burn rates - but
their response over longer accllmatisation is not yet
clear. The response of smokers to the variability of draw
resistance was seen as a subject, worthy of further study.
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BATCo document for PFSFC 1 March 1999

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27.
With the continuing appearance of low delivery
cigarette brands, the need for further development of
high efficiency filters was very clearly identified,
particularly in relation to smoke taste.
28.
Attempts should be made to move away from the current
ad hoc approach to flavour development, particularly in
terms of the development of flavours for low delivery"
cigarettes. Better methods need to be developed for the
identification and comparison of flavouring materials and
it was suggested the mass spectrometer should be used in
this programme as soon as possible.
29.
The availability of high porosity cigarette paper in
various countries for the production of low delivery
cigarettes was reviewed. Progress in the manufacture of
such papers is particularly advanced in Europe. It was
agreed that similar developments should be encouraged on
the part of the Group's suppliers elsewhere in the world.
Papers of high natural porosity are required to facilitate
the production of low carbon monoxide cigarettes.
30.
Philip Morris is reported to be installing cold
storage for packed cigarettes and it is felt that this
could be aimed either at dealing with infestation or
possibly at ageing problems. The problem of ageing is
one that could be investigated in the operating environment.
31.
Professor Dreys of Munich has reported that for many
natural products, e.g. cacao, wine, it is possible to
isolate a very small number of chemical constituents which
are responsible for the characteristic flavour. If these
views are confirmed, this could represent an opportunity
of considerable importance in the tobacco field, particularly
in the field of low TPM cigarettes.
32.
It was suggested that the time is opportune to bring
together, at Southampton, those doing research work using
puff duplication techniques and a meeting in the Autumn of
this year was requested.
PRODUCT DESIGN
33.
Considerable interest was shown in the P.D.L. activities
at R & D Southampton and it was agreed that a four monthly
review would be considered.
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34.
It is still regarded as necessary to continue the
development of selective filters (for oxides of nitrogen,
for example). The question of re-entering the field of
carbon monoxide filtration was also raised. This is
recognised as a project with only a very small chance of
success, because of clearly recognised technical problems
and it was decided not to pursue this objective.
35.
36.
Now that sensitive acute animal inhalation tests are
available to B-AT, possibly with some exclusivity, and
since these require a much shorter time for completion
than previous animal tests, these could be used in
conjunction with product development without the introduction
of unacceptable delays. The use of these procedures in
this way could give the Division competitive advantage in
the short term. Members agreed to consider this further
and Dr. Green said he would raise the question at Hot Springs.
The question is whether the tests should be used and
whether Southampton could or should provide the service,
and if so, on what basis.
The current state of development of the O/WP technique
was reviewed. Its use in product matching in South Africa
and Mexico and as an aid to blending was outlined. The
close similarity of Prince and Marlboro results was also
highlighted. It was recognised that the technique still
requires considerable technical skill in its execution and
interpretation and its credibility could suffer seriously
from misuse. For the present, therefore, it would be wrong
to attempt to transfer this to testing laboratories.
37.
Inter-laboratory standardisatlon of test methods and
results presen~many problems. Where it is necessary to
agree with Government authorities and competitors at a
national level, it is recommended that regular meetings be
arranged at bench worker level to resolve discrepancies and
differences in procedure.
38.
Burn rate and puff number control is a continuing need,
particularly in the U.S. The problem is under study in
GR & DC by an examination of cigarette combustion inter-
linked with cigarette paper design and additives.
39.
The U.K. approach to total product design of cigarettes
and the development of minimum cost products was described
and plans for future development discussed.
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BATCo document for PFSFC 1 March 1999

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40.
41.
It was agreed that a review and circulation of
information on the transfer of nicotine from tobacco to
smoke was necessary. It was also felt that such a review
would indicate that profitable work could be carried out
on the improvement of the efficiency of this process.
Work at present in progress in GR • DC tentatively
indicates that the carbon monoxide deliveries from
different samples of tobacco can vary quite widely.
These variations are not necessarily in line with the
tobacco grading, but do indicate that the selection of
tobacco to be used in the design of low CO brands will
prove useful.'
42.
The measured CO delivery of cigarettes may vary
markedly and it was, therefore, agreed that if sufficient
evidence can be obtained, a defensive publication should
be prepared in GR & DC on this subject for use in dealings
with health authorities when league tables are being
proposed.
43.
Coated carbon is now available in sufficient quantity
for consumer testing to be carried out on low carbon
off-taste filters. It is not likely that any agreement
will be reached with Smith and Nephew, the suppliers, at
this stage, if at all. We can, however, proceed without
them, if it is required.
44.
Attention was drawn to the filter introduced on the
brand Flint in Switzerland. This contains silica gel.
It has been found that fine particles are discharged from
the filter and could be inhaled by the smoker during
smoking. This is seen as unacceptable and will be drawn
to the attention of Philip Morris in private discussions.
45.
The progress of polypropylene filter development was
reviewed. Bridon have sought permission to approach
Cigarette Components in the U.K. with the development and
this has been given. In the B-AT Group, consideration is
being given to the use of polypropylene tow in the Far East,
South America and by I.E.D.
PROCESS AND ENGINEERING DEVELOPmeNT
46.
Energy considerations are a growing concern in the
industry. R ~ D Southampton are now completing an energy
audit as an example of an approach which could be more
widely adopted. The energy requirements of the PCL plant
have been identified in Canada as a growing cost item and
heat recovery systems are proving valuable in controlling
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BATCo document for PFSFC 1 March 1999

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47.
costs in this and other processing systems.
In discussing the aims and objectives of the GR & DC
Process and Engineering Group, a number of clear lines
for future work were identified : -
a)
Process studies, particularly as they relate to the
effects of process variables on product characteristics
as seen in the longer term.
b)
Pre-production studies and development of new
machinery.
c)
Product control for the future, i.e. TPM, nicotine,
CO, NO, etc.
d)
Rationalisaticn of drying practices and the level
of control achieved.
e)
The examination of the primary process possibly from
the botanists' point of view.
48.
49.
The Australian company is now going ahead with the
GI3 process. It is also considering the use of vacuum
drying and the removal of solubles from stem in the
cigarettes. It is possible that confidential tests could
be made by other Group companies using the Australian G-13
plant and Mr. Nicholls agreed to discuss this in principle.
The use of GI3, however, can now be seen in the
context of low delivery cigarettes. On marketing and
quality grounds, it may now be seen as a factor in product
improvement. The Group still do not envisage the need of
the GI3 process for filling power improvement other than
in Australia, because of cost and royalty considerations.
%
50.
The need was recognised for a safe and reliable
tracer for use in blending studies. Rubidium, silver and
lithium salts have all been used in the past. It was
agreed that before a choice of tracer was made, transfer
studies should be carried out and any effects on the
smoker considered.
STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS, ETC.
51.
Mr. T. G. Mitchell will visit Montreal shortly to
discuss microbiological control problems. The opportunity
will also be taken to discuss a programme of work in
GR & DC on the use of enzymes in the improvement of tobacco
quRlity which the meeting would llke to see undertaken.
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BATCo document for PFSFC 1 March 1999

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52.
Serious and expensiv6 problema still occur with
tobacco developing moulds due to faulty storage conditions
and greater care, together with a better understanding of
the problem, is called for. These problems, however, can
generally be handled by companies with bigger R & D
facilities.
53.
The proposed EEC limits on pesticide residues in
tobacco were reviewed. These will present control
requirements for the future for those exporting tobacco
and tobacco products to Europe. In Australia, where
current levels are much higher than any anticipated
legislation could envisage, efforts will need to be
initiated to reduce the contamination in advance of any
foreseen Government activity.
54.
One further threat to the industry which is now
developing concerns the objections by local authorities
to the odours attributed to tobacco factories. This
problem is a live issue in a number of countries and
work is going on in all of them to find a solution.
Complaints can arise from smells both outside and inside
factory premises.
TOBACCO STUDIES
55.
The Group's need for further research on tobacco
growing was reviewed. Work was proposed for Brazil on
pre-harvest curing, particularly as related to Burley
tobacco. Other requirements were : -
a)
the development of tobaccos having enhanced
flavour characteristics, ~or example, as
identified by O/WP - pyrazines and indoles).
b)
the growing of tobacco of improved physical
properties
c)
the development of tobaccos specifically for
low delivery cigarettes
d)
cell and root culture studies, e.g. Prof. Zenk,
(Dortmund)
56.
In the U.S., Becker is expected to report that
glycoproteins in tobacco can cause allergic reactions
possibly both in the smoker and the passive smoker.
This 'is being examined in the U.S. by Savaggio. But,
since it could give rise to a very serious threat, if
it cannot be rebutted or controlled, it will be pursued
urgently in GR & DC.
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BATCo document for PFSFC 1 March 1999

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MISCELLANEOUS
57.
Many workers in sophisticated laboratories in the
Group are now using advanced scientific equipment which
can be of intdrest to their colleagues in other
locations. It was agreed that the performance of such
equipment will be reviewed critically in future and
reported for the benefit of those who could be
interested.
CONCLUSIONS
58.
At the end of the Conference, the Aims and Objectives
of the U.K. R & D programme were re-examined in the light
of the discussions which had taken place. A number of
conclusions were drawn : -
a)
The role of central R & D was seen by the meeting
to be concerned both with insurance aspects
(anticipating outside research results, etc.) and
with its contribution in providing scientific
foundations on which Company R & D would build.
b)
The Biological Research programme might now be
more directed towards the development of specific
products, but policy guidance is needed on the
directions in which we should move, for example,
to lead in health orientated, biologically tested
cigarettes. So far, our central research has been
concerned with providing options; should these now
be taken up? So long as we are concerned merely
with providing options, R ~ D are necessarily
self-starters, but more positive product development
would require guidance and commitment from No. l's.
c)
Nevertheless, the defensive role of high quality
research across a wide field should not be neglected.
In particular, this enables us to refute allegations
made based on poor quality research.
The Aim on Smoking Materials, etc. was reworded as
follows : -
To develop the options and the technology for
the production of smoking materials having
desirable subjective smoking characteristics
and physical properties compatible with tobacco
manufacture, while possessing improved and/or
controlled smoke properties with optimisation
of cost.
The meeting felt it would be desirable to give
indications of the time-scales involved in different
approaches.
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BATCo document for PFSFC 1 March 1999

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d)
e)
f)
The Aim of the work on interaction of smoke and
the smoker was considered and .after a full
discussion was changed as follows : -
To establish in objective terms why people
smoke, how they smoke, and the effect of
product characteristics on smoker response
in order that preferred cigarettes may be
designed.
Product design Aims were restated as :-
To advance the technical knowledge necessary
to combine the components of cigarettes to
produce predictable effects.
In the process and engineering'development field,
it was agreed that a longer range approach should
be adopted and the processing side particularly
emphasised, although not to the exclusion of all
machinery development. The Aim was changed to : -
To pursue longer range developments in tobacco
and filter processing and handling techniques
so as to establish both methods and guidelines
whereby the quality of the product can be
improved, tobacco used more efficiently,
greater control exercised over the packaged
product and cost reductions realised.
59.
g) The remaining Aims were endorsed without modification.
It was recommended that, in putting forward for
endorsement by the Chairman's Conference at Hot Springs
the revised Group R & D Aims and Objectives, the
individual objectives should be illustrated by narrative
statements. To this end, overseas research centres agreed
to submit items from their own programmes which had
co-incident objectives, to ensure that overlap is minimal
or, where it occurs, is deliberate to ensure local
requirements are met.
60.
A revised policy for patents was put forward. In this,
the aim would be for the patentees to recover costs from
users and beneficiaries where possible. Companies would
then be free to pate~ where and when they wished, subject
to some general Club rules. A drawback of this proposal
was identified as a possible increase in secrecy within
operating companies, although it was recognised that this
already exists.
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BATCo document for PFSFC 1 March 1999
