[0001] The present invention relates to a method for the pasteurization of tobacco, in particular
fine-cut tobacco, which comprises heating the tobacco such that the tobacco is pasteurized.
[0002] Roll-your-own and make-your-own tobacco products have a relatively high moisture
content of typically above 18 weight percent. In comparison, pre-manufactured cigarettes
typically have moisture content below about 14 weight percent. The high moisture content
in roll-your-own and make-your-own tobacco facilitates, for example, the handling
by the consumer when making cigarettes. As tobacco is an organic product, it may be
subject to deterioration by microorganisms, such as mold. In moderate climates, mold
spores are naturally present everywhere and the mold growth is favored by moisture.
One way to reduce or prevent mold growth is the use of preservatives. However, the
use of preservatives in tobacco products may be disfavored.
[0003] It is known in the art to pasteurize snuff, a moist tobacco product with even higher
moisture content than roll-your-own and make-your-own tobacco, by bulk heating it
in a cooker to elevated temperatures over a certain period of time. The pasteurized
snuff is then removed from the cooker and further processed.
US 2008/0156338 A1 discloses the pasteurization of snuff, which has a high moisture content, and, thus,
may otherwise have a short shelf life.
[0004] US 2009/025739 A1 discloses the preparation of a tobacco composition suitable for use as smokeless
tobacco composition in pouches which are made of a moisture permeable mesh material.
[0005] US 2010/018539 A1 also relates to smokeless tobacco products, in particular snus, which are supplied
in small teabag-like pouches being sealed but moisture permeable.
[0006] US 3,793,939 A1 discloses an installation for the sterilization of packages filled with material.
[0007] US 3,676,058 A discloses a microwave treating apparatus for pasteurization
US2008/0173319 discloses a method for sterilisation of an already packaged smokable product, like
packaged loose tobacco for rolling into cigarettes by the consumer, using ionizing
radiation.
[0008] EP 1 790 240 A1 discloses that the cutting width of shredded tobacco in a tobacco slab is in between
0.4 mm and about 0.9 mm and preferably in between about 0.6 mm and about 0.8 mm.
[0009] It is the object of the present invention, to provide an improved method for the
pasteurization of fine-cut tobacco which provides a constant product quality and a
long shelf life.
[0010] According to the invention there is provided a method for the pasteurization of fine-cut
tobacco, in particular laminar tobacco with a cut width of 0.5 mm to 0.9 mm (millimeters),
comprising the steps of arranging the tobacco in a closed package, and heating the
tobacco in the package such that the tobacco is pasteurized. The pasteurization treatment
will reduce the number of viable microorganisms in the package and prolong product
shelf life. During the pasteurization the mold count within the tobacco package is
significantly reduced. According to the invention, the pasteurization treatment is
performed on the packaged product. This is advantageous in that the moisture level
can be maintained at a relatively high level, and that the shelf life is significantly
increased as compared to non-pasteurized product. The fine-cut tobacco comprises strips
of tobacco cut from tobacco leaves or reconstituted tobacco sheets or both, at a predefined
cut width in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 0.9 mm.
[0011] The cut width is particularly important for roll-your-own self-manufacture of smoking
articles, in particular cigarettes, which requires strips or strands of tobacco in
a certain size in order to prevent the tobacco from falling out at the open end of
the smoking article. Preferably, the strips or strands of tobacco are in a predefined
moisture range, which makes them less brittle and facilitates rolling the tobacco
into a tobacco rod during the rolling process by the consumer.
[0012] In contrast, for chewing tobacco, namely snus, the tobacco is mostly ground or sometimes
finely cut. However, this always results into a sort of dust that then creates the
typical snus pulp that is filled in the sachets for consumption.
[0013] Similarly, snuff is provided as a ground or finely cut powder.
US 2008/0156338 A1 discloses that dry snuff is usually provided as a powder, while moist snuff is usually
finely cut. Nevertheless, snuff or snus is not provided in cut widths as defined above,
as these cut widths would be detrimental to the intended handling and consumption.
[0014] Further reducing the tobacco into such fine dust or pulp has a significant effect
on the tobacco, for example, on its cell structure or release of essential oils, as
compared to a more macroscopic cutting of leaves into parallel stripes of a distinctive
width.
[0015] In particular, fine-cut tobacco is unfermented or free of salt or both, and preferably
not otherwise treated as snus or snuff is. In some embodiments, fine-cut tobacco only
constitutes of tobacco leafs cut into stripes. The lack of other ingredients, such
as preservatives, is one of the main reasons why pasteurization is beneficial. Further,
the cut width of the fine-cut tobacco as specified is important regarding the combustion
process and the resistance-to-draw during consumption of the cigarette.
[0016] Advantageously, the package used in the present invention is a retail package and
suitable for product distribution and sale. As the method according to the invention
eliminates the need for further processing or handling the tobacco after the pasteurization
step, the tobacco is well protected from environmental factors which could adversely
impact the quality of the tobacco before use, for example, the ingress of microorganisms.
Advantageously, the package is substantially air-tight before use. Further, the moisture
level of the tobacco remains substantially constant between packaging and use.
[0017] Advantageously, the pasteurization method according to the invention involves the
heating of the tobacco in a closed package for a certain period of time to reduce
the mold count by a factor of at least about 1000 per gram of tobacco, preferably
of at least about 100'000 per gram of tobacco.
[0018] In one embodiment, the fine-cut tobacco is pasteurized in a continuous process, comprising
the steps of: arranging the packages on a continuous conveyor, and applying heat to
the packages on the conveyor such that all of the tobacco is pasteurized. Preferably,
the heat is uniformly applied to the packages such that the fine-cut tobacco is uniformly
pasteurized.
[0019] Preferably, the moisture level of the tobacco is above 16 weight percent and preferably
below 20 weight percent, more preferably in between 18 and 19 weight percent. In other
embodiments, the moisture level is above 18 weight percent and preferably below 35
weight percent. Tobacco for roll-your-own and make-your-own applications requires
a relatively high moisture level such that the tobacco is sufficiently flexible to
facilitate manual cigarette making. The desired tobacco moisture level is typically
set during tobacco processing comprising the addition of water and drying.
[0020] Preferably, during the heating step, the tobacco is heated between about 55 to 120
degrees Celsius, preferably between about 60 to about 85 degrees Celsius. Thus, in
this temperature range an efficient pasteurization can be carried out, and the mold
count can be significantly reduced.
[0021] Preferably, the heating is carried out for between about 30 seconds to about 30 minutes,
more preferably for between about 2 minutes and about 7 minutes. The heating can usually
be carried out for short period of time, if the heating temperature is high. However,
pasteurization at a low temperature for a longer time may be beneficial for the quality
of the tobacco and may pose less requirements on the heat stability of the package.
The pasteurization conditions are selected such that deterioration of the packaging
is prevented while achieving adequate pasteurization of the entire content of the
package. It has been found, that the pasteurization method according to the invention
does not adversely affect the quality of the tobacco product.
[0022] Preferably, the heating is carried out by subjecting the package to a heating medium,
in particular water, steam, air or an inert gas. The heating medium may be a mixture
of water micro-droplets and saturated steam. Alternatively, the heating medium may
be a mixture of water, superheated steam and air. Further, the heating medium may
be a mixture of water, steam and air. Generally, the heating medium may be a hot liquid
or a hot liquid vapour. Depending on the heat capacity of the heating medium, the
amount of heat transferred to the package and the tobacco therein can be controlled.
In particular, it is preferable, if a current is provided in the heat medium, such
that the heat medium passes the package in order to prevent the formation of locally
reduced temperatures around the package. Advantageously, a package according to the
invention may be further overwrapped by a water proof outer wrapper to prevent damage
to the package that could be otherwise caused by the heating medium, such as water.
This is particularly advantageous where the package comprises print or cardboard or
both.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the tobacco is heated by means of microwave radiation.
This is in particular beneficial, as the tobacco comprises a significant moisture
level, such that the microwave radiation will be able to quickly heat up the tobacco.
Thus, a heating by means of microwave radiation allows reducing the time necessary
for the heating step. The applied microwave power is preferably controlled to achieve
uniform heating and pasteurization of the tobacco by temperature measurement and control
of microwave generator power during continuous processing of the tobacco packages.
The applied microwave power may be controlled to achieve uniform heating and pasteurization
of the tobacco by control of microwave generator power for successive microwave heating
steps, taking into account the specific product parameters of the tobacco being treated,
such as water content, which are predefined or determined by according sensors. In
one embodiment, the applied microwave power is controlled based on measurements of
the temperature inside the closed package, to prevent the creation of hot or cold
spots during pasteurization. The microwave heating power may be applied in at least
two heating stages, taking into account the specific product parameters, such as water
content, which are predefined or determined by according sensors, of the tobacco being
treated, to prevent the creation of hot or cold spots during treatment.
[0024] In one embodiment, the heating is carried out at a pressure above atmospheric pressure.
At a higher pressure, the package may be compressed, such that there is less space
in between the individual tobacco particles. Thus, heat conduction in the package
can occur faster. In such a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention,
the heating of the tobacco can be carried out more homogenous and quicker. In another
embodiment, the pasteurization of the tobacco is carried out at atmospheric pressure.
In further embodiments, the pasteurization of the tobacco is carried out at a pressure
below atmospheric pressure, to allow treatment with specific pasteurization fluids,
such as water, at temperatures of less than 100 degrees Celsius. The pressure during
pasteurization is preferably controlled in dependency of the temperature of the treatment
and the heating medium outside the package or pasteurization medium inside the package
used.
[0025] In particular, after the heating, a cooling step may be carried out by subjecting
the package to a cooling medium, in particular cold air, water or inert gas. Again,
the heat capacity of the cooling medium allows adjusting the time necessary for the
cooling step. Further, a current in the cooling medium such as generated by a pump
or by a fan may be beneficial. The cooling of the tobacco may beneficially be effected
by spraying a mist of cool water onto the package. The evaporation of small water
droplets in the mist improves the cooling properties.
[0026] Gaseous cooling or heating media are preferred over liquid heating media. While gaseous
cooling or heating media comprise a lower heat capacity than liquid cooling media,
they however have fewer requirements regarding the material of the package, and do
not require the package to dry after the heating or cooling step. As the package is
closed, preferably in a hermetic or gas-tight manner, usually the cooling or heating
media cannot interfere with the tobacco.
[0027] In one embodiment, the cooling is effected to a temperature of the tobacco which
is lower than ambient temperature. This allows, that the tobacco can be maintained
at the lower temperature level, which allows keeping the tobacco fresh, and, thus,
a longer storage and shelf life for the closed package as retail product. It is emphasized,
that after the cooling, the package comprising the tobacco may be distributed while
being chilled, in particular transported in a chilled state. Further, chilled storage
of the tobacco after or before transportation may be applied and is beneficial regarding
the shelf life as well.
[0028] Preferably, the temperature of the tobacco is monitored during the heating step.
This can be obtained by monitoring the temperature around the package, and estimating
from this temperature the temperature of the tobacco. Furthermore, the temperature
of the tobacco may be measured by infrared sensors. The monitoring of the temperature
allows as well controlling of the temperature during the heating step. Thus, by implementing
an analog or digital control device, which controls the amount of energy provided
to the closed package comprising the tobacco, defined conditions during the pasteurization
can be obtained.
[0029] In an embodiment, the temperature of the fine-cut tobacco may be measured at the
start and at the end of a heating step, and the applied heating power for a subsequent
heating step is adjusted to achieve a uniform, desired temperature of the tobacco.
[0030] Preferably, the temperature in the centre of packaged tobacco in the package, which
is suitable for product sale to the consumer, is measured at the start and at the
end of a heating step, and the applied heating power for a subsequent heating step
is adjusted to achieve a uniform, desired temperature of the tobacco throughout the
package.
[0031] The temperature may also be controlled or monitored during the cooling step.
[0032] In one embodiment, the temperature might be changed during the pasteurization process.
In particular, the heating step may comprise several different heat levels, thus,
the closed package comprising tobacco is subjected to different temperatures. This
can improve the efficiency of the pasteurization.
[0033] In an embodiment, the packages are passed through a layer of heating medium, in particular
steam, to enable a continuous pasteurizing of fine-cut tobacco. Further, the packages
may be conveyed through a counter-flow of heating medium, in particular steam. The
heating medium may comprise water micro-droplets and steam.
[0034] The fine-cut tobacco may be packed in a package suitable for product sale to consumers.
The microwave power applied to the tobacco packages may be controlled based on the
temperature measured at the centre of the packages, for example by means of an infrared
temperature sensor, such as an infrared camera. The position of the tobacco packages
may be controlled during pasteurization relative to the position of the microwave
heating apertures.
[0035] While it is generally preferred carrying out the pasteurization at the packaging
site, due to a better control of the pasteurization process, it is alternatively possible,
that the pasteurization may be performed at the retailer.
[0036] An exemplary device for the pasteurization of fine-cut tobacco, in particular laminar
tobacco with a cut width of 0.5mm to 0.9mm, comprises a packing station in which a
package is filled with the tobacco, a heating station and optionally a cooling station,
wherein the device is adapted to conduct the inventive method as specified beforehand.
[0037] In particular, the tobacco is filled in packages, such as flexible pouches in the
packing station, which are then hermetically closed. This may be obtained by heat
sealing the packages. In the heating station, one or several closed packages comprising
tobacco are subjected to heat, until the tobacco comprised therein is pasteurized.
In the optional cooling station, the packages may be brought back to ambient temperature,
or the packages may be cooled down to a temperature below ambient temperature to prolong
the shelf life. In any case, the cooling station may provide the benefit of making
the method faster, and the cooling time can be reduced.
[0038] The surface temperature of the tobacco in the package is preferably about 55 to 120
degrees Celsius, more preferably between about 60 to about 85 degrees Celsius.
[0039] In one embodiment, the external pressure around the closed package is controlled
during the pasteurization to prevent bursting of the pack. Further or alternatively,
the package may be contained within an external enclosure during the treatment to
prevent bursting of the package. Several packages may be provided together in one
external enclosure, preferably 2 to 10 packages, more preferably 5 to 10 packages.
[0040] Preferably, the fine-cut tobacco is pasteurized by heat treating the tobacco within
its consumer package, wherein the consumer package is sealed within a disposable,
protective packaging prior to heat treatment, and the disposable, protective packaging
is removed after heat treatment.
[0041] After pasteurization, the tobacco is substantially free of active microorganisms.
[0042] The invention also relates to a packaged tobacco product, manufactured by the inventive
method as specified beforehand. In particular, the package of the packaged tobacco
product is a retail pouch or retail container, in which the tobacco will be sold in
stores.
[0043] Preferably, the packaged tobacco product is a flexible pouch as known for roll-your-own
tobacco. However, it is designed to withstand the temperature during the pasteurization
step. According to the invention, the package can be at least partially evacuated
before pasteurization by partially removing air or process gas from the package before
sealing. This has the benefit that the heat transfer between the tobacco and the heating
medium can be improved, as the insulating air is removed. Preferably the package is
made of a laminate which provides a moisture barrier and is impermeable to microorganisms.
Further, the package is preferably permeable to microwaves.
[0044] Preferably, the tobacco in the packaged tobacco product is free from preservatives.
Generally, additives may be added to tobacco during manufacturing such as sugar, cocoa,
coconut powder, humectants like for example, glycerin, propylene glycol and invert
sugar and others. Possible preservatives used in tobacco products may comprise benzoic
acid, sodium propionate, natamycin, non-anoic acid and salts thereof.
[0045] Preferably, the packaging material is plastic, metal or cardboard laminates or a
combination thereof. Preferably, the package of the packaged tobacco product is made
of a laminate wherein at least one layer provides a moisture barrier. In other the
embodiments, the package may provide a moisture barrier, without being made from a
laminate material. This allows, that in particular during the heating, no moisture
will escape the package, such that the moisture level in the tobacco will remain constant.
Same benefit is also provided during the latter transport and while the product is
kept on a shelf for storage and sale, as no evaporation of moisture from the tobacco
to the outside of the package can occur.
[0046] The closed package is preferably suitable for product sale to the consumer.
[0047] In particular, the packaged tobacco product has a weight of 10g to 500g. This is
a common range for retail tobacco packages. In particular, pouches with around 30g
or 100g and closed boxes with around 140g of tobacco may be provided as the packaged
tobacco product according to the invention.
[0048] The packaged fine-cut tobacco according to the invention may be used for make-your-own
or roll-your-own products, wherein it has been pasteurized to provide enhanced shelf-life
and improved sensory properties. In the following, an exemplary embodiment of the
method, device and product according to the invention will be explained with reference
to the following figure.
[0049] Figure 1 shows an exemplary manufacturing line for the method according to the invention.
[0050] The present invention relates to a method for pasteurization of tobacco, in particular
fine-cut tobacco for roll-your-own and make-your-own products.
[0051] Generally, in the first stage tobacco leaves or tobacco leaf pieces will be processed
in a common manner, including conditioning, sorting and separation of unwanted material.
Then, the leaves or leaf pieces are cut into fine cut tobacco with a cut width of
0.5 to 0.9 mm, and water and additional ingredients such as additives are added. Finally,
the tobacco is dried to a certain moisture level, in particular more than 18 weight
percent.
[0052] The accordingly processed tobacco is indicated with reference number 1 in Figure
1.
[0053] The tobacco 1 is then filled in a package 2 in a packing station 3. The packing station
3 further provides that the package 2 is closed, such that it is hermetically sealed.
In particular, the package 2 is a flexible pouch, which will be heat sealed to be
closed. However, the closure of the package 2 can be designed such that is openable
by a consumer, without the pouch being destroyed. In particular the package 2 is adapted
to be reclosable. Alternatively or additionally to closing the package by heat sealing,
the package 2 may be provided with adhesive to be closed such that it is hermetically
sealed. In some embodiments the package 2 may be heat sealed on some of the sides,
while a reclosable opening is only provided with adhesive. The adhesive provided on
the opening of the package 2 is in particular non-permanent adhesive allowing as well
to reclose the package substantially airtight.
[0054] From the packing station 3, the closed packages 2 are transported by a conveyance
means 4, for example a conveyance belt, to the heating station 5. In the heating station
5 the packages 2 are heated such that the tobacco 1 comprised therein is pasteurized.
In particular, the packages 2 will be heated to 60-85 degrees Celsius for 2 to 7 minutes.
The heating is carried out by using a heat medium, which is in the present embodiment
hot air. The heating station 5 may be an oven with a hot air fan. A conveyance means
extends through the heating station 5.
[0055] It is emphasized that in some embodiments it is beneficial to heat the packages 2
individually in the heating station. In other embodiments, a plurality of packages
2 is heated together in the heating station. However, the plurality of the packages
2 is preferably arranged in a manner that the same heating conditions are provided
for each of the packages 2, such that a constant quality product is obtained.
[0056] In some embodiments, the closed package 2 may be provided in an additional external
enclosure. The external enclosure remains around the package at least during the heating
step. In particular, the enclosure protects the package from the heating medium and
the direct application of heat. The external enclosure is preferably substantially
fluid-tight. In particular the external enclosure may be formed from a film material
to enable that it may adapt to the outer form of the closed package 2. The external
enclosure may be reclosable to enable reusing of same several times. The external
enclosure enclosing the packages may be evacuated before the heat treatment to ensure
that it is directly in contact with the packages to improve the heat transfer to the
packages. In one embodiment, several packages may be provided in one external enclosure
together, preferably 2 to 10 packages, more preferably 5 to 10 packages.
[0057] It is important that the tobacco 1 in the core of the package 2 reaches the required
target temperature, such that all tobacco 1 in the package 2 is pasteurized. As the
package 2 is sealed and is made of moisture proof material, the moisture comprised
in the tobacco cannot escape the package 2, and is, thus, held at a constant level.
[0058] During the heating step, the temperature of the tobacco 1 is preferably monitored,
either directly or indirectly by monitoring the temperature of the package 2. The
heat that needs to be applied will depend on the type and size of the package 2, while
the temperature of the tobacco 1 is used as an indication of the pasteurization process.
[0059] Thus, the presence of microorganisms such as mould is reduced in the tobacco 1, and
the tobacco 1 in the packages 2 has a longer shelf life.
[0060] The packages 2 either are stopped during the heating step, or they move continuously
on a conveyance means through the heating station 5. In some embodiments, the package
2 may be subjected to pressure in the heating station 5, such that the gas or air
comprised in the package 2 is compressed, and the tobacco 1 is closer to the package
wall and can thus be heated quicker.
[0061] In some embodiments, a microwave is used as a heating means for heating the tobacco
in the package 2.
[0062] The package 2 may in particular be made of a laminate, wherein one layer of the laminate
forms a moisture barrier.
[0063] After the heating in the heating station 5, the closed packages 2 are further transported
to a cooling station 6, in which a cooling step is carried out. A conveyance means
extends through the cooling station 6. The cooling step is not necessary in all embodiments
and could be replaced by keeping the product at ambient conditions after the heating
step. For the cooling step, ambient or cold air is used, to cool the product down
to ambient temperature or to a temperature below ambient temperature. In particular,
the package 2 is cooled down to 2 to 10 degrees Celsius, and is subsequently kept
at this temperature during further transport until it reaches the point of sale such
that the shelf life is increased.
[0064] Typical shelf life for tobacco treated with the aforementioned method is 6 months.
1. Method for the pasteurization of fine-cut tobacco (1), in particular laminar tobacco
with a cut width of 0.5mm to 0.9mm, comprising the steps of:
arranging the tobacco (1) in a closed package (2), and
heating the tobacco (1) in the package (2) such that the tobacco (1) is pasteurized.
2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the moisture level of the tobacco (1) is above
18 weight percent, and preferably below 35 weight percent.
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein during the heating step, the tobacco (1)
is heated to 55 to 120 degrees Celsius, preferably 60 to 85 degrees Celsius.
4. Method according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the heating is carried
out for 30 seconds to 30 minutes, preferably 30 seconds to 12 minutes.
5. Method according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the heating is carried
out at a pressure above atmospheric pressure.
6. Method according to any one of the previous claims, with a cooling step after the
heating step, wherein cooling of the tobacco (1) is carried out by using a cooling
medium, in particular cold air, water, or inert gas.
7. Method according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the cooling is effected
to a temperature of the tobacco (1) which is lower than ambient temperature.
8. Method according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the temperature of the
tobacco (1) is monitored during the heating step.
9. Packaged tobacco product manufactured by the method according to any one of the claims
1 to 8.
10. Packaged tobacco product according to claim 9, wherein the tobacco (1) comprises up
to about 9 percent by total weight of humectants.
11. Packaged tobacco product according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the package (2) is made
of a laminate which provides a moisture barrier.
12. Packaged tobacco product according to any one of claims 9 to 11, which has a weight
of 10g to 300g.
1. Verfahren zum Pasteurisieren von Feinschnitttabak (1) und insbesondere Laminartabak
mit einer Schnittbreite von 0,5 mm bis 0,9 mm, das die Schritte aufweist:
Anordnen des Tabaks (1) in einer geschlossenen Verpackung (2) und
Erwärmen des Tabaks (1) in der Verpackung (2), sodass der Tabak (1) pasteurisiert
wird.
2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Feuchtigkeitsniveau des Tabaks (1) über 18 Gewichtsprozent
und bevorzugt unter 35 Gewichtsprozent liegt.
3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei während des Heizschritts der Tabak (1) auf
55 bis 120 Grad Celsius, bevorzugt 60 bis 85 Grad Celsius erwärmt wird.
4. Verfahren nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Erwärmen für 30 Sekunden
bis 30 Minuten, bevorzugt 30 Sekunden bis 12 Minuten erfolgt.
5. Verfahren nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Erwärmen bei einem Druck
über Atmosphärendruck erfolgt.
6. Verfahren nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, mit einem Kühlschritt nach dem Erwärmungsschritt,
wobei das Kühlen des Tabaks (1) unter Verwendung eines Kühlmittels und insbesondere
kalter Luft, Wasser oder Inertgas erfolgt.
7. Verfahren nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Kühlen bewirkt wird auf
eine Temperatur des Tabaks (1), die niedriger ist als die Umgebungstemperatur.
8. Verfahren nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Temperatur des Tabaks (1)
während des Erwärmungsschritts überwacht wird.
9. Verpacktes Tabakprodukt, das durch das Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8
hergestellt ist.
10. Verpacktes Tabakprodukt nach Anspruch 9, wobei der Tabak (1) bis zu ungefähr 9 Gesamtgewichtsprozent
an Feuchthaltemitteln aufweist.
11. Verpacktes Tabakprodukt nach Anspruch 9 oder 10, wobei die Verpackung (2) aus einem
Laminat hergestellt ist, das eine Feuchtigkeitssperre bereitstellt.
12. Verpacktes Tabakprodukt nach einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 11, das ein Gewicht von 10
g bis 300 g aufweist.
1. Procédé de pasteurisation de tabac haché fin (1), en particulier de tabac stratifié,
avec une largeur de hachage de 0,5 mm à 0,9 mm comprenant les étapes consistant en
:
la disposition du tabac (1) dans un emballage fermé (2), et
le chauffage du tabac (1) dans l'emballage (2) de sorte que le tabac (1) soit pasteurisé.
2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le taux d'humidité du tabac (1) est
supérieur à 18 pour cent en poids, et de préférence inférieur à 35 pour cent en poids.
3. Procédé selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel, pendant l'étape de chauffage,
le tabac (1) est chauffé entre 55 et 120 degrés Celsius, et de préférence entre 60
et 85 degrés Celsius.
4. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le chauffage
est effectué de 30 secondes à 30 minutes et de préférence, de 30 secondes à 12 minutes.
5. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le chauffage
est effectué à une pression supérieure à la pression atmosphérique.
6. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, avec une étape de refroidissement
après l'étape de chauffage, dans lequel le refroidissement du tabac (1) est effectué
en utilisant un agent de refroidissement, en particulier de l'air froid, de l'eau
ou du gaz inerte.
7. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le refroidissement
est effectué à une température du tabac (1) inférieure à la température ambiante.
8. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la température
du tabac (1) est commandée pendant l'étape de chauffage.
9. Produit de tabac emballé fabriqué selon le procédé de l'une quelconque des revendications
1 à 8.
10. Produit de tabac emballé selon la revendication 9, dans lequel le tabac (1) comprend
jusqu'à environ 9 pour cent en poids total des humectants.
11. Produit de tabac emballé selon la revendication 9 ou 10, dans lequel l'emballage (2)
est constitué d'un produit stratifié qui agit comme une barrière contre l'humidité.
12. Produit de tabac emballé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 9 à 11, qui a un
poids de 10 g à 300 g.