Tobacco Rag Processors (TRP) has launched a state-of-the-art Dry Ice Expanded Tobacco (DIET) facility at its cut-filler processing plant in Wilson County, North Carolina, USA.
The DIET operation expands the cells of cut filler by using a high-pressure carbon dioxide-impregnation system. The carbon dioxide is then captured and reused. The benefit of expanded tobacco is higher volume and greater filling power while maintaining the same weight and taste.
“DIET tobacco has the ability to provide dramatic cost savings and stabilized deliveries on finished cigar, cigarette, pipe and roll-your-own products without sacrificing quality,” says Davis Miller, CEO of TRP. “We anticipate that by offering customers expanded tobacco in our cut filler products, we will continue to grow our business in the face of continuing governmental regulations and higher excise taxes.”
TRP expects to hire 25 additional people for the DIET plant. Currently, the company employs more than 100 employees in eastern North Carolina, spread among its cut filler operation, NC Filter and Recon USA joint venture.