British American Tobacco (BAT) has pilot-launched its first CBD vaping product, Vuse CBD Zone.
This new range is available in three e-liquid flavors—mint, mango, and berry—and two strengths—50 mg and 100 mg. Vuse CBD Zone is initially being launched Manchester, U.K., in convenience stores and online (online purchase is geofenced for Manchester residents). Further rollout plans are anticipated for later in the year.
“With the rollout of Vuse CBD Zone in Manchester, our unique multicategory portfolio now, for the first time, offers products that go beyond nicotine,” said Fredrik Svensson, general manager at BAT U.K. and Ireland, in a statement. “CBD vaping is a new category for us, and we will be using this pilot launch to gain key learnings about consumer and retailer experiences, combined with our extensive expertise and knowledge of vaping, to help inform plans for a potential nationwide roll-out of Vuse CBD Zone later in the year.”
VDX Distro has launched Four Seasons Fine Tobacco e-liquid.
According to VDX Distro, Four Seasons’ e-liquids are designed to withstand flavor bans. Its flavors are all made from naturally extracted tobacco, with no artificial flavors, colors, additives or sweeteners, giving consumers pure tobacco taste. Each flavor is crafted to emulate the flavors of the most widely appreciated cigarette brands, resulting in a vaping experience that most closely resembles the mouth feel, throat hit and taste of smoking.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has accepted a VDX’s premarket tobacco product applications for the product.
“At Four Seasons, we seek to bring you a satisfying vaping experience that will give you the tools you need to make the switch away from combustible tobacco for good,” said Four Seasons CEO and Founder Ryan Chalme in a statement. “Our mission from day one remains the same as it does today—helping adults discover an alternative to traditional tobacco.”
Essentra Filters has launched three new proprietary products—ECO Cavitec, ECO Sensation, and ECO Cavitec Sensation, delivering a plastic-free, 100 percent biodegradable alternative while maintaining the unique sensorial attributes, performance and quality characteristic of Essentra Filters.
“Although recent trends have brought the topics of single-use plastics and sustainability to the forefront of the conversations, Essentra Filters has always been committed towards a sustainable future,” says Seng Keong Low, global marketing manager at Essentra Filters.
“We have continuously been innovating new, high quality, eco-friendly products, with existing offerings such as our paper-cellulose acetate mix Bitech Filter to single-segment paper filters such as Myria and Ochre Filters. In the latest step of our sustainability evolution, our new ECO Cavitec, ECO Sensation and ECO Cavitec Sensation filters offer a plastic-free, 100 percent biodegradable alternative with unique sensorial attributes and quality performance, a true revolution in filters technology.”
The ECO Cavitec Filter is a proprietary, patent-filed, eco-friendly filter with unique sensorial attributes, reducing the efficiency of a typical paper filter to allow for a fuller flavor delivery. Manufactured using Essentra’s market Cavitec technology, the design is customizable and can be combined with any other segments, in addition to customization for the size, cavity length, number of cavities, pressure drop and constructed material, i.e. paper or other nonwoven materials.
The ECO Sensation Filter is a proprietary, eco-friendly filter option to engage the consumer with his or her senses. A capsule is embedded in the paper material during manufacturing and can be crushed at any point, giving consumers control of their taste experience. In addition to customization of capsule type, cavity size, or use of colored plugwraps, ECO Sensation Filter can be manufactured using different paper types, combined with other end segments, or make use of Essentra’s Infused technology to achieve additional sensory benefits.
A proprietary patent filed filter, ECO Cavitec Sensation is an eco-friendly filter with three unique sensorial attributes, combining the properties of non-woven materials with the Essentra’s Cavitec technology. As the capsule is free to move within the cavity, consumers can hear the capsule rattle within the cavity while feeling the vibration through the fingers.
The capsule can be crushed at any time, providing consumers flavor on demand. As with all offerings from Essentra Filters, the design of ECO Cavitec Sensation is customizable and can be manufactured using different paper types, combined with other end segments, or make use of Essentra’s Infused technology, in addition to customisation of capsule type, cavity size, or use of colored plugwraps.
A new synthetic nicotine eliminates the cancer-causing impurities in leaf-derived nicotine.
By Timothy Donahue
No tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs). A new synthetic nicotine coming to market has none of the possible cancer-causing impurities that are found in traditional leaf-derived nicotine. This month, eLiquiTech, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tobacco Technology Inc. (TTI), is releasing its newly patented SyNic synthetic (S)-nicotine. The announcement has the potential to revolutionize next-generation tobacco products, such as electronic nicotine-delivery systems (ENDS), oral nicotine-delivery systems and heat-not-burn (HnB) products.
SyNic USP/EP, SyNic nicotine bitartrate and SyNic polacrilex resin are manufactured in U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-registered facilities using current good manufacturing practices (cGMP). These products have confirmed purity levels of more than 99.9 percent, (S) levels of more than 99.7 percent and are free of TSNAs and carcinogens, according to eLiquiTech CEO George Cassels-Smith. “What is the value of noncarcinogenic nicotine base to any tobacco product manufacturer?” he asks. “What is a noncarcinogenic tobacco product portfolio worth to the tobacco consuming public? But high-purity, pedigreed natural nicotine will continue to have a large seat at the table nevertheless.”
SyNic got its start seven years ago when e-LiquiTech began working with U.K.-based Zanoprima Lifesciences with the goal of developing a unique and patented portfolio of synthetic nicotine products. The group wanted those products to cover the entire nicotine value chain with a focus on next-generation tobacco products.
E-LiquiTech, through TTI, is committed to Zanoprima to serve as SyNic’s global distributor and the manufacturer of record for synthetic nicotine bitartrate and synthetic nicotine polacrilex resin as well as proprietary SyNic e-liquid formulas. “Ensuring that synthetic nicotine is readily available is the right thing to do for our industry—and now also is the right time to do it,” said Cassels-Smith.
Zanoprima holds the patent and eLiquiTech maintains the exclusive rights for global distribution to the tobacco and ENDS industries, but the product won’t be available to everyone, according to Cassels-Smith.
George Cassels-Smith
“This will not be available directly to the consumer market. We will soon post a set of standards online that manufacturers must meet to purchase our synthetic nicotine,” he says. “This product is not intended to circumvent the rules governing the tobacco and ENDS industries nor evade regulation. We will not sell it to companies that have that intent.”
SyNic will refrain from entering the highly contentious U.S. vapor market until its potential customers can show they have an accepted for review premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) submitted to the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products. “Our objective is to work with the FDA, not around it,” says Cassels-Smith.
When synthetic nicotine first appeared on the market in 2016, the product was marketed as being a potential way to circumvent the FDA’s proposed deeming rule for next-generation tobacco products. The FDA’s definition of “tobacco product” includes any product made or derived from tobacco, including any component, part or accessory of a tobacco product. E-liquids that do not contain nicotine or other substances made or derived from tobacco may still be components or parts and, therefore, subject to the FDA’s tobacco control authorities.
Cassels-Smith says that Zanoprima has filed multiple global patents for its technologies and has also begun the process of filing drug master files with the FDA for SyNic nicotine, SyNic bitartrate and SyNic polacrilex resin. “Coupled with e-LiquiTech’s exclusive distribution, competitive pricing and carrying the e-LiquiTech guarantee, these products will be available only to responsible partners operating within the regulatory guidelines of the global tobacco industry, said Cassels-Smith. “The synthetic nicotine is cleaner than naturally derived nicotine because it has no TSNAs. These nitrosamines have the potential to turn into carcinogens. SyNic will not have any nitrosamines and is 100 percent carcinogenic-free by design.”
E-LiquiTech’s synthetic nicotine resembles its naturally derived cousin. Like a naturally derived liquid nicotine, e-LiquiTech’s new synthetic nicotine is more than 99 percent pure (S)-nicotine. This purity of (S)-nicotine has a better effect on the body, and SyNic carries fewer impurities than naturally derived nicotine that comes from leaf tobacco.
“Nicotine exists in nature in two forms, (R) isomer and (S) isomer. One is basically a mirror image of the other, but the nicotine desired by vapers and smokers alike is the (S)-nicotine alone. Naturally grown tobacco contains over 99 percent (S)-nicotine, and the rest is very little (R),” says Cassels-Smith. “The body considers (R)-nicotine a filler with substantially less physiological effect. It’s considered a waste product, and [the body] does not absorb it. SyNic is slightly superior to the (S)-nicotine content found in a naturally derived nicotine because of its higher levels of (S)-nicotine with qualified and quantified impurities.”
Traditionally, a problem for the producers of synthetic nicotine has been that the entire production process is both complicated and expensive. As a chiral molecule, nicotine is far easier to produce as a synthetic nicotine with equal amounts of both (R) isomers and (S) isomers compared to a nearly pure (S)-nicotine. “(R)-[nicotine]/(S)-nicotine requires additional refining processes, which [are] time consuming and expensive to convert it to a true synthetic (S)-nicotine,” explains Cassels-Smith. “Also, because (R)-nicotine has substantially [fewer] physiological properties, it takes twice as much 50/50 synthetic nicotine in an e-liquid to achieve parity with SyNic. Because SyNic has greater than 99.7 percent (S), it only needs half the amount of SyNic to create the same effect for users as current synthetic nicotine offerings on the market.”
Naturally derived nicotine and synthetic nicotine are identical on a molecular level. The differences are the individual or potential impurities. Nicotine derived from tobacco can contain potentially harmful impurities if it is not purified sufficiently. That can be very difficult and costly because the impurities appear structurally very similar to the nicotine molecule itself. But synthetic nicotine is virtually free of any impurities from the beginning and none are carcinogenic.
SyNic, by design, carries no heavy metals and contains no residual pesticides. Additionally, unlike tobacco-derived nicotine that uses harsh acids and chemical solvents in its process, SyNic, is produced using a “green chemistry” method. “Its manufacturing is environmentally friendly, and any solvent used is recovered completely before being recycled for future use,” explains Cassels-Smith. “The SyNic process makes the tobacco-derived nicotine process appear dirty by comparison.”
SyNic will help manufacturers meet the FDA’s goals by consistently creating high-quality nicotine to deliver to the consumer without the possibility of potential carcinogens, according to Cassels-Smith. “We will allow vaping products to have the cleanest delivery and the best delivery,” he says. “That isn’t going to happen with the old technology. SyNic is a new frontier and a perfect tool for this industry to reinvent itself. It is constantly developing and reinventing itself. This product can help make all tobacco products better.”
Because of its unique patented process, Cassels-Smith says SyNic can achieve price parity with tobacco-derived nicotine. He adds, however, that this synthetic product will always be marketed at a higher cost than naturally derived nicotine to ensure there will always remain a naturally derived pedigreed nicotine market where the tobacco farmer can sell his crops.
“We have a lot of respect for the natural product and foresee our synthetic nicotine being a compliment to those that wish to remain all natural. There is enough room in the market for everybody. SyNic, with its known qualities, will have a place at the table alongside pedigreed natural tobacco-derived nicotine. But there are issues with nicotine sourced from scrap and dust as traceability is impossible and controlling pesticide and heavy metal contamination is problematic,” Cassels-Smith explains. “I foresee a future requiring the tracing of [natural] nicotine’s origin from the seed and soil through the extraction process and also quantifying impurities, all in cGMP facilities.”
SyNic’s potential is unlimited in the number of products in which it could be used. Cassels-Smith says that he cannot think of a single nicotine product that could not benefit from SyNic. In a heat-not-burn product, for example, during the rod-making process, SyNic could augment the prevalent nicotine source—or even be the sole source.
“Zanoprima has adapted their SyNic technology and patented an extremely unique and stable nicotine salt that does not use organic acids and retains pH stability,” he says. “SyNic also has the potential for being associated with superior purity and shelf life stability in all tobacco products of the future. SyNic will raise the bar, and we are just scratching the surface. It is a great tool that emerges at the perfect time for every tobacco product designer. The portfolio of potential products that can utilize SyNic is infinite.”
Timothy Donahue is the assistant editor
of Tobacco Reporter. Since joining our team in
January 2013, he has become not only an
expert on the traditional tobacco business but
also a well-respected voice in the rapidly developing
vapor industry. Tim spends much of his time on the
road, attending conferences and interviewing industry representatives.
His networking skills, work ethic and quick mind
are valuable assets to our diverse audience.
Japan Tobacco International (JTI) has launched its Ploom S heated-tobaccodevice in the U.K., reports The Grocer.
The product will be sold through two Ploom-branded lounges in London, Ploompop-up shops, online at www.ploom.co.uk and through accredited retailers.
The device is used with tobacco sticks, which are sold separately. The tobaccosticks will be available in four different flavors—flavored tobacco, smoothtobacco, menthol and menthol/berry. The Ploom S device will have arecommended retail price of £89 ($116.06) and the consumables will have arecommended retail price of £4.50 for a pack of 20 sticks.
“The time is right for JTI to enter this exciting growth segment in the U.K. with aproven product that continues to grow in markets in which we have alreadylaunched,” said JTI U.K. General Manager Dean Gilfillan.
Ploom S is the second tobacco-heating system available in the U.K., after PhilipMorris International’s IQOS, which launched in 2016.
Previously, JTI launched Ploom in Japan, Russia and Italy.
KT&G will launch its Lil Hybrid 2.0 system Miix in Japan on Oct. 26 through its partnership with Philip Morris International (PMI), reports The Korea Times.
Unlike in Russia and Ukraine, where KT&G released Lil Solid, the Japan will get a Lil Hybrid 2.0 and a dedicated Miix stick. The first products to be sold will be available in matte black, cobalt blue, prism white and metallic bronze.
Consumers can choose from three stick types: Miix Regular, Miix Ice and Miix Mix.
“We will continue to provide various options to consumers in overseas markets through continuous cooperation with PMI,” said Lim Wang-seop, head of KT&G’s next-generation product business division.
Philter Labs launched its Phreedom filtration device that allows users to inhale and exhale into the same mouthpiece, eliminating up to 97 percent of secondhand vapor and smell.
The filter is designed to work with 80 percent of the existing cartridges on the market, and it attaches to all 510 cannabis and CBD cartridges.
“The Phreedom represents a massive step toward a vaping culture free of exhaled vapor, pollutants and best of all, its associated shame,” said Philter Labs’ chief technology officer and inventor, John Grimm, in a statement.
“We wanted to provide a product that respects a person’s right to vape. The Phreedom is exactly that, with seamless integration for the majority of vape cartridges on the market and an enhanced experience focused on protecting people’s health, the health of the environment and the quality of the consumer experience.”
The Phreedom uses Philter’s patented Zero-5 technology to help eliminate secondhand vapor.
Philter offers other filtration devices, but the Phreedom is the first to allow users to inhale and exhale through the device.
Vilosophy has launched V&YOU, a portfolio of premium products with “active” ingredients, in the United Kingdom.
V&YOU products are available in four “vibes”—calm, chill, focus and boost. They include CBD oils and pouches, as well as nicotine pouches. According to Vilosophy, the V&YOU CBD and nicotine pouches provide a new, discreet and convenient way to consume either ingredient.
V&YOU products adhere to the strictest quality standards and are sold an accessible price, according to the manufacturer.
“We are excited that our first brand V&YOU will be one of the only producers of nicotine pouches in the U.K.,” says Vilosophy CEO Wouda Kuipers, who founded the company with Ged Shudall and Markus Bonke, two seasoned executives from the fast-moving consumer goods space.
“Pouches are incredibly popular across Europe and we think people in the U.K. will find them a convenient way to take nicotine; they also provide longer lasting flavors,” adds Wouda Kuipers.
“Vilosophy has been founded on the belief that people should be free to choose how they live their life and our aim is to develop a portfolio of lifestyle brands that bring premium active ingredients to market, in a way that is best for people,” he says.
Tobacco Technology Inc. (TTI) and its wholly owned subsidiaries e-LiquiTech and TTI Flavors will start distributing their patented SyNic synthetic (S)- nicotine in November.
SyNic USP/EP, SyNic nicotine bitartrate and SyNic polacrilex resin are manufactured in U.S. Food and Drug Administration-registered current good manufacturing practices facilities. These products have confirmed purity levels of more than 99.9 percent, (S)- levels of more than 99.7 percent and are free of tobacco-specific nitrosamines and carcinogens.
“Coupled with e-LiquiTech’s exclusive distribution, competitive pricing and carrying the eLiquiTech guarantee, these products will be available only to responsible partners operating within the regulatory guidelines of the global tobacco industry,” TTI said in an announcement.
Using high-quality audio, video and augmented reality, Cerulean is now offering real-time diagnosis and troubleshooting of its instrumentation.
According to the U.K.-based supplier of precision test and measurement equipment, the experience is “exactly as if we were right beside you—without the need of a physical presence.”
Dubbed “Cerulean XpertWorldAssist,” new service is specifically designed to mitigate unplanned downtime affecting customers’ equipment.
British American Tobacco (BAT) has pilot-launched its first CBD vaping product, Vuse CBD Zone.
Tobacco Technology Inc. (TTI) and its wholly owned subsidiaries e-LiquiTech and TTI Flavors will start distributing their patented SyNic synthetic (S)- nicotine in November.
Using high-quality audio, video and augmented reality, Cerulean is now offering real-time diagnosis and troubleshooting of its instrumentation.