Airco DIET Acquires Impex Rights

Source from:  Tobacco Reporter 01/07/2011

Airco DIET, a supplier of tobacco expansion plants, has acquired the license rights for the Impex tobacco expansion process from IPEL Ltd. With nearly 60 dry ice expanded tobacco (DIET) plants worldwide, Airco DIET is a world leader in tobacco expansion. Many of its plants have been turn-key installation projects. Impex is significantly different from DIET, enabling Airco DIET to offer a greater choice of products tailored to individual customer requirements. The Impex process uses isopentane instead of carbon dioxide as the expansion agent. Isopentane does not dissolve nicotine and other volatiles so the expanded product maintains its original flavor and color. Impex is targeted primarily at manufacturers of roll-your-own tobacco and cigars, and at tobacco producers with low volumes. Airco DIET will integrate the Impex business, including service, maintenance and spare parts for existing customers, into its daily operations. "We are all very excited about this new application in our portfolio," says Keld Laigaard, director of Airco DIET. "Airco DIET is now even more a one-stop shop for high-expansion processing for the entire tobacco industry. "We are convinced that our longstanding experience with tobacco expansion can be extended to the Impex process for the benefit of the tobacco industry. Airco DIET has always supplied tailor-made plants conforming to the customer's requirements. By adding the Impex process, we are able to customize to an even higher degree." Enditem