BAT Transferred Tobacco Drying Technology to China

Source from:  TobaccoChina Online-07/11/2000 07/11/2000

On 29th June this year, BAT, STMA and Dickinson-Legg Ltd. signed a technical a technical transfer agreement in Hong Kong. Pursuant to the agreement, BAT agrees that Dickinson-Legg Ltd. grant STMA a non-exclusive, transferable licence on a technology of tobacco drying and increased fill value (HXD).  The technology is invented and owned by BAT (Registered in China, Patent No.: 92104082.2). It represents the advanced processing standard in the contemporary tobacco industry. BAT has applied for patent on the technology and has granted Dickinson-Legg Ltd. the right to manufacture and sale.  The processing of cut tobacco using their technology can be summarized into two stages: stage 1 is the use of water and steam for cut tobacco conditioning and stage 2 the use of high-temperature air transportation for cut tobacco drying.  Through the adjustment of conditioning intensity and drying temperature, the fill of cut tobacco can be increased by 10 to 25%, whereas the conventional technology using drying cylinder can only increased the tobacco fill value by 8 to 10% at most. Increase in fill value can enhance the flexibility for our cigarette design.  Cut tobacco after being processed by this technology can reduce or even substitute the expensive use of expanded tobacco in low tar cigarette, which is currently the strongest source of growth in the world tobacco market and also an imminent product strategy in China requiring immediate attention. Increased fill value can also help to reduce cut tobacco utilization (cut tobacco savings between 5%-12%) can be achieved and to increase cigarette firmness and reduce loose ends. Contrary to the conventional technology using drying cylinder, the technology has the advantages of having few movable parts and being easy to install, operate and maintain.  The HXD technology is [regarded by BAT] as a key processing technology. The agreement for Dickinson-Legg Ltd. to grant STMA the non-exclusive, transferable licence on such advanced technology has further demonstrated the sincere co-operation of BAT with CNTC in promoting the technology development of tobacco industry in China.  SOURCE BY: British American Tobacco