LCFB/VC 17th July, 1979
SOME TECHNICAL POINTS FROM
VISIT TO B.& W. and I.T.L.
BIOLOGICAL TESTING
1. We should seek to understand why different
R.M.Gibb
tobaccos behave differently so that we can
develop 'safer' products from first principles
- Ames test said to be a good diagnostic
tool. Can this be brought to bear?
2. Mouse skin B16 problem. We should seek advice
R.M.Gibb
of world experts, e.g., NCI re suitable mouse
strains. Agreed we should not 'just select
a strain'.
3. Agree the need for a meeting to consider the
R.M.Gibb &
GR&DC programme in the context of total Group
R.A.Sanford
needs. We need biological testing, but what
exactly should we do in the future?
CD
(-Ili
Ul
--1
BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 11
November 1999


PRIMARY PROCESSING
There is still a need for understanding the
General
effect of primary conditioni on the product, but
1. K.D.K's notes on the new programme re-raised
criticism of our 'academic' approach, i.e.,
we list all the possible problems and inter-
R.M.Gibb
actions, but do not say simply what we
propose to do.
- We need an experience-based forum
(e.g., Production Conference) to decide
the work programme.
- An exchange of R.& D. and production
staff might be helpful.
2. In our thinking, and our programmes, we need
A.Laporte
to separate equipment attributes from the
basic process, e.g., Hauni plant from Hauni
steam process.
3. Important to do research on case leaf drying.
A.Laporte
(Can the dipper be replaced?)
4. Can GR&DC validate for the rest of the Group
A.LaPOTte
B.& W's claims of
30% increase in filling power with small
strip by-pass? (I.T.L. would like to
know before the end of the year.)
effective cutting of non-rolled stem?
S. B.& W's impressive primary development facility
J.Jewell
is mainly for tobacco studies, not for
machinery. Nine chemical engineers in the
group.
03
U_
cc
BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 11
November 1999


EXPANDED TOBACCO
1. DIET samples so bad on particle size, and on
loss of nicotine and sugar, that I.T.L. were
near to giving up interest.
Is the high top temperature (3500/4000F) R.M.Gibb
destructively distilling off volatiles and
giving stiff leaf which (a) helps filling
power but (b) breaks easily?
2. B.& W. are not thinking in terms of 400 lb/hr.
J.Jewell
modules for their Macon DIET plant. A single
J.Steiner
large plant, e.g., 5000 lb/hr. with good
turndown/turn-up would have:
- economics of scale
- lower manpower
- higher C02 recovery
3. Strong criticism that BAT have been left
General
trailing behind major competitors. It is
vital that we catch up fast on understanding
what expanded tobacco does for products -
chemitally and physically.
Note that expansion is not confined to DIET
A.Laporte
and G-13!
4. Strong criticism of Airco's poor showing as
R.M.Gibb/
prime licensor, and implicit criticism of C.Warren
our lack of drive in forcing information out
R.A.Sanford
of P.M. via Airco - especially re samples
sent for test.
CD
_r~-
BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 11
November 1999


- 4
MANUFACTURING and CONTROL
1. Would it be possible for BAT/GR&DC to convene
C.Warren
joint meetings with'a number of manufacturers
(e.g.. secondary, paper ind leaf) to assist
them develop plant and/or processes for the
S-10 year future?
2. BAT should force manufacturers to market
C.Warren
complete systems for the future (e.g., Molins
have poor packers).
SECONDARY PROCESSING
3. STRATEGY I is of great interest, if only for
C.Warren
its potential spin-off value in specific
on-line control systems. It must, however,
be based on the latest product with Porous
paper, ventilated tipping, etc.
4. GR&DC should be in a position to advise
I.W.Hughes
Associates on the relative merits of the C.Warren
three main options:
- on-line laser perforation
- off-line manufacture of laser
perforated stock
- purchase of pre-perforated tipping
S. Golden Belt Inc. is currently offering good
C.Warren
quality laser perforated tipping at half the
price of Malaucene
CONTROL INSTRUMENTATION
6. GR&DC has tried to do too much itself: more
A.Laporte
developments should be placed on contract.
7. Can the AcuRay system be turned into a control
R.M.Gibb
device for end quality? Will GR&DC pursue
for the Group?
8. GR&DC need to put a considerable effort into
W.Ross C-1)
control instrumentation, cf. the April (-IJ
Production Meeting. C711
C:)
BATCo document for Province of BritiSh Columbia 11
November 1999


PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT (including Taste & Flavour)
1.
2.
3.
4.
GR&DC, and BAT geneTally, have been
historically weak in the organic chemistry of
smoke and flavours.
New GR&DC programme strongly welcomed.
B.& W. bulding up separate flavoUT groups (by
recruitment) for domestic and international
brands because the markets differ.
Believe that our new flavour programme must be
strongly linked with psychology group.
Query how B.& W. product development will tie
in with BAT product development for inter-
national brands.
S. Product development in B.& W. accorded very
high status but on somewhat different lines
from M.P.D.C. The executive Steering
Committee, chaired by Pitman, with Kirk,
Hughes, Sanford and Stunges being fed by a
Product Development Committee on which all
major functions are represented. There are
sub-c6mmittees of the P.D.C. for New Products,
Non-menthol and Menthol,
6. I.T.L. are planning to try the GR&DC approach
to 10 basic components of aroma for the
Canadian market, but urge that we develop
basic principles for Virginia products
generally - as a matter of priority. Strong
suggestion that we associate our external
consultants (e.g., Dr. Booth) with this work.
7. Request that GR&DC circulate all Associates
with clear statement of objectives and time
scales for all taste and flavour work.
8. General agreement that I.T.L. success in new
launches (seven consecutive above 0.5% market
share) is result of intensive effort to
identify "meaningful market segments", i.e.,
gaps or opportunities for switching. Strong
interest in direct contact with GR&DC
psychology group.
R.A.Sanford
R.M.Gibb
J.G.Esterle
M.L.Reynolds
R.M.Gibb
W.Knox
J.G.Esterle
R.M.Gibb
R.M.Gibb
(:::>
W.Knox
QM
ON
BATCo document for Province of British Columbia 11
November 1999


- 6
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT (Cont'd)
9. Same marketing men responsible for existing
W.Knox
and new marketing products, and acceptance
that existing brands can be cannibalised.
04
ON
BATCo document for Province of BritiSh Columbia 11
November 1999


ANALYTICAL & TESTING
1. Do we do too much work for our main suppliers,
R.A.Sanford
e.g., paper? B.& W. are forcing would-be
suppliers to present full data before they
will consider new products.
2. B.& W. claim an impressive increase in J.P.Nall
productivity by automating analysis. (Eight
men saved in two years. More will follow
when new computer facility is linked direct
to the major instruments.) 2S0-300 cigarettes
smoked per day, generating approximately
60,000 numbers per day, covering analyses and
physical testing. Present staff -
11 graduates and c. 50 assistants.
3. I.T.L. very interested in headspace aromagrams.
R.M.Gibb
Would like GR&DC's help on mass spectrometric
analysis of the Inasties' in printing
materials.
Copies to: Function Managers
Dr.S.J.Green
Mr.R.J.Pritchard
cz~p
_t!'
CK
Q-)
(_1J
ON
BATCO document for Province of BritiSh Columbia 11
November 1999