DATE 30 JUL1979
RESTRICTED
MILLBANK PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT COM1VqTTEE
Minutes of Meeting held on Wednesday, 18th July,
1979
at G. R. & D.C., Southampton.
Present: Messrs. P. Sheehy (Chairman)
P.L. Wright
S. J. Green
R. J. Pritchard
P. L. Short
L.C.F. Blackman
F. Haslam
W. B. Fordyce (Secretary)
Part-time: C. 1. Ayres
Matters Arising From Previous Minutes ACTIO~1,
a) Sidestream smoke
The meeting opened with a survey and fi-Im on
R. & D. 's most recent work on sidestream smoke,
with special reference to nitrosamines. Details
will be reported from G. R. & D.C. in the normal
way when the research is at an appropriate stage,
and are not covered in these Minutes. The
Chairman, however, asked that Dr. Ayres be
commended for the care and effort entailed in
preparing his presentation.
b) Product Development Seminars
The European Seminar planned to take place in
May has been rescheduled for September 25th -
28 th, and will be attended by senior Marketing
Managers or Directors from all European
Companies, while M. Boly will represent Cigar
Group. Appropriate members 'of the European
Team will also attend together with senior staff
from Marketing Department, Millbank. The C=)
seminar will be run by the P.D. G. , and Mr. CD
Stewart Lockhart has been invited to attend if his
C=:>
programme so allows. WI3F=>
(-n
N.)
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ACTIO
1.
C)
Project LIEUTENANT
d)
Wider cover of both U.S. and English Virginia-
type brands will be further discussed with the
I. B. U. Is, with a view to achieving the most
cost-
effective broad overview of all significant brands
whether manufactured by Tobacco Division or its FH
licencees. WBF
It was confirmed that U.S. -types will be
monitored
in Louisville, the remainder in Southampton.
Should suitable analytical capacity of the right
calibre be available elsewhere, monitoring may
be extended. For the moment, only Brazil is
seen as a possible data source. Monitoring, as
previously agreed, will be twice-yearly, and
Associates will be asked to warn the Centre of
any apparent changes in competitive products so
that 'ad hoc' analyses can be made promptly.
One-piece pack
Difficulties have arisen in the production of
satisfactory blanks, but it is now expected that
trial runs for subsequent market testing will be
made in August.
FH
WBF
FH
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT GROUP PROJECTS
VZGOR (Virginia cigarette to meet target GORI
ratings - Project leader: M. B. P. Sheridan).
Cigarettes made to chosen Gori rankings have been
subjectively evaluated against Gallaher's K. S.
SILK CUT (G.R. - Gori Ranking - of 3 per day).
G. R. & D.C. Is Delta Panel was used. The products
assessed were of G. R. 3 (Silk Cut), 9, 14, and 20
(P.D. G. formulations), and acceptability
correlated
inversely with G. R. , or, in other words,
preference
rose with overall smoke deliveries.
The P.D. G. formulations comprised straight
Virginia blends, flavoured and unflavoured, with
one
blended cigarette and one mentholated cigarette
added to the list. The same set of products will
now
be evaluated using the Millbank low-delivery
panel.
An analysis of the Delta and Millbank results will
be
given at the next M.P.D.C. meeting, together with
a report on progress in the development of
appropriate
=arketing concepts.
C=)
CD
(-n
NJ
PABPS
WBF
FH
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ACTIO~.'
Fi-nally, consideration will be given to holding a
presentation to M.P. D.C. of the principles
underlying
the Delta approach. If timely, this will take
place at
the next M. P. D.C. meeting (October 1 Oth). LCFB
IGOR (U. S. -type G. R. product - Project leader:
S. R. Massey)
While cigarette designs have been established,
there
have been delays in meetingthe exact
specifications
required. It is anticipated that progress will be
more
fully reported to the next meeting, though
priorities in
G. R. & D.C. sample manufacture may affect timing.
FH
POINTER (I - 2mg. cigarettes, U.S.B. and English
Virginia - Project leader: D. Creighton)
P.D.L. Memorandum No. 79-06-042 was noted, and,
at the Chairman's request, wil-I be sent to
appropriate
Companies in the Group, who in turn will be asked
to
give details of their own plans in this product
segment,
and for their reaction to the 11. D. L. memorandum
noted
above. WBF
BROLAM - HEADLAMP (Short and long-term testing
in U.S.A. of BROLAM, with and without Duolite,
versus MARLBORO - Project leader: W.B. Fordyce)
The Secretary has advised M.P. D.C. of fairly
wide-
spread changes in MARLBORO construction in Europe,
Hong Kong, and in the U.S.A., and it was agreed
that
consumer testing should be deferred until the P.M.
specification appears to have stabilised. V#rB F
As a preparatory measure, however, P.D. G. will
proceed forthwith to design two modified BROLAM
versions with, respectively, 1016 and 2056 filter
ventilation. NVB F
TIMER - VIRTUE (Short and long-term testing of
TITIMER and VIRTUE in U.S. versus MERIT -
Project leader: W. B. Fordyce CD
A:though MERIT has appeared in the States with
laser- Ln
perforated tipping in place of Hauni "needle
-work", it N-)
was agreed that MERIT must still be available in
sufficient quantities to permit the test to
proceed, with
all speed. WBF
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ACTIO'~-
P. D. G. 's proposal to employ two U. S. agencies
rather than Market Facts alone was rejected. The
Secretary will, however, prepare a note, for
discussion by the Chairman with B. & W. in the
course
of his forthcoming visit to Louisville, which will
hopefully serve to reassure the project team's
reservations.
It would seem prudent to make direct contact with
Market Facts before any research proposals are
agreed, and an early visit to M.P. will be
considered
in Market Research Department. PLS
GYPSY (Cigarettes of reduced tar:nicotine ratio -
Project leader: D. Creighton)
Products in which the ratio has been reduced
through
an increase in nicotine delivery to 1. 3 or 1. 4
mg. have
proved to be generally unacceptable in internal
evaluation.
On the hypothesis that 1. 0 mg. nicotine may
represent an upper threshold of acceptance,
products
will now be designed to this level at, in turn,
10,
8. 5 and 7mg. tar. The chosen blend is B. & H.
Luxury Mild ex Switzerland, and sample manufacture
will begin when priorities have been
re-established. PH
WADER (Monitoring of own and competitive brands
for "suspect" constituents - Project leaders:
S. R. Massey, A.G. Stephenson)
Attention has now been directed to producing a
ranking of nitrosamine mainstream deliveries,
leading to a loose correlation between RNNO
deliveries and some function of blend nitrogen
content.
(Confidence in analytical accuracy has increased
reassuringly, but the position has not yet been
reached
where deliveries can be quoted in absolute terms.
G. R. & D.C. wUl continue to seek greater
accuracy. LCPB
Vulnerable blend components so far identified
include
Venezuelan air-cureds, and Maryland leaf, the
result
of cultivation in rich, heavy and well-fertilised
soils. CZ
Approaches to lowering total nitrogen and nitrate
C~
levels in such tobaccos will be considered in Leaf
and U
R. & D. Departments, and, if practical, proposals
RJP
will be put to the next meeting. LCFB
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ACTIO'
TOTAL PRODUCT DESIGN (Project leader: F. Haslam)
The T. P.D. team (Messrs. Servant, Hirji and
Woodward)
have produced a draft report, which Dr. Haslarn
will
summarise and circulate. FH
Companies most closely involved are Malaysia,
New Zealand, and U. K. & E. , while a useful
exchange
has taken place with Wills (Australia). The
project
team will now consider and recommend how best to
extend the application of the technique. FH
EXPANDED TOBACCOS (Project leader: W. B. Fordyce)
G. R. & D. C. have completed their research
proposals,
and copies will be made available to P.D. G. for
discussion at the next M. P. D. C. meeting. LCFB
An exchange of views has taken place between R. &
D.
and Leaf Department in an attempt to define the
respective roles which might be undertaken by
G. R. & D.C. and P.D. G.
GEMNI (5 mg. products of 10mg. character -
Project leader: A.G. Stephenson)
Four approaches have been agreed, as follows:
i) The use of NWA filters
ii) The use of puffed tobacco
iii) Fast-burning paper
iv) HEE filter
Discussion turned to the importance of
establishing
a favourable response to the lst, 2nd (and perhaps
3 rd?) puff on low-delivery cigarettes. No
decisive
conclusions were reached, and P.D. G. will
consider
how best to initiate project work in this area,
already
identified as a problem in Brazil and Switzerland.
FH
INK JET PRINTING (Masking of cigarettes -
Project leader: D. Conway)
Samples with the die-print wholly (or partially?)
obliterated by IJP were tabled. Red and black inks
C:)
C:)
were used, and the former preferred. Although
generally commended as an alternative to masking,
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6
ACT10
it was felt that greater "camouflage" might be
necessary. However, Market Research, Millbank,
will test the product wi they see fit. PLS
Cambridge Consultants have offered to develop a
machine (cost E47, 500) capable of jet-printing
two
cigarettes per minute. The proposal will be
rejected,
and work continued in conjunction with CC, or on
our
own account. FH
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT GROUP
It was agreed that Mr. Tom Whitehair would replace
Mr. Dodwell on P.D. G., subject to the firm
condition
that his contribution be limited to participation
in group
meetings.
2. PACKAGING GROUP
MORGAN PACK (ex Focke & Pfuhl)
After an unsuccessful test in Germany, B.A.T.
(Suisse) are now collaborating in further
experiments.
The outcome wil-I be reported at the next meeting.
FH
ALUGLAS AND METALLISED PAPER
Metallised paper offers potential savings which
might reach several hundred thousand dollars in
the
case of B. & W. Phi-lip Morris use this material
in
COMMANDER.
Purchasing Department will be asked to review all
variants of this foil substitute, and to circulate
all
relevant information to the Group, including data
on product protection and shelf-life. FH
3. INTERNATIONAL 13RAND DELIVERIES
It was reported that target deliveries have now
been
established for aU Group International brands, for
implementation by 1980. Progress towards these Ul
targets will be reported in January, 1980, and
plans
for succeeeding years prepared in the light of
progress
co
made by the end of 1979, including details of any
conspicuous consumer reaction. PLW
The overaU range of deliveries agreed for Group
brands may be rather narrow, but plans in
preparation for TRUE and KENT III will extend this
range in due course. PLW
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ACT-, --C
Practical (as opposed to commercial) difficulties
are not anticipated. The embargo on Tanzanian
imports has restricted blending options in Kenya
but
this will not be allowed to delay progress. The
position will be kept under review, and advice on
RJP
product construction made available. WBF
Tar:nicotine ratios in Group brands are currently
fairly uniform at approximately 13:1. Provided
nicotine deliveries remain at or near to 1. 0 mg.
there should be no (apparent) cause for concern.
4. ACROLEIN & IRRITATION
It is now fairly clear that acrolein deliveries do
not
correlate with WOODROSE- defined irritation, and
R. & D.'s work has yet to show whether any
chemical
assay will help to predict, or even define,
perceived
irritation, though OWP may throw some light on the
matter.
R. & D. will report back when progress seems
possible (or probable). LCT-B.
5. PHYSICAL MFASUREMENTS AND CONSUMER
COMPLAINTS
The Chairman asked that this investigation be
accelerated, and that all Companies involved be
"invited" to Speed their replies to recent
questionnaires.
The Secretary will pursue the topic as a matter of
urgency. WBF
6. INDIVIDUAL GRADES AND OWP
G. R. & D. C. are attempting to simplify OWP
procedures witli a view to exporting less
expensive
techniques to those associates who could benefit
from
their application.
CD
Doubts were expressed on the best approach to CD
simplification, and on the value of OWP
examination C:)
of individual grades (as a blending aid). An
overall CD
consensus was not reached, and P.D. G., R. & D.,
L-n
and Leaf Department, wi11 re-examine how this
potentially valuable technique should be modified
to N-C
meet the needs of Companies who require
sophisticated RJP
product analysis without incurring the expense of
LCF1B
elaborate R. & D. facilities. PDG
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8 -
7.
DIAMMONIUM PHOSPFIATE
8.
9.
10.
After discussion on P.M. Is use of DAP, it was
agreed that small samples of TIMER should be
manufactured, in which the sheet component would
be made with and without DAP incorporation.
Marketing Department wi.U then decide how best to
test the two products, and where.
G. R. & D. C. wil-1 also examine the feasibility
of
incorporating urea in the product, providing a
third
variant.
LORILLARD BRAND SURVEY
G. R. & D.C. have the repeat survey of Lorillard
brands under way, fol.lowing the pattern of the
earlier
review. Conclusions will be presented when the
work
is complete.
NITROSAMINES
The question of differentiating between nitroso-'
compounds generated by the smoking process per se,
and those formed as artefacts of the experimental
(or ambient) conditions, is unresolved, and in
consequence is being actively studied in
Southampton.
The Reemtsma methodology is gairiing acceptance
among European Companies, but stiU falls short
of acceptance as a standard and absolute analysis.
It was noted, however, that certain nitroso-
compounds are "tobacco specific", and experiments
to distinguish nitrosamines ex tobacco from those
produced in the heating/cooking of nitrate-
treated
foodstuffs (e. g. bacon) could conceivably yield
data
of advantage to the Industry. This will be
considered
by R. & D.
R. & D. /MARKETING MEETING
Dr. Blackman and Mr. Short gave a brief account
of their recent inter -departmental meeting, which
in turn led to some discussion on how
If communications" might be improved on both
functional and territorial planes.
ACTlC
LCFB
PLS
LCFB
LCFB
LCFB
C=)
C=)
C=)
cc
CD
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9
ACTION,
It was agreed that Mr. Wright and Mr. Short
should consider the matter further with a view to
PLW
making specific recommendations to M.P. D.C. PLS
11. PROJECT TIFFIN (Filter- staining patterns)
Qualitative research in the U.K. has revealed
virtual
indifference to staining colour or pattern. A
quantitative study (E26, 000) was not felt to be
justified
at this stage, though Brazil's experience with
Bridon PLW
may indicate otherwise. RJP
The conclusions of the U. K. qualitative research
will be circulated to M.P. D.C. members. PLS
12. COMPENSATION
An R. & D. survey of current information will be
completed shortly, and discussed at the October
M.P.D.C. meeting.
13. 'PROJECT GUARANTEE
It was.agreed that the Group should have at its
disposal a range of products (ranging perhaps from
5 mg. to 20mg. tar delivery) which, however
smoked, would deliver precisely the levels claimed
or published. A project to this end will be
initiated
by P. D. G. PH
14. Dr. Haslam. reported that recent B. & W.
analyses
had indicated the absence of cocoa in Lorillard
and
L. & M. hi-fi brands, and in CARLTON. It is
hoped to establish whether or not cocoa
substitutes
have replaced the natural material; the outcome
will be reported at the next meeting. PH
15. Mr. Sheehy thanked Dr. Green, making his
11 curtain call" in M.P. D.C. , for his
contributions
to the Committee's work since the foundation
of Mr. Macadam's New Products Committee in
1972. M.P. D.C. echoed and endorsed the
Chairman's comments.
CD
16. DATE OF NEXT MEETING CZ)
CZ)
Wednesday, 1 Oth October at 10. 00 a. m. in
G.R. & D.C., Southampton. N.)
c0
WB F /FA
BATCo document for Province of BritiSh Columbia 9
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