JAL/MJ/46B-10. 13th February, 1978.
BRIDON TOW EXPLOITATION
f -,.I
PROGRESS SUMMARY 78/1 k, T7,
DEVELOPMENT
(1) Bridon Fibres and Plastics, Sunderland.
(a) The manufacture and despatch of 10 bales of
type
104 tow for Cia Souza Cruz was completed during
January.
(b) Design work is in hand for the second,
production
scale,line to be installed at Sunderland. This
will embody the new crimper.
(2) GR&DC
(a) Trials of Bridon tow wrapped in porous
plugwrap
have shown that for the four grades of paper used
in tests so far, no particular problems have been
encountered. The use of porous plugwrap appears
to improve the rate of drying of filters, the
final
hardness and the rate of development of hardness.
Samples have been sent to B.&W. for evaluation.
(b) Lightweight porous plugwraps have been used
success-
fully on an Australian B&H specification filter
where previously 23 gsm plugwrap could not be
used.
Thus it has been possible to produce a Bridon
filter
with a 6% weight advantage over the (already)
light-
weight CA filter in current use. The benefit of
this
gain will reflect in a substantial excise saving.
(c) The first phase of trials of Bridon tow on a
BAT(UK&E)
Hauni KDF.2 at 400 metres/min were held during
November/
December. Generally, the trials were successful in
the sense that
M Good filter rods could be produced at full
speed with adhesive.
(ii) The tow was adequately strong, and produced
filter spccifications very close to those
made at low speed.
(iii) Virtualiv no adhesive was deposited on the
tongue /garniture assembly.
One notable feature was that rods tended to be
a little harder than usual, possibly due to
the action of the stuffer-jet.
Production requirements forced temporary closure
co
of the trials, but BAT(UK&F) have offered the QA
machine for a further limited trial cornme-ncing
co
20 th rcbruary, 1.976. Following this a report
will be issued.
BATCo document for Province of BritiSh Columbia 23
April 1999


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(3)
(d) A generalised cost study report of Bridon
tow exploitation has been prepared and will
be issucd shortly. It is intcrided this
should have a wider circulation than the
earlier individual reports.
U.K. & Europe
(a) Cigarette Components (U.K.) Ltd.,
Samples of filters produced in R&DD were sent to
C.C. (U.K.) Ltd., in order that these could be
offered to customers for evaluation. However,
their main potential customer (Imperial Group),
whilst accepting "the polypropylene filter
represents the best alternative to C.A. so far"
were not willing to become involved at this stage
because of their commitment to launching and
sustaining a number of new brands.
At a recent review meeting with BAT and Bridcn,
C.C.(U.K.)Ltd. have proposed an extension of
their interest to include possible exploitation
in countries
M where BAT interest would not be damaged.
(ii) on a joint basis with BAT in certain
countries where both interests could
be served.
Taiwan and Thailand have been suggested as two
countries in the former category where such an
approach may be fruitful. Sample filters are
being produced for each in GR&DC.
(b) BAT(UK&E)
Sample filters for Project PROPHET were made in
GRYDC and attached to cigarettes in Southampton
Branch factory. These cigarettes were subsequently
analysed in GR&DC and underwent panel testing in
Woking. This work is now complete and a report
on their findings is expected from Woking in the
near future. Filter samples for continuation of
this exercise are expected to be made on the KDF.2
during the next trial phase.
(c) Rothmans
Sample filters have been supplied for evaluation.
Rothmans are exploring the possibility of
including
Bridon tow as part of a know-how package with the
U.S.S.R.
(d) Finland co
LA
00
Filter rods were supplied to Suomen Tupakka in
December
for tests. Their interest has been re-),indlad by
the avnilability of a wider range of tows.
BATCo document for Province of BritiSh Columbia 23
April 1999


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(4) FAR EAST
(a) Malaysia
W During his visit to the U.K. Mr. A. Low
visited Bridon at Sunderland and saw the
tow plant in operation.
(ii) Internal testing on the filter samples sent
from GR&DC in the autumn have been completed.
The tests included laboratory analysis and
T and F assessment. For all the dimensions
evaluated it was found that Bridan filters
were comparable to normal acetate filters.
The filters were considered slightly soft.
A consumer test is now planned and samples
are being prepared in R. & D.D. for this
purpose.
(b) Korea
Cigarettes with Bridon filters attached, together
with samples of filter rods, were supplied to the
Korean Monopoly via Mr. C. Carr of Bridon Limited.
Despite their earlier caution regarding filter
hardness there appears to be a substantial level
of interest in the filter. Representatives of the
Korean Monopoly are due to visit GR&DC on 17th
Febtuary, 1978 for discussions and a
demonstration.
Bridon will accompany them.
(5) SOUTH AMERICA
(a) Brazil
Delivery of tow to Cia Souza Cruz was completed
during January and this quantity is regarded as
sufficient to cover all the stages of development
up to trial market which is targeted for May 1978.
Bridon have received a request for a quotation for
4 tonnes of tow, presumably for the trial market.
The findings of analytical and T & F work in Souza
Cruz were that no significant difference was
observed between Bridon filter and normal C.A.
filter. The test cigarettes were similar in
impact,
irritation and range but were considered more
"Brazilian".
It is believed a consumer test is either under way
or imminent, but the timing is not completely
clear.
(b) Argentina
The long delayed import licence for an adhesive
Pump has now been granted and the pump despatch
now awaits a letter of credit.
C=>
CD
CC)
Q1-j
CO
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BATCo document for Province of BritiSh Columbia 23
April 1999


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(6) NORTH AMERICA
(a) U. S.
A sample of Bridon rcds wrapped in lOOK porous
plugwrap has been sent to B&W. Apart from the
ventilation aspect, it was observed that these
rods cured very quickly and achieved a final
hardness of 94-96% r. These aspects are being
investigated further.
(7) AUSTRALIA
A sample of rods showing a 6% gross weight saving
over similar specification C.A. filters has been
sent to W.D. & H.O. Wills Limited. This reduced
weight has been achieved with the use of light-
weight porous plugwrap, which did not warp in the
way noted for standard lightweight plugwrap.
J.A. Luke.
c::>
CO
(-,4
CO
BATCo document for Province of BritiSh Columbia 23
April 1999