Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1022507
26 tobaccoasia / Issue 4, 2018 September / October Patrick Meredith, innovations & commercial dev. dir., Essentra Philippines, the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) focused its efforts in pro- duc ing tobacco for export, aiming to increase the country's exports by 5% in both volume and value. Ess entra, leading global supplier of filters and scientific services, saw effects of technology, innovation, regulation, and consumption on its exports first hand. Supply- ing products and services to over 300 customers in 90 locations from its 7 manufactur- ing operations, Essentra relies on the majority of its products being exported. Exports fro m its facilities in Indonesia and Thailand grew immensely in recent years due to the ir growing capabilities following investment in research and development. With particular expertise in the production of specialty filters, the two Asian sites export a large amount of its filters, particularly those that incorporate either a flavor capsules or a hollow acetate tube (or even both), to other countries in Asia, as well as Eu- rop e, the Middle East, Africa, US, and Latin America. Inorder to operate its global distribu- tion successfully, Essentra ensures that it alw ays keeps up to date with local laws on importing and exporting. Adhering to reg ulation is the most important factor to keep in mind when shipping products from country to country, and even more so in a highly controlled industry such as tobacco. In addition to this, certain prod- ucts will need to be shipped in controlled env ironments to ensure that the prod- uct s reach the cigarette manufacturer in per fect condition. Filters incorporating flavor capsules are one such product and monitoring the environment throughout the shipping cycle is an important control factor within the supply chain. In an industry where global consumer consumption is decreasing and regulation in certain markets is increasing, manu- fa cturers and suppliers must continue to innovate and export their products. Co mpanies must target each market sp ecifically, with the best products and services that match the local consumer's demands, importing products from other countries if needed. As new technologies are continuously being developed around the world, it will be interesting to see what new products and services are produced, and how the global market will trade and follow trends going forwards.