Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/797484
22 tobaccoasia PRODUCT NEWS 产品新闻 WHO SAID WHAT? US OCB Introduces Organic Hemp and Virgin Papers OCB brings a new concept of cigarette paper, based on respect for the environ- ment and biodiversity to offer a 100% natural experience with its Organic Hemp and Virgin Papers. A highly innovative production process, thanks to the brand's own research and development, ensures optimum quality, resulting in a crisp sound and extremely smooth touch. This process also helps improve transparency and thinness, achieving a better rolling experience. Through environmental action, certified according to the ISO 14001 standard, OCB seeks to reduce the environmental footprint, improve process quality and product development, as well as preserve natural resources and the quality of life. Important features of the Organic Hemp and Virgin Papers include the papers being stuck with 100% natural Arabic gum. Natural acacia gum is extracted directly from African acacia trees without altering its natural process, so it is a 100% vegetable product and free of GMOs. The papers of the OCB Organic Hemp range are truly made of hemp fibres, grown organically in France (South-East of Paris) by a cooperative of organic farms. The color of the un- bleached paper is beige and may vary according to the year harvest and weather natural conditions. It is unrefined with no bleach or chlorine added, very light and thin. These papers smoke perfectly with no sideburns or fast burn times. The OCB Virgin range offers papers 100% natural brown ultra-thin, no bleaching process, very light and little porous. Its brown color comes from unrefined wood fibers. Each leaf is watermarked with an exclusive innova- tive process that ensures the best transparency and softness. The silky touch of this paper is achieved through a very high-tech process that also gives its extreme transparency to the leaves. Packaging is printed with vegetable inks, reducing ink smell and migration. The Eco filters and Virgin filters that complete these paper ranges are made of pure cellulose which provides better filtration while respecting nature. The core fibers which are the main compo- nent of the filter, come from FSC® certified sustainably managed forests. To reduce environmental impact, these fibers are unbleached, which gives them their beige color. These filters are biodegradable and decompose naturally. GERMANY New Döttling Tabletop Humidor After numerous customer requests, Döttling is now offering a tabletop humidor similar to the model in its "The Fortress" series. The humidor can be opened by simply pulling out a drawer, whereas other humidors usually have a flap- hinged mechanism. The interior is made of original Spanish cedar and is atmo- spherically showcased by LED spot- lights. The heart of every humidor is, of course, the humidifier. In the case of the new tabletop humidor, a CIGARSPA product has been perfectly integrated into the drawer. Its performance can be monitored at any time with the help of a hygrometer, barometer, and thermom- eter made of brushed stainless steel. The interior of the humidor is also configurable as a wonderful storage box for watches. The humidor is covered in high-quality calfskin. However, numer- ous other surfaces, including wood or a high-gloss varnish, are possible upon request. JAPAN New Palm-Sized Winston Products Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) has announced the launch of three new products from Winston, the second largest tobacco brand in the world – Winston Mini Bitter Red 12, Winston Mini Straight Blue 8, and Winston Mini Sweet White One. The new products were launched nationwide in Japan in late February 2017. Priced at ¥380, the new products allow for a variety of taste types. The Winston Mini Bitter Red 12 features a deep, authentic tobacco taste; Winston Mini Straight Blue 8 offers a clean sharp taste; and Winston Mini Sweet White One features a rich, mellow taste. JT to Amend Prices Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) has applied to the Minister of Finance for approval to amend retail prices of six products including Wakaba and Echo of the former third class cigarettes, which would become effective on April 1, 2017, subject to approval by the Minster of Finance. Following the revision of the tobacco tax law under the FY2015 tax reform, the preferential tax treatment for former third class cigarettes was abolished as of April 2016, and the tax rate for the cigarettes will be increased in stages until April 1, 2019. As the tax for the cigarettes will be raised by ¥1 per stick on April 1, 2017 based on the revision, JT decided to apply to amend the retail prices of the cigarettes. Retail prices that the company has proposed in this application reflect the amount of the tax rate increase as well as expected impact on demand. JT plans to amend retail prices of all six former third class cigarettes in stages each time the scheduled tax rate hike is conducted. Retail prices of the cigarettes will be considered carefully, taking the market situation into account. "Common sense appears to be dead at the FDA. Inexplicably, the FDA ignored tens of thousands of comments from the premium cigar industry, Congress, local government, media, and the citizens of the United States, particularly those affected in ways large and small by FDA's power grab. Under this new rule, the tradition of premium, hand-rolled cigars handed down by generations will turn into a corporate profit mill." - Patrick Massari, assistant vice president at Cause of Action (CoA) Institute.