Unlocking the strategic potential of reconstituted tobacco

A practical and cost-effective solution

With increasing volatility in tobacco markets globally, the relative price stability of recon means that it presents a great opportunity to mitigate the impact of fluctuating costs. “The past growing season was challenging for many tobacco farmers, resulting in reduced quantities produced and sharp price increases around the world,” explains Tapuwa. “Reconstituted tobacco is therefore a valuable tool for creative blenders – performing complementary roles in blend segments while offering a more competitive price.”

Recon also has several functional advantages. It’s made from tobacco by-products, such as stems, scraps, fines and dust, which are mixed with water before undergoing a two-step papermaking process to produce a uniform sheet, known as a ‘web’. “The web closely mimics the aesthetic and physical properties of tobacco leaf,” continues Tapuwa. “This means it can be processed in the same way as tobacco leaf – whether it’s intended for cigarettes, cut rag, or roll-your-own – with several additional benefits for the manufacturer.”

Another benefit is waste reduction through optimised utilisation. While the standard process typically generates waste during leaf processing to packing and manufacturing, recon degrades less during production. This allows manufacturers to retain more material in the finished product, resulting in greater efficiency and reduced costs.

Recon: The tobacco blender’s friend

Consistency is another advantage, with ability to support managing emissions levels of certain chemicals. “One of the blender’s main challenges is adhering to certain chemical limits mandated by legislation such as the Tobacco Products Directive,” adds Tapuwa. “But thanks to recon’s low chemical profile, it’s ideal for helping you ensure tobacco products meet relevant regulations.”

Alongside facilitating compliance, one of the major benefits of our recon and process capabilities is versatility. “Almost any combination of tobacco by-products can be used to create high-quality recon – enabling manufacturers to deliver distinctive taste profiles while improving operational efficiency,” says Tapuwa. “SWM International works closely with its customers to help them develop completely unique recon blends. To achieve this, we take the raw materials supplied by the customer and convert them into recon at our state-of-the-art facilities. And, of course, you’ll have exclusive rights to use the recipe that you create.”

Your strategic partner for recon innovation

With over 60 years of experience in producing high-quality recon, SWM International is ideally placed to help you unlock the possibilities of this versatile material. “Whether working with blue chips or independents, we’re well known in the industry for our R&D capabilities – allowing us to work closely with customers to develop materials for innovative applications such as HTPs,” concludes Tapuwa. “Indeed, we’re a market leader in recon for this category. Meanwhile, our ancillary services allow us to perform in-depth analysis of materials to ensure that recipes meet all regulatory specifications. Our recon operations are set up to help you produce distinctive products cost-effectively.”