What is porous plug wrap paper (PPWP)?

Porous plug wrap paper is a type of paper used in the manufacturing of certain types of cigarettes.

It plays a crucial role in the construction of cigarette filters.

The term “plug wrap” refers to the cylindrical wrapping that encases the filter material.

The paper used for this purpose is designed to be porous, allowing air to pass through, which is important for the ventilation of the cigarette.

The porous nature of the plug wrap paper helps control the amount of air that mixes with the smoke as it passes through the filter.

This ventilation is often desired by cigarette manufacturers to adjust the taste, strength, and overall smoking experience.

The porosity can be adjusted to achieve specific airflow characteristics, affecting factors such as draw resistance and dilution of smoke constituents.

Why use porous plug wrap paper?

Porous plug wrap paper is used in cigarette manufacturing for several reasons, primarily related to controlling the airflow and ventilation in the cigarette. Here are some key reasons why porous plug wrap paper is employed:

1. Ventilation Control: The porosity of the plug wrap paper allows controlled airflow through the filter. This controlled ventilation helps in regulating the amount of air that mixes with the smoke as it passes through the filter. Manufacturers can adjust the level of porosity to achieve specific ventilation characteristics.

2. Taste and Strength Adjustment: By controlling ventilation, cigarette manufacturers can influence the taste and strength of the smoke. Some smokers prefer a milder taste, and adjusting the porosity of the plug wrap paper allows manufacturers to customize the smoking experience to meet different preferences.

3. Filter Efficiency: The porous nature of the paper contributes to the overall efficiency of the filter. It helps trap certain particulates and substances present in the smoke, contributing to the filtration process.

4. Draw Resistance: The plug wrap paper’s porosity also affects the cigarette’s draw resistance. Manufacturers can optimize this feature to create a specific level of resistance that suits the preferences of smokers.

5. Consistency: Using porous plug wrap paper allows manufacturers to maintain consistency in the smoking characteristics of their cigarette products. By controlling the porosity, they can reproduce specific qualities in each cigarette, providing a uniform experience for consumers.

In summary, porous plug wrap paper is a crucial component in cigarette manufacturing as it enables manufacturers to fine-tune the smoking experience. It provides a means to control airflow, adjust taste and strength, enhance filter efficiency, and maintain consistency across a brand’s product line.

Why porous plug wrap paper is more expensive than non-porous one?

The cost of porous plug wrap paper compared to non-porous paper can vary based on several factors, including the production process, materials used, and the specific requirements of cigarette manufacturers.

As a professional specialty paper manufacturer, Jinfeng Paper is familiar with this question. Here are some reasons why porous plug wrap paper might be more expensive than non-porous paper:

1. Specialized Production Process: The manufacturing process for porous plug wrap paper is often more complex and specialized than that for non-porous paper. Creating a paper with controlled porosity requires additional steps and technologies, which contributes to higher production costs.

2. Materials: The materials used in porous plug wrap paper are more expensive or require specific properties to achieve the desired level of porosity while maintaining other performance characteristics. Specialized blends of fibers or additives are necessary.

3. Quality and Consistency: Achieving consistent porosity across a large production run can be challenging. Porous plug wrap paper must meet strict quality standards to ensure uniformity in airflow and smoking characteristics. Quality control measures can add to production costs.

4. Research and Development: The development of porous plug wrap paper involves research and development efforts to create a paper that meets the desired specifications. Costs associated with R&D, including testing and refining the product, can contribute to the overall expense.

5. Market Demand: If there is a high demand for cigarettes with specific ventilation characteristics achieved through porous plug wrap paper, manufacturers may be willing to invest more in producing this type of paper. The law of supply and demand can influence pricing. For example, porous plug wrap paper is highly demanded in the Chinese market, where low tar is required as a policy. Till 2023, Jinfeng has produced 5000 tons of PPWP annually for the domestic market. We are one of the authorized factories of China Tobacco.

6. Regulatory Compliance: Some regions or countries may have regulations related to the use of certain materials in cigarette production, and compliance with these regulations may add costs.

Which companies supply porous plug wrap paper?

The suppliers of PPWP may vary by region, and tobacco companies may source materials from different suppliers based on their production needs.

Some well-known suppliers in the tobacco industry that provide various types of cigarette paper, including plug wrap paper, include:

1. Delfort Group: Delfort is a global supplier of specialty papers, including those used in the tobacco industry. They offer a range of cigarette papers, filter papers, and plug wrap papers.

2. Miquel y Costas & Miquel, S.A.: This company, based in Spain, is a supplier of specialty papers, including those used in cigarette production. They are known for their expertise in producing plug wrap paper.

3. SWM International: SWM is a global provider of specialty papers, films, and other materials. They offer a range of products used in the tobacco industry, including plug wrap papers. Porowrap® by SWM is their famous brand of porous plug wrap paper.

4. Julius Glatz GmbH: Glatz is a German paper manufacturer that produces specialty papers, including those used in the tobacco industry. They are known for their involvement in the production of plug wrap paper (Fupa©).

5. Sichuan Jinfeng Paper: Jinfeng is the only cigarette paper manufacturer in southwest China. They are known for their production of low-weight 23gsm porous plug wrap paper.

If you are specifically interested in a particular brand or company in the cigarette papers industry, you may check these two articles:

THE MAIN SUPPLIERS OF CIGARETTE PAPER WORLDWIDE

SUPPLIERS OF CIGARETTE PAPER IN CHINA