Stanelco To Launch Starch-Based Cigarette Filters

Stanelco To Launch Starch-Based Cigarette Filters

ORLANDO, Fla.--Stanelco willintroduce cigarette filters made of starch. According to the company, starch hasa better safety profile than traditional cigarette filters since starch is anatural compound, unlike regular filters made of cellulose acetate, a syntheticfiber that accumulates in smokers' lungs. The company also noted starch-basedfilter tow is substantially cheaper than tow based on cellulose acetate.

Stanelco said it holds global patents for use of the starch material asfilter tow (application EP0861036-A1) and as a cigarette filter (EP1567025-A)and is currently in discussions with cigarette manufacturers in Europe, Americaand Asia about the replacement of cellulose acetate based filters.