CN113966176A

CN113966176A - Smoking article filter and method of making same

Info

Publication number: CN113966176A
Application number: CN202080041838.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: L.特斯凯
Original assignee: JT International SA
Current assignee: JT International SA
Priority date: 2019-06-06
Filing date: 2020-06-03
Publication date: 2022-01-21
Also published as: EA202192920A1; US20220312833A1; JP2022536023A; JP7508479B2; EP3979848A1; WO2020245199A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of producing a filter for a smoking article and to a filter obtained by such a method. The method comprises the following steps: providing a filter rod having a cylindrical shape and having a filter rod first end (21), a filter rod second end (22), and a filter rod circumferential surface; providing an overwrap; wrapping the overwrap over the filter rod in a filter rod circumferential direction so as to cover at least a portion of the filter rod circumferential surface; obtaining wrapped filter rods; cutting the wrapped filter rod perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the filter rod into a wrapped filter rod outer section (40,50) and a wrapped filter rod inner section (60), wherein the length of the wrapped filter rod first outer section comprising the filter rod first end (21) and the wrapped filter rod second outer section comprising the filter rod second end (22) is less than 10% of the total length of the filter rod, and/or less than 10 mm; and obtaining the wrapped filter rod inner sections as filters and discarding the wrapped filter rod outer sections.

Description

Smoking article filter and method of making same

The present invention relates to a method for producing a filter for a smoking article according to the preamble of claims 1 and 15 and to a filter for a smoking article obtained by such a method.

Conventional filter cigarettes are mass produced by combining a tobacco rod with a filter rod and firmly attaching them with a tipping paper, followed by a cutting operation. These procedures are well known in the art. Meanwhile, filters for smoking articles (also referred to as filter rods) are sold separately for different kinds of smoking articles.

The filters are typically made by wrapping filter rods with a wrapping paper and cutting the resulting wrapped filter rods into small pieces. These processes are performed very quickly by specialized machines. As a result, the visual appearance and quality of the final filter is often compromised due to manufacturing tolerances of such processes and machines, respectively. Manufacturing tolerances are related to the arrangement of the wrapping paper and the filter rod, where their positions may shift relative to each other, resulting in unwrapped filter rod portions or protruding wrapped paper portions at the edge of the final filter.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method of producing filters for smoking articles which improves the visual appearance and quality of the final filter.

The above problems are solved by a method of producing a filter for a smoking article. The method according to the invention comprises the following steps: providing a filter rod having a cylindrical shape and having a filter rod first end, a filter rod second end, and a filter rod circumferential surface; providing an overwrap; wrapping the overwrap over the filter rod in a filter rod circumferential direction so as to cover at least a portion of the filter rod circumferential surface; obtaining wrapped filter rods; cutting the wrapped filter rod perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the filter rod into a wrapped filter rod outer section and a wrapped filter rod inner section, wherein the length of the wrapped filter rod first outer section comprising the filter rod first end and the wrapped filter rod second outer section comprising the filter rod second end is less than 10% of the total length of the filter rod, and/or less than 10 mm; and obtaining the wrapped filter rod inner sections as filters and discarding the wrapped filter rod outer sections.

This method produces a filter with an enhanced visual appearance (preferably of the edge of the wrapped filter rod inner section) because the wrapped filter rod outer section is discarded. Preferably, the filter rod produced is longer than the length required for the final filter or wrapped filter rod inner section, respectively, so that the wrapped filter rod outer section can be discarded. Thus, the length of the filter rod produced is preferably longer than the wrapped filter rod first and second outer sections.

By cutting the wrapped filter rod according to the invention, the wrapped filter inner section constituting the filter provides a shared end of the filter rod and the outer wrapper, since the outer wrapper does not protrude or recess relative to the filter rod (and vice versa). In addition, the overwrap wrapped around the inner segment of the filter rod and the filter rod have the same length. By cutting the wrapped filter rod substantially adjacent to both ends of the filter rod and discarding the wrapped filter rod outer section thus obtained, manufacturing tolerances affecting the edges/ends of the filter become insignificant.

According to the invention, the wrapped filter rod obtained comprises a filter rod and an overwrap, wherein the overwrap is wrapped on the filter rod. Further, the wrapped filter rod comprises a filter rod and an overwrap, wherein the overwrap is securely attached to the filter rod.

Discarding the wrapped filter rod outer section according to the present invention is also to be understood as not using the wrapped filter rod outer section as a filter for a smoking article. These filter outer sections preferably can also be recycled or used for another application.

Preferably, the smoking article comprises a conventional cigarette, a heated but non-combustible rod, and/or an e-cigarette.

Preferably, the filter rod extends in a longitudinal filter rod direction, which is parallel to the filter rod circumferential surface. Preferably, the filter rod further extends in a filter rod radial direction, which is perpendicular to the filter rod longitudinal direction. More preferably, the filter rod further extends in a filter rod circumferential direction extending along/together with the filter rod circumferential surface.

Preferably, at least two wrapped filter rod inner sections, i.e. at least two filters, are obtained by cutting the wrapped filter rod. If the wrapped filter rod is cut multiple times, multiple wrapped filter rod inner sections are also available.

Preferably, the method is carried out by a smoking article filter making machine. Preferably, the filter rods are provided by a filter rod making machine.

Preferably, the overwrap covers substantially the entire filter rod circumferential surface. This ensures that the visual appearance of the final filter is maintained, as there are no visible portions of the filter rod that are not wrapped (by the overwrap).

Preferably, the method/steps are performed by a suitable machine. It is also possible to perform the method/steps with at least two separate machines, for example one machine handling the overwrap application step and another machine performing the cutting and separating steps. Thus, it is conceivable that the steps of the method may be performed separately from each other in space and time.

In a preferred embodiment, when cutting the wrapped filter rod, at least two wrapped filter rod inner sections are obtained. It is particularly preferred to obtain two wrapped filter rod inner sections. In this way, more filters are produced in one step, thereby increasing the efficiency of the process. The number of wrapped filter rod inner sections depends on the number of cuts, or the frequency of cutting the wrapped filter rod, respectively.

In a preferred embodiment, the length of the wrapped filter rod first outer section and the wrapped filter rod second outer section is less than 8%, preferably less than 6%, more preferably less than 4%, and particularly preferably less than 3.85% of the total length of the filter rod. Such a length of the wrapped filter rod outer section results in only a small amount of unused filter rods being discarded, thereby saving costs and resources. Furthermore, a proper visual appearance of the filter is ensured.

In a preferred embodiment, the length of the wrapped filter rod first outer section and the wrapped filter rod second outer section is less than 8mm, preferably less than 6mm, more preferably less than 4mm, and particularly preferably less than 3 mm. Such a length of the wrapped filter rod outer section results in only a small amount of unused filter rods being discarded, thereby saving costs and resources. Furthermore, a proper visual appearance of the filter is ensured.

Preferably, the wrapped filter rod first outer section and the wrapped filter rod second outer section have the same length, so that this process can be easily integrated into existing procedures and machines. It is also contemplated that the wrapped filter rod first outer section and the wrapped filter rod second outer section have different lengths.

In a preferred embodiment, the overwrap is secured to the filter rod by an adhesive connection, wherein the adhesive connection is disposed on an inner overwrap surface that is in contact with the filter rod circumferential surface. Advantageously, the adhesive connection is economical and easy to apply by known processes. Preferably, the adhesive connection at least partially covers the inner surface of the overwrap.

In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the inner surface of the overwrap is self-adhesive. This feature ensures a simple arrangement and/or fixation of the overwrap on/relative to the filter rod.

In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the overwrap is printed, in particular with letters, symbols, textures, and/or logos. This feature provides the possibility to brand the outer wrapper by printing a company logo or name on the outer wrapper. Furthermore, the printed overwrap may preferably be used for marketing and communication purposes. Preferably, the imprint on the overwrap may indicate the position of the flavouring element (similar to a flavouring capsule) to facilitate breaking said capsule open. It is therefore important, for example, to apply/wrap the overwrap precisely to/on the filter rod so that the position of the print on the overwrap matches the position of the flavouring element within the filter rod.

In a preferred embodiment, the filter rod comprises acetate filter tow and plug wrap. It is also contemplated that the filter tow exhibits different structures, particularly visual appearance, providing grooves, channels, tubes, and/or voids. Such filter constructions are known in the art, for example, for improving their filtration performance, visual appearance, and/or branding.

Preferably, the filter rod comprises a plug wrap, i.e. an inner wrap, in particular a plug wrap, surrounding the filter rod between the filter rod and the outer wrap. The filter rod wrap is preferably wrapped over the filter tow. The plug wrap may exhibit different characteristics such as low weight, porosity, etc. The use of plugwrap and its application to filter tow is well known in the art. It is also possible to use more plug wrap depending on the construction and composition of the filter rod/filter.

It is envisaged that the filter rod may also comprise additional components, such as activated carbon or activated carbon. Furthermore, many different designs and/or arrangements of filter rods, filters, filter tows, and/or plug wraps are known in the art, wherein all of these designs and/or arrangements may be used in the process according to the present invention where appropriate.

In a preferred embodiment, the filter rod comprises a fibrous material selected from the group consisting of: cellulose acetate, cellulose, flax, cotton and polylactic acid. The fibrous material provides on the one hand a high active surface for absorbing and/or adsorbing certain harmful components of smoke and on the other hand has a low weight. Preferably, the materials used are biodegradable and made from renewable raw materials.

In a preferred embodiment, a first and a second flavor element, in particular flavored breakable capsules, are arranged in the filter rod, wherein a central plane of the filter rod extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the filter rod defines a first and a second side of the filter rod, wherein the first flavor element is arranged at the first side of the filter rod and the second flavor element is arranged at the second side of the filter rod, wherein the first and the second flavor element are arranged at a distance from the central plane, which is between 3 and 20 mm.

Preferably, the first and second flavouring elements are arranged substantially centrally within the filter rod with respect to the radial direction of the filter rod.

Preferably, said flavored breakable capsules are made of plastic material or gelatin-based material containing a flavored liquid. The flavour capsules for example comprise menthol and also other flavourings such as sugar, acetaldehyde, levulinic acid, clove etc. as well as many different flavours such as spearmint, lemon, apple, strawberry and/or coffee. These capsules can be ruptured by mechanical force to release the liquid when required, thereby flavouring the smoke flowing through. Such flavour capsules, their production and their arrangement in filters are well known in the art today.

The flavouring element may also be provided as a flavouring particulate material, wherein different particulate materials may be mixed. Advantageously, the particulate material cannot be broken by accident. More preferably, one of the flavouring elements may be a flavouring capsule and the other flavouring element may be a flavouring particulate material.

Furthermore, more than two flavouring elements may be arranged within the filter rod. The amount of flavouring elements is related to the number of wrapped filter rod inner sections obtained by cutting the wrapped filter rod.

In a preferred embodiment, the first and second flavouring elements are arranged at a distance of between 5mm and 15mm, preferably between 8mm and 12mm, and more preferably at a distance of 10mm from the central plane of the filter rod. This feature ensures that the flavor element is safely and permanently disposed within the filter rod and prevents unwanted damage to the flavor element during the cutting action.

In a preferred embodiment, the overwrap consists of paper, or more generally of a cellulose-based sheet, wherein the overwrap is preferably textured, structured, coated, and/or perforated. The material is economical and easy to process during manufacturing. Further, such overwraps may provide different characteristics, such as a lip release coating, perforations to ensure smoke/air permeability, or different textures and structures that impart a certain feel or feel to the filter.

In a preferred embodiment, the length of the overwrap in the longitudinal direction of the filter rod is the same as the length of the filter rod in the longitudinal direction of the filter rod. This feature may achieve cost savings because no unnecessary overwrap material or filter rod material is used.

In a preferred embodiment, when cutting the wrapped filter rod, the filter rod and/or the overwrap are cut perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the filter rod. Thus, the different sections are suitably separated from each other and the wrapped filter rod inner section/filter has a better visual appearance, as the overwrap and filter rod have shared ends/edges.

The invention also comprises a filter for a smoking article obtainable according to the method of the invention. The filter is comprised of a wrapped filter rod inner section and an overwrap at least partially covering the wrapped filter rod inner section, wherein the length of the wrapped filter rod inner section is substantially equal to the length of the overwrap when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the filter rod. This arrangement ensures an improved visual appearance of the filter, since the overwrap and wrapped filter rod inner sections are of the same length. Thus, no unwrapped portions of the wrapped filter rod inner section and/or no protruding portions of the overwrap are visible.

All disclosed features relating to the method are applicable, mutatis mutandis, to the filter, and all disclosed features relating to the filter are applicable, mutatis mutandis, to the method.

Other advantages, objects and features of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from the practice of the invention. In the figures, similar components in different embodiments may carry the same reference numerals.

The figures show that:

FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2a is a perspective view of a filter rod and overwrap according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2b is a schematic view of a wrapped filter rod according to an embodiment of the present invention;

figure 2c is a schematic view of wrapped filter rod outer and inner sections according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows an overview of a particularly preferred embodiment of the method of producing a filter 10 for a smoking article according to the invention.

In a first step s.1, a filter rod 20 and an outer wrapper 30 are provided. The filter rod 20 and overwrap 30 are preferably prefabricated components that are mass produced. Preferably, the length L4 of the overwrap 30 is similar to the length L1 of the filter rod 20.

In a second step s.2, the outer wrapper 30 is wrapped on the filter rod 20 along the filter rod circumferential direction CD. The outer wrapper 30 at least partially covers the filter rod circumferential surface 23, wherein the outer wrapper inner surface 31 is in contact with the filter rod circumferential surface 23. Preferably, the overwrap 30 and filter rod 20 are securely connected by an adhesive/cohesive connection, wherein the cohesive connection may be present on the overwrap inner surface 31 and/or the filter rod circumferential surface 23, and then the overwrap 30 is wrapped over the filter rod 20. This step is prone to the manufacturing tolerances described above.

In a third step s.3, a wrapped filter rod 100 is obtained, which comprises a filter rod 20 and an outer wrapper 30 securely connected thereto.

In step s.4, the wrapped filter rod 100 is cut and in step s.5, the wrapped filter rod first outer section 70 and the wrapped filter rod second outer section 80 and the at least two wrapped filter rod inner sections 60 are obtained. The wrapped filter rod is cut perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LD/parallel to the radial direction RD of the filter rod. The wrapped filter rod first outer section 70 comprises the filter rod first end 21 and the wrapped filter rod second outer section 80 comprises the filter rod second end 22. The length (L2) of the wrapped filter rod

outer sections

70, 80 is less than 10% and/or less than 10mm of the total length (L1) of the filter rod (20).

In a final step s.6, the wrapped filter rod inner section 60 is used as a filter for a smoking article with improved visual quality. The wrapped filter rod outer sections 70, 80 (including the filter rod ends 21, 22 with possible visual defects) are discarded.

In fig. 2a, a filter rod 20 and an overwrap 30 are shown prior to wrapping the overwrap 30 on the filter rod 20 according to an embodiment of the present aspect.

The filter rod 20 has a filter rod first end 21 and a filter rod second end 22. Filter rod first end 21 and filter rod second end 22 are preferably parallel to each other and parallel to filter rod radial direction RD and perpendicular to filter rod longitudinal direction LD.

The filter rod 20 further comprises a filter rod circumferential surface 23 extending in/along the filter rod circumferential direction CD.

The filter rod 20 has a length L4. The length L4 of the filter rod 20 is variable and can be selected according to the desired length or amount of the filter 10.

The overwrap 30 includes an overwrap inner surface 31 and an overwrap outer surface 32, which are opposite and extend parallel to each other. In this case, the outer wrapper 30 is shown in a curved form. Preferably, the overwrap 30 is formed from a rolled sheet of material, is substantially planar, and is cut from a roll into a generally rectangular or square shape.

The overwrap 30 has a length L4. The length L4 of the overwrap 30 may vary depending on the length L1 of the filter rod 20.

In fig. 2b, a wrapped filter rod 100 is shown, wherein the outer wrapper 30 has been wrapped over the filter rod 20 along the filter rod circumferential direction CD, covering the entire filter rod circumferential surface 23. The outer wrapper inner surface 31 is in contact with the filter rod circumferential surface 23.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 2b, the overwrap 30 and the filter rod 20 have the same length (L1 ═ L4) and end together by the filter rod ends 21, 22.

It is also possible that the outer wrapper 30 only partially covers the filter rod circumferential surface 23. It is further contemplated that the overwrap 30 extends beyond the first end 21 of the ultrafiltration rod and/or the second end 22 of the filter rod. It is further contemplated that the length L4 of the overwrap 30 is different than the length L1 of the filter rod 20.

In fig. 2b, two first cut lines X1 and one second cut line X2 are shown. These lines are shown for clarity and indicate the cutting location. The cutting is performed along cutting lines X1, X2 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LD of the filter rod, wherein the cutting is wrapped around the filter rod 100 and thus cuts the filter rod 20 and the outer wrapper 30. The cutting lines X1, X2 are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LD of the filter rod.

It is further conceivable to provide an additional second cutting line X2, thereby providing at least one second cutting line X2. This means that depending on the number of cuts/number of second cutting lines X2, the wrapped filter rod 100 is cut more times and a plurality of wrapped filter rod inner sections 60 are obtained.

In this case, the second cutting line X2 corresponds to the center plane 90 of the filter rod 20. The central plane 90 defines the first side 24 of the filter rod 20 and the second side 25 of the filter rod 25.

A first flavor element 70 and a second flavor element 80 are disposed within the filter rod 20. The

flavor elements

70, 80 are not visible from outside the filter rod, but are shown for clarity. First and

second flavoring elements

70 and 80 are disposed at a distance D from central plane 90 and second cut line X2 in filter rod longitudinal direction LD, wherein first flavoring element 70 is disposed on first side 24 of filter rod 20 and second flavoring element is disposed on second side 25 of filter rod 20.

Flavor elements

70, 80 are disposed within filter rod 20 in longitudinal direction LD thereof.

It is also possible that the distance D of the first flavouring element 70 from the central plane 90 and/or the second cutting line X2 and the distance D of the second flavouring element 80 from the central plane 90 and/or the second cutting line X2 are different.

It is also possible that the first flavouring element 70 and the second flavouring element 80 are arranged at a distance D from the second cutting line X2 if the second cutting line X2 differs from the central plane 90. It is further possible that the

flavouring elements

70, 80 are arranged at a distance D from the predetermined second cutting line X2, in particular when more than two flavouring elements are arranged within the filter rod.

In this embodiment, the

flavouring elements

70, 80 are provided as flavouring capsules, but it is further conceivable that the

flavouring elements

70, 80 are provided, for example, as flavouring threads arranged within the filter rod 20. In addition, first and

second flavoring elements

70 and 80 may differ, for example, in taste, design, and/or arrangement.

In fig. 2c, a wrapped filter rod first outer section 40, a wrapped filter rod second outer section 50, and two wrapped filter inner sections 60 are depicted. The

sections

40,50, 60 are obtained after cutting the wrapped filter rod 100.

The wrapped filter rod first outer section 40 comprises the filter rod first end 21 and the wrapped filter rod second outer section 50 comprises the filter rod second end 22.

The wrapped filter rod first outer section 40 and the wrapped filter rod second outer section 50 have a length L2. In this case, the length L2 of the wrapped filter rod first outer section 40 and the wrapped filter rod second outer section 50 are the same. It is also possible that the length of the wrapped filter rod first outer section 40 is different from the length of the wrapped filter rod second outer section 50.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, two wrapped filter rod inner sections 60 are provided, thereby constituting two filters 10. The wrapped filter rod inner section 60 has a length L3. Wrapped filter rod inner section 60 includes a first flavor element 70 and a second flavor element 80, respectively.

By cutting the wrapped filter rod 100, the resulting wrapped filter rod inner section 60 provides a shared/common end of the filter rod 20 and the outer wrapper 30.

The statements and description relating to one of fig. 1, 2a, 2b or 2c apply mutatis mutandis to the other figures. The statements made with respect to the filter rod 20 apply mutatis mutandis to the wrapped filter rod 100 and vice versa. In addition, the overall proportions of the components and the proportions between each other are merely illustrative and by no means represent actual ratios.

The applicant reserves the right to claim as essential features of the invention all features disclosed in the main application document as if they were new individually or in combination in view of the prior art. Furthermore, it should be noted that the features described in the figures may be advantageous individually. One skilled in the art will immediately recognize that certain features disclosed in the figures may also be advantageous without the employment of other features in the figures. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that advantages may be derived from combinations of various features disclosed in one or more of the figures.

List of reference numerals

10 filter tip

20 filter rod

21 first end of filter rod

22 second end of filter rod

23 peripheral surface of filter rod

24 first side of filter rod

25 second side of filter rod

30 outer wrapper

31 inner surface of outer wrapper

32 outer envelope outer surface

40 wrapped filter rod first outer section

50 wrapped filter rod second outer section

60 wrapped filter rod inner section

70 first flavouring element

80 second flavouring element

90 center plane of filter rod

100 wrapped filter rod

Longitudinal direction of LD filter rod

Radial direction of RD filter rod

Circumferential direction of CD filter rod

Length of L1 filter rod

L2 wrapped about the length of the outer section of the filter rod

L3 wrapped about the length of the inner section of the filter rod

Length of L4 overwrap

D distance between the flavouring element and the central plane

X1 first cutting line

X2 second cut line

Claims

1. A method of producing a filter (10) for a smoking article, comprising the steps of:

a. providing a filter rod (20) having a cylindrical shape and having a filter rod first end (21), a filter rod second end (22), and a filter rod circumferential surface (23);

b. providing an outer wrapper (30);

c. wrapping the overwrap (30) on the filter rod (20) along a filter rod Circumferential Direction (CD) so as to cover at least a portion of the filter rod circumferential surface (23);

d. obtaining wrapped filter rods (100);

wherein the method is characterized by the following additional steps:

e. cutting the wrapped filter rod (100) perpendicular to the filter rod Longitudinal Direction (LD) into a wrapped filter rod outer section (40,50) and a wrapped filter rod inner section (60), wherein a wrapped filter rod first outer section (40) comprises the filter rod first end (21) and a wrapped filter rod second outer section (50) comprises the filter rod second end (22), the length (L2) of the wrapped filter rod first outer section (40) and the wrapped filter rod second outer section (50) being less than 10% of the total length (L1) of the filter rod (20) and/or less than 10 mm;

f. obtaining said wrapped filter rod inner section (60) as the filter (10) and discarding said wrapped filter rod outer section (40, 50).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second light sources are selected from the group consisting of,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

when cutting the wrapped filter rod (100), at least two wrapped filter rod inner sections (60) are obtained.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the length (L2) of the wrapped filter rod first outer section (40) and the wrapped filter rod second outer section (50) is less than 8%, preferably less than 6%, more preferably less than 4%, and particularly preferably less than 3.85% of the total length (L1) of the filter rod (20).

4. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the length (L2) of the wrapped filter rod first outer section (40) and the wrapped filter rod second outer section (50) is less than 8mm, preferably less than 6mm, more preferably less than 4mm, and particularly preferably less than 3 mm.

5. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the overwrap (30) is fixed to the filter rod (20) by an adhesive connection, wherein the adhesive connection is arranged on an overwrap inner surface (31), the overwrap inner surface (31) being in contact with the filter rod circumferential surface (23).

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the first and second light sources are selected from the group consisting of,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

at least a portion of the overwrap inner surface (31) is self-adhesive.

7. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the outer wrapper outer surface (32) is printed, in particular with letters, symbols, textures, and/or logos.

8. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the filter rod (20) comprises filter tow and a plug wrap, in particular a plug wrap.

9. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the filter rod (20) comprises a fibrous material selected from the group consisting of: cellulose acetate, cellulose, flax, hemp, cotton and polylactic acid.

10. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

arranging a first flavouring element (70) and a second flavouring element (80), in particular a flavoured breakable capsule, in the filter rod (20), wherein a central plane (90) of the filter rod (20) extending perpendicularly to the filter rod Longitudinal Direction (LD) defines a first side (24) and a second side (25) of the filter rod (20), wherein the first flavouring element (70) is arranged at the first side (24) of the filter rod (20) and the second flavouring element (80) is arranged at the second side (25) of the filter rod (20), wherein the first flavouring element (70) and the second flavouring element (80) are arranged at a distance (D) from the central plane (90), which distance (D) is between 3mm and 20 mm.

11. The method according to the preceding claim,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the first flavouring element (70) and the second flavouring element (80) are arranged at a distance (D) of between 5mm and 15mm, preferably between 8mm and 12mm, and more preferably at a distance (D) of 10mm from the central plane (90) of the filter rod (20).

12. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the outer wrapper (30) is composed of a paper, carton, and/or cardboard material, wherein the outer wrapper (30) is preferably textured, structured, coated, and/or perforated.

13. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the length (L4) of the outer wrapper (30) in the filter rod Longitudinal Direction (LD) is the same as the length (L1) of the filter rod (20) in the filter rod Longitudinal Direction (LD).

14. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

when cutting the wrapped filter rod (100), the filter rod (20) and/or the outer wrapper (30) is cut perpendicular to the filter rod Longitudinal Direction (LD).