EP3979848A1

EP3979848A1 - Method for manufacturing a smoking article filter

Info

Publication number: EP3979848A1
Application number: EP20730266.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Leonid TSKHAY
Original assignee: JT International SA
Current assignee: JT International SA
Priority date: 2019-06-06
Filing date: 2020-06-03
Publication date: 2022-04-13
Also published as: CN113966176A; US20220312833A1; EA202192920A1; WO2020245199A1; JP2022536023A

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing filters for smoking articles. The method comprising the steps of: providing a filter rod, the filter rod having a cylinder shape with a first filter rod end (21), a second filter rod end (22) and a circumferential filter rod surface; providing an outer wrapper; wrapping the outer wrapper around the filter rod along a filter rod circumferential direction covering at least parts of the circumferential filter rod surface; obtaining a wrapped filter rod; cutting the wrapped filter rod perpendicular to a filter rod longitudinal direction into outer (40, 50) and inner (60) wrapped filter rod segments, wherein a first outer wrapped filter rod segment comprising the first filter rod end (21) and a second outer wrapped filter rod segment comprising the second filter rod end (22), the first outer wrapped filter rod segment and the second outer wrapped filter rod segment having a length being less than 10 % of a total length of the filter rod and/or less than 10 mm; and obtaining the inner wrapped filter rod segments as the filters and disposing the outer wrapped filter rod segments.

Description

METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A SMOKING ARTICLE FILTER

Description

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

Conventional filter cigarettes are produced in large quantities by joining tobacco rods with fil ter rods and firmly connecting them with a tipping paper, followed by cutting operations. These procedures are well-known in the art. Meanwhile, filters, also called filter sticks, for smoking articles are sold separately to be used for different kinds of smoking articles.

Said filters are typically made by wrapping a filter rod with a wrapping paper and cutting the resulting wrapped filter rod into pieces. These processes are conducted by specialized ma chines very rapidly. Thereby, the visual appearance and quality of the final filters is often miti- gated due to manufacturing tolerances of such processes and machines, respectively. The manufacturing tolerances relate to arrangement of the wrapping paper and the filter rod, wherein their positions can be displaced relative to each other, resulting in unwrapped filter rod portions or protruding wrapping paper portions at the edges of the final filters. It is therefore the objective of the present invention to provide a method for producing filters for smoking articles that improves the visual appearance and quality of the final filters. The afore-mentioned problems are solved by a method for producing filters for smoking arti cles. The method according to the invention comprises the following steps of: providing a fil ter rod, the filter rod having a cylinder shape with a first filter rod end, a second filter rod end and a circumferential filter rod surface; providing an outer wrapper; wrapping the outer wrap per around the filter rod along a filter rod circumferential direction covering at least parts of the circumferential filter rod surface; obtaining a wrapped filter rod; cutting the wrapped filter rod perpendicular to a filter rod longitudinal direction into outer and inner wrapped filter rod segments, wherein a first outer wrapped filter rod segment comprising the first filter rod end and a second outer wrapped filter rod segment comprising the second filter rod end have a length being less than 10 % of a total length of the filter rod and/or less than 10 mm; and ob taining the inner wrapped filter rod segments as the filters and disposing the outer wrapped filter rod segments.

The method provides the production of filters with an enhanced visual appearance, prefera bly of edges of the inner wrapped filter rod segments since the outer wrapped filter rod seg ments are discarded. Preferably, the filter rod is produced longer than required for the final filters or inner wrapped filter rod segments, respectively, so that the outer wrapped filter rod segments can be disposed. Therefore, the filter rod is preferably produced longer by the length of the first and the second outer wrapped filter rod segments.

By cutting the wrapped filter rod according to the invention, the inner wrapped filter seg ments, constituting the filters, provide a shared ending of the filter rod and the outer wrapper by means that the outer wrapper is not protruding or recessed relative to the filter rod and vice versa. Further, the outer wrapper and the filter rod of the inner wrapped filter rod seg ments have the same length. By cutting the wrapped filter rod substantially adjacent to filter rod ends and disposing the thereby obtained outer wrapped filter rod segments, manufactur ing tolerances affecting the edges/ends of the filter become irrelevant.

According to the invention, the obtained wrapped filter rod comprises the filter rod and the outer wrapper, wherein the outer wrapper is wrapped around the filter rod. Furthermore, the wrapped filter rod comprises the filter rod and the outer wrapper, wherein the outer wrapper is firmly attached to the filter rod. According to the invention, disposing the outer wrapped filter rod segments should be also understood as not using the outer wrapped filter rod segments as filters for smoking articles. The outer filter segments might also preferably be recycled or used for another application.

Preferably, smoking articles comprise conventional cigarettes, heat-not-burn sticks and/or electronic cigarettes.

Preferably, the filter rod extends in a filter rod longitudinal direction, which is parallel to the circumferential filter rod 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, which extends along/with the circumferential filter rod surface.

Preferably, at least two inner wrapped filter rod segments, i.e. at least two filters, are ob tained by cutting the wrapped filter rod. It is also possible that a plurality of inner wrapped fil ter rod segments is obtained if the wrapped filter rod is cut more often.

Preferably, the method is conducted by a smoking article filter manufacturing machine. The filter rod is preferably provided by a filter rod maker machine.

Preferably, the outer wrapper is substantially covering the whole circumferential filter rod sur face. This ensures the maintaining of the visual appearance of the final filter since there are no unwrapped (by the outer wrapper) parts of the filter rod that are visible.

Preferably, the method/ the steps is/are executed by one suitable machine. It is also possible that the method/ the steps are conducted by at least two separated machines, for example one machine handles outer wrapper application steps, wherein another machine performs cutting and separation steps. Therefore, it is conceivable that the steps of the method could be executed spatially and temporally separated from each other.

In a preferred embodiment, at least two inner wrapped filter rod segments are obtained, when the wrapped filter rod is being cut. Obtaining two inner wrapped filter rod segments is particularly preferred. In such a way, more filters are produced in one step increasing the effi ciency of the method. The number of inner wrapped filter rod segments depends on the num ber of cuts or how often the wrapped filter rod is cut, respectively. ln a preferred embodiment, the first outer wrapped filter rod segment and the second outer wrapped filter rod segment have a length being less than 8 %, preferably less than 6 %, more preferably less than 4 % and particularly preferably 3.85 % of the total length of the fil ter rod. Such a length of the outer wrapped filter rod segments leads to the discarding of only small amounts of unused filter rod, thus saving costs and resources. Moreover, a proper vis ual appearance of the filter is guaranteed.

In a preferred embodiment, the first outer wrapped filter rod segment and the second outer wrapped filter rod segment have a length being less than 8 mm, preferably less than 6 mm, more preferably less than 4 mm and particularly preferably 3 mm. Such a length of the outer wrapped filter rod segments leads to the discarding of only small amounts of unused filter rod, thus saving costs and resources. Moreover, a proper visual appearance of the filter is guaranteed.

Preferably, the first outer wrapped filter rod segment and the second outer wrapped filter rod segment have the same length so that the process can be easily integrated into existing pro cedures and machines. It is also conceivable that the first outer wrapped filter rod segment and the second outer wrapped filter rod segment have a different length.

In a preferred embodiment, the outer wrapper is fixed to the filter rod by an adhesive connec tion, wherein the adhesive connection is arranged on an inner outer wrapper surface, the in ner outer wrapper surface being in contact with the circumferential filter rod surface. Benefi cially, glueing connections are cheap and easily applicable by known processes. Preferably, the glueing connection is at least partially covering the inner outer wrapper surface.

In a preferred embodiment, at least parts of the inner outer wrapper surface are self-adhe sive. This feature ensures the simple arrangement and/or fixation of the outer wrapper on/to the filter rod.

In a preferred embodiment, an outer surface of the outer wrapper is printed, in particular with letters, symbols, textures and/or emblems. This feature offers the possibility of branding the outer wrapper by printing a company logo or name on it. Furthermore, the printed outer wrap per can preferably be used for marketing and communication purposes. Preferably, the print- ing on the outer wrapper can indicate the position of a flavouring element, like a flavored cap sule, to facilitate breaking of said capsule. Therefore, it is important that the outer wrapper is precisely applied/wrapped to/on the filter rod, so that the position of printings on the outer wrapper matches the position of a flavoring element inside the filter rod, for example.

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

Preferably, the filter rod comprises a plug wrap, i.e. an inner wrapper surrounding the filter plug in between said filter plug and outer wrapper, particularly a plug wrap paper. The plug wrap is preferably wrapped around the filter tow. The plug wrap can exhibit different proper ties, such as low weight, porosity, etc. The use of plug wrap papers and their application on the filter tow is well-known in the art. It is also possible, to use more plug wraps depending on the structure and components of the filter rod/filter.

It is conceivable that the filter rod also comprises further components like activated or active carbon. Furthermore, many different filter rod, filter, filter tow and/or plug wrap designs and/or arrangements are known in the art, wherein all these designs and/or arrangements could be used within the method according to the invention where appropriate.

In a preferred embodiment, the filter rod comprises a fibrous material, the fibrous material be ing selected from a group consisting of cellulose acetate, cellulose, flax, cotton and polylactic acid. Said fibrous materials on the one hand provide the high active surface to absorb and/or adsorb certain harmful components of smoke and on the other hand have a low weight. Pref erably, the used materials are biodegradable and made of a renewable raw material.

In a preferred embodiment, a first and a second flavoring element, in particular a flavored breakable capsule, being arranged inside the filter rod, wherein a central plane of the filter rod extending perpendicular to the filter rod longitudinal direction defines a first and a second side of the filter rod, wherein the first flavoring element is arranged on the first side of the fil ter rod and the second flavoring element is arranged on the second side of the filter rod, wherein the first and the second flavoring element are arranged in a distance to the central plane, the distance being between 3 m and 20 mm.

Preferably, the first and the second flavoring element are arranged substantially centrally in side the filter rod with respect to the filter rod radial direction.

Preferably, said flavored breakable capsules are made of plastic material or gelatine-based material housing a flavored liquid. The flavored capsule for example contains menthol and also includes other flavorings, e.g. sugars, acetaldehyde, levulinic acid, clove, etc. and many different flavors like spearmint, lemon, apple, strawberry and/or coffee. These capsules can be broken upon demand by mechanical force to release the liquid, thereby flavoring the smoke flowing through. Such flavored capsules, their production and arrangement into filters is well-known in the art nowadays.

It is also possible that the flavoring elements are provided as a flavored granular material, wherein different granular materials can be mixed. Granular materials advantageously can not be broken by accident. More preferably, one of the flavoring elements can be a flavored capsule and the other flavoring element can be a flavored granular material.

Furthermore, it is possible that more than two flavoring elements are arranged inside the filter rod. The amount of flavoring elements is related to the number of inner wrapped filter rod segments obtained by cutting the wrapped filter rod.

In a preferred embodiment, the first and the second flavoring element are arranged in a dis tance between 5 mm and 15 mm, preferably 8 mm and 12 mm and more preferably in a dis tance of 10 mm to the central plane of the filter rod. This feature ensures the safe and per manent arrangement of the flavoring elements inside the filter rod and prevents unwanted damage to said flavored elements during cutting actions.

In a preferred embodiment, the outer wrapper consists of a paper, or more generally a cellu lose based sheet material, wherein the outer wrapper is preferably textured, structured, coated and/or perforated. Said materials are cheap and easily processable during manufac turing. Moreover, such outer wrappers can provide different properties like a lip release coat ing, perforations to ensure smoke/air permeability or different textures and structures to give the filter a certain touch or feeling. ln a preferred embodiment, a length of the outer wrapper in the filter rod longitudinal direction is the same than the length of the filter rod in the filter rod longitudinal direction. This feature can lead to cost savings since no unnecessary outer wrapper material or filter rod material is used.

In a preferred embodiment, when the wrapped filter rod is being cut, the filter rod and/or the outer wrapper is/are cut perpendicular to the filter rod longitudinal direction. As a result, the different segments are properly separated from each other and the inner wrapped filter rod segments/filters have a better visual quality since the outer wrapper and the filter rod have a shared ending/edge.

The invention also comprises a filter for smoking articles obtainable according to the method of the invention. The filter consists of an inner wrapped filter rod segment and an outer wrap per covering the inner wrapped filter rod segment at least in part, wherein the length of the inner wrapped filter rod segment is substantially equal to the length of the outer wrapper when viewed in the filter rod longitudinal direction. This arrangement ensures the improved visual appearance of the filter since the outer wrapper and the inner wrapped filter rod seg ment provide the same length. Therefore, no unwrapped parts of the inner wrapped filter rod segments are visible and/or no protruding parts of the outer wrapper are present.

All disclosed features relating to the method shall apply mutatis mutandis to the filter and all disclosed features relating to the filter shall apply mutatis mutandis to the method.

Further advantages, objectives and features of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, in the following description with reference to the appended figures. In the figures, like components in different embodiments can exhibit the same reference sym bols.

The figures show:

Fig. 1 a flow diagram of the method according to a preferred embodiment of the pre sent invention; Fig. 2a a perspective view of a filter rod and an outer wrapper according to an embod iment of the invention;

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

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

Fig. 1 shows an overview of a particularly preferred embodiment of the method for producing filters 10 for smoking articles 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 the outer wrapper 30 are preferably prefabricated components which are mass-produced. Preferably, a length L4 of the outer wrapper 30 is similar to a length L1 of the filter rod 20.

In a second step S.2, the outer wrapper 30 is wrapped around the filter rod 20 along a filter rod circumferential direction CD. The outer wrapper 30 covers a circumferential filter rod sur face 23 at least partially, wherein an inner outer wrapper surface 31 is in contact with the cir cumferential filter rod surface 23. Preferably, the outer wrapper 30 and the filter rod 20 are firmly connected by a glue/ adhesive connection, wherein the adhesive connection could be present on the inner outer wrapper surface 31 and/or the circumferential filter rod surface 23 before the outer wrapper 30 is wrapped around the filter rod 20. This step is prone to the above-mentioned manufacturing tolerances.

In a third step S.3, a wrapped filter rod 100 is obtained, comprising the filter rod 20 and the outer wrapper 30 firmly connected thereto.

In a step S.4, the wrapped filter rod 100 is cut and a first 70 and a second outer wrapped filter rod segment 80 as well as at least two inner wrapped filter rod segments 60 are obtained in a step S.5. The wrapped filter rod is cut perpendicular to a filter rod longitudinal direction LD/ parallel to a radial filter rod direction RD. The first outer wrapped filter rod segment 70 com prises a first filter rod end 21 and the second outer wrapped filter rod segment 80 comprises a second filter rod end 22. The outer wrapped filter rod segments 70, 80 have a length (L2) being less than 10 % of a total length (L1) of the filter rod (20) and/or less than 10 mm. ln a final step S.6, the inner wrapped filter rod segments 60 are used as filters for smoking articles, having an improved visual quality. The outer wrapped filter rod segments 70, 80, com prising the filter rod ends 21 , 22 with the possible visual impairments are disposed.

In Fig. 2a a filter rod 20 and an outer wrapper 30 are shown, before the outer wrapper 30 is wrapped around the filter rod 20, according to an embodiment of the invention.

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

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

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

The outer wrapper 30 comprises an inner outer wrapper surface 31 and an outer outer wrapper surface 32 facing each other and extending in parallel. In this case, the outer wrapper 30 is shown in a bent fashion. Preferably, the outer wrapper 30 is formed from a reeled sheet of material, substantially planar and cut from a bobbin to a substantially rectangular or square shape.

The outer wrapper 30 has a length L4. The length L4 of the outer wrapper 30 can be varied according to 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 around the filter rod 20 along a filter rod circumferential direction CD, covering the whole cir cumferential filter rod surface 23. The inner outer wrapper surface 31 is in contact with the circumferential filter rod surface 23.

In the shown embodiment of Fig. 2b the outer wrapper 30 and the filter rod 20 have the same length (L1 = L4) and have a shared ending by means of the filter rod ends 21 , 22. It is also possible that the outer wrapper 30 covers the circumferential filter rod surface 23 only partially. It is further conceivable that the outer wrapper 30 protrudes beyond the first filter rod end 21 and/or the second filter rod end 22. It is further conceivable that the length L4 of the outer wrapper 30 is not the same as the length L1 of the filter rod 20.

In Fig. 2b two first cutting lines X1 and one second cutting line X2 are shown. These lines are shown for the sake of clarity and should represent the cutting positions. A cut is executed along the cutting lines X1 , X2 perpendicular to the filter rod longitudinal direction LD, wherein the wrapped filter rod 100 and thus the filter rod 20 and the outer wrapper 30 are cut. The cutting lines X1 , X2 are perpendicular to the filter rod longitudinal direction LD.

It is further conceivable, that additional second cutting lines X2 are provided, so that at least one second cutting line X2 is provided. That means that the wrapped filter rod 100 is cut more often and a plurality of inner wrapped filter rod segments 60 is obtained, depending on the number of cuts/ second cutting lines X2.

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

A first flavoring element 70 and a second flavoring element 80 are arranged inside the filter rod 20. The flavoring elements 70, 80 are not visible from the outside of the filter rod but are shown for clarity. The first 70 and the second flavoring element 80 are arranged in a distance D to the central plane 90 and the second cutting line X2 in the filter rod longitudinal direction LD, wherein the first flavoring element 70 is arranged on the first side 24 of the filter rod 20 and the second flavoring element is arranged on the second side 25 of the filter rod 20.

The flavoring elements 70, 80 are arranged inside the filter rod 20, on the longitudinal direction LD thereof.

It is also possible, that the distance D of the first flavoring element 70 to the central plane 90 and/or the second cutting line X2 and the distance D of the second flavoring element 80 to the central plane 90 and/or the second cutting line X2 are not the same. It is also possible that the first 70 and the second flavoring element 80 are arranged in a dis tance D to the second cutting line X2 if the second cutting line X2 and the central plane 90 are not the same. It is further possible that flavoring elements 70, 80 are arranged in a distance D to predetermined second cutting lines X2, especially when more than two flavoring elements are arranged inside the filter rod.

In this embodiment, the flavoring elements 70, 80 are provided as flavored capsules but it is further conceivable that the flavoring elements 70, 80 are provided for example as a flavored thread arranged inside the filter rod 20. Further, the first flavoring element 70 and the second flavoring element 80 could be different, e.g. in flavor, design and/or arrangement.

In Fig. 2c a first outer wrapped filter rod segment 40, a second outer wrapped filter rod seg ment 50 and two inner wrapped filter segments 60 are depicted. Said segments 40, 50, 60 are obtained after cutting the wrapped filter rod 100.

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

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

According to the embodiment of the invention, two inner wrapped filter rod segments 60 are provided, constituting two filters 10. The inner wrapped filter rod segments 60 have a length L3. The inner wrapped filter rod segments 60 comprise the first 70 and the second flavoring ele ment 80, respectively.

By cutting the wrapped filter rod 100, the resulting inner wrapped filter rod segments 60 provide a shared/common ending of the filter rod 20 and the outer wrapper 30.

Statements and descriptions relating to one of the figures Fig. 1 , Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b or Fig. 2c shall apply mutatis mutandis to the other figures. Statements according to the filter rod 20 should apply mutatis mutandis to the wrapped filter rod 100 and vice versa. Furthermore, the proportions of the components in general and in relation to each other are only schematic and must not represent the actual ratios.

The applicant reserves his right to claim all features disclosed in the application document as being an essential feature of the invention, as long as they are new, individually or in combi nation, in view of the prior art. Furthermore, it is noted that in the figures features are de scribed, which can be advantageous individually. Someone skilled in the art will directly rec ognize that a specific feature being disclosed in a figure can be advantageous also without the adoption of further features from this figure. Furthermore, someone skilled in the art will recognize that advantages can evolve from a combination of diverse features being dis closed in one or various figures.

List of reference symbols

10 filter

20 filter rod

21 first filter rod end

22 second filter rod end

23 circumferential filter rod surface

24 first side of the filter rod

25 second side of the filter rod

30 outer wrapper

31 inner outer wrapper surface

32 outer outer wrapper surface

40 first outer wrapped filter rod segment

50 second outer wrapped filter rod segment

60 inner wrapped filter rod segment

70 first flavoring element

80 second flavoring element

90 central plain of the filter rod

100 wrapped filter rod

LD filter rod longitudinal direction

RD filter rod radial direction

CD filter rod circumferential direction

L1 length of the filter rod

L2 length of the outer wrapped filter rod segment

L3 length of the inner wrapped filter rod segment

L4 length of the outer wrapper

D distance between flavoring element and central plane X1 first cutting line

X2 second cutting line

Claims

1. Method for producing filters (10) for smoking articles, comprising the steps:

a. providing a filter rod (20), the filter rod having a cylinder shape with a first filter rod end (21), a second filter rod end (22) and a circumferential filter rod surface (23); b. providing an outer wrapper (30);

c. wrapping the outer wrapper (30) around the filter rod (20) along a filter rod circumfer ential direction (CD) covering at least parts of the circumferential filter rod surface (23);

d. obtaining a wrapped filter rod (100);

wherein the method is characterized by additional steps of:

e. cutting the wrapped filter rod (100) perpendicular to a filter rod longitudinal direction (LD) into outer (40, 50) and inner wrapped filter rod segments (60), wherein a first outer wrapped filter rod segment (40) comprising the first filter rod end (21) and a sec ond outer wrapped filter rod segment (50) comprising the second filter rod end (22), the first outer wrapped filter rod segment (40) and the second outer wrapped filter rod segment (50)having a length (L2) being less than 10 % of a total length (L1) of the fil ter rod (20) and/or less than 10 mm;

f. obtaining the inner wrapped filter rod segments (60) as the filters (10) and disposing the outer wrapped filter rod segments (40, 50).

2. Method according to claim 1 ,

characterized in that

when the wrapped filter rod (100) is being cut, at least two inner wrapped filter rod seg ments (60) are obtained.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2,

characterized in that

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

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

characterized in that

the first outer wrapped filter rod segment (40) and the second outer wrapped filter rod segment (50) have a length (L2) being less than 8 mm, preferably less than 6 mm, more preferably less than 4 mm and particularly preferably 3 mm.

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

characterized in that

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

6. Method according to claim 5,

characterized in that

at least parts of the inner outer wrapper surface (31) are self-adhesive.

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

characterized in that

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

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

characterized in that

the filter rod (20) comprises a filter tow and a plug wrap, particularly a plug wrap paper.

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

characterized in that

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

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

characterized in that

a first (70) and a second flavoring element (80), in particular a flavored breakable cap sule, being arranged inside the filter rod (20), wherein a central plane (90) of the filter rod (20) extending perpendicular to the filter rod longitudinal direction (LD) defines a first (24) and a second side (25) of the filter rod (20), wherein the first flavoring ele ment (70) is arranged on the first side (24) of the filter rod (20) and the second flavoring element (80) is arranged on the second side (25) of the filter rod (20), wherein the first (70) and the second flavoring element (80) are arranged in a distance (D) to the central plane (90), the distance (D) being between 3 mm and 20 mm.

11. Method according to the preceding claim,

characterized in that

the first (70) and the second flavoring element (80) are arranged in a distance (D) be tween 5 mm and 15 mm, preferably 8 mm and 12 mm and more preferably in a distance (D) of 10 mm to the central plane (90) of the filter rod (20).

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

characterized in that

the outer wrapper (30) consists 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,

characterized in that

a 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,

characterized in that

when the wrapped filter rod (100) is being cut, the filter rod (20) and/or the outer wrap per (30) is/are cut perpendicular to the filter rod longitudinal direction (LD).