The Product Technology Study Group is concerned with the study of processes and procedures relating to tobacco processing and manufacturing facilities and with the description of tobacco and tobacco products in terms of physical properties, chemical properties and quality. Study Group activities include development of analytical methods for the determination of product properties, monitoring of engineering techniques and developments in tobacco processing, product manufacturing and environmental protection.
The Product Technology Study Group comprises the following Sub-Groups:
· Sub-Group Agrochemicals Analysis (1972)
Objectives:
To perform regular proficiency testing of Multi-Residue Methods for the analysis of agrochemical residues on tobacco.
Undertake joint experiments to resolve unanswered questions arising from proficiency tests; to expand knowledge base on agrochemical residues and their analysis.
Produce and maintain a series of Technical Notes (on different agrochemical residue classes and selected individual compounds) to supplement the Technical Guideline and aid method development and improvement.
· Sub-Group Routine Analytical Chemistry (1985)
Objectives:
To develop and update CORESTA Recommended Methods as requested by the Scientific Commission.
To check on an annual basis the CORESTA monitor test piece by conducting collaborative experiments.
Working Group: LIP Monitor
· Sub-Group Physical Test Methods (2005)
Objectives:
To maintain existing CORESTA Recommended Methods (CRMs), pertinent to physical test methods related to cigarettes and cigarette components.
To organise and conduct annual collaborative studies in order to assure interlaboratory consistencies.
To develop user guidelines for the application of methods for physical measurements.
To identify the need for new methods or for methods to be harmonized.
To propose new Task Forces if required.
To use the results of the proficiency test for participating laboratories for continual improvement.
Working Group: Diffusitivity of CO2 Into N2 Through Cigarette Papers
· Sub-Group Cigar Smoking Methods (2006)
Objectives :
To develop and update CORESTA Recommended Methods as requested by the Scientific Commission by investigating the technical problems associated with the mechanical smoking of cigars.
To conduct periodical collaborative studies in order to improve repeatability and reproducibility in different cigar sizes and types.
To establish confidence intervals for the smoke yields of all different cigar sizes.
· Sub-Group Smokeless Tobacco (2008)
Objectives :
To create a report on product definition and definitions of terms to support harmonisation of nomenclature.
To perform collaborative studies on main chemical parameters of smokeless products.
To develop CORESTA Recommended Methods as agreed by the Scientific Commission.
To develop a technical report on sample handling and sampling procedures.
To define and set standards for the manufacture of reference products and storage requirements for long term stability.
Smokeless Tobacco Glossary (pdf)
Working Group: Development of a CRM to Measure Sealing Strength of Snus Pouches
| Agronomy Study Group | Phytopathology Study Group | Smoke Science Group |
Any requests for further information and/or convenors' contact details should be addressed to the CORESTA Secretariat (see Contacts).