UK
Essentra Plc’s Scientific Services facility is the only laboratory in the UK to be named on the European Union’s list of approved providers for its tobacco products directive (EU TPD) testing. The Jarrow-based laboratory is among 14 other facilities that have been commissioned by government agencies for the annual testing of all cigarette brands to EU TPD’s requirements.
EU TPD, which became applicable to member states on May 20, 2016, governs the manufacture, presentation, sale, and advertising of tobacco and related products. It states that nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide yields must be tested in independent and ISO recognized laboratories.
Dr Mike Taylor, director of scientific development, said, “We are delighted to be named as one of the EU’s approved labs for TPD testing, and I am proud of the significant work the team has undertaken which has contributed to this appointment. Essentra Scientific Services was one of the first laboratories in the world to be accredited for testing tobacco products both to ISO17025 and UKAS standards, and this additional recognition underlines our ongoing commitment to the industry.”
Essentra Scientific Services was established to conduct internal testing and r&d for Essentra’s filter products division, and is located near the site of the original cigarette filter factory which was founded in 1948. Recent growth has seen the laboratory expand as a commercial venture testing combustible products, ignition propensity, tobacco, and vaping products for manufacturers around the globe. Internal company support continues, with the laboratory additionally using its extensive scientific experience to provide analysis and technical knowledge to Essentra’s e-cigarette offering, where manufacturing has recently been relocated to the company’s Greensboro, US site.