Hoechst Celanese Corporation

Howard T Bradsher

John B Hopkins, Jr

David O Kutscher

A process for recycling waste from the manufacture of filtered cigarettes is disclosed herein. The process comprises the following steps: A waste stream from the manufacture of filtered cigarettes is provided. The waste stream includes tobacco, filter tips comprising cellulose ester polymer, and paper. A substantial portion of the filter tips is separated from this waste stream. The filter tips are washed with a sufficient volume of water to liberate bound tipping paper and to remove contaminants from the cellulose ester polymer. Oxidizers may be added to improve tip color and/or serve as a pretreatment. The cellulose ester polymer may then be dried, resolutioned, and processed into useful articles of commerce.

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Charlotte, NC, United States of America

Howard T Bradsher