Tobacco is extremely hygroscopic (i.e. it absorbs or emits moisture until equilibrium has been achieved between tobacco and air). Air therefore extracts moisture from tobacco if the room air is drier than the tobacco stored in it. This is the simple mechanism of drying. Where drying out of stored tobacco should be avoided, one merely must ensure that a balance is maintained between the moisture content of the air and the desired moisture content of the stored tobacco.
Recommended humidity values for tobacco storage and processing
Procedure/Location
|
Temperature
from – to°C
|
Rel. humidity
from – to % |
Mean value
% R.h. |
| Raw tobacco stores |
20 – 25°C |
70 – 80 % |
|
| Residual fermentation is also improved without mould development occurring |
| Filter paper storage |
20 – 22°C |
55– 65 % |
|
| Damp room for rolling |
25 – 30°C |
|
95 % |
Air saturated with moisture outer leaves and foil is necessary to achieve the flexibility required
|
| Preparation of outer leaves |
05 – 10°C |
|
95 % |
| Cutting room |
22 – 24°C |
|
60 % |
Production premises
• Cigarettes
• Cigars |
20 – 22°C
20 – 26°C |
|
60 %
70 % |
| Cigarette stores |
18 – 20°C |
55 – 60 % |
|
Correct air humidity ensures that cigarettes dry out somewhat and are stored with the degree of humidity suitable for packaging. Air that is too dry causes a loss of flavour. Air that is too moist leads to mould formation.
|
Cigar stores
Walk-in humidors |
18 – 20°C |
55 – 60 % |
|
Contact
Postbox, Talstrasse 35-37 
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