Tobacco production humidification

Q: What is the ideal humidity level for tobacco manufacturing?

Recommended tobacco manufacturing humidity levels are: Primary production - 60-68%RH Tobacco stores - 60-70%RH Ripping rooms - 65%RH

Q: Why is humidity control important in tobacco production?

Tobacco leaves, cut tobacco, and cigarette paper are highly hygroscopic, meaning they absorb or release moisture depending on ambient conditions. If the air is too dry tobacco becomes brittle, flakes, and loses weight. Cigarette papers also misfeed on machines. Maintaining proper humidity ensures product quality, prevents wastage, and supports efficient production.

Q: What happens if humidity falls below 50%RH?

Electrostatic charges can build up, especially in filter rod areas, causing operational issues. Maintaining humidity above 50%RH eliminates this risk. Conditions below 60%RH will also cause tobacco weight to drop.

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Benefits

Tobacco leaves, cut tobacco and paper are all extremely hygroscopic which means that they give up their moisture to the surrounding environment if the air is too dry. Humidification is critical for success.

Reduce weight loss

If tobacco loses weight, it's market value is reduced, minimizing profits.

Maintain quality

Dry air causes tobacco's properties to degrade resulting in brittleness, flaking, splitting and tearing.

Maximize production efficiency

Reduced waste maximizes production and processing speeds.

Humidification in tobacco manufacturing

Top of page Benefits Benefits Use Cases References Downloads FAQs

Optimal tobacco quality

During both primary and secondary production stages, tobacco needs the correct humidity to maintain quality. This is typically between 60-70%RH. Any lower than 60%RH and tobacco will lose moisture content, reducing weight, quality and impacting on manufacturing processes.

Minimise static

Electrostatic charges can be a problem for manufacturing speeds and efficiency. Condair supports tobacco manufacturers by humidifying manufacturing plants to above 50%RH, eliminating the risk of static build up. This also applies to paper-handling facilities, where static can create downtime as paper could stick together or not feed properly.

Innovative solutions for unique processes

With decades of experience optimising the indoor environment for tobacco manufacturers around the globe, Condair is best-placed to provide a different perspective. With a wide range of humidity control technologies, Condair's experts can help to achieve customer specifications, lower energy costs and provide low maintenance solutions.

Use cases for...

Prevent evaporative losses

Organic materials have an internal moisture content and will lose moisture to the atmosphere when exposed to air with low humidity. Humidifiers are used to create an environment with the proper balance between the material’s internal moisture content and the air’s relative humidity.

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Projects and references

Dannemann Cigarrenfabrik GmbH, Lübbecke (Germany)

The long-established international company Dannemann is Germany's market leader for cigarillos and cigars. Founded in Brazil over 140 years ago, the company is now active in 60 countries.

British American Tobacco, Uzbekistan

British American Tobacco has been operating on the Uzbekistan market since 1994 and employs more than 1,000 people. Total investments of British American Tobacco into the Uzbek economy exceeded US$ 400 million.

ABC Liquor Store - Humidor

A Nortec RH2 Residential Humidifier is the perfect solution of a humidor.

Tabaterra CJSC

Tabaterra is a tobacco aggregation and packing facility based in Sumgayit, Azerbaijan.

British American Tobacco, Cambodia

BAT Cambodia is one of the leading tobacco companies in the region, manufacturing and distributing State Express 555, Kent, Alain Delon, Liberation and National brands.A JetSpray humidification system from Condair is helping BAT Cambodia maintain the ideal production environment.

British American Tobacco, Cameroon

British American Tobacco is one of the world's leading tobacco companies with over 200 brands sold in over 200 markets worldwide.A JetSpray humidification system from Condair is helping BAT Cameroon maintain an ideal air humidity for optimum tobacco productivity.Image courtesy of BAT.

Bodega de Puros

Sistema de humidificación para almacenamiento del tabaco.

British American Tobacco, Nigeria

British American Tobacco has been manufacturing in Nigeria since 1912. It currently manufactures and distributes 12 brands in Nigeria, including Dunhill, Pall Mall, Benson Hedges, Rothmans and St Moritz.A JetSpray humidification system from Condair is helping to maintain the ideal air humidity for optimum tobacco manufacturing productivity.Image courtesy of British American Tobacco.

British American Tobacco, Heidelberg

British American Tobacco is one of the world's leading tobacco companies with over 200 brands sold in over 200 markets worldwide.Various humidification systems from Condair are helping BAT Heidelberg maintain an ideal air humidity for optimum tobacco productivity.Image courtesy of BAT.

Quotes from our Customers

Dannemann Cigarrenfabrik GmbH, Lübbecke (Germany)

Andreas Steinmann

Building management

"Over the past 20 years, we have successively perfected our work processes with the DRAABE system. The variety of equipment made it possible for us to always retrofit with the most suitable and latest technology for the different areas."

Mondi Group, Sonneberg (Germany)

Frank Drews

Technical Coordinator

"Humidity is very important for us to ensure standardized conditions throughout the production process."

Preston Sp. z o.o., Poznan (Poland)

Filip Karoński

CEO

"Thanks to air humidification, we no longer have problems with electrostatics, which in the past often led to production interruptions."

Downloads

Download an application brochure giving a detailed look at the importance of humidification in the tobacco industry.

Application brochure

Tobacco Humidification document · 2.2 MB

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Frequently asked questions

What is the ideal humidity level for tobacco manufacturing?

Why is humidity control important in tobacco production?

What happens if humidity falls below 50%RH?

Get free expert advice

If you want to explore your options for humidity control, Condair's expert sales engineers will visit your site, review your project and talk you through their recommendations.

Alternatively, if you would prefer a call or online meeting, our team are always happy to discuss possible solutions and offer free technical advice.

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