RNTA and MTK grant a particular attention to the “Research & Development” activity. This one aims the improvement of the product quality, the reduction of the rates of tar and nicotine, the reduction of costs as well as the development of new products. Efforts are focussed on: The development of tobacco culture. The improvement of the quality of finished product.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM OF TOBACCO CULTURES

This program aims at: : Selecting the most appropriate lands through ground analyses and water salinity; Choosing the most appropriate seeds to our climate; Providing technical assistance and financial motivations to tobacco farmers; Evaluating experiences led by region. The led experiences permitted to be fixed on new varieties introduced in the north western regions.

IMPROVEMENT OF THE QUALITY OF PRODUCTS

In order to comply with new healthcare standards (decision n° 98-17 dated February 23, 1998), RNTA and MTK started a program of lightening of the content in tar and nicotine characterized by:

The modernization of facilities used by the RNTA’s General Preparation Workshop in order to produce the sauced cut-filler for the 20 Mars International cigarettes;
Launching research works in order to test the production at MTK of the sauced cut-filler for the fabrication of Light Cristal cigarettes;
Upgrading conventional local products in order to comply them with healthcare standards applicable as of 2006;
The introduction of new lighter tobacco types in the composition of cigarettes;
Widening of the range of the physic-chemical analyses of raw materials and finished products;
Launching new products in soft packets.