Cigarette production is an industry with new technologies. Cigarettes with a capsule (crush ball) are a prime example of this technology. Capsule cigarettes appeared in 2007 in Japan and quickly took the market by storm. These cigarettes offer consumers control over their flavor.
In this article, we will explore how the first capsules were developed, why they were added to the filter, and which flavors are most commonly used.
Contents
History of Innovation: From Experiment to Mass Production
How a Capsule Cigarette Works: Technology in Detail
Aromatic Diversity: From Classics to Exotics
Regulatory Features in Different Countries
History of Innovation: From Experiment to Mass Production
The first prototypes of capsule cigarettes were developed to reduce the harshness of tobacco smoke. Over the years, the range of offerings has expanded. And now, there is a huge difference between the products of 2007 and 2025. Initially, cigarettes only contained a menthol capsule, but now manufacturers are producing a wider variety of products with unusual flavors—for example, cocktail or dessert flavors. Moreover, a single cigarette can now contain two capsuless with different flavors. Let’s take a closer look.
Year 2007. The first capsule cigarettes appear in Japan. The capsules in the filter became a breakthrough in the tobacco industry.
Year 2010. The range of flavors expands, with fruit and spice flavors appearing. Manufacturers experiment with new cigarette flavors so that every smoker can find a flavor to suit their preferences.
Year 2015. Capsule cigarettes become popular in Europe and the US, with sales growing. Products with “empty” filters are no longer as attractive to consumers.
Year 2020. The EU begins banning capsule cigarettes (crushball).
How a Capsule Cigarette Works: The Technology in Detail
The principle of creating cigarettes with a capsule is already well-established. This is a tobacco product in which the aroma is mechanically activated. Let’s look at its design:
- Double-layer filter. Externally, the filter looks like a regular one, but inside there is a hollow chamber—this is done to preserve the cigarette’s aroma when the capsule is activated.
- Capsule. A tiny ball made of food-grade plastic or gelatin, 2–3 mm in size. It contains 0.1–0.2 ml of liquid; the composition and aroma vary by cigarette manufacturer.
- Activation mechanism. When you press the capsule (often marked with a colored ring), the capsule bursts, releasing the aroma into the filter.
Why is the capsule located in the filter? This ensures that the flavoring is evenly mixed with the smoke without touching the tobacco. The capsule allows the smoker to control the intensity and quantity of the aroma.
Aromatic Diversity: From Classics to Exotics
Manufacturers offer over 20 flavors in capsules, including:
Menthol – the aroma can range from a subtle mint to a richer menthol.
Fruit and berry flavors – some of the most diverse: apple, cherry, orange, wild berries.
Spicy – vanilla, cinnamon, chocolate.
Exotic flavors – for example, in Japan, they produce cigarettes with a “sakura” capsule, where the floral aroma intensifies when you press the capsule again.
New Flavor Trends
Cigarette manufacturers are constantly developing new products. In recent years, the following flavors have appeared on the market:
Coffee
Citrus
Mixed (several flavors in a single capsule)
Why consumers choose capsules
Unlike regular cigarettes, cigarettes with capsules in the filter add additional flavor to smoking.
Capsule cigarettes are an example of how technology can change familiar things (in particular, smoking). This means that in the future, further innovations may emerge that will further change the cigarette market: companies will likely develop new flavors and technologies.
Regulation in Different Countries
Legislation adapts to new technologies, and this also applies to smoking. It is important to understand that different countries have different laws regulating the sale and smoking of cigarettes with capsules and flavored additives:
Country: Russia
Regulations: Adults are permitted to purchase tobacco products with capsules and flavored additives. Advertising of tobacco and nicotine-containing products is prohibited. Warnings about the dangers of tobacco consumption are required on packages.
Country: EU
Regulations: Cigarettes containing capsules and flavored additives (except menthol) have been banned since 2016; menthol cigarettes have also been banned since 2020.
Country: Turkey
Regulations: Complete ban on capsule cigarettes and menthol cigarettes.
Country: Japan
Regulations: Cigarettes containing capsules and flavored additives (including menthol) are permitted.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that the first crushball cigarettes appeared over 15 years ago, they still remain popular with consumers.