VDLV, n°1 European producer of Vaping-Grade Nicotine
The French e-liquid manufacturer continues its quality engagement by integrating its own-made liquid nicotine in all its Vincent dans les Vapes and CirKus e-liquids.
What is Vaping-Grade nicotine?
Let’s first reiterate that nicotine is a molecule which is naturally present in tobacco, but also in certain plants, such as tomatoes and aubergines. It is of the alkaloid family, and is rapidly eliminated by the organism. Nicotine is not carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic, but is toxic at high doses. In its pure liquid form, it is obtained through extraction from tobacco leaves.
The procedure to extract nicotine developed by VDLV is based on “soft technology,” with low aggressiveness towards the product, whose purity exceeds the pharmaceutical requirements of the market (European Pharmacopoeia EP and US Pharmacopoeia USP).
For the first time, this “Vaping-Grade nicotine”, produced at VDLV’s facilities in Bordeaux area in France, is specifically intended for inhalation. Its manufacturing does not require the use of chlorinated solvents. From the selection of tobacco plants and the fields location to the final distillation, VDLV controls the entire procurement and production chain, thus guaranteeing optimal traceability.
An extraction technology based on green chemistry
This method of design and industrial exploitation, developed in total harmony with the principles of green chemistry, ensures optimal management of the material flows. The entirety of the production unit is based on a closed circuit, limiting the supply of reverse osmosis water while generating very little waste. The technology used enables the reduction of use or generation of substances which are harmful for the environment, and it limits the presence of impurities in the product. VDLV also recycles a part of its waste by supplying mulch (tobacco residue) to local methane-producing companies, in order to produce energy and fertilizer.
The Vaping-Grade Nicotine is now available in all VDLV e-liquids
The integration of the Vaping-Grade Nicotine into VDLV e-liquids is being done by multiple stages. In 2017, VDLV chose to launch a foretaste of this nicotine in a special collection of 3 flavours: Origin NV by Vincent dans les Vapes. The nicotine produced was extracted from foreign tobacco leaves. Once it had been totally chemically defined, it was able to use it in VDLV’s production system. The Vaping-Grade Nicotine is now available in all VDLV e-liquids: Vincent dans les Vapes and CirKus.
The story of this innovation continues since thanks to the commitment of local agronomists and tobacco growers. The continuation of this development naturally turned to the use of tobacco grown in France for the production of its pure Vaping-grade nicotine.
Anchoring its development in sustainability through green chemistry and industrial ecology remains a priority challenge for VDLV, which is thus continuing its innovations following the principle of circular economy.
A nicotine extracted from French tobacco leaves
Supported from the start by French local institutions, VDLV always had the ambition to produce the Vaping-Grade nicotine from tobacco plants grown in France. This type of production requires the use of tobacco with high nicotine strength. Until recently, French tobacco was mainly cultivated for smoking. The varieties were selected for their taste properties. However, the nicotine levels of these species are too low to be exploited industrially by VDLV.
Agricultural engineers from France performed painstaking work to select the varieties of plants which could meet the needs of VDLV. From 2018, test parcels are being cultivated in Southwestern France, with the aim of verifying the compatibility of these new varieties with agricultural exploitation. After a very promising first test year, the selected plants are again being grown from next spring. If the weather conditions are favourable, the mount of brown tobacco harvested should meet all the nicotine needs of VDLV.
The long-term objective is also to build a strong link with local farmers, encouraging them to develop innovative cultivation techniques, such as experimenting with varieties of semis or the application of new agrochemical solutions.
VDLV farmers map – season 2019
