Rizla
Rizla is a globally recognized brand of rolling papers designed for hand-rolling tobacco cigarettes, originating from France and renowned for its thin, rice-based sheets treated with acacia gum for easy sealing.[1][2] The brand traces its roots to the Lacroix family papermakers, who began producing specialized papers in the 18th century, with the Rizla name—derived from "riz" (French for rice) and "la" (short for Lacroix)—emerging in the 1860s when rice paper production commenced to meet demand for lighter, faster-burning rolling materials.[3][1] By 1886, Rizla branding was applied to these rice papers, marking the formal establishment of the product line that revolutionized hand-rolling by providing consistent quality and minimal taste interference.[4] Key innovations include the 1910 introduction of Rizla Blue papers, which featured thinner gauges for a more pronounced tobacco flavor, and the 1942 patent for pre-gumming the paper edges, simplifying the rolling process for users worldwide.[5][6] Today, under ownership by Imperial Brands since 1997, Rizla offers a range of products including ultra-thin Silver varieties and flavored options, distributed in over 120 countries as the top-selling rolling paper brand, emphasizing purity with materials like rice, hemp, and bamboo while adhering to reduced chemical processing.[6][2][7]History
Founding and Early Production
The origins of Rizla rolling papers trace to the Lacroix family of papermakers in France, who began producing fine papers suitable for rolling tobacco in the mid-17th century.[3][8] Pierre Lacroix is credited with developing this specialized paper around 1660, drawing from the family's expertise in crafting thin, high-quality sheets initially used for other purposes but adapted for tobacco due to their uniformity and burn properties.[9][3] Early efforts involved manual production using local wood fibers and traditional papermaking techniques, yielding sheets that outperformed improvised alternatives like cigarillo wrappers or scrap paper.[10] In 1736, the Lacroix family formalized their operations by acquiring a paper mill, establishing the Lacroix Rolling Paper Company and enabling the first dedicated, scaled production of rolling papers.[8][9][11] This shift from artisanal to semi-industrial methods increased output, with papers cut to standard sizes for hand-rolling and distributed primarily in France to meet growing demand among pipe smokers transitioning to self-rolled cigarettes.[5] The mill's location in the French countryside leveraged abundant water resources for pulping and processing, though initial volumes remained modest, focused on quality over quantity.[12] A pivotal boost came in 1796, when Napoleon Bonaparte granted the company a license to supply rolling papers to French troops during the Revolutionary Wars, marking its first major contract and validating the product's reliability in field conditions.[13][5] This endorsement spurred further refinement in paper thinness and consistency, with early products emphasizing slow, even burning to enhance tobacco flavor without imparting taste.[14] Production at this stage relied on non-rice fibers, adhering to traditional European papermaking until innovations in the 19th century.[3]Transition to Rice Paper and Branding
In 1866, the Lacroix family introduced rice paper into their rolling paper production, marking a pivotal shift from earlier formulations primarily based on wood pulp and other fibers; this innovation resulted in thinner, more uniform sheets that burned more evenly and facilitated easier rolling.[15] The success of rice paper prompted an immediate rebranding, with the company adopting the name Riz La+ to reflect the new material—"riz" being the French word for rice—and incorporating "La+" as a nod to the Lacroix surname.[15] [16] Léonide Lacroix, a member of the family, is credited with formalizing the Rizla brand around 1867, establishing its distinctive identity amid growing demand for cigarette papers during the mid-19th century tobacco boom.[16] [17] The branding included a cryptic cross logo, symbolizing the intersection of tradition and innovation, which originated in the 19th century and has endured as a hallmark of the product's packaging.[16] This transition not only enhanced product quality but also positioned Rizla as a specialized manufacturer, differentiating it from generic papermakers and aligning with the rising popularity of hand-rolled cigarettes across Europe.[6]Key Technological Innovations
In 1910, Rizla introduced Rizla Bleu, featuring thinner rolling paper that enhanced tobacco flavor by reducing paper taste and ash residue during combustion.[5] In 1929, the company developed the world's first hand-rolling machine, a portable device that simplified the rolling process for consumers by mechanizing the folding and sealing of papers around tobacco.[4][18] A pivotal advancement occurred in 1942 when Rizla pioneered gummed rolling papers by applying a thin adhesive strip to the edge, eliminating the need for manual moistening with saliva or water and enabling faster, more hygienic assembly.[4][12] Subsequent innovations included the 1977 introduction of king-size papers, which doubled standard dimensions to accommodate larger tobacco volumes while maintaining burn consistency through refined rice-based formulations.[12] In recent decades, Rizla advanced material science by incorporating bamboo fibers into rice paper blends, as seen in the 2019 Rizla Bamboo line, which improved tensile strength and flexibility without compromising slow-burn properties.[19][18] Manufacturing processes evolved with automated technologies emphasizing waste reduction and precision cutting, allowing production of ultra-thin variants (down to 12-14 micrometers) that minimize interference with tobacco taste.[20][21]20th Century Growth and Ownership Shifts
In the early 20th century, Rizla expanded its operations beyond France by establishing a factory in Wembley, Middlesex, UK, in 1937 to meet rising demand in the British market, where hand-rolled cigarettes were popular.[22] During World War II, the company acquired the General Paper and Box Co. facility in Pontypridd, Wales, further bolstering production capacity.[22] By the mid-century, Rizla consolidated its UK operations, closing the Wembley site in 1969 and centralizing manufacturing at Pontypridd, where it established headquarters in 1974.[22] Ownership remained with the Lacroix family until 1978, when Fernand Painblanc assumed control, marking the end of familial stewardship and initiating a period of rapid expansion in the 1980s, including increased international marketing efforts.[5] In 1997, the brand was acquired by Imperial Tobacco Company, which integrated Rizla into its portfolio of tobacco accessories and accelerated global distribution, leveraging Imperial's established networks to maintain Rizla's dominant position, reportedly holding about two-thirds of the world rolling paper market by the late 20th century despite competitive pressures.[23][22][3]Recent Developments
In September 2025, Imperial Brands, the parent company of Rizla, announced the formation of a new Global Travel, Rizla & Nordics (GTR&N) Cluster, integrating its duty-free, travel retail operations with Rizla's rolling paper business and Nordic markets to streamline management and enhance efficiency.[24] Rizla has emphasized sustainable product innovations in recent years, launching unbleached Rizla Classic papers, Natura organic hemp varieties, and related eco-friendly lines, all certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for responsible sourcing.[25][26] In January 2024, the brand introduced Rizla Classic King Size Combi packs containing 32 unbleached king-size papers and filters, targeting consumers seeking reduced-chemical options amid rising demand for natural rolling materials.[27] Customer engagement initiatives marked 2024 developments, including a January design competition inviting fans to create artwork for Rizla Silver booklets, with winning designs featured on limited-edition King Size Super Thin Silver packs released in October.[28][29] These packs, priced at a recommended retail of £1.30, incorporate three interconnected customer-submitted designs forming a panoramic image to boost brand interaction.[30] Regulatory scrutiny intensified in September 2025 when the UK's Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) prohibited a Rizla advertisement for implying endorsement of illegal cannabis use, citing violations of codes against promoting controlled substances; this followed prior ASA interventions on similar Imperial Tobacco promotions.[31] Concurrently, Imperial Brands reported a 26% sales increase in next-generation products like vapes in 2024, though Rizla's core rolling paper segment remains tied to traditional roll-your-own tobacco amid declining cigarette volumes.[32]Products
Paper Varieties by Thickness and Color
Rizla rolling papers are categorized by packaging color, which corresponds to distinct thickness levels measured in grams per square meter (g/m²), influencing burn rate, handling ease, and taste profile. Thinner varieties, typically below 15 g/m², enable slower, cleaner burns with minimal paper interference, suiting experienced users, while medium thicknesses around 17.5 g/m² balance durability and combustion for general use. Thicker options exceed 20 g/m², prioritizing robustness over subtlety. Most papers are white or semi-transparent, except unbleached types like Natura, which appear brownish due to hemp fibers.[15] The Silver variety, packaged in silver, measures 13.5 g/m² and is described as ultra-thin—thinner than a human hair—for the slowest burn and least detectable paper flavor.[15] Blue papers, in blue packaging, are thin at 14.5 g/m², yielding light ash and requiring precise rolling technique for optimal slower combustion compared to medium options.[15] [33] Medium-thickness papers include Green (17.5 g/m²), suited for rolling machines with medium weight and cut corners for flexibility, and Red (also 17.5 g/m²), designed for everyday rolling with minimal ash residue.[15] Natura, in natural packaging, uses 100% organic hemp at 13.5 g/m² ultra-thin thickness, unbleached for a brownish hue and refined tobacco-centric taste without chemical additives.[15] [34] Thicker varieties encompass Liquorice (26.5 g/m²), which incorporates a liquorice flavoring for a distinctive smoking experience while maintaining standard white paper.[15] Additional options like Micron (12.5 g/m² ultra-thin) and Original (14.5 g/m² thin) cater to specialized preferences, with Micron ideal for expert rollers seeking extreme minimalism.[15]| Variety | Thickness (g/m²) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Silver | 13.5 | Ultra-thin, slowest burn, minimal taste |
| Blue | 14.5 | Thin, light ash, skill-required roll |
| Green | 17.5 | Medium, machine-friendly, flexible |
| Red | 17.5 | Medium, everyday use, low ash |
| Natura | 13.5 | Ultra-thin hemp, unbleached, authentic |
| Liquorice | 26.5 | Thick, flavored, robust |
Sizes and Specialized Formats
Rizla rolling papers are manufactured in two primary sizes: regular (also known as single wide) and king size. The regular size measures 70 mm in length by 36 mm in width, with each booklet containing 50 leaves.[35] King size papers are elongated for larger rolls, measuring 98 mm by 44 mm in the slim variant, with 32 leaves per booklet.[35] Within king size, Rizla offers a wide format option measuring approximately 97 mm by 54 mm, providing additional width for accommodating more tobacco or herbs.[36] These dimensions apply across Rizla's color-coded varieties, such as silver (ultra-thin), blue (thin), and red (regular thickness), though specialized flavors like liquorice maintain the same sizing.[37] Specialized formats include slim profiles optimized for ease of rolling and reduced material use, as seen in the king size slim, which prioritizes a slower burn and minimal ash. Rizla does not produce double-wide or 1¼-inch formats as standard offerings, focusing instead on these core sizes to align with traditional hand-rolling preferences.[35] Booklets are typically packaged in sets of 50 for bulk distribution, with individual leaves gummed along one edge for sealing.[38]Related Accessories
Rizla produces a range of filter tips designed for use with its rolling papers, including slim variants measuring 6 mm in diameter containing 150 tips per bag and ultra-slim options at 5.7 mm with 120 tips per pack.[39][40] These filters, often in pop-out formats for convenience, incorporate materials like pure cellulose and are available in unbleached, biodegradable versions under the Natura line, with packs of 102 tips emphasizing environmental considerations.[15] The brand also offers rolling machines, constructed from durable plastic or metal, compatible with regular (70 mm) and king-size papers to facilitate even tobacco distribution and paper rolling.[41][42] These devices feature mechanisms for precise adjustment, such as clipping locks and rollers, aiding users in creating uniform cigarettes.[43] Additionally, Rizla markets magnetic tobacco pouches tailored for roll-your-own smokers, featuring compartments for papers, filters, and tobacco, along with rubber inlays to maintain freshness and branded magnetic closures for portability.[44][45] These accessories complement the core rolling paper products by enhancing preparation and storage efficiency.Manufacturing Process
Raw Materials Sourcing
Rizla sources raw materials for its rolling papers from sustainably managed forests and plantations, with all papers accredited by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to verify responsible forestry practices that maintain biodiversity, water quality, and long-term timber availability.[26] This certification applies across product lines, ensuring wood pulp— a primary base material—originates from certified suppliers rather than unregulated sources prone to deforestation.[26] Specialized varieties incorporate alternative fibers for enhanced sustainability and performance. For instance, the Natura line uses 100% organic hemp fibers, cultivated from non-GMO crops to prioritize renewability and reduce reliance on slower-growing trees.[26] Rizla Bamboo papers derive from fast-growing bamboo plantations, which regenerate in 3–5 years compared to decades for traditional wood sources, minimizing land use and carbon footprint.[46] Flax and rice straw are also utilized in select thinner papers, selected for their low-water cultivation and rapid harvest cycles that support lower environmental impact over wood pulp alternatives.[47] Gum arabic, sourced from acacia trees in regions like Sudan and Chad, serves as the natural adhesive; Imperial Brands emphasizes ethical procurement to avoid overharvesting, though specific supplier audits are not publicly detailed beyond FSC-aligned standards.[26] Overall, these practices reflect a shift toward renewable, plant-based inputs, with Imperial Brands reporting reduced water and energy use in upstream sourcing since adopting FSC protocols in the early 2000s.[26]Step-by-Step Production
The production of Rizla rolling papers involves a specialized papermaking process adapted for thin, slow-burning sheets suitable for hand-rolled cigarettes, utilizing plant-derived fibers to achieve minimal ash and flavor interference. Traditional Rizla papers, such as the Green variety, are formulated from rice-based materials refined into microcellular structures for optimal oxygenation and burn control.[48] [49] Specialized lines like Rizla Natura employ 100% organic hemp fibers, while others incorporate bamboo for ultra-thin, unbleached options.[50] [51]- Raw Material Preparation and Pulping: Plant fibers—such as rice, hemp, flax, or bamboo selected for strength, flexibility, and burn properties—are first softened through controlled heating and mechanical grinding in defibrators to separate fibers without degradation. These are then mixed with water in a pulper under high heat and pressure to form a fine, uniform pulp suspension, cleaned to remove impurities.[52] [51]
- Sheet Formation: The pulp is fed onto a continuously moving wire screen or forming table in a paper machine, where water drains away, aligning fibers into a thin web. The web is pressed between rollers to remove excess moisture and then dried via heated cylinders, producing large reels of paper approximately 250 kg in weight and up to 25 km long. This stage ensures the paper's characteristic thinness, typically under 0.025 mm for Rizla's finer grades.[52] [53]
- Specialized Treatments and Watermarking: The formed sheets undergo quality enhancements, including application of additives for controlled burn rates. A high-pressure roller embosses watermarks or brand-specific patterns, such as Rizla's logo, to verify authenticity and structural integrity; defective sheets without clear markings are rejected. For Rizla, this may include refinements for microcellular porosity to facilitate even combustion.[52] [48]
- Gumming and Adhesive Application: Natural gum, derived from acacia sap or similar plant sources, is precisely applied in a thin strip along one edge using automated dispensers. The reels are conditioned in controlled humidity environments to prevent cracking, ensuring the gum adheres effectively for sealing rolled cigarettes without altering taste. Rizla adheres to vegan-compatible gums across its lines.[53] [50]
- Cutting, Interleaving, and Packaging: The gummmed reels are cut into individual sheets of standard sizes (e.g., 70 mm or 100 mm lengths) and interleaved—folded and stacked in booklets to dispense one sheet at a time, a technique pioneered in the industry for convenience. Booklets are then printed with branding, quality-tested for uniformity, packed into cartons, and prepared for distribution. Rizla's production emphasizes precision to maintain consistent slow-burn performance.[52] [53][54]