Cytrel

Cytrel is a cellulose-based tobacco substitute used in some low-tar cigarette brands. It formerly constituted 25% of Silk Cut cigarettes.

Development began on a replacement for tobacco in cigarettes in the 1950s, to reduce undesirable tobacco smoke components present in cigarettes. Cytrel was developed by Celanese Fiber Marketing Company.

The fiber underwent a challenging development phase, during which scientists faced difficulties in achieving satisfactory smoking characteristics, taste, and manufacturing properties. Despite these challenges, the product proved to be less dense than tobacco and useful as a bulking agent, prompting further development efforts. After undergoing five revisions, the Celanese Fiber Marketing Company finally released Type 308 to the market.

It was one of the NSM (New Smoking Materials) that came into popularity in the 1970s.