Zig-Zag (company)

Zig-Zag is a brand of rolling papers (commonly used for rolling tobacco) that originated in France (#1 seller in USA as per industry publications). It is marketed in the USA by National Tobacco and in Europe by Republic Technologies. The Zig-Zag brand is used mostly on tobacco-related products such as cigarette rolling papers, cigarette tubes and accessories, though it is also commonly (albeit illegally in most countries) used for marijuana products. The image on the logo is that of a Zouave.

In an advertising campaign in the 60s, the company published leaflets with the Zouave facing the viewer (much like Uncle Sam) and captioned, "Captain Zig-Zag wants YOU!"

Zig-Zag products

Cigarette papers: - Made from wood pulp and flax, and uses natural gum Arabic, they come in five sizes. One size is the size 1.0 (single wide). This size is often called "the white pack" because of its color. Another size is the size 1¼, (125, one and a quarter), often called "the orange pack" because of its color. The third size are the kings, or king size, also known for their orange or reddish hue, the fourth is 1 1/2 (one and a half) and the fifth is 2.0 (double wide). Usually the white pack and orange pack are sold together in many stores across the U.S. In Canada the most popular size is the single wide, but with "kut-corners", used almost exclusively for smoking Marijuana . There are also varieties of these sizes including Liquorice, Water Resistant, Slow Burning and Free Burning.

Cigarette tobacco: Sold in four varieties. This tobacco is uncommon in some areas, but can usually be found at most tobacco shops.

Filtered cigarette tubes: These are filters for hand-rolled cigarettes. They help reduce the amount of tar that gets inhaled from the cigarette.

Filter cigarette making machine: This is a basic rolling machine. This is also hard to find. Many hand rollers consider the dollar method to be a cheaper and better method. Others (Purists) believe that any cigarettes should only be rolled by a bare hand.

Filtered cigarettes: Filtered cigarettes are available at most stores. Available in light and full flavor.

History of Zig-Zag

The company was founded in 1879 by Maurice and Jacques Braunstein. Based in Paris, in 1882 the company built the Papeterie de Gassicourt, a cigarette paper production plant near the town of Mantes-la-Jolie. In 1894 they invented the process of "interleaving" rolling papers. They called their papers Zig-Zag, after the term used to describe the zigzag alternating packaging process. In 1900, Zig-Zag was awarded a gold medal at the Universal Exposition in Paris.

Success led to expansion in 1936 to a new mill in Thonon-les-Bains. During World War II, the company's original facility in Mantes-la-Jolie was destroyed and at war's end, all production was shifted to the Thonon factory.

With the death of Jacques Braunstein, in the 1950s Zig-Zag was sold to a partnership of the Group Bolloré and competitor JOB. In 2000, Zig-Zag became part of Republic Technologies of which Group Bolloré owns 19 percent.

Zig-Zag products and Hip-hop culture

Zig-Zags are often mentioned in hip-hop culture, usually for their relationship to cannabis. Artists such as Snoop Dogg, Eminem,Cypress Hill, Eazy-E, the RZA, Afroman and Kottonmouth Kings have all used references to them in their songs. In addition many artists and musicians, such as Dr. Dre and Afroman, have used Zig-Zag products in their album art to represent cannabis consumption.

External links

• Official Website
• Official UK Website
• Group Bolloré company history
• Republic Technologies official website