A method of and an apparatus for forming a composite web for use in making a fuel element for smoking articles comprises a dual bobbin unwinder from which alternate glass fiber webs are unwound. A splicing apparatus is used to splice together the webs unwound from the two bobbins of the unwinder. Sensing and speed controls are provided for sensing unwinding speed and the amount of web remaining on a bobbin for controlling web accumulation prior to splicing and stopping of the web to effect a splice. Upstream of the splicing apparatus the web is fed to a composite web former where it is slit into equal halves and vertically separated. A paper web is guided between the two web halves and the webs are converged into a three layer composite web with the paper web sandwiched between the glass fiber web halves. The composite web is fed to a KDF filter maker where it is combined with a carbonaceous rod for making a fuel element.