Nicotine pouches and snus have surged in popularity as alternatives to traditional smoking. With increase in awareness, health-conscious individuals are switching to nicotine pouches and snus. In this blog, we have detailed the process of manufacturing nicotine pouches and snus. Notably, nicotine pouches and snus manufacturing process share certain similarities. Steps, such as blending of ingredients, encapsulating them in a pouch, and quality control, are common for the two products. However, the main difference lies in their ingredients and processing techniques. Snus, made from tobacco, is processed using heating and pasteurization. Whereas, nicotine pouches are typically made with nicotine, plant fibres, food-grade fillers, sweeteners, and flavourings. In this blog, we have highlighted the similarity and difference between snus and nicotine pouches and described their manufacturing process.
Globally, nicotine pouches and snus are in high demand. Starting a nicotine pouches and snus manufacturing business to cater to the unmet demand will be highly profitable. New entities may venture into snus and nicotine pouches industry to reap high profits from this emerging sector.
What is the similarity and difference between snus and nicotine pouches?
Prior to getting into the nitty-gritties of the manufacturing process, let us first understand what are snus and nicotine pouches.
- Snus: Snus is a pouch of smokeless and moist powder tobacco. The pouch is to be placed below the upper lip. Snus need not be smoked or swallowed. The ingredients of the pouch enter the body via the mucous membrane of the mouth. It can be flavoured, such as mint.
- Nicotine pouches: Nicotine pouches are small bags containing nicotine, flavourings, and sweeteners. The pouch is to be placed in the mouth between the gum and lip. They are designed to deliver nicotine via oral absorption. Similar to snus, nicotine pouches need not be smoked or swallowed. However, as opposed to snus, nicotine pouches do not contain tobacco.
A guide to manufacturing nicotine pouches and snus
Step 1: Procuring key ingredients and raw materials required for manufacturing nicotine pouches and snus
- Nicotine pouches: Nicotine, the key ingredient, can be naturally extracted or chemically synthesized. It is mixed with a base, usually plant-based fibers. Additional ingredients are food-grade fillers, sweeteners, and flavourings.
- Snus: Moist finely ground tobacco is the key ingredient. Flavourings are also used in snus.
In addition to the key ingredients, pH adjusters and moisture regulators are used. They are vital for controlling the rate of product release and ensuring product consistency. Additionally, they are used to maintain shelf life. They also help in stabilizing the flavour profile.
Step 2: Extraction and purification
In case of snus, nicotine is naturally present in tobacco. It must be isolated and purified to achieve desired product quality and standard. Whereas, for nicotine pouches, synthetic routes may be preferred to achieve high purity and consistency. The two step extraction and purification process involves:
- Solvent extraction: With the help of industrial-grade solvents, nicotine is separated from the tobacco leaves.
- Distillation and filtration: These steps are used to remove impurities. A purified nicotine solution is obtained that meets stringent quality standards.
Step 3: Precision mixing, formulation, and blending
After the purified nicotine is extracted, it is blended and mixed with other ingredients.
- Blending: Industrial mixers are used to mix the purified nicotine with fillers, moisture regulators, and flavourings. The formulation has to be carefully calibrated not only for taste but also for the rate of nicotine delivery.
- Homogenization: Homogenization is a critical step in manufacturing nicotine pouches and snus. It is used to ensure every pouch or portion of snus contains a consistent mix. Homogenous distribution of ingredients is vital for regulatory compliance and ensuring consistency in product quality.
Step 4: Product shaping and making of pouches
For nicotine pouches, the blended mixture is carefully placed in small heat-sealed pouches made from a specialized biocompatible material. For snus, small portions of tobacco blend referred to as “pouches” are sealed in airtight conditions to maintain optimal moisture and flavour. The pouches are made breathable to allow moisture exchange so that the contents can be steadily released. Furthermore, the pouches have to be properly sealed to ensure the contents remain intact and consistency in content delivery is maintained.
Step 5: Quality control
Quality control has a vital role in manufacturing nicotine pouches and snus. The product quality has to meet the industry standards and regulatory guidelines. A robust quality control system assessing the following parameters is required:
- Nicotine content verification: Each unit should meet the precise dosage requirements. This is critical for regulatory compliance and user safety.
- Consistency checks: Flavour, texture, and moisture levels have to be evaluated to guarantee a consistent experience with every pouch or portion.
- Safety assessments: The entire production line should be subject to rigorous hygiene and safety protocols. This is necessary to ensure the final product is free from contaminants.
Step 6: Packaging and distribution
Once the product quality is vetted by the quality control team, it has to be packaged for distribution.
- Sealing and labelling: The products have to be sealed in moisture-proof packaging. They have to be clearly labelled along with usage instructions and health warnings.
- Distribution of products: Nicotine pouches and snus have to be distributed using established distribution channels. Additionally, it is important to ensure they remain in optimal condition until they reach the end consumers.
License for manufacturing nicotine pouches and snus
Nicotine pouches and snus industry is regulated. Hence, you need to secure a license for manufacturing nicotine pouches and snus in India. Regulatory compliance is mandatory to secure the manufacturing license. To manufacture snus and nicotine pouches in India, you need to secure the Form 25 license. An application has to be filed under Form 24. The license to manufacture nicotine pouches and snus is granted under Form 25 license.
Future outlook of nicotine pouches and snus manufacturing industry
From USD 3.2 billion in 2023, the global snus market is predicted to achieve USD 4.7 billion by 2032. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.80% during the 2023 to 2032 period. On the other hand, the global nicotine pouches market is estimated to attain approximately USD 28.2 billion by 2033. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 27.39% during the period 2025 to 2033. Hence, the nicotine pouches and snus industry has a bright future.
Pharmadocx Consultants: Your trusted regulatory support
If you are planning to start a snus and nicotine pouches manufacturing business, we at Pharmadocx Consultants can help you get started. We provide end-to-end services tailored for the snus and nicotine pouches manufacturing industry. From securing the manufacturing license to setting up the factory, we have got you covered. Additionally, we will prepare a detailed project report that will serve as a roadmap for launching your business. Planning to manufacture nicotine pouches and snus in India? Need the license for manufacturing nicotine pouches and snus? Need help navigating the regulatory guidelines? Drop an email at [email protected] or call/Whatsapp on 9996859227 to start your nicotine pouches and snus manufacturing business without any regulatory hurdles.
