EP3232825B1 - An oral smokeless moist snuff product - Google Patents

An oral smokeless moist snuff product Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3232825B1
EP3232825B1 EP15820112.9A EP15820112A EP3232825B1 EP 3232825 B1 EP3232825 B1 EP 3232825B1 EP 15820112 A EP15820112 A EP 15820112A EP 3232825 B1 EP3232825 B1 EP 3232825B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
weight
oral smokeless
moist snuff
flavorant
tobacco
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP15820112.9A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3232825A1 (en
Inventor
Henrik SAHLÉN
Mårten KINDVALL
Christian WERDINIUS
Martin Sjögren
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Swedish Match North Europe AB
Original Assignee
Swedish Match North Europe AB
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Swedish Match North Europe AB filed Critical Swedish Match North Europe AB
Priority to SI201530515T priority Critical patent/SI3232825T1/sl
Publication of EP3232825A1 publication Critical patent/EP3232825A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3232825B1 publication Critical patent/EP3232825B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
    • A24B13/00—Tobacco for pipes, for cigars, e.g. cigar inserts, or for cigarettes; Chewing tobacco; Snuff
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
    • A24B15/00—Chemical features or treatment of tobacco; Tobacco substitutes, e.g. in liquid form
    • A24B15/18—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes
    • A24B15/28—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances
    • A24B15/281—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances the action of the chemical substances being delayed
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
    • A24B15/00—Chemical features or treatment of tobacco; Tobacco substitutes, e.g. in liquid form
    • A24B15/18—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes
    • A24B15/28—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances
    • A24B15/281—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances the action of the chemical substances being delayed
    • A24B15/282—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances the action of the chemical substances being delayed by indirect addition of the chemical substances, e.g. in the wrapper, in the case
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
    • A24B15/00—Chemical features or treatment of tobacco; Tobacco substitutes, e.g. in liquid form
    • A24B15/18—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes
    • A24B15/28—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances
    • A24B15/281—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances the action of the chemical substances being delayed
    • A24B15/283—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances the action of the chemical substances being delayed by encapsulation of the chemical substances
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
    • A24B15/00—Chemical features or treatment of tobacco; Tobacco substitutes, e.g. in liquid form
    • A24B15/18—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes
    • A24B15/28—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances
    • A24B15/30—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances by organic substances
    • A24B15/302—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances by organic substances by natural substances obtained from animals or plants
    • A24B15/303—Plant extracts other than tobacco
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
    • A24B15/00—Chemical features or treatment of tobacco; Tobacco substitutes, e.g. in liquid form
    • A24B15/18—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes
    • A24B15/28—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances
    • A24B15/42—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by chemical substances by organic and inorganic substances

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to oral smokeless moist snuff products containing particles, such as microparticles, for flavor release.
  • the disclosure also relates to methods for making such products and uses thereof.
  • Smokeless tobacco for oral use includes chewing tobacco, dry snuff and moist (wet) snuff.
  • dry snuff has moisture content of less than 10 wt% and moist snuff has a moisture content of above 40 wt%.
  • Semi-dry products having between 10% to 40 wt% moisture content are also available.
  • Smokeless tobacco products for oral use are made from tobacco leaves, such as lamina and stem of the tobacco leaf.
  • the material from roots and stalks are normally not utilized for production of smokeless tobacco compositions for oral use.
  • American-type moist snuff is commonly produced through a fermentation process of moisturized ground or cut tobacco.
  • Scandinavian-type moist snuff (snus) is commonly produced by using a heat-treatment process (pasteurization) instead of fermentation.
  • the heat-treatment is carried out in order to degrade, destroy or denature at least a portion of the microorganisms within the tobacco preparation.
  • the tobacco preparation subjected to this heat-treatment process normally has moisture content within the range of from about 22 to 44% w/w.
  • additional water, salt, pH adjuster and additional ingredients, such as flavours are added to the tobacco preparation after this heat-treatment in order to provide the final smokeless tobacco composition, such as the moist snuff.
  • the main ingredients of oral smokeless moist snuff are tobacco, water, sodium carbonate, sodium chloride and a humectant such as propylene glycol or glycerol. Often a flavorant is present to enhance the organoleptic experience by a consumer. Instead of tobacco, fibres of non-tobacco plant material may be used thereby providing an oral smokeless non-tobacco product.
  • the organoleptic properties such as texture, aroma, taste, form and package of the product are of high importance for the consumer.
  • a way of changing and/or improving the sensory experience by a consumer is to add a flavorant to the tobacco material.
  • the flavorant may be added by mixing it with the tobacco material.
  • the oral smokeless tobacco product is placed in a consumer's oral cavity the natural tobacco flavor and/or the added flavorant will be extracted by the consumer's saliva. The flavorant is extracted gradually. After a certain time, such as about one hour, the consumer usually perceives the taste as gone and therefore disposes the product. It would be desirable that the flavor intensity experienced by a consumer remained constant or increased during a certain time period.
  • the flavorant may be added to the tobacco formulation in a form that physically separates it from the tobacco formulation.
  • particles containing a flavorant may be added.
  • the particles containing a flavorant may be provided as a capsule, such as a encapsulated. Disintegration of the capsule leads to flavor release.
  • the capsules may be designed so that flavor release only takes place when certain conditions are fulfilled.
  • the capsules may be temperature sensitive so that a certain temperature is required for capsule disintegration and concomitant flavor release.
  • encapsulation of the flavorant prevents it from interacting with the tobacco composition and/or the atmosphere in the container for the tobacco composition. Such interaction may lead to a different and/or deteriorated sensorial experience and have a negative impact on stability.
  • the microcapsule shell comprises gelatine.
  • the gelatine shell maintains its integrity and does not release the flavorant.
  • room temperature i.e. about 22 °C
  • the capsule material must maintain its integrity and substantially withstand leakage of the enclosed flavorant when mixed and stored together with the moist tobacco composition.
  • the capsule material should be able to disintegrate and provide controlled release of the flavorant when the oral smokeless moist snuff product is placed in a user's mouth.
  • US patent No. 7,810,507 discloses a smokeless tobacco product containing microencapsulated flavorants.
  • a list of outer wall or shell material of the microcapsules is mentioned, said list including inter alia gelatine and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. It is stated that microencapsulated tobacco flavorants will provide extended release of the tobacco flavor under conditions of normal use of the smokeless tobacco product, such as under conditions of 45% or greater moisture level, based on the total weight of the smokeless tobacco product. Alternatively, they may lose their physical integrity when the smokeless tobacco product reaches a certain pH or a certain temperature.
  • US 2004/0180067 discloses a particle composition containing a continuous phase of 5-95% organically soluble cellulosic material selected from the group consisting of ethyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl cellulose dissolved in 5-95% organic fragrance chemicals and organic flavor chemicals. It is stated that a particle formed of hydroxypropyl cellulose and flavor will not dissolve in an aqueous solution of 10% NaCl, although flavor chemicals will partition into the aqueous phase over time.
  • WO 2009/073190 discloses a fast-dissolving film for use as a platform for the delivery of material to the oral cavity, comprising a film forming agent, a plasticizing agent and a water-soluble agent.
  • the material may be nicotine.
  • the film may be edible and is fast-dissolving upon contact with water-based aqueous systems such as human saliva.
  • WO2009/056609 discloses oral smokeless tobacco compositions comprising encapsulated flavorants.
  • the encapsulating agent is hydrophobic and poorly soluble in aqueous solutions.
  • the release of the flavourant may be caused by alteration/degradation of the encapsulating agent with saliva and/or thermal degradation, e.g. melting of the encapsulation agent at a temperature present in the oral cavity.
  • US 2010/0282267 discloses an encapsulated flavorant for use with smokeless tobacco.
  • the encapsulated flavorant comprises a core with a lipid-based coating that provides stability when in contact with tobacco, yet releases flavor over time when the product is used.
  • an oral smokeless moist snuff product comprising:
  • an oral smokeless moist snuff product comprising:
  • an oral smokeless moist snuff product comprising:
  • the present disclosure is based on the finding that gelatine microcapsules containing a flavorant when in admixture with an oral smokeless moist snuff composition soften and/or disrupt upon storage even in the presence of a quite large amount of salt. As a consequence, there is a leakage of flavorant into the oral smokeless moist snuff composition containing tobacco or the non-tobacco plant fibres and this has a negative impact on storage stability and/or the desired flavor profile of the product.
  • the flavor profile of the oral smokeless tobacco product described herein, such as the oral smokeless moist snuff product, is such that flavorant release substantially takes place after the oral smokeless tobacco product has been placed into a user's mouth.
  • flavorant release substantially takes place after the oral smokeless tobacco product has been placed into a user's mouth is such that flavorant release substantially takes place after the oral smokeless tobacco product has been placed into a user's mouth.
  • the flavorant release may take place during an extended period of time such as about one hour.
  • the flavor intensity experienced by a user may increase over time so that the experienced flavor intensity is higher at the end of usage than at the beginning.
  • a user may experience the flavor intensity to be substantially constant.
  • storage stability refers to the ability of a product to substantially withstand alteration and/or degradation during storage.
  • the product may be the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein and/or the particles containing a flavorant described herein.
  • the particles containing a flavorant are considered to be storage stable when they substantially maintain their integrity during storage.
  • storage stability may refer to storage stability at about room temperature, i.e. about 20-25 °C such as about 22 °C, during about three weeks. In a further example, storage stability may refer to storage stability at about 5 °C during about twenty weeks.
  • An oral smokeless moist snuff product may be considered to be storage stable when at least about 75 %, such as about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, about 95% or about 100%, of the total flavor of the flavorant particles remains encapsulated.
  • the total flavour intends the sum of the flavor of the particles containing a flavorant and the flavor contained in the oral smokeless moist snuff composition. The total flavor may be determined as described in the experimental section of this document.
  • the one or more salts selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate, sodium lactate and potassium lactate and any combinations thereof act by lowering the cloud point of the cellulose-derivatized polymer enclosing the flavorant.
  • the polymer cloud point defines the temperature above which the cellulose-derivatized polymer is insoluble, and below which it is soluble.
  • the particles such as the microcapsules or granules maintain their integrity at a temperature from about 0°C to about 50°C, such as from about 5 °C to about 45°C or at body temperature (i.e. about 37°C).
  • concentration of the one or more salts is lowered the particles such as the microcapsules or granules soften and/or disintegrate thereby releasing the encapsulated flavorant. Therefore, when the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein is placed in a user's mouth saliva excretion lowers the salt concentration leading to microcapsule softening and disintegration followed by extended flavorant release. This is in contrast to, for example, thermosensitive microcapsules in which a mere temperature change results in capsule disintegration.
  • the disintegrated plant material may be disintegrated tobacco or disintegrated non-tobacco plant fibres as described herein.
  • disintegrate(d) is understood to mean cut, ground and/or shredded.
  • the disintegrated plant material may be shredded.
  • the disintegrated plant material may be finely disintegrated, i.e. it has an average particle size of less than 2 mm.
  • the particles of the finely disintegrated plant material, such as finely disintegrated tobacco material may be sized to pass through a screen of about 10 (US) mesh, i.e. sieve size 2.0 mm, or 18 (US) mesh, i.e. sieve size 1.0 mm.
  • the term "snuff" used in the context of oral smokeless moist snuff composition and/or oral smokeless moist snuff product may intend fermented snuff and/or pasteurized snuff.
  • the snuff may be American-type moist snuff and/or Scandinavian-type moist snuff (i.e. snus).
  • An oral smokeless moist tobacco composition is an oral smokeless moist snuff composition wherein the disintegrated plant material comprises or consists of tobacco. Addition of particles containing a flavorant as described herein to the oral smokeless moist tobacco composition provides an oral smokeless moist tobacco product.
  • the tobacco may be mixed with non-tobacco fibres as decribed herein.
  • An oral smokeless moist non-tobacco composition is an oral smokeless moist snuff composition wherein the disintegrated plant material comprises or consists of non-tobacco fibres. Addition of particles containing a flavorant as described herein to the oral smokeless moist non-tobacco composition provides an oral smokeless non-tobacco product.
  • the oral smokeless moist non-tobacco composition and/or the oral smokeless non-tobacco product does not comprise tobacco material such as disintegrated tobacco.
  • the tobacco may be any part, e.g. leaves or stems, of any member of the genus Nicotiana.
  • the tobacco may be whole or disintegrated, i.e. shredded, cut, ground, cured. Further, the tobacco may be aged, fermented or treated otherwise.
  • the tobacco may include types of material such as flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, oriental tobacco, Maryland tobacco, dark tobacco, dark-fired tobacco, dark air cured or light air cured and Rustica tobaccos as well as other rare or specialty tobaccos.
  • the tobacco of the present disclosure may contain a single type of tobacco or different types of tobacco.
  • the tobacco can have the form of processed tobacco parts or pieces, cured and aged tobacco in substantially natural lamina or stem form, a tobacco extract, extracted tobacco pulp or a mixture of the foregoing.
  • the tobacco may be mixed together with non-tobacco fibres.
  • the tobacco contains salt such as sodium chloride and/or potassium chloride.
  • the total chloride content i.e. the chloride originating from chloride salts such as sodium and potassium chloride, may be within the range of from about 3 to about 8 % by weight such as from about 3 to about 6 % by weight based on the weight of the tobacco flour, said tobacco flour may contain about 7 % by weight of water.
  • the chloride content of the disintegrated tobacco or the disintegrated non-tobacco plant material may be about 3 % by weight or about 4 % by weight based on the weight of the tobacco flour, said tobacco flour may contain about 7 % by weight of water.
  • the non-tobacco plant fibres may be fibres from non-tobacco plants such as maize fibers, oat fibers, tomato fibers, barley fibers, rye fibers, sugar beet fibers, buck wheat fibers, potato fibers, cellulose fibers, apple fibers, cocoa fibers, bamboo fibers and citrus fibers.
  • the non-tobacco plant fibres may be whole or disintegrated, i.e. shredded, cut, ground. Further, the non-tobacco plant fibres may be cured, aged, fermented or treated otherwise.
  • the amount of non-tobacco plant fibers, such as bamboo fibers, in the smokeless tobacco composition may be within the range of from about 1 to about 60% w/w or from about 2 to about 20% w/w based on dry weight of the smokeless tobacco composition.
  • Micro Crystalline Cellulose may also be used as an alternative.
  • the non-tobacco fibers may have an average length-to-width ratio equal to or greater than 3.5:1 and equal to or lower than 100:1.
  • the non-tobacco plant fibers may originate from bamboo.
  • the non-tobacco fibers may have an average length-to-width ratio equal to or lower than 25:1.
  • the non-tobacco fibers may have an average length-to-width ratio equal to or greater than 6:1.
  • the non-tobacco fibers may have an average length-to-width ratio equal to or greater than 10:1.
  • the non-tobacco fibers may have an average length- to-width ratio equal to or greater than 15:1.
  • the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein may be provided in particulate form, as a loose powder, or be portion-packaged in a pouch.
  • the pouch may be made of a water-permeable material so that extraction of components such as nicotine and/or flavorant may easily take place when the product is placed in a user's mouth.
  • the encapsulation of the flavorant in the microcapsule or granule may be encapsulation of the flavorant by a shell such as a coating.
  • the flavorant encapsulation may be that the flavorant is contained in a matrix.
  • the flavorant may be dispersed within a matrix.
  • the matrix may be enclosed by a shell or coating.
  • the shell and/or the matrix may comprise or consist of a cellulose-derivatized polymer selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methyl cellulose and any combinations thereof.
  • an oral smokeless moist snuff product as described herein, wherein the flavorant is encapsulated by a coating comprising a cellulose-derivatized polymer as described herein.
  • the cellulose-derivatized polymer may be hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.
  • the cellulose-derivatized polymer described herein may be mixed with further ingredients.
  • the cellulose-derivatized polymer may be mixed with talcum powder.
  • hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose may be mixed with talcum powder.
  • the microcapsule or granule flavorant of the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein is encapsulated by an inner coating and an outer coating.
  • the inner coating may comprise or consist of gelatine.
  • the outer coating may comprise or consist of a cellulose-derivatized polymer selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methyl cellulose and any combinations thereof.
  • the outer coating may comprise or consist of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.
  • the inner coating comprises or consists of gelatine
  • the outer coating comprises or consists of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose optionally in combination with talcum powder.
  • the outer coating is salt-sensitive so that it substantially remains in a solid state in the presence of a salt selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate, sodium lactate and potassium lactate and any combinations thereof in the amounts indicated herein.
  • a salt selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate, sodium lactate and potassium lactate and any combinations thereof in the amounts indicated herein.
  • the outer coating softens and/or dissolves so that the gelatine inner coating is exposed. Since gelatine will soften and/or dissolve upon contact with the moisture present in the oral smokeless moist snuff product the flavorant will be released.
  • the outer coating should cover most of the inner coating.
  • the outer coating should be free or substantially free from cracks.
  • the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein comprises one or more salts selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate, sodium lactate, potassium lactate and any combinations thereof.
  • the sodium chloride may be replaced entirely or partly with potassium chloride.
  • each salts may be present in an amount sufficient to contribute to cellulose-derivatized polymer cloud point lowering in the oral smokeless moist snuff product.
  • the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein may comprise or consist of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate and potassium sulphate.
  • the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein may comprise or consist of sodium sulphate and/or potassium sulphate and one or more salts selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate and any combination thereof.
  • the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein comprises sodium carbonate, sodium chloride and optionally one or more salts selected from the group consisting of potassium carbonate, sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate, sodium lactate, potassium lactate and any combination thereof.
  • the sodium chloride may be replaced entirely or partly with sodium sulphate or potassium sulphate. Replacing the sodium chloride with sodium sulphate and/or potassium sulphate may affect the flavour profile of the product, which may be desirable to meet the demands of certain users.
  • the inventors of the present disclosure have found that sodium chloride may be exchanged for sodium sulphate and/or potassium sulphate to at least some extent without affecting the cloud point of the cellulose-derivatized polymer of the particles containing a flavorant.
  • the one or more salts may be mixed with the disintegrated plant material such as tobacco or with the non-tobacco plant fibres. Additionally, the one or more salts may be contained in the microcapsules. As an example, the one or more salts may be contained in the microcapsule or granule shell or the microcapsule or granule matrix. In a further example, the one or more salts is mixed with the disintegrated plant material such as tobacco or non-tobacco plant fibres and also contained in the microcapsules or granules.
  • the one or more salts selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate, sodium lactate, potassium lactate and any combinations thereof are believed to have a so-called salting in effect whereby the integrity of the particles containing a flavorant such as microcapsules or granules is maintained until the salt concentration is lowered.
  • the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition and/or the oral smokeless moist snuff product includes the sodium chloride and/or the potassium chloride occurring naturally in the disintegrated plant material.
  • the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition and/or the oral smokeless moist snuff product includes added salts as well as sodium chloride and/or potassium chloride occurring naturally in the disintegrated plant material.
  • the one or more salts described herein includes salts commonly used in snuff, such as sodium chloride, as well as salts used as pH adjusters, such as sodium carbonate.
  • Sodium chloride provides a salty taste and/or antimicrobial activity and may also influence the cellulose-derivatized polymer cloud point.
  • Sodium carbonate provides pH adjustment and may also influence the cellulose-derivatized polymer cloud point.
  • the one or more salts may provide taste, pH adjustment, antimicrobial activity etc.
  • the one or more salts may be sodium lactate and/or potassium lactate. This may be advantageous since sodium lactate and/or potassium lactate have a neutral taste, an antibacterial activity and are also believed to have a lower impact on a cellulose-derivatized polymer than, for instance, sodium chloride. As an example, all or at least part of the sodium chloride may be exchanged for sodium lactate and/or potassium lactate.
  • the one or more salts may be selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, potassium carbonate, potassium sulphate and any combinations thereof.
  • the one or more salts may comprise sodium carbonate and a salt selected from the group consisting of potassium carbonate, sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate, sodium lactate, potassium lactate and any combination thereof.
  • the one or more salts may comprise potassium carbonate and a salt selected from the group consisting of sodium carbonate, sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate, sodium lactate, potassium lactate and any combination thereof.
  • the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein may comprise or consist of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate and potassium sulphate.
  • the ratio sodium chloride: sodium carbonate: potassium sulphate may be about 6:3:1 or about 7:2:1. It will be appreciated that the potassium sulphate may be replaced entirely or partly with sodium chloride and/or potassium chloride.
  • the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein may comprise or consist of sodium carbonate and sodium chloride and/or potassium chloride.
  • the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein may comprise or consist of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate and optionally one or more salts selected from the group consisting of potassium carbonate, sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate, sodium lactate, potassium lactate and any combinations thereof.
  • the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein may comprise or consist of sodium sulphate and/or potassium sulphate and/or one or more salts selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate and any combinations thereof.
  • the total amount of the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition and/or the oral smokeless moist snuff product prepared for the consumer may be estimated using any method known in the art to a skilled person. For instance, the total amount of the one or more salts may be estimated or indicated based on the measurement of ionic strength or conductivity.
  • the amount of the one or more salts will depend on the total amount of moisture of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition. Generally, to maintain flavorant particle integrity in the oral smokeless moist snuff product the amount of the one or more salts will have to be increased when the total amount of moisture of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition is raised.
  • the inventors of the present disclosure have found that for a total amount of moisture within the range of from 35% by weight to 60% by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition, the total amount of the one or more salts should be within the range of 15 % by weight to 35 % by weight based on the total weight of water and total weight of the one or more salts in the oral smokeless moist snuff composition.
  • the amount of particles containing a flavorant as described herein is within the range of from 1 % by weight to 25 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.
  • the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be within the range of from about 5 % by weight to 25 % by weight, from about 5% by weight to about 20 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 15 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 10 % by weight or from about 10 % by weight to about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.
  • the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be about 5 % by weight, about 10 % by weight, about 15 % by weight or about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.
  • the total amount of the one or more salts is within the range of from 15 % by weight to 35 % by weight, from about 15 % by weight to about 25 % by weight or from about 20 % by weight to about 25 % by weight, based on the total weight of water and the total weight of the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition, and the total amount of moisture may be within the range of from about 45 % by weight to 60 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition.
  • the amount of particles containing a flavorant as described herein is within the range of from 1 % by weight to 25 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.
  • the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be within the range of from about 5 % by weight to about 25 % by weight, from about 5% by weight to about 20 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 15 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 10 % by weight or from about 10 % by weight to about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.
  • the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be about 5 % by weight, about 10 % by weight, about 15 % by weight or about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.
  • the total amount of the one or more salts is within the range of from 15 % by weight to 35 % by weight, from 15 % by weight to about 25 % by weight or from about 20 % by weight to about 25 % by weight, based on the total weight of water and the total weight of the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition, and the total amount of moisture may be within the range of about 33 % by weight to about 37 % by weight such as about 35 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition.
  • the amount of particles containing a flavorant as described herein is within the range of from 1 % by weight to 25 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.
  • the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be within the range of from about 5 % by weight to 25 % by weight, from about 5% by weight to about 20 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 15 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 10 % by weight or from about 10 % by weight to about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.
  • the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be about 5 % by weight, about 10 % by weight, about 15 % by weight or about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.
  • the total amount of the one or more salts is within the range of from 15 % by weight to 35 % by weight, from about 15 % by weight to about 25 % by weight or from about 20 % by weight to about 25 % by weight, based on the total weight of water and the total weight of the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition, and the total amount of moisture may be within the range of about 38 % by weight to about 42 % by weight such as about 40 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition.
  • the amount of particles containing a flavorant as described herein is within the range of from 1 % by weight to 25 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.
  • the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be within the range of from about 5 % by weight to 25 % by weight, from about 5% by weight to about 20 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 15 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 10 % by weight or from about 10 % by weight to about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.
  • the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be about 5 % by weight, about 10 % by weight, about 15 % by weight or about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.
  • the total amount of the one or more salts is within the range of from 15 % by weight to 35 % by weight, from 15 % by weight to about 25 % by weight or from about 20 % by weight to about 25 % by weight, based on the total weight of water and the total weight of the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition, and the total amount of moisture may be within the range of about 43% by weight to about 47 % by weight such as about 45 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition.
  • the amount of particles containing a flavorant as described herein is within the range of from 1 % by weight to 25 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.
  • the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be within the range of from about 5 % by weight to 25 % by weight, from about 5% by weight to about 20 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 15 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 10 % by weight or from about 10 % by weight to about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.
  • the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be about 5 % by weight, about 10 % by weight, about 15 % by weight or about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.
  • the total amount of the one or more salts is within the range of from 15 % by weight to 35 % by weight, from 15 % by weight to about 25 % by weight or from about 20 % by weight to about 25 % by weight, based on the total weight of water and the total weight of the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition, and the total amount of moisture may be within the range of about 48 % by weight to about 52 % by weight such as about 50 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition.
  • the amount of particles containing a flavorant as described herein is may within the range of from 1 % by weight to 25 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.
  • the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be within the range of from about 5 % by weight to 25 % by weight, from about 5% by weight to about 20 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 15 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 10 % by weight or from about 10 % by weight to about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.
  • the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be about 5 % by weight, about 10 % by weight, about 15 % by weight or about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.
  • the total amount of the one or more salts is within the range of from 15 % by weight to 35 % by weight, from 15 % by weight to about 25 % by weight or from about 20 % by weight to about 25 % by weight, based on the total weight of water and the total weight of the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition, and the total amount of moisture may be within the range of about 53 % by weight to about 57 % by weight such as about 55 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition.
  • the amount of particles containing a flavorant as described herein is within the range of from 1 % by weight to 25 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.
  • the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be within the range of from about 5 % by weight to 25 % by weight, from about 5% by weight to about 20 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 15 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 10 % by weight or from about 10 % by weight to about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.
  • the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be about 5 % by weight, about 10 % by weight, about 15 % by weight or about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.
  • the total amount of the one or more salts is within the range of from 15 % by weight to 35 % by weight, from 15 % by weight to about 25 % by weight or from about 20 % by weight to about 25 % by weight, based on the total weight of water and the total weight of the one or more salts of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition, and the total amount of moisture may be within the range of about 58 % by weight to about 62 % by weight such as about 60 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition.
  • the amount of particles containing a flavorant as described herein is within the range of from 1 % by weight to 25 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.
  • the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be within the range of from about 5 % by weight to 25 % by weight, from about 5% by weight to about 20 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 15 % by weight, from about 5 % by weight to about 10 % by weight or from about 10 % by weight to about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.
  • the amount of particles containing a flavorant may be about 5 % by weight, about 10 % by weight, about 15 % by weight or about 20 % by weight based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.
  • an oral smokeless moist snuff product comprising:
  • the oral smokeless moist snuff product may comprise from about 1 to about 5 % by weight, such as from about 2 to about 4 % by weight, based on the dry weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition, of a humectant selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol and glycerol.
  • the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein may comprise no or substantially no humectant. It will be appreciated that the humectant should be selected in such a way and/or in an amount that it influences the cloud point of the cellulose-derivatized polymer to only a small extent or not at all.
  • propylene glycol in an amount of about 2 to about 4 % by weight, such as from about 0.5 to about 2 % by weight, such as from about 1 to about 3 % by weight, such as from about 1 to about 2 % by weight, based on the dry weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition, may be added to the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein.
  • the impact of the humectant on the cellulose-derivatized polymer cloud point may at least to some extent be compensated for by increasing the amount of the one or more salts.
  • the humectant of the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein may contain a humectant comprising or consisting of glycerol.
  • total amount of moisture refers to the total amount of oven volatile ingredients, such as water and other oven volatiles (e.g. propylene glycol, ethanol etc.) in the preparation, composition or product referred to.
  • the total amount of moisture is given herein as percent by weight (wt%) of the total weight of the preparation, composition or product referred to.
  • the total amount of moisture as referred to herein may be determined by using the LOD method disclosed in the Examples in which the oven volatile content at a temperature of about 105°C is determined.
  • the total amount of moisture may refer to the total amount of oven volatiles measured of a temperature at about 105°C, such as measured with an LOD method.
  • total amount of moisture “moisture content” and “moisture level” are used interchangeably.
  • the total amount of moisture of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition ranges from 35 % by weight to 60 % by weight such as from about 40 % by weight to about 60 % by weight, from about 45 % by weight to about 60 % by weight, from about 45 % by weight to about 55 % by weight, from about 50 % by weight to about 55 % by weight, from about 50 % by weight to about 60 % by weight or from about 55 % by weight to 60 % by weight.
  • the total amount of moisture of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition may be 35 % by weight, about 40% by weight, about 45 % by weight, about 46 % by weight, about 55 % by weight or 60 % by weight.
  • the water content of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition and/or the oral smokeless moist snuff product includes all water present such as added water and water occurring naturally in the disintegrated plant material.
  • an oral smokeless moist snuff product as described herein wherein the total amount of moisture of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition is about 40 % by weight.
  • the one or more salts comprises or consists of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate and potassium sulphate.
  • the ratio sodium chloride: sodium carbonate: potassium sulphate may be about 6:3:1 or about 7:2:1.
  • an oral smokeless moist snuff product as described herein wherein the total amount of moisture of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition is about 46 % by weight, and the one or more salts may comprise or consist of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate and potassium sulphate.
  • the ratio sodium chloride: sodium carbonate: potassium sulphate may be about 7:2:1.
  • an oral smokeless moist snuff product as described herein wherein the total amount of moisture of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition is about 55 % by weight, and the one or more salts may comprise or consist of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate and potassium sulphate.
  • the ratio sodium chloride: sodium carbonate: potassium sulphate may be about 7:2:1.
  • an oral smokeless moist snuff product as described herein wherein the total amount of moisture is about 35 wt%, and the one or more salts may comprise or consist of sodium chloride and sodium carbonate.
  • the ratio sodium chloride: sodium carbonate may be about 3:1.
  • an oral smokeless moist snuff product as described herein wherein the total amount of moisture of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition is about 46 wt%, and the one or more salts may comprise or consist of sodium chloride and sodium carbonate.
  • the ratio sodium chloride: sodium carbonate may be about 3:1 or about 4:1.
  • an oral smokeless moist snuff product as described herein wherein the total amount of moisture is about 55 wt% of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition, and the one or more salts may comprise or consist of sodium chloride and sodium carbonate.
  • the ratio sodium chloride: sodium carbonate may be about 4:1.
  • the particles described herein may be microparticles, such as microcapsules or granules as described herein.
  • the particles may or may not contain a carrier.
  • the particles such as microcapsules or granules of the present disclosure contain a flavorant.
  • a flavorant As used herein, the terms “flavorant”, “flavor” “flavoring agent” or the like denote a substance used to influence the aroma and/or taste of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.
  • microcapsules may be exchanged for granules, capsules, microparticles etc.
  • the flavorant may be a single flavor or a combination of flavorants/flavors.
  • the flavorant may be in solid or liquid form.
  • the liquid form may be a liquid composition such an oil.
  • the flavorant may be an essential oil, a compounded flavoring and/or extracts. Further, the flavorant may be natural or synthetic.
  • flavorants include menthol, peppermint, spearmint, liquorice, anethol, geranium, lemon oil, orange oil, grapefruit oil, bergamot oil, vanilla, coffee, coconut, almond, pecan, walnut, peanut, hazelnut, ginger, fennel, clove, anise, cardamom, coriander, basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, sage, jasmine, lavender, wintergreen, cocoa and cumarin.
  • the flavor may contain tobacco flavorant.
  • the flavorant may be a non-tobacco flavorant.
  • the flavorant may be a solid encapsulated by a shell such as a coating comprising, for instance, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, to provide a granule or microcapsule.
  • the flavorant may be dispersed within a matrix and optionally encapsulated by a shell such as a coating comprising, for instance, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, to provide a granule or microcapsule.
  • the particles containing a flavorant such as microcapsules may be a mixture of microcapsules containing different flavorants. For instance, 50% of the microcapsules may contain a first flavorant and the remaining 50% may contain a second flavorant different from the first flavorant.
  • the inner coating and/or the outer coating of the microcapsules may or may not contain a flavor.
  • the inner and/or the outer coating contain no flavor.
  • the inner and/or outer contain a non-tobacco flavor.
  • the total weight of the particles containing a flavorant such as microcapsules contained within the oral smokeless moist snuff product may vary.
  • the amount of said particles is within the range of from 1 % by weight to 25 % by weight, such as from about 5 % by weight to 25 % by weight or from about 5 % by weight to about 10 % by weight, based on the total weight of the oral smokeless moist snuff product.
  • the amount of said particles may be about 5 % by weight, about 10 % by weight, about 15 % by weight or about 20 % by weight.
  • the amount of said particles may be about 10 % by weight.
  • the particles such as microcapsules or granules, containing a flavorant may be mixed with an oral smokeless moist snuff composition to provide the oral smokeless moist snuff product.
  • the particles containing a flavorant may be added to the oral smokeless moist snuff composition or vice versa.
  • the particles containing a flavorant and the components of the oral smokeless moist snuff composition may be mixed in any order to provide the oral smokeless moist snuff product.
  • a single particle such as a capsule or granule having a size larger than that of the microcapsules or granules may be used in addition to or instead of a plurality of microcapsules and/or granules.
  • the single capsule may contain a flavorant that is the same as or different from that of the microcapsules and/or granules.
  • the shape of the particles may vary, but typically the microcapsules or granules have a substantially spherical shape. Alternatively, the microcapsules or granules may have other types of shapes such as rectilinear, oblong, elliptical or oval shapes.
  • the particles containing a flavorant such as microcapsules or granules may be uniform or varied in size.
  • the microcapsule or granule diameter may be from 1 to 5 mm, such as from 1 to 4 mm or from 1 to 3 mm or from 300 micrometers to 1 mm.
  • the microcapsules or granules may be spherical and have a diameter equal to or less than about 300 micrometers, such as from 100-300 micrometers, such as from 100-200 micrometers, or from 1 to 40 micrometers or from 1 to 20 micrometers.
  • the microcapsule or granule diameter may be about 1 mm.
  • microcapsules or granules of substantially uniform size In some oral smokeless moist snuff products it may be desired to include microcapsules or granules of substantially uniform size, whereas in other oral smokeless moist snuff products it may be desired to include microcapsules or granules with varying size.
  • particles such as microcapsules of different sizes and types may be included in the oral smokeless moist snuff products to provide for a desired flavor release profile.
  • a first flavorant may be released from a first set of microcapsules or granules
  • a second flavorant may be released from a second set of microcapsules or granules. The release of the first flavorant may take place prior to, at the same time as or after release of the second flavorant.
  • the particles containing a flavorant described herein may be dyed.
  • the dye may be provided by a color additive approved for use in food. By providing at least part of the particles as dyed particles the consumer may perceive the oral smokeless moist snuff product as more interesting and/or appealing.
  • the crush strength of the microcapsules disclosed herein is sufficient to allow for normal handling and storage without significant premature or undesirable breakage.
  • a non-encapsulated flavorant may be mixed with the disintegrated plant material such as tobacco or non-tobacco plant fibres of the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein.
  • the flavorant may be added by spraying it onto the tobacco or the non-tobacco plant fibres.
  • the flavorant may be sprayed directly onto loose tobacco and/or non-tobacco fibres or onto pouches containing tobacco and/or non-tobacco fibres. In this way, a user placing the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein into his or her mouth will immediately experience the flavorant mixed with the tobacco or non-tobacco plant fibres and then gradually also experience the flavorant released from the microcapsules.
  • the non-encapsulated flavorant may be the same or different from that contained in the particles containing a flavorant such as microcapsules or granules. In this way, a consumer may perceive the taste of the oral smokeless moist snuff product to evolve and/or change overtime.
  • a non-encapsulated flavorant may be added to the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein by coating at least part of one inside surface, such as an inside lid or bottom surface, of a container with the flavorant, adding the oral smokeless moist snuff product to the container and closing of the container.
  • the container is a packaging container for an oral smokeless moist snuff product. When the container is closed, the flavorant applied to the at least part of one inside surface of the container will flavorize the oral smokeless moist snuff product. Accordingly, there is provided a method for adding a flavorant to an oral smokeless moist snuff product as described herein, said method comprising the steps of:
  • the container for an oral smokeless moist snuff product does not form part of the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein.
  • the overall result for a user may be a constant flavor intensity, an increase in flavor intensity over a certain time, a change in flavour etc.
  • the oral smokeless moist snuff product may further comprise a sweetener.
  • suitable sweeteners include natural sweeteners such as fructose, sucrose, glucose, maltose, mannose, galactose, lactose or xylitol.
  • the sweetener may also be an artificial sweetener such as sucralose, saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame K, neotam or stevia.
  • the sweetener may be mixed with the oral smokelss moist snuff composition and/or be provided in encapsulated form.
  • a pH adjusting agent may be included in the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein to provide a desired pH value.
  • the pH adjusting agent may be an alkali metal base or an acid.
  • the alkali metal base may be sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.
  • the acid may be acetic acid, lactic acid or citric acid.
  • the pH adjusting agent may be mixed with the oral smokelss moist snuff composition and/or be provided in encapsulated form.
  • a buffering agent may be present in the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein in order to maintain pH close to a desired value.
  • Suitable buffering agents include alkali metal carbonates and alkali metal bicarbonates.
  • the alkali metal carbonates may be sodium carbonate or potassium carbonate.
  • the alkali metal bicarbonates may be sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate.
  • the buffering agent may be mixed with the oral smokelss moist snuff composition and/or be present in encapsulated form.
  • the oral smokeless moist snuff described herein may also include additives such as disintegration aids, antioxidants, binders, colorants, fillers, thickening agents and/or combinations thereof.
  • the additives may be mixed with the oral smokelss moist snuff composition and/or be present in encapsulated form or in non-encapsulated form.
  • the particles described herein such as microcapsules or granules may be manufactured by coating a gelatine microcapsule with a cellulose polymer such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose using fluidized bed technique.
  • a gelatine microcapsule with a cellulose polymer such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose using fluidized bed technique.
  • any other technique known in the art to the skilled person may be used.
  • the oral smokeless moist snuff product described herein may be manufactured by dispersing the microcapsules with the other components of the oral smokeless moist snuff.
  • an oral smokeless moist snuff product comprising:
  • particulate is used for a particle size of the product which enables the final product to be provided in so-called loose form, from which a pinch of snus may be made in individual sized by a user of a product.
  • oral or “oral use” refer to use in the oral cavity, i.e. for chewing purposes or buccal placement.
  • mm stands for millimeters.
  • LOD Loss On Drying and is a method to measure the loss of weight of the sample when dried at 105°C. The sample is dried until the sample weight is substantially constant. The LOD method is described in the Examples section.
  • wt% stands for weight% means weight percent in the composition or product referred to.
  • wt% weight%
  • weight% weight percent in the composition or product referred to.
  • % weight percent
  • HPMC is an abbreviation for hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.
  • rpm revolutions per minute
  • GC Gas Chromatography
  • MS stands for Mass Spectroscopy.
  • GCMS Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy
  • w/w stands for weight by weight.
  • Figure 1 shows a graph indicating flavor intensity experienced by eleven test persons during a time period of 60 minutes.
  • Headspace screw top vials (20 ml) were purchased from ThermoScientific. Petroleum ether Suprasolv was purchased from VWR. Samples were shaken on an incubation orbital shaker, professional 3500, purchased from VWR. Analyses were performed on an Agilent 5890/5972/7673 GCMS-system, operating in full scan mode. GC column was an Agilent Innowax (60 m x 0.25 mm x 0.25 um).
  • total flavor intends the total analyzed amount of flavor in the product consisting of moist snus and microcapsules.
  • the total flavor intends the sum of the flavor of the microcapsules and the flavor contained in the moist snus.
  • free flavor intends the analyzed amount of flavor in the moist snus.
  • the free flavor intends the flavor contained in the moist snus, excluding the flavor of the non-disintegrated microcapsules. Unless otherwise indicated, in all Examples the flavor is a mixture of peppermint and menthol.
  • grinded and heated moist tobacco refers to tobacco that has been prepared as follows.
  • the tobacco was grinded and pasteurized, and the moisture content was adjusted with water to about 35 wt%.
  • the chloride content of the tobacco flour prior to grinding and pasteurization i.e. the sum of chloride from NaCl and KCI, was about 3. wt% based on the weight of the tobacco flour.
  • the total amount of moisture of the tobacco flour was 7 wt%.
  • misist snus refers to a mixture of grinded and heated moist tobacco, sodium carbonate, potassium sulphate, sodium chloride, ethanol and water. In some examples the potassium sulphate was excluded.
  • moisturize snus product refers to the mixture resulting from adding microcapsules to the moist snus, i.e. a mixture of microcapsules, grinded and heated moist tobacco, sodium carbonate, potassium sulphate, sodium chloride, ethanol and water. In some examples the potassium sulphate was excluded.
  • the moisture content of each of the tobacco material and the non-tobacco plant fibers, if present, was determined by using a method based on literature references Federal Register/ vol.74, no. 4/712-719/Wednesday, January 7, 2009/Notices, "Total moisture determination " and AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemics), Official Methods of Analysis 966.02: "Moisture in Tobacco” (1990), Fifth Edition, K. Helrich (ed ).
  • the oven volatile (OV) content of the tobacco material and the non-tobacco plant fibers, if present, is measured as described hereinafter.
  • Mettler Toledo's Moisture Analyzer HB43 a balance with halogen heating technology, was used (instead of an oven and a balance as in the mentioned literature references).
  • the sample was heated to 105 °C (instead of 99.5 ⁇ 0.5 °C as in the mentioned literature references).
  • the measurement was stopped when the weight change was less than 1 mg during a 90 seconds time period.
  • the moisture content (i.e. oven volatile content) as weight percent of the original weight of the sample is then calculated automatically by the Moisture Analyzer HB43.
  • the content of oven volatiles other than water (i.e. nonaqueous oven volatiles) in tobacco flour is normally less than 1% by weight. Therefore the moisture content of tobacco material as measured using the herein described method substantially corresponds to the actual water content of the tobacco material.
  • the given water content of the initial tobacco preparations is the calculated sum of oven volatiles content of the tobacco material and the non-tobacco plant fibers if present, as measured by the above disclosed method, and, where applicable, the amount of water added to the tobacco material in the process.
  • Microcapsules were formed in the following manner.
  • a fluid bed Mini-Glatt (from Glatt GmbH, Binzen) with bottom spray coating (Wurster) was used.
  • the spray nozzle was 0.5 mm in diameter.
  • the bottom filter was 100 ⁇ m, mounted on a bottom plate with diameter 7.5 cm.
  • Millicaps 1000 E_1413279 from V. MANE FILS, France
  • the Millicaps were substantially gelatin microcapsules containing a liquid peppermint/menthol flavorant.
  • 230 g of the above prepared solution was sprayed on to the Millicaps 1000 E_1413279. Settings for the process were as indicated in Table 1.
  • the formed microcapsules were then sieved through a sieve with a mesh size of 2 mm and the upper fraction was removed.
  • the moist snus was prepared by mixing sodium carbonate, potassium sulphate, sodium chloride, ethanol and water with grinded and heated moist tobacco. The amounts were as indicated in Table 2 below.
  • the moist snus of the moist snus product consisted of grinded and heated moist tobacco prepared as described above, sodium carbonate, potassium sulphate, sodium chloride, ethanol and water in amounts as indicated in Table 2.
  • the above manufactured microcapsules were mixed with the moist snus, said moist snus having a total amount of moisture of about 46 % by weight based on the moist snus, to provide a moist snus product.
  • the composition of the moist snus product is indicated in Table 2.
  • the moist snus product was packaged in pouches, each pouch having with a weight of about 0.8 g.
  • the pouches were stored in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks at room temperature.
  • Table 2 Component Amount (g) Composition (wt%) Grinded and heated, moist tobacco 1000 58.57 Sodium carbonate 39.5 2.31 Potassium sulphate 18.4 1.1 Sodium chloride 137.2 8.0 Ethanol 6.5 0.38 Water 335.1 19.63 Microcapsules 170.7 10 Total: 1707.4 Total: 100.0
  • Pouches consisting of the moist snus and microcapsules, said pouches being manufactured as in Example 1, were evaluated regarding flavor release function as follows. The pouches were stored for two weeks in a sealed plastic bag prior to use.
  • Millicaps 1000 E_1413279 were purchased from V. MANE FILS, France.
  • the Millicaps were substantially gelatin microcapsules containing a liquid menthol flavorant.
  • Moist snus was prepared by mixing sodium carbonate, potassium sulphate, sodium chloride, ethanol and water with grinded and heated moist tobacco. The amounts were as indicated in Table 6 below.
  • the moist snus of the moist snus product consisted of grinded and heated moist tobacco, sodium carbonate, potassium sulphate, sodium chloride, ethanol and water in amounts as indicated in Table 6.
  • the Millicaps were mixed with the moist snus, said moist snus having a total amount of moisture of about 46 % by weight based on said moist snus, to provide a moist snus product.
  • the composition of the moist snus product was as indicated in Table 6.
  • the moist snus product was packaged in pouches, each pouch having a weight of about 0.8 g. 10 pouches were prepared. The pouches were stored for two weeks at room temperature in a sealed plastic bag.
  • Table 6 Component Amount (g) Composition (wt%) Grinded and heated, moist tobacco 1000 58.57 Sodium carbonate 39.5 2.31 Potassium sulphate 18.4 1.1 Sodium chloride 137.2 8.0 Ethanol 6.5 0.38 Water 335.1 19.63 Millicaps 1000 E_1413279 170.7 10 Total: 1707.4 Total: 100.0
  • the pouches consisting of moist snus and Millicaps 1000 E_1413279 were analyzed regarding content of menthol according to the GC/MS method described in Example 1.
  • One batch was for free flavor and one was batch for total flavor.
  • 83 % of the total amount of menthol was found in the moist snus after storage 2 weeks in room temperature.
  • Moist snus was prepared by mixing sodium carbonate, potassium sulphate, sodium chloride, ethanol and water with grinded and heated moist tobacco. The amounts were as indicated in Table 8 below. The total amount of moisture of the moist snus was about 45 % by weight based on said moist snus.
  • the free flavor content of the stored Sample 1 was only 3% indicating that substantially no flavor release from the microcapsules had taken place.
  • the free flavor content of the stored Sample 2 was 42% indicating a significant flavor release from the microcapsules.
  • Microcapsules were formed in the following manner.
  • Millicaps 1000E_1413279 from V. MANE FILS, France
  • the Millicaps were substantially gelatin microcapsules containing a liquid peppermint/menthol flavorant.
  • the above prepared 230 g weight suspension with talc and dissolved hydroxypropyl methylcellulose was then sprayed on to the Millicaps 1000E_1413279. Process equipment and settings for the process as indicated in example 1.
  • the formed microcapsules were then sieved through a sieve with a mesh size of 2 mm and the upper fraction was removed.
  • the moist snus was prepared as in example 1.
  • the total amount of moisture of the snus was about 46 % by weight based on said moist snuff.
  • the above manufactured microcapsules were mixed with the moist snus.
  • the composition of the moist product is indicated in Table 2.
  • Moist snus was prepared by mixing sodium carbonate, ethanol and water with grinded and heated moist tobacco. The amounts were as indicated in Table 11 below. The total amount of moisture of the snus was about 46 % by weight based on said moist snus. Thus, the moist snus of the moist snus product consisted of grinded and heated moist tobacco prepared as described above, sodium carbonate, ethanol and water in amounts as indicated in Table 11.
  • Microcapsules manufactured as in Example 5 were mixed with the moist snus to provide a moist snus product.
  • the composition of the moist snus product is indicated in Table 11.
  • Table 11 Component Amount (g) Composition (wt%) Grinded and heated, moist tobacco 1000 73.9 Sodium carbonate 18.9 1.4 Ethanol 6.51 0.48 Water 192.6 14.2 Microcapsules 135.3 10 Total: 1353.3 Total: 100
  • Moist snus was prepared by mixing sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, ethanol and water with grinded and heated moist tobacco. The amounts were as indicated in Table 13 below. The total amount of moisture of the snus was about 46 % by weight based on said moist snus.
  • the moist snus of the moist snus product consisted of grinded and heated moist tobacco prepared as described above, sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, ethanol and water in amounts as indicated in Table 13.
  • Microcapsules manufactured as in Example 5 were mixed with the moist snus to provide a moist snus product.
  • the composition of the moist snus product is indicated in Table 13.
  • Table 13 Component Amount (g) Composition (wt%) Grinded and heated, moist tobacco 1000 58.48 Sodium carbonate 39.58 2.31 Sodium chloride 155.78 9.11 Ethanol 6.51 0.38 Water 336.97 19.71 Microcapsules 170.98 10 Total: 1709.8 Total: 100
  • Moist snus was prepared by mixing sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, ethanol and water with grinded and heated moist tobacco. The amounts were as indicated in Table 15 below. The total amount of moisture of the snus was about 46 % by weight based on said moist snus.
  • the moist snus of the moist snus product consisted of grinded and heated moist tobacco prepared as described above, sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, ethanol and water in amounts as indicated in Table 15.
  • Microcapsules manufactured as in Example 5 were mixed with the moist snus to provide a moist snus product.
  • the composition of the moist snus product is indicated in Table 15.
  • Table 15 Component Amount (g) Composition (wt%) Grinded and heated, moist tobacco 1000 68.97 Sodium carbonate 29.75 2.05 Sodium chloride 36.91 2.55 Ethanol 6.51 0.45 Water 231.67 15.98 Microcapsules 144.98 10 Total: 1449.8 Total: 100
  • Moist snus was prepared by mixing sodium carbonate, sodium chloride, potassium sulphate, propylene glycole, ethanol and water with grinded and heated moist tobacco. The amounts were as indicated in Table 17 below. The total amount of moisture of the snus was about 46 % by weight based on said moist snus.
  • the moist snus of the moist snus product consisted of grinded and heated moist tobacco prepared as described above, sodium carbonate, sodium chloride, potassium sulphate, propylene glycole, ethanol and water in amounts as indicated in Table 17.
  • Microcapsules manufactured as in Example 5 were mixed with the moist snus to provide a moist snus product.
  • the composition of the moist snus product is indicated in Table 17.
  • Table 17 Component Amount (g) Composition (wt%) Grinded and heated, moist tobacco 1000 51.66 Sodium carbonate 58.59 3.03 Potassium sulphate 27.28 1.41 Sodium chloride 221.34 11.43 Propylene glycole 38.74 2.00 Ethanol 6.51 0.34 Water 389.74 20.13 Microcapsules 193.58 10 Total: 1935.78 Total: 100
  • EXAMPLE 10 Measurement of conductivity of moist snus.
  • the following method may be used to measure the conductivity of moist snus.
  • Equipment conductivity measurement apparatus, glass beaker and a magnetic stirrer.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Agronomy & Crop Science (AREA)
  • Botany (AREA)
  • Manufacture Of Tobacco Products (AREA)
  • Cosmetics (AREA)
EP15820112.9A 2014-12-19 2015-12-18 An oral smokeless moist snuff product Active EP3232825B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SI201530515T SI3232825T1 (sl) 2014-12-19 2015-12-18 Oralni brezdimni vlažen izdelek njuhanca

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP14199332 2014-12-19
EP15161679 2015-03-30
PCT/EP2015/080495 WO2016097294A1 (en) 2014-12-19 2015-12-18 An oral smokeless moist snuff product

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3232825A1 EP3232825A1 (en) 2017-10-25
EP3232825B1 true EP3232825B1 (en) 2018-10-10

Family

ID=55069838

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP15820112.9A Active EP3232825B1 (en) 2014-12-19 2015-12-18 An oral smokeless moist snuff product

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US20170280764A1 (sl)
EP (1) EP3232825B1 (sl)
DK (1) DK3232825T3 (sl)
SI (1) SI3232825T1 (sl)
WO (1) WO2016097294A1 (sl)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109105943A (zh) * 2018-09-20 2019-01-01 湖南农业大学 一种薰衣草香型鼻烟制作方法及其制成的鼻烟

Families Citing this family (27)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20160157515A1 (en) 2014-12-05 2016-06-09 R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Smokeless tobacco pouch
EP3445181B1 (en) * 2016-04-19 2022-04-06 Altria Client Services LLC Application of a flavorant particle in the filter of a smoking article for delivering flavor
WO2018126262A2 (en) * 2016-12-30 2018-07-05 Altria Client Services Llc Smokeless products containing non-tobacco plant materials
US11849752B2 (en) 2016-12-30 2023-12-26 Altria Client Services Llc Smokeless products containing non-tobacco plant materials
US11191297B2 (en) 2018-01-02 2021-12-07 Altria Client Services Llc Smokeless products containing non-tobacco plant materials
US11717017B2 (en) 2017-04-24 2023-08-08 Swedish Match North Europe Ab Flavoured moist oral pouched nicotine product comprising triglyceride
EP3620068A1 (en) * 2018-09-04 2020-03-11 Reemtsma Cigarettenfabriken GmbH A pouched smokeless oral product comprising at least one flavour capsule
WO2020126992A1 (en) 2018-12-20 2020-06-25 Jt International S.A. Method of manufacturing a packaging comprising loose tobacco
US20220053813A1 (en) * 2019-02-20 2022-02-24 China Tobacco Hunan Industrial Co., Ltd. Abnormally-shaped tobacco granules and preparation method thereof, tobacco product and preparation method thereof
US11877590B2 (en) 2019-03-27 2024-01-23 Fiedler & Lundgren Ab Smokeless tobacco composition
CN111838743B (zh) * 2019-04-28 2023-05-16 北京第一生物化学药业有限公司 鼻烟及其制备方法
US11903406B2 (en) 2019-09-18 2024-02-20 American Snuff Company, Llc Method for fermenting tobacco
US11969502B2 (en) 2019-12-09 2024-04-30 Nicoventures Trading Limited Oral products
US11793230B2 (en) 2019-12-09 2023-10-24 Nicoventures Trading Limited Oral products with improved binding of active ingredients
AU2020403651A1 (en) 2019-12-09 2022-07-07 Nicoventures Trading Limited Oral product comprising a cannabinoid
US11889856B2 (en) 2019-12-09 2024-02-06 Nicoventures Trading Limited Oral foam composition
US11826462B2 (en) 2019-12-09 2023-11-28 Nicoventures Trading Limited Oral product with sustained flavor release
US11883527B2 (en) 2019-12-09 2024-01-30 Nicoventures Trading Limited Oral composition and method of manufacture
US20210169126A1 (en) * 2019-12-09 2021-06-10 Nicoventures Trading Limited Oral composition with salt inclusion
US11872231B2 (en) 2019-12-09 2024-01-16 Nicoventures Trading Limited Moist oral product comprising an active ingredient
US11672862B2 (en) 2019-12-09 2023-06-13 Nicoventures Trading Limited Oral products with reduced irritation
US11617744B2 (en) 2019-12-09 2023-04-04 Nico Ventures Trading Limited Moist oral compositions
WO2021116856A2 (en) * 2019-12-09 2021-06-17 Nicoventures Trading Limited Oral products
US11712059B2 (en) 2020-02-24 2023-08-01 Nicoventures Trading Limited Beaded tobacco material and related method of manufacture
US11839602B2 (en) 2020-11-25 2023-12-12 Nicoventures Trading Limited Oral cannabinoid product with lipid component
KR20230041389A (ko) * 2021-09-17 2023-03-24 주식회사 케이티앤지 흡연 물품 및 에어로졸 발생 시스템
WO2024095163A1 (en) * 2022-11-01 2024-05-10 Nicoventures Trading Limited Oral composition comprising encapsulated ph adjusting agent

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7946295B2 (en) * 2007-07-23 2011-05-24 R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Smokeless tobacco composition
DK2377413T3 (en) * 2007-07-23 2017-05-01 Reynolds Tobacco Co R Smokeless tobacco compositions and methods of treating tobacco for use therein
SE0800058L (sv) * 2008-01-10 2009-07-11 British American Tobacco Co Tobaksprodukt för oral användning
US8377215B2 (en) * 2008-12-18 2013-02-19 Philip Morris Usa Inc. Moist botanical pouch processing
GB2501092A (en) * 2012-04-11 2013-10-16 British American Tobacco Co Oral tobacco product

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109105943A (zh) * 2018-09-20 2019-01-01 湖南农业大学 一种薰衣草香型鼻烟制作方法及其制成的鼻烟

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DK3232825T3 (en) 2018-12-17
WO2016097294A1 (en) 2016-06-23
EP3232825A1 (en) 2017-10-25
US20170280764A1 (en) 2017-10-05
SI3232825T1 (sl) 2019-02-28

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3232825B1 (en) An oral smokeless moist snuff product
JP7393318B2 (ja) 無煙タバコ錠剤
JP7196037B2 (ja) タバコ含有ゲル組成物
EP3043661B1 (en) Smokeless tobacco composition incorporating a botanical material
EP3518691B1 (en) Tobacco beads
US8061362B2 (en) Smokeless tobacco composition
US7946295B2 (en) Smokeless tobacco composition
EP2012601B2 (en) A moist snuff non-tobacco composition and a method for production thereof.
DK2377413T3 (en) Smokeless tobacco compositions and methods of treating tobacco for use therein
US20230189872A1 (en) Protein-enriched tobacco composition
WO2008056135A2 (en) A smokeless tobacco product and method for forming such a product
CA3169002A1 (en) Beaded tobacco material and related method of manufacture
US20210177036A1 (en) Stimulus-responsive pouch
CA3159665A1 (en) Oral products with reduced irritation
WO2021116895A2 (en) Stimulus-responsive pouch
CA3160030A1 (en) Oral products with controlled release
JP2024513464A (ja) 口腔用製品に含有させるための噴霧乾燥ニコチン
JP2024513467A (ja) トリグリセリドと液体ニコチンの液体混合物
CA3161072A1 (en) Oral products with improved binding of active ingredients

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20170706

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20180503

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1050189

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20181015

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602015018055

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: VALIPAT S.A. GEVERS SA, CH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: T3

Effective date: 20181210

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NO

Ref legal event code: T2

Effective date: 20181010

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SE

Ref legal event code: TRGR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20181010

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181010

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PCAR

Free format text: NEW ADDRESS: RUE DES NOYERS 11, 2000 NEUCHATEL (CH)

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190110

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190210

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181010

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181010

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181010

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181010

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181010

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181010

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190210

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20190111

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181010

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181010

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602015018055

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181010

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20181218

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181010

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181010

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181010

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181010

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181010

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20190711

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20181231

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20181218

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20181231

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20181231

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20181218

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181010

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20181010

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20181010

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20151218

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: UEP

Ref document number: 1050189

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20181010

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230521

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20231213

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Payment date: 20231113

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20231220

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: NO

Payment date: 20231218

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: DK

Payment date: 20231212

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: CZ

Payment date: 20231123

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 20231211

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240112

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20240102

Year of fee payment: 9