SE544911C2 - Regeneration of snuff pouches - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a method for regeneration of used snuff pouches (2) comprising the steps of applying, to a used snuff pouch (2), a liquid formulation comprising a humectant. There is also provided a device for the regeneration of used snuff pouches (2). There is also provided a kit comprising a device (1) and a formulation comprising a humectant. Furthermore, there is provided the se of a humectant for the regeneration of used snuff pouches (2). The invention provides regeneration of used snuff pouches (2) with an improved mouth feel.

Description

This invention relates to nicotine-containing pouches for oral use.

Background Moist snuff for oral use, is, in particular in Scandinavia, provided in pouches that fit under the lip (Swedish ”portionssnus”). The pouches are made of a saliva-penetrable material. When the pouch is applied between the upper or lower gum and the lip, nicotine is re- leased and absorbed by the oral mucosa. The pouch material holds the pouch in place dur- ing use. The pouch is typically kept in the mouth for about 30 minutes and is then dis- carded.

Lately, tobacco-free snuff (”white snuf ") in pouches has been introduced. Tobacco-free snuff pouches comprises a filling or carrier material substance, which is non-soluble in aqueous solution, typically microcrystalline cellulose, and nicotine, and are used in the same way as the moist tobacco-based snuff.

Every year about 1.4 billion pouches are discarded by flushing down in toilets, in Sweden only. The pouches typically come in plastic boxes and these are also discarded. This is an environmental problem.

I\/|oreover, the pouches, when discarded, typically contain useful amounts of nicotine.

WO2013154483 describes a lid for a box for snuff pouches. The lid has a compartment where a used snuff pouch can be stored and dried.

Summary of invention ln a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method for regeneration of used snuff pouches comprising the steps of applying, to a used snuff pouch, a liquid formulation com- .yr The skin and the oral mucosa are very sensitive and even small changes in shape, dryness, texture or structure of snuff pouches are easily felt by the user. stance to the used snuff pouch. The inventors have surprisingly discovered that used snuff pouches, i.e. snuff pouches that have been placed in the mouth for a time can be regener- ated by applying a humectant to the snuff pouch, so that the snuff pouch can be used again with a good mouth feel. The humectant provides an improved mouth feel.

The prior art does not suggest that addition of any substance, in particular not a liquid substance, and in particular not a humectant, to a used snuff pouch restores the mouth feel of the snuff pouch.

The humectants are preferably selected from glycerol and propylene glycol. These humec- tants have antibacterial properties which is useful as it prevents growth of bacterial in the pouch. The formulation may additionally comprise water. The presence of water de- creases the viscosity of the formulation which makes it easier to spray on to the pouch.

The formulation preferably comprises at least 10 % humectant. The formulation may com- prise an aroma. This provides a better experience for the user. method may comprise the additional step of treating the snuff pouch with UV-light. This may be done with a device according the second aspect of the invention. ln a second aspect of the invention there is provided a portable device for regeneration of snuff pouches the device comprising a closable com pa rtment for storing a used sn uff pouch, the device comprising an UV light source for exposing the pouch in the compartment to UV light and means for providing a flow of air to the compartment. The air flow provides a shortened drying time, and the UV light disinfects the pouch.

The device may comprise heating means for heating the pouch or the flow of air. ln a third aspect ofthe invention there is provided a kit comprising a device according to the second aspect ofthe invention and formulation comprising a humectant. ln a fourth aspect ofthe invention there is provided the use of a humectant for regenera- tion of a used snuff pouch.

Drawings The accompanying drawings form a part of the specification and schematically illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and serve to illustrate the principles of the inven- tion.

Fig. 1 is a schematic section view of a device.

Fig. 2 is a flow chart that shows a method.

Detailed description.

The skin and the oral mucosa are very sensitive and even small changes in shape, dryness, moisture, texture or structure of snuff pouches are easily felt by the user. The inventors have surprisingly discovered that used snuff pouches, i.e., snuff pouches that have been placed in the mouth for a time can regenerated by applying a humectant to the snuff pouch, so that the snuff pouch can be used again with a good mouth feel. The humectant provides an improved mouth feel. The prior art does not suggest that addition of a humec- tant to a used snuff pouch restores the mouth feel ofthe snuff pouch.

Snuff pouches as such are known. Snuff pouch comprises a pouch made from a saliva pen- etrable and saliva insoluble material. The pouch material is typically made of a non-woven fabric. The pouch is filled with moist snuff or a moist tobacco free snuff. The snuff pouch is suitable for being placed between the upper or lower gum and the lip. Nicotine is then re- leased from the filling ofthe pouch and is absorbed by the oral mucosa.

Moist snuff typically has a moisture content of 40% or more. The typical weight of a snuff pouch is from 0.3 to 1 g.

The pouch material holds the pouch in place during use. The snuff may be tobacco-based or may be a tobacco-free snuff product (”White snuff"). Tobacco-free moist snuff com- prises a carrier material such as microcrystalline cellulose, and nicotine. Examples of to- bacco-based snuff pouches are for example General (Swedish I\/|atch) and Skoal. Examples ofwhite snuff include LYFT and ZYN.

Any suitable humectant may be used for regeneration. The humectant is preferably suita- ble for human consumption and may preferably be selected from glycerol and propylene glycol. ln addition to providing a good mouth feel, these humectants also have antibacte- rial properties. Other useful humectants include sucrose, triacetin and other non-ionic pol- yols.

The formulation may be an aqueous formulation. Hence, the humectant is preferably mixed with water. ln particular this makes the formulation less viscous and therefore eas- ier to apply to a snuff pouch in an even manner and also improves the absorption ofthe humectant into the pouch. A low viscosity makes it easier to spray the formulation onto the pouch. lt is preferred that the formulation comprises at least 10 %, more preferably at least 20 %, more preferably at least 30 %, more preferably at least 40 %, more preferably at least 50% humectant %. ln one embodiment the formulation consists of water and humectant. ln one embodiment the formulation consists of a humectant, water and aroma. ln one embodiment the for- mulation consists only of a humectant.

A suitable concentration of humectant may be from 50-100 %, more preferably from 60- 80%. A suitable water content may be from 0-50%, more preferably from 20-40%. The formulation may additionally comprise an aroma, or taste enhancers such as for example menthol, lemon, orange, or liquorice aroma. The amount of fragrance may be about 0.1-%. Salt (sodium chloride) may be provided in the formulation as a flavour enhancer.

For regenerating one snuff pouch a suitable amount ofthe formulation is applied to the snuff pouch. The amount may be for example from 0.05 ml to 1 ml for one snuff pouch.

The liquid may preferably be sprayed on to the snuff pouch. ln a preferred embodiment the snuff pouch 2 is then allowed to dry. Drying time may be from about 30 minutes in room temperature, unless a device 1 is used. The drying time can then be shortened to about 5 minutes. lmmediately after use, the snuff pouch 2 is wet and not very nice to use. Hence, drying provides regeneration to a certain extent. ln an even more preferred embodiment, the snuff pouch 2 is also treated with UV light to disin- fect the pouch. The snuff pouch 2 may for example be treated with a device 1 as described herein.

Fig. 1 shows a non-limiting schematic example of a device 1 for the regeneration of snuff pouches 2. Device 1 is preferably portable and is preferable of a size such that it can fit in a pocket or a handbag. Device 1 comprises a housing 3 that comprise a compartment 4. The compartment can be closed with the aid of a lid 5, which may be attached to the housing with hinge 6. The compartment 4 is preferably well-ventilated for improving drying. The device 1 may comprise active ventilation means 8, such a fan, providing a flow of air to the compartment 4 for speeding up drying of the pouch 2. The compartment 4 may have openings (not shown) to provide escape of air. The device 1 may also comprise means for providing heating to the snuff pouch 2 or the air flow, such as an electric heating element ln a preferred embodiment the device 1 provides a ventilation means 8 that provides a flow of heated air to the compartment such that air passes from an inlet (not shown) through heating element 7 and into the compartment 4. A duct 10 may provide the air from the ventilation means 8 to the heating element 7. A suitable temperature of the air when it arrives in the compartment 4 is from 25°C to 40°C.

The device 1 preferably comprises a UV-light source 11 for providing UV light to the com- partment. The beam from the UV light source is indicated with dashed lines 12. The UV light source 11 may be automatically shut offwhen the lid 5 is opened. There may for ex- ample be a lid sensor 13 that is able to detect if the lid 5 is open. The UV light sterilises the snuff pouch The device is powered with a battery 9 which may be rechargeable. The device 1 may be operated with a user-operated switch (not shown) which the user may use to switch on the ventilation means 8, heater 7 and the UV light source 11. The switch may start a timer which makes the device 1 run one or more of the heater 7, the fan 8 or the UV light for a predetermined time, which may be for example from 5 to 30 minutes, more preferably from 5 to 10 minutes. The user may be alerted by a signal such as discreet sound signal, a light signal (such as a LED) or a vibration at the end ofthe running time.

The device 1 is used as follows. A used snuff pouch is placed, by a user, in the compart- ment 4 and the lid 5 is closed by the user. The user then activates the swich to turn on one or more ofthe heating elements 7, the ventilation means 8 and the UV light source 11. Af- ter running time, the snuff pouch 2 is ready to use.

The device 1 also comprises suitable control circuitry for the heating element 7, the venti- lation means 8, the UV light source 11, the lid sensor 13, battery 9, the switch and the timer.

A kit may comprise a portion of the formulation, for example provided in a container, and a device 1 for treating the pouch 2. For example, about 10 ml to 100 ml of formulation may be provided in a bottle, preferably a spray bottle, together with the device. The spray bottle may for example be a hand operated pump-type spray bottle.

Fig. 2 shows a method for generation a used snuff pouch. ln step 100 the used snuff pouch is treated with the formulation comprising a humectant. For example, the user uses a hand pump type spray pump to spray the pouch 2. lt may be useful to place a used snuff pouch in the compartment 4 for the application step. ln step 101 the snuff pouch 2 is dried and treated with UV in device 1. lf the pouch 2 is not already in the compartment, the pouch 2 is now placed in the compartment 4. The lid 5 is closed. One or more ofthe heating element 7, the ventilation means 8 and the UV light source 11 is then activated. The snuff pouch 2 may then be stored in the compartment 5 until use. The reverse order, i.e. first drying the pouch 2 and the applying the humectant is not suitable because it re- sults in a snuff pouch that is too wet, and which provides a wet feeling in the mouth.

EXAl\/l PLESnuff pouches of the brand General White Portion was used for the tests. snuff pouches were first used for about 30 minutes to obtain used snuff pouches. The used pouches where then sprayed with about 0.1 ml each of the various formulations described in Table 1, formulations 1 to 10. Sample 11 is a control that was dried only. Percentages are shown as volume ratios and not w/w. The snuff pouches where then dried for 25 minutes at 20°C and tested for taste and mouth feel.

The results are shown in Table Sample Water Propylene Glycerol Aroma Sum (%) Mouth feel (%) Glycol (%) (%) (menthol) (%) 1 33 33 33 1 100 Good 2 33 50 16 1 100 Good 3 33 60 6 1 100 Good 4 33 66 0 1 100 Good 33 16 50 1 100 Good 6 33 6 60 1 100 Good 7 33 0 66 1 100 Good 8 100 0 0 0 100 Hard 9 99 0 0 1 100 Hard 0 0 0 100 100 Dry 11 0 0 0 0 0 Dry, hard Table The use of a humectant greatly improved the mouth feel compared to only dried snuff and snuff treated with water only. Without the humectant (i.e. only water or aroma) the snuff felt hard and/or dry. The test panel felt that the used and regenerated snuff pouches con- tained a significant amount of nicotine.

While the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, the description is in general only intended to illustrate the inventive concept and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. The invention is generally defined by the claims.

Claims (6)

1. A method for regeneration of used snuff pouches (2) comprising the step of applying, to a used snuff pouch (2), a liquid formulation comprising a humectant, the method comprising the additional subsequent step of drying the pouch (2).

2. The method according to claim 1 where the humectant is glycerol or propylene glycol.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2 where the formulation additionally comprises water.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 where the formulation comprises at ieast 10 % humectant.

5. . The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 where the formulation additionally comprises an aroma.

6. . The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 comprising the additional step of treating the snuff pouch (2) with UV-light.