Field of the invention

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

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 released and absorbed by the oral mucosa. The pouch material holds the pouch in place during use. The pouch is typically kept in the mouth for about 30 minutes and is then discarded.

Lately, tobacco-free snuff ("white snuff") 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.

Moreover, 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. of invention

In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method for regeneration of used snuff pouches containing nicotine or used snuff-similar pouches containing CBD or THC, the method comprising the steps of applying, to a used snuff pouch or a used snuff-similar pouch containing CBD or THC, a liquid formulation comprising a humectant.

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. A pouch which is fresh from the box has a balanced humidity. Immediately after a first use, the snuff pouch is wet and not very nice to use.

The inventors have realised that a used snuff pouch can be regenerated by adding a substance 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 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 any substance, in particular not a liquid substance, and in particular not a humectant, to a used snuff pouch restores a suitable mouth feel of the snuff pouch.

The humectants are preferably selected from glycerol and propylene glycol. These humectants 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 decreases 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 comprise an aroma. This provides a better experience for the user.

The formulation preferably comprises from 20 to 40 % water. The method may comprise the additional subsequent step of drying the pouch or the snuff-similar pouch containing CBD orTHC. The method may comprise the additional step of treating the snuff pouch containing nicotine or the snuff-similar pouch containing CBD or THC, with ultraviolet (UV) light. This may be done with a device according to the second aspect of the invention.

The inventors have found that the reverse order, i.e. first drying the pouch and the applying the humectant is not suitable because it results in a snuff pouch that is too wet, and which provides a wet feeling in the mouth.

In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a portable device for regeneration of snuff pouches containing nicotine or snuff-similar pouches containing CBD or THC, the device comprising a closable compartment for storing a used snuff pouch containing nicotine or snuff-similar pouches containing CBD or THC. The device is useful for storing and drying a pouch after application of the liquid formulation.

In a preferred embodiment the device comprises means for delivering the liquid formulation to the closable compartment and means for providing a flow of air to the compartment, where the compartment is ventilated. The device may comprise active ventilation means, such as a fan.

The device may comprise a 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. The device may comprise means for delivering the liquid formulation to the closable compartment. The device may be used to carry out one or more steps according to the first aspect of the invention.

In a third aspect of the invention there is provided a kit comprising a device according to the second aspect of the invention and formulation comprising a humectant.

In a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided the use of a humectant for regeneration of a used snuff pouch containing nicotine or snuff-similar pouches containing CBD or THC.

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 invention.

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

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

Fig. 3 is a schematic section view of a device.

Detailed description.

Percentages herein are weight/weight unless explicitly stated otherwise.

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 be 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 humectant to a used snuff pouch restores the mouth feel of the snuff pouch.

Snuff pouches as such are known. Snuff pouch comprises a pouch made from a saliva penetrable 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 released from the filling of the pouch and is absorbed by the oral mucosa.

Moist snuff typically has a moisture content of 40% or more, often up to 50 %. This applies to new snuff taken from the box. The typical weight of a snuff pouch is from 0.3 to 1 g.

The pouch material holds the snuff in place during use. The snuff may be tobacco-based or may be a tobacco-free snuff product ("White snuff"). Tobacco-free moist snuff comprises a carrier material such as microcrystalline cellulose, and nicotine. Examples of tobaccobased snuff pouches are for example General (Swedish Match) and Skoal. Examples of white snuff include LYFT and ZYN.

Snuff-similar pouches containing CBD or THC may also be used. "Snuff-similar pouches containing CBD or THC" are pouches made from a saliva penetrable and saliva insoluble material. The pouch material is typically made of a non-woven fabric. The snuff-similar pouch containing CBD or THC contains a carrier material such as microcrystalline cellulose, and CBD (cannabidiol) or THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), but preferably not nicotine. In one embodiment the snuff-similar pouches comprise CBD. In one embodiment the snuff similar pouches comprise THC. Hence the snuff-similar pouches are similar to nicotine-contain- ing "white snuff" pouches, but they have a different active ingredient than nicotine. Hence, a snuff-similar pouch containing CBD or THC is used in the same way as a snuff pouch as described herein, but a different active ingredient is released from the pouch to oral cavity. The snuff-similar pouches containing CBD or THC may hence be identical to the snuff pouches containing nicotine but they have a different active ingredient. Snuff-similar pouches containing CBD or THC may be regenerated in the same way as snuff pouches as described herein. "Snuff-similar pouches containing CBD or THC" may also be referred to as "CBD or THC pouches", or "CBD pouches" and "THC pouches", respectively.

A "used" snuff pouch or snuff-similar pouch is a pouch that has been used at least 10 minutes, more preferably at least 20 minutes and most preferably at least 30 minutes by a user having the pouch placed in the mouth.

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

The formulation may be an aqueous formulation. Hence, the humectant is preferably mixed with water. In particular this makes the formulation less viscous and therefore easier to apply to a snuff pouch in an even manner and also improves the absorption of the humectant into the pouch. A low viscosity makes it easier to spray the formulation onto the pouch.

It 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.

In one embodiment the formulation consists of water and humectant. In one embodiment the formulation consists of a humectant, water and aroma. In one embodiment the formulation consists only of a humectant.

A suitable concentration of humectant may be from 50% to 100 %, more preferably from 60% to 80% and most preferably from 65% to 75%. A suitable water content may be from 0% to 90 %, or 0% to 50%, more preferably from 20% to 40% and most preferably 25% to 35 %. 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 0.1-2 %. Salt (sodium chloride) may be provided in the formulation as a flavour enhancer.

For regenerating one snuff pouch, a suitable amount of the formulation is applied to the snuff pouch. The amount may be for example from 0.05 ml to 1 ml or more preferably 0.05 ml to 0.3 ml, for one snuff pouch. The liquid may preferably be sprayed on to the snuff pouch. Other ways of application include dipping the pouch in the formulation or dripping the formulation on to the pouch, or contacting the pouch with a matrix that has the formulation attached to it (such as a sponge).

In a preferred embodiment the snuff pouch 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. Immediately after a first use, the snuff pouch is wet and not very nice to use. Hence, drying provides regeneration to a certain extent. In an even more preferred embodiment, the snuff pouch is also treated with UV light to disinfect the pouch. The snuff pouch may for example be treated with a device as described herein. In one embodiment the liquid formulation is delivered with a device as described herein, in particular with reference to Fig. 3.

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. Housing 3 may be made from any suitable material such as a polymer material. 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. For example, the housing 3 may have one or more openings or apertures. 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 7.

In 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 compartment. The beam from the UV light source is indicated with dashed lines 12. The UV light source 11 may be automatically shut off when the lid 5 is opened. There may for example be a lid sensor 13 that is able to detect if the lid 5 is open. The UV light sterilises the snuff pouch 2.

The device 1 is powered with a battery 9 which may be rechargeable. The device 1 may be operated with a user-operated switch or button (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 ventilation means or fan 8 or the UV light source 11 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 of the running time.

The device 1 is used as follows. A used snuff pouch 2 is placed, by a user, in the compartment 4 and the lid 5 is closed by the user. The user then activates the swich to turn on one or more of the heating elements 7, the ventilation means 8 and the UV light source 11. After running time, the snuff pouch 2 is ready to use. The device 1 also comprises suitable control circuitry for the heating element 7, the ventilation 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. The contents of the kit (device 1 and container for formulation) may be provided together in a paper or plastic container or other packaging material or attached to each other in some manner.

Fig. 2 shows a method for regeneration of a used snuff pouch. In 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. It may be useful to place a used snuff pouch in the compartment 4 for the application step. In step 101 the snuff pouch 2 is dried and optionally treated with UV light in device 1. If 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 of the heating elements 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 then applying the humectant is not suitable because it results in a snuff pouch that is too wet, and which provides a wet feeling in the mouth.

With reference to Fig. 3, the device may comprise means for delivering an amount of the liquid formulation to a used pouch 2 contained in the compartment 4 of the device 1. Delivery may for example be made by spraying the liquid formulation or dripping the liquid formulation to the compartment. The device 1 may comprise a nozzle 14 directed in towards the compartment 4, for delivering the formulation, for example a spraying nozzle.

The device 1 may comprise a tank 15 for storing an amount of the formulation. The tank 15 may be filled through inlet 16. The user may be able to use a push button 17 on the exterior of the device 1 to cause delivery of an amount of formulation to the compartment 4. The push button 17 may generate the pressure that causes the delivery of the formulation. The amount of formulation that is delivered with one push action may be predetermined by the configuration of the device 1, for example by the volume that is displaced by a pushing action on the push button 17.

Fig. 3 shows a push button 17 with a memory shape such that it returns to a predetermined position after release. Liquid formulation is then sucked from tank 15 into space 18. A first one-way valve 19 is arranged to be open and a second one-way valve 20 is arranged to be closed upon release of the push button 17. When push button 17 is pushed by a user, first one way valve 19 is closed and second one-way valve 20 is opened to release liquid formation trough nozzle 14.

Fig. 3 is an example only and the means for delivery of liquid formulation into compartment 3 may be arranged in many different ways. The embodiment of Fig. 3 may for example be powered by a user closing the lid 5 instead of a push button. Delivery of liquid formulation may alternatively be powered by battery 9 powering a small pump or an electromagnet that is displaced, for example.

EXAMPLE 1

Snuff 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 in Table 1. The snuff pouches where then dried for 25 minutes at 20°C and tested for taste and mouth feel. Drying was carried out without the use of any special equipment. The results are shown in Table 1 and 2. Percentages are shown as weight/weight in Table

2 and are calculated based on Table 1. Table 1.

Table 2. 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 contained 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.