Machines for production of nicotine pouches

Nicotine pouches are a type of oral appliance containing nicotine that is primarily used as a smoking cessation aid or tobacco substitute. Nicotine pouches are made from a blend of high-quality nicotine, food-grade fillers and flavorings. The user places the pouch under the lips and the nicotine is absorbed into the body through the oral mucosa. This approach avoids the harmful chemicals produced during traditional smoking and provides a satisfying nicotine experience.

The global nicotine pouches market reached sales of $29.8 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $201.4 billion by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.0%. Europe is currently the largest nicotine pouches market, holding approximately 66% of the market share, followed by North America and Asia Pacific. As more companies enter the market, competition will become more intense and improving product quality has become a must. Companies can take the help of machines to improve the quality and efficiency of nicotine bags.

The production of nicotine bags involves the following types of production machines:

1. Non-woven bag making machine

Used to produce the outer shell of nicotine bags, these machines are able to cut, fold and weld non-woven material to form the pouches. A non-woven bag making machine usually consists of the following parts:
Web Unwinding Device: Places the nonwoven web material.

• Tension Control: Ensures proper tension of the material to avoid stretching or wrinkling.
• Cutting and Folding: cuts the material to a specified size and later folds it into a bag shape.
• Welding System: Welds the edges together by heat sealing or other methods to ensure the sealing of the bag.

2. Automatic Filling Machine

Automatic filling machines are used to accurately fill nicotine mixtures into pouches made of non-woven fabric. Features and functions of such machines include:

• High precision pump or metering system: ensures that the amount of nicotine in each pouch is precisely the same.
• Controlled speed: adjusts the filling speed as needed for production capacity.
•  Integrated sensing: detects and ensures that each pouch is filled correctly to avoid leakage or waste.

3. Sealer

After filling the nicotine mixture, a sealer is required to seal the pouches. The main features of the sealer are as follows:

• Heat sealing technology: Heat is used to fuse the edges of the non-woven material to ensure a tight seal.
• Temperature control: Adjusting the proper heat sealing temperature to ensure sealing quality and safety.
• Speed Matching: Match the speed of automatic filling machine to realize efficient and continuous production.

4. Packaging machine

With the development of science and technology, many manufacturers concentrate the functions of automatic completion of bag making, automatic weighing, feeding, sealing and sealing and cutting into one machine, which greatly improves the efficiency and saves the cost.

5. Testing equipment

Testing equipment is used to ensure that the quality of each nicotine bag meets the standard. The following are some of the necessary testing machines and their functions:

• Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (GCMS)

As mentioned earlier, GCMS is the key instrument for analyzing nicotine content. It combines gas chromatography (for separating components in a mixture) and mass spectrometry (for analyzing the molecular structure of these components). The GCMS is mainly used in the production of nicotine pouches:
Nicotine quantification: to accurately measure the amount of nicotine in nicotine pouches to ensure that they meet product specifications.
Impurity analysis: to detect the possible presence of harmful chemicals or undesired impurities.

• High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

HPLC is another technique used to analyze nicotine content and its impurities. Compared to GCMS, HPLC offers higher resolution and sensitivity in analyzing certain compounds. Using HPLC it is possible to:
Monitor unstable compounds: Certain compounds that may break down in GCMS can be analyzed more consistently in HPLC.
Quality control: Ensure that the concentration of nicotine in each batch is consistent and free of harmful chemical impurities.

• Weight testing equipment

To ensure that the weight of the contents of each nicotine bag is as specified, the use of automated weighing and testing equipment is necessary. This can:
Ensure accurate dosage: to ensure a consistent experience and effect for the consumer.
Avoid overdose: particularly important as nicotine overdose may be detrimental to health.

• Seal testing machines

For a product such as nicotine pouches, the integrity of the packaging is critical and a seal tester serves the following purposes:
Non-destructive testing: checking nicotine pouches for leaks or poor sealing through a variety of sensors.
Quality Assurance: Ensures that the product remains in optimum condition until it reaches the consumer.

• Moisture determination equipment

It is also important to control the moisture content of the product, especially in nicotine pouches containing plant extracts or other organic substances. Moisture measuring equipment can:
Determine and control moisture: ensure product stability and shelf life.
Avoid microbial growth: excessive moisture may lead to microbial growth, compromising product safety and potency.
The use of these testing machines not only ensures the quality and consistency of nicotine pouch products, but also helps manufacturers to comply with relevant regulations and standards to protect the health and safety of consumers.

6. Packaging machinery

Finally, packaging machinery is used to finalize the packaging of the finished nicotine pouches for transportation and distribution. This may include:

Cartoning machines: Automatically placing nicotine pouches into sales boxes.
Labeling machines: applying product information and brand logos to the packages.
Stacker: stacks packaged products for storage and transportation

Machines are needed not only for nicotine packaging but also for other products. Production machines improve production efficiency, change production methods, promote scientific and technological innovation, change lifestyles, promote industrial upgrading, and bring greater benefits to enterprises.