ORAL POUCHED PRODUCT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an oral pouched product, such as an oral pouched smokeless tobacco product, comprising a filling material, such as tobacco plant material, and a pouch enclosing the filling material, said pouch being made of a fleece material comprising staple fibres of viscose.

BACKGROUND

Smokeless tobacco for oral use includes chewing tobacco, dry snuff and moist (wet) snuff. Generally, dry snuff has a water content of less than 10 wt% and moist snuff has a water content of above 40 wt%. Semi-dry products having between 10% to 40 wt% water 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.

There are two types of moist snuff, the American type and the Scandinavian type which is also called snus. American-type moist snuff is commonly produced through a fermentation process. Scandinavian-type moist snuff is commonly produced in a heat- treatment process (pasteurization) instead of fermentation. The terms "snus" and "snuff" are herein used interchangeably.

Both the American-type and the Scandinavian-type of moist snuff for oral use is available in loose form or portion-packed in a water-permeable, porous wrapper material forming a pouch. Pouched moist snuff is typically used by the consumer by placing the pouch between the upper or lower gum and the lip and retaining it there for a limited period of time. The pouch material holds the tobacco in place while allowing saliva to pass into the interior of the pouch and allowing flavours and nicotine to diffuse from the tobacco material into the consumer's mouth.

The pouches are typically made of a nonwoven fleece (soft fabric) material, such as viscose (regenerated cellulose; viscose fibres are often referred to as viscose rayon or rayon), including an acrylic polymer that acts as binder in the nonwoven material and provides for heat-sealing of the pouches during manufacturing thereof. The viscose nonwoven material normally used for smokeless tobacco pouches is similar to the fabric used in tea bags. Today's commercial pouch paper is typically made up of viscose staple fibres having a linear mass density (fiber fineness) of about 1.7 to 2 decitex and having an essentially round (spherical) fiber cross-section.

The unit tex is defined as the fiber mass in grams per 1 000 meters and decitex (1 decitex = 1/10 tex) is defined as the fiber mass in grams per 10 000 meters. Alternatively, fiber fineness may be given in denier, which is defined as the fiber mass in grams per 9 000 meters. Thus, 1 decitex corresponds to about 0.9 denier.

Nonwovens are fabrics that are neither woven nor knitted. Methods for the manufacturing of nonwoven materials are commonly known in the art.

Staple fibres of viscose may be formed by extruding a viscose solution (i.e. a solution of cellulose xanthate) through a spinneret and as the viscose exits the spinneret, it lands in a bath of mineral acid, such as sulfuric acid, resulting in the formation of filaments. These filaments are then cut to a desired length, thereby forming staple fibres. Lyocell is a form of rayon made from dissolving pulp (bleached wood pulp).

Nonwoven of staple fibres is normally produced by spreading staple fibres on a conveyor belt and forming a uniform web by a drylaid, wetlaid or airlaid process. Drylaid webs are normally carded. The nonwoven is then bound, typically using resin.

Tobacco-containing pouches are typically produced by measuring portions of the snuff composition and inserting the portions into a nonwoven tube. Alternatively, the portions may be placed on a nonwoven web which thereafter is folded over the portions thereby providing a nonwoven tube. The individual portions are then sealed and cut apart thereby forming rectangular "pillow shaped" (or any other desired form) pouches.

Generally, each pouch includes parallel transverse seams at opposite ends and a longitudinal seam orthogonal to the transverse seams. The seams must be of sufficient strength to preserve the integrity of the pouch during use while not detracting from the consumer's experience.

The organoleptic properties, such as texture, aroma, taste, shape and

appearance, of the tobacco-containing pouch are of high importance to the consumer.

The nonwoven fabric normally used today in tobacco-containing pouches provides rather low friction in contact with the mucous of the consumer. As a result, the consumer may experience the pouch as too slippery in the mouth. Consumers that keep the pouch in the mouth for a longer period of time, such as 40 minutes or more, may experience that the pouch gets slimy. Oral pouched smokeless tobacco products may be post-moisturized after pouch formation or not post-moisturized after pouch formation (herein called non-post- moisturized). Post-moisturized pouches may be produced by spraying water on the pouched smokeless tobacco product before packaging the pouched products in cans. Post-moisturized pouches are sometimes referred to as "original snus". Non-post- moisturized pouches are sometimes referred to as "white snus" and are by some consumers considered to have a more appealing appearance.

Due to the moisture present in the pouched tobacco material, the pouch material of non-post-moisturized snus-containing pouches may upon storage become stained and discolored, for instance yellowed, which some consumers find unappealing.

It is generally desirable to provide snus-containing pouches with rapid release of flavour and nicotine to reduce nicotine craving and give an initial strong flavour experience.

When providing the tobacco material in a pouch, the flavours released from the tobacco may be altered by the fleece material. The initial amount of flavours released from the pouched tobacco may be experienced by the consumer as unsatisfactory or even negligible. This problem is often more pronounced for non-post-moisturized snus- containing pouches. To diminish this effect and provide for a more rapid taste experience, it has been suggested to add flavouring agents to the fleece material. The nicotine release may also be delayed and/or diminished by the fleece material.

Thus, the fleece material of a smokeless tobacco pouch should during

manufacturing of the pouch provide for heat-sealing, upon storage of the pouch exhibit none or a low degree of discoloration and upon usage by a consumer preserve integrity and strength, allow for a desired release profile of nicotine and flavours and provide a pleasant mouth-feel.

US 2014/0026912 relates to a viscose fleece for a smokeless tobacco pouch. The fleece is formed with apertures and may comprise fibres having a decitex of 1.5 or less. The fleece is said to be softer than a standard fleece and a pouch formed from the fleece is said to have a faster release rate of tobacco constituents compared to a pouch formed from a standard fleece.

US 2014/0261472 relates to a fiber-wrapped smokeless tobacco product including smokeless tobacco and a plurality of melt-blown or centrifugal force spun polymeric fibers deposited on the smokeless tobacco. The polymeric fibers can have a basis weight of 5 gsm or less and a diameter of less than 100 μηη. The fiber-wrapped smokeless tobacco product is said to provide smoother mouth texture and improved access to the smokeless tobacco, improved porosity and improved fluid delivery as compared to traditional pouching material.

US 2012/0103353 relates to a smokeless tobacco product comprising a water- permeable pouch containing a tobacco formulation, wherein the pouch is said to comprise a fleece material configured to provide an enhanced flavour. In one embodiment, flavuor transmission improvement is said to be achieved using a wickable fiber such as 4DG™ grooved fiber. The grooves of this fiber is said to provide for superior wickability behavior when compared to standard fleece. 4DG™ grooved fibers (developed by and

commercially available from Eastman Chemical Company), also known as surface capillary fibers, are fibers having an octalobal cross-sectional shape with deep grooves or channels along the longitudinal axis of the fiber. A fleece of bi-component rayon 4DG™ fibers, including a rayon core with a sheath of biodegradable polymer, is suggested.

Thus, there is a need for an improved pouch material in order to be able to meet diversifying consumer requirements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to alleviate one or more of the problems discussed above and other problems, and to provide advantages and aspects not provided by hitherto known oral pouched products, in particular oral pouched smokeless tobacco products.

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to an oral pouched product comprising a filling material and a pouch enclosing the filling material, said pouch being made of a fleece material, such as nonwoven, comprising staple fibres of viscose, wherein at least 25% by weight, such as 25-100% by weight or 50-100% by weight or 75- 100% by weight, of the staple fibres of viscose have a linear mass density within the range of from 2.5 to 5 decitex, in particular within the range of from 3 to 5 decitex, and more particularly within the range of from 3 to 4 decitex.

As disclosed herein, the oral pouched product may be an oral pouched smokeless tobacco product and the filling material may then comprise tobacco plant material.

As disclosed herein, the oral pouched product may be a non-post-moisturized oral pouched smokeless tobacco product.

As disclosed herein, the pouch may be made of a fleece material comprising fibres of which 100% are staple fibres of viscose, wherein at least 25% by weight, such as within the range of 25-100% by weight or 50-100% by weight or 75-100% by weight, of the staple fibres of viscose have a linear mass density within the range of from 2.5 to 5 decitex, in particular within the range of from 3 to 5 decitex, and more particularly within the range of from 3 to 4 decitex.

It has been found that the oral pouched product according to the invention provides a more rapid taste experience in comparison to an oral pouched product made of standard viscose fleece material.

In addition, it has been found that the oral pouched product according to the invention provides stronger taste in comparison to an oral pouched product made of standard viscose fleece material.

Moreover, the fleece material of the pouch in the oral pouched product according to the invention is more transparent than standard viscose fleece material which results in that the filling material, e.g. snus, inside the pouch is more visible which some consumers may find appealing.

As disclosed herein, the oral pouched product comprises a filling material and a pouch enclosing the filling material, said pouch being made of a fleece material comprising staple fibres of viscose, wherein at least 25% by weight, such as within the range of 25-100% by weight or 50-100% by weight or 75-100% by weight, of the staple fibres of viscose have a linear mass density within the range of from 2.5 to 5 decitex, in particular within the range of from 3 to 5 decitex, and more particularly within the range of from 3 to 4 decitex, and the at least 25% by weight of the staple fibres of viscose may have a multilobal fibre cross-section with at least three lobes, such as a trilobal fibre cross-section.

It has been found that an oral pouched product according to the invention, wherein the pouch is made of a fleece material, such as nonwoven, comprising staple fibres of viscose and least 25% by weight, such as 25-100% by weight or 50-100% by weight or 75-100% by weight, of the staple fibres of viscose have a linear mass density within the range of from 2.5 to 5 decitex, in particular within the range of from 3 to 5 decitex, and more particularly within the range of from 3 to 4 decitex, and wherein said at least 25% by weight of the staple fibres of viscose have a multilobal fibre cross-section with at least three lobes, such as a trilobal fibre cross-section, provides a pouch exhibiting a higher friction against the gum during use thereof than an oral pouched product made of standard viscose fleece material and the pouch is therefore more prone to stay in place in the mouth upon usage while still not being abrasive.

In addition, it has been found that when the pouch of the oral pouched product as disclosed herein is made of a fleece material, such as nonwoven, comprising staple fibres of viscose and least 25% by weight, such as 25-100% by weight or 50-100% by weight or 75-100% by weight, of the staple fibres of viscose have a linear mass density within the range of from 2.5 to 5 decitex, in particular within the range of from 3 to 5 decitex, and more particularly within the range of from 3 to 4 decitex, and wherein said at least 25% by weight of the staple fibres of viscose have a multilobal fibre cross-section with at least three lobes, such as trilobal fibre cross-section, provides a more glossy and appealing appearance than an oral pouched product made of standard viscose fleece material.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to an oral pouched product comprising a filling material and a pouch enclosing the filling material, said pouch being made of a fleece material comprising staple fibres of viscose, wherein at least 25% by weight, such as 25-100% by weight or 50-100% by weight or 75-100% by weight, of the staple fibres of viscose have a multilobal fibre cross-section with at least three lobes, such as a trilobal fibre cross-section.

According to a third aspect, the invention relates to the use of a fleece material comprising staple fibres of viscose, wherein at least 25% by weight, such as at least 50% by weight, at least 75% by weight or 100% by weight, of the staple fibres of viscose have a linear mass density within the range of from 2.5 to 5 decitex, such as within the range of from 3 to 4 decitex, in an an oral pouched product comprising a filling material, in particular an oral pouched smokeless tobacco product comprising tobacco plant material, such as moist snuff (e.g. snus).

According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to the use of a fleece material comprising staple fibres of viscose, wherein at least 25% by weight, such as at least 50% by weight, at least 75% by weight or 100% by weight, of the staple fibres of viscose have a multilobal fibre cross-section with at least three lobes, such as a trilobal fibre cross- section, in an an oral pouched product comprising a filling material, in particular an oral pouched smokeless tobacco product comprising tobacco plant material, such as moist snuff (e.g. snus).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures 1 and 2 are SEM images of nonwoven fleece material used in

commercially available snus-containing pouches; herein referred to as reference fleece material.

Figures 3 and 4 are SEM images of nonwoven fleece material made from staple fibres of viscose having a linear mass density of about 3 decitex and an essentially round fiber cross-section. Figures 5 and 6 are SEM images of nonwoven fleece material made from staple fibres of viscose having a linear mass density of about 3 decitex and a trilobal fiber cross- section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

By "tobacco" is meant any part, e.g., leaves, stems, and stalks, of any member of the genus Nicotiana. The tobacco may be whole, shredded, threshed, cut, ground, cured, aged, fermented, or otherwise, e.g., granulated or encapsulated. Tobacco may also be in the form of finished products, including any smokeless tobacco compositions that are orally consumed. Such smokeless tobacco compositions include snuff, moist snuff, such as snus, or dry snuff and chewing tobacco.

The term "tobacco plant material" is used herein for tobacco leaves or parts of leaves, i.e. lamina and stem, wherein the leaves and parts of leaves are finely divided, such as ground, cut, shredded or threshed, and the parts of leaves are blended in defined proportions in the tobacco plant material.

"Oral" and "oral use" is in all contexts used herein as a description for use in the oral cavity, such as buccal placement.

The term "oral pouched products" or "oral pouched snuff products" as used herein includes oral pouched non-tobacco snuff products, which may be nicotine-containing or nicotine-free, as well as oral pouched tobacco snuff products (also called oral pouched smokeless tobacco products).

As used herein the terms "pouched (snuff) product for oral use" or "oral pouched (snuff) product" refer to a portion of smokeless tobacco or tobacco-free filling material, which may be nicotine-containing or nicotine free as described herein, packed in a saliva- permeable pouch material intended for oral use.

As used herein, the expression "water content" means the total water

content in a smokeless tobacco composition, i.e. a blend of tobacco material and additives as measured by using a standardized method for water analysis, such as, Karl Fischer titration or gas chromatography (GC). The water content is given herein as percent by weight (wt%).

As used herein "% w/w" or "wt %" or "weight %" refers to weight percent of the ingredient referred to of the total weight of the preparation, composition or product referred to.

As used herein, reference to "dry weight percent" refers to weight percent of the ingredient referred to on the basis of the total weight of dry ingredients, i.e. all ingredients of the preparation, composition or product referred to excluding moisture content. The term "additive" as used herein denotes substances other than tobacco material, salt and water.

"Flavour", "flavouring agent" or "flavourant" is used herein for a substance used to influence the aroma and/or taste of the smokeless tobacco product, including, but not limited to, essential oils, single flavour compounds, compounded flavourings, and extracts.

The term "mono-component fiber" is used herein for a fiber which consists of only one polymer component, e.g. viscose.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an oral pouched product comprising a filling material and a pouch enclosing the filling material, said pouch being made of a fleece material comprising staple fibres of viscose, in particular mono- component viscose fibres, wherein at least 25% by weight, such as 25-100% by weight or 50-100% by weight or 75-100% by weight, of the staple fibres of viscose have a linear mass density within the range of from 2.5 to 5 decitex, in particular within the range of from 3 to 5 decitex, and more particularly within the range of from 3 to 4 decitex.

The oral pouched product as used disclosed herein may also be referred to as oral pouched snuff product.

As disclosed herein, the oral pouched product may be an oral pouched smokeless tobacco product and the filling material may then comprise tobacco plant material, in particular tobacco plant material in the form of moist snuff or snus.

However, the oral pouched product may alternatively or additionally contain any other botanical filling material, such as any non-tobacco plant fiber material. For instance, the oral pouched product may be an oral pouched non-tobacco nicotine-free product comprising a botanical filling material, such as one or more non-tobacco plant fibers. Examples of non-tobacco plant fibers are 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.

Furthermore, as disclosed herein, the oral pouched product may be an oral pouched non-tobacco nicotine-containing product. The filling material may then be a particulate material comprising nicotine or a salt thereof and one or more fillers, such as polysaccharides (e.g. maltitol and mannitol) and microcrystalline cellulose.

An oral pouched smokeless tobacco product generally includes a tobacco composition comprising finely ground or cut tobacco plant material in powder form, water, salt (e.g. sodium chloride), and optionally other additives, such as pH adjusters or buffering agents (e.g. sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate), flavouring agents, cooling agents, heating agents, sweetening agents, colorants, humectants (e.g. glycerol or propylene glycol), antioxidants, preservatives (e.g. as potassium sorbate), binders, fillers and/or disintegration aids.

5 Salt is added mainly for its effect on taste but it also has a preservative action which contributes to improved shelf life of the product. Sodium carbonate brings the pH value to the slightly alkaline side. Humectants, such as propylene glycol or glycerol, may also be added to protect the product from drying out and may also have a preservative effect since the water activity of the product will be lowered, thereby preventing

10 microorganisms from growing.

The pouch of the oral pouched product as disclosed herein is saliva-permeable. The pouch of the oral pouched product may made of a fleece material, such as nonwoven, comprising extruded and cut staple fibres of viscose, in particular extruded and cut mono-component staple fibres of viscose.

15 In addition to viscose staple fibers, the fleece material may comprise fibres of cellulose, such as cotton, and/or fibers of one or more synthetic polymers, such as cellulose acetate, polyesters (e.g. polyethylene terephthalate or polylactic acid), polyethylene or polypropylene.

The fleece material normally comprises one or more binders, such as one or more

20 acrylic polymer binders (i.e. polyacrylates) . The fleece material may also comprise

additional ingredients, such as flavouring agents (flavourants) and/or colorants.

As disclosed herein, the pouch may be made of a fleece material comprising fibres of which 100% are staple fibres of viscose (i.e. all fibres of the fleece material are staple fibres of viscose), which may be mono-component viscose staple fibres, wherein at least

25 25% by weight, such as 25-100% by weight or 50-100% by weight or 75-100% by weight, of the staple fibres of viscose have a linear mass density within the range of from 2.5 to 5 decitex, in particular within the range of from 3 to 5 decitex, and more particularly within the range of from 3 to 4 decitex.

As disclosed herein, the pouch may be made of a fleece material comprising fibres

30 of which all are staple fibres of viscose, which may be mono-component viscose staple fibres, and all of the staple fibres of viscose may have a linear mass density within the range of from 2.5 to 5 decitex, in particular within the range of from 3 to 5 decitex, and more particularly within the range of from 3 to 4 decitex.

As disclosed herein, the fleece material of the pouch may be a nonwoven material,

35 such as carded (drylaid) bonded nonwoven or wetlaid bonded nonwoven. It has been found that said fleece material comprising staple fibres of viscose, wherein at least 25% by weight, such as 25-100% by weight or 50-100% by weight or 75- 100% by weight, of the staple fibres of viscose have a linear mass density within the range of from 2.5 to 5 decitex, in particular within the range of from 3 to 5 decitex, and 5 more particularly within the range of from 3 to 4 decitex, provides a more open nonwoven with higher porosity than a standard viscose fleece material normally used in oral pouched smokeless tobacco products. Said fleece material of the oral pouched product according to the invention has been found to be more permeable than a standard viscose fleece material and to provide a more rapid initial release of flavours and thereby a more

10 immediate taste experience, stronger taste and a more transparent material.

As disclosed herein, the fleece material of the pouch may have a basis weight within the range of from 25 to 40 g/m², such as 25 to 35 g/m², measured using the standard test method WSP130.1.

As disclosed herein, the fleece material of the pouch may have a thickness within 15 the range of from 100 to 300 μηη, such 150 to 250 μηη, measured using the standard test method WSP120.1.

As disclosed herein, the fleece material of the pouch may have a bending stiffness in at least one direction of at least 0.8 mNcm, such as within the range of from 0.8 to 4 mNcm, in particular 0.8 to 3 mNcm, measured using the standard test method WSP

20 090.5.R4 (12) A.

The fleece material of the pouch in the oral pouched product according to the invention may comprise staple fibres of viscose, in particular mono-component viscose fibres, wherein at least 25% by weight, such as 25-100% by weight or 50-100% by weight or 75-100% by weight, of the staple fibres of viscose have a linear mass density within the

25 range of from 2.5 to 5 decitex, in particular within the range of from 3 to 5 decitex, and more particularly within the range of from 3 to 4 decitex, and said at least 25% by weight of the staple fibres of viscose have an average fibre cross-section diameter of less than 100 μηη, in particular less than 50 μηη, such as within the range of from 20 to 40 μηη or 20 to 30 μηη. The average fibre cross-section diameter of the viscose staple fibres may be

30 estimated by Scanning Electron Microscopy.

The oral pouched product as disclosed herein may comprise a filling material and a pouch enclosing the filling material, said pouch being made of a fleece material comprising staple fibres of viscose, in particular mono-component viscose fibres, wherein at least 25% by weight, such as 25-100% by weight or 50-100% by weight or 75-100% by

35 weight, of the staple fibres of viscose by weight have a linear mass density within the range of from 2.5 to 5 decitex, in particular within the range of from 3 to 5 decitex, and more particularly within the range of from 3 to 4 decitex, wherein said at least 25% by weight of the staple fibres of viscose have a multilobal fibre cross-section with at least three lobes, such as trilobal, tetralobal and/or pentalobal fibre cross-section, in particular trilobal (such as T or Y-shape) or tetralobal (such as X- or H-shape) fibre cross-section, and more particularly trilobal fibre cross-section.

Viscose staple fibres as referred to herein are commercially available from

Kelheim Fibres Gmbh or from Lenzing AG. For instance, trilobal viscose staple fibres are commercially available from Kelheim Fibres Gmbh under the trade name Galaxy® V.

It has been found that said fleece material of the oral pouched product according to the invention exhibits a higher friction against the gum during use thereof than an oral pouched product made of standard viscose fleece material and the pouch is therefore more prone to stay in place in the mouth upon usage while still not being abrasive.

As disclosed herein, the fleece material of the pouch (in dry state) may have a dynamic friction coefficient within the range of from 0.3 to 0.5 measured using the standard test method ASTM-1894.

Staple fibres of viscose having a multilobal fibre cross-section with at least three lobes, such as a trilobal fibre cross-section, provide a greater surface area per mass unit than staple fibres of viscose having a round fibre cross-section. Fleece materials comprising staple fibres of viscose having a multilobal fibre cross-section, such as trilobal, therefore generally exhibit better absorption capability, i.e. increased absorbency, than fleece materials of fibres having a round fibre cross-section. Methods of forming staple fibres of viscose having a multilobal fibre cross-section, such as trilobal, are known to those skilled in the art. Manufacturing and properties of fibres having a multilobal fibre cross-section is, for instance, described in EP 0 301 874 B1 and EP 0 391 814 A2.

Moreover, staple fibres of viscose having a multilobal fibre cross-section, such as a trilobal fibre cross-section, are capable of greater intrafiber liquid transport. A pouch made from a fleece material comprising multilobal, such as trilobal, viscose staple fibres having a high water absorption capability together with a high intrafiber liquid

transportation capability is believed to provide a more uniform wetting of the snus- containing pouch and thus an improved taste experience by the consumer.

As disclosed herein, the fleece material of the pouch in the oral pouched product according to the invention may comprise staple fibres of viscose, in particular mono- component viscose fibres, wherein at least 25% by weight, such as 25-100% by weight or 50-100% by weight or 75-100% by weight, of the staple fibres of viscose by weight have a linear mass density within the range of from 2.5 to 5 decitex, in particular within the range of from 3 to 5 decitex, and more particularly within the range of from 3 to 4 decitex, said viscose staple fibres may have a staple length within the range of from 30 mm to 40 mm.

The at least 25% by weight of the viscose staple fibres of the fleece material may contain fibres of two or more (different) fibre cross-sections selected from the group consisting of trilobal, tetralobal, pentalobal and round fibre cross-sections.

Furthermore, the at least 25% by weight of the viscose staple fibres of the fleece material may consist of at least 50% by weight of the staple fibres having a trilobal fibre cross-section and at most 50% by weight of the staple fibres having a round cross- section.

As disclosed herein, the pouch is made of a fleece material comprising fibres of which all are staple fibres of viscose, which may be mono-component viscose staple fibres, all of the staple fibres of viscose having a linear mass density within the range of from 2.5 to 5 decitex, in particular within the range of from 3 to 5 decitex, and more particularly within the range of from 3 to 4 decitex, and at least 50% by weight of the staple fibres have a trilobal fibre cross-section and at most 50% by weight of the staple fibres have a round cross-section.

As disclosed herein, the pouch is made of a fleece material comprising fibres of which all are staple fibres of viscose, which may be mono-component viscose staple fibres, all of the staple fibres of viscose having a linear mass density within the range of from 2.5 to 5 decitex, in particular within the range of from 3 to 5 decitex, and more particularly within the range of from 3 to 4 decitex, and all of the staple fibres have a trilobal fibre cross-section.

As disclosed herein, the fleece material of the pouch in the oral pouched product according to the invention comprises staple fibres of viscose, which may be mono- component viscose fibres and which may have a solid structure.

The manufacturing machine used for forming oral pouched smokeless tobacco products from standard fleece can also be used for forming the oral pouched smokeless tobacco product according to the invention without the need to significantly adjust the manufacturing machine.

EXAMPLES

Nonwoven fleece materials in accordance with the standard, Example 1 , Example 2 and Example 3 of Table 1 were all produced in a similar manner by spreading the staple fibres on a conveyor belt (drylaid process) and forming a uniform web by carding. The nonwoven was thereafter bound by impregnation using an aqueous emulsion containing a binder of acrylic co-polymer. All of the resulting nonwoven fleece materials contained about 35-45% w/w of the same type of binder.

The standard nonwoven fleece material includes the same type of fibres as the fleece material used in commercially available snus-containing pouches. However, in order to be able to compare the effects derivable from the fibres per se, the standard fleece material was manufactured using the same type of binder, the same manufacturing process, etc, as the exemplary fleece materials.

Comparative data for a nonwoven fleece material used in present commercially available smokeless tobacco pouches are included as well; herein referred to as

(commercial) reference material. The snus-containing pouches used as reference in the herein below described panel test was made from this reference fleece material.

Table 1

Fibre Fiber Linear mass Staple Fiber components of cross- density length cross- nonwoven section [dtex] [mm] section

(% by weight (% by diameter based on dry weight

weight of fibres) based on

dry weight

of fibres)

Reference 100% viscose 100% 1 .7 40 -10 - 15

(commercially staple fibres round

used)

Standard 100% viscose 100% 1 .7 40 -10 - 15 staple fibres round

Example 1 100% viscose 100% 3.1 40 -20 - 30 staple fibres round

Example 2 100% viscose 100% 3.3 38 -20 - 30 staple fibres trilobal

Example 3 100% viscose 50% round, 1 .7 40 -10 - 15 staple fibres 50% trilobal 3.3 38 -20 - 30 The staple length and the linear mass density are derived from the technical datasheets provided by the fiber supplier. Linear mass density (in tex) is generally measured by weighing a sample of 1 000 meters of the fiber.

The fiber diameter was estimated from images taken by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images of the commercially used reference nonwoven are shown in Figures 1 and 2.

SEM images of the nonwoven according to Example 1 are shown in Figures 3 and 4 and SEM images of the nonwoven according to Example 2 are shown in Figures 5 and 6.

Standard

Nonwoven fleece material comprising 100% staple fibres of viscose having a round cross-section, a linear mass density of 1 .7 decitex and a staple length of 40 mm was produced in accordance with above.

Example 1

Nonwoven fleece material comprising 100% staple fibres of viscose having a round cross-section, a linear mass density of 3.1 decitex and a staple length of 40 mm was produced in accordance with above.

Example 2

Nonwoven fleece material comprising 100% staple fibres of viscose having a trilobal cross-section, a linear mass density of 3.3 decitex and a staple length of 38 mm was produced in accordance with above.

Example 3

Nonwoven fleece material comprising 50% by weight staple fibres of viscose having a round cross-section, a linear mass density of 1 .7 decitex and a staple length of 40 mm, and 50% by weight staple fibres of viscose having a trilobal cross-section, a linear mass density of 3.3 decitex and a staple length of 38 mm was produced in accordance with above.

Characterization of nonwoven fleece materials

The nonwoven fleece materials were characterized by the following

measurements. The results are presented in Table 2.

Thickness of the fleece materials was measured according to standard test WSP120.1.

The basis weight of the fleece material (i.e. mass per unit area) was measured according to standard test WSP130.1 . Air permeability of the fleece materials was measured according to standard test WSP 070.1 .R3(12). In this test, the air flow passes through the tested material from the face side to the back of the material. The test area was 20 cm². The pressure drop was 100 Pa.

Friction of the fleece materials was measured according to standard test ASTM-

1894 using an Instron test instruments and the Instron coefficient of friction test fixture model 2810-005.

Bending stiffness of the fleece materials (in dry state) was measured according to standard test WSP 090.5. R4 (12) A. The bending stiffness was measured both in the machine direction (MD) and the direction transverse to the machine direction, i.e. the cross direction (CD). During production of the nonwoven fleece material, the fleece is formed into a long continuous strip wherein the fibers are aligned with the longitudinal direction of the strip. This direction is referred to as the machine direction (MD).

Tensile stiffness of the fleece materials (in dry state) was measured according to standard test WSP 1 10.4 (05). The tensile stiffness was measured both in the machine direction (MD) and in the cross direction (CD) of the fleece material.

Water contact angle of the fleece materials during a period of 12 seconds was measured using Tappi T-558-06. Water retardation time (WTR) is the time it takes for the contact angle to reach below 90°. The material is wetted when the contact angle reaches below 90°. The base value included in Table 2 refers to the change in base diameter of the water droplet after 12 second, i.e. the value indicates the spreading of the water.

The porosity (pore volume distribution) of the nonwoven fleece material may be measured using liquid extrusion porosimetry (LEP). This method is, for instance, described in Jena, Akshaya; Gupta, Krishna, Advances in Filtration and Separation Technology (2003), 16, 133-138.

The gloss value of the nonwoven fleece material may be measured according to standard test Tappi 480.

Table 2

These data show that the air permeability of each of the fleece materials according to Example 1 and Example 2 is higher than the permeability of the standard fleece material. The air permeability of the fleece materials according to Example 3 is similar to the permeability of the standard fleece material. The dynamic friction coefficient of each of the fleece materials according to Example 1 , Example 2 and Example 3 is higher than the friction coefficient of the standard fleece material, in particular the fleece materials according to Example 2 and Example 3.

Moreover, it is also shown that the bending stiffness and the tensile stiffness of the nonwoven fleece materials according to Example 1 and Example 2 are essentially preserved in comparison to the standard fleece material.

The contact angle after 12 s shows that the fleece material according to Example 2 exhibits a faster water absorption/adsorption than the standard fleece material.

Moreover, the base and WRT data show that the fleece material according to Example 2 exhibits faster spreading and wetting than the standard fleece material.

Test panel results

All smokeless tobacco compositions tested were manufactured in accordance with the GothiaTek® standard, which implies hygienic handling of all ingredients and pasteurization of the loaded materials, thus assuring a final composition with negligible levels of bacteria.

GothiaTek® standard is a well-established standard which states rules and requirements for manufacturing of snus. The standard includes requirements on tobacco, additives, manufacturing process and product information.

When making snus according to GothiaTek® standard, the typical main ingredients, besides tobacco, are water, sodium chloride (NaCI) and sodium carbonate (Na₂C0₃). Flavours and humectants are also common ingredients and additional food approved additives might be used. Sodium chloride is added mainly for its taste enhancing properties, but it also has a preservative effect which contributes to improved shelf life of the products. Sodium chloride lowers the water activity of the products, thus preventing micro-organisms from growing. Sodium carbonate is used to give the products their characteristic aroma profile, but also brings the pH to the slightly alkaline side.

Flavours used are generally natural or nature identical compounds that comply with food regulations. Flavours are usually dissolved in ethanol when added. Humectants, such as glycerol and propylene glycol, are normally added. According to the standard, there are two major steps in the manufacturing process of converting tobacco to a snus

composition; a) grinding (or cutting) and sieving and b) snus-processing.

a) Grinding and sieving

Tobacco flour is produced by batch grinding. Compressed tobacco is emptied from its cases and torn to large fragments which are cut to pieces. The cut tobacco pieces are dried and transported to a mill. The tobacco is ground and ground tobacco particles are sieved and separated into fractions. Too large particles are brought back to the mill for re- grinding. The cutting, grinding and sieving is done in equipment where foreign objects such as fragments of metallic material and stones are separated and removed from the tobacco. Three approved fractions are weighed in separate fractions scales. The weighed tobacco flour fractions are collected to pre-set quantities in a silo and blended by circulation. The blended tobacco flour is stored in a silo. Different types of tobacco flours are kept in separate silos,

b) Snus-processing

The snus mixture is produced by batch processing and should be carried out in a closed system to minimize the risk of contamination from bacteria or foreign substances. Since automatic feeding of tobacco and additives is preferred, the whole process may be computer controlled and can be run day and night, all week around. The process starts with loading of tobacco flour, water, sodium chloride (NaCI) and possibly additional additives, into a cylindrical blender. Loading is done while stirring. The loaded materials are mixed to a homogeneous blend which is heated by injection of steam. The blend is then kept heated for several hours with support of steam to ensure reduction of the natural bacterial flora in the tobacco and to bring texture, taste and color to the snus blend. Time, temperature and frequency of stirring during heat treatment, parameters specified for different snus blend qualities, are preferably controlled by a process computer program. The heat treatment is traditionally referred to as "sweating", but is to be seen as a pasteurization process. After heat treatment, the blend is chilled by flow of cold water through the blender jacket during stirring. Water, flavours, sodium carbonate and possibly additional additives are then added to the chilled blend. The blend is finally mixed to a homogeneous snus material. The finished blend is emptied from the blender for packing in portion pouches.

Snus-containing pouches made from the nonwoven fleece materials of Example 1 , Example 2 and Example 3, respectively, were evaluated in test panels containing 10-12 individuals.

These snus-containing pouches were compared to snus-containing pouches made from the commercially used nonwoven fleece material; in the above referred to as

(commercial) reference material. These snus-containing pouches are commercially available as General Classic White.

All the snus-containing pouches tested by the panel contained 1 g of the same snus composition (same snus composition as commercially available in General Classic White). The water content was about 52-53 wt% in all of the pouches (non-post- moisturized pouches). The results thereof are presented in Table 3.

Table 3

The individuals either experienced the same taste strength or a stronger taste from the non-post-moisturized pouches made from the fleece materials according to Example 1 , Example 2 and Example 3, respectively, in comparison to the commercial non-post- moisturized snus-containing pouch made from the reference viscose fleece material.

A majority of the individuals experienced that the non-post-moisturized pouches made from the fleece material according to Example 2 and Example 3, respectively, had a rougher mouth feel than the commercial non-post-moisturized snus-containing pouch made from the reference viscose fleece material.