Zyn

Last updated
ZYN
ZYN lockup-stacked-cyan.png
ZYN US Nicotine Pouches.jpg
Product type Nicotine pouches
Owner Swedish Match
CountryUnited States
Introduced2014
Markets
  • Sweden
  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • Switzerland
  • Hungary
  • South Africa
  • Finland
Poland
TaglineFind your ZYN
Website www.zyn.com OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg

Zyn (stylized in all caps) is a brand of nicotine pouches, produced by Swedish Match, a subsidiary of Philip Morris International. [1] Zyn pouches are designed to be placed between the gum and either the upper lip or lower lip, allowing nicotine to be absorbed through the bloodstream and are available in several variants with different nicotine salt strengths and flavours. While considered a kind of snus, nicotine pouches do not contain any tobacco, [2] but remain addictive due to their nicotine content.

Contents

Zyn is mainly distributed in the United States, where it represented more than 60% of the industry in 2022, but it is also available in Scandinavia, the UK and other parts of Europe.

History

Zyn pouches were first introduced in 2014 in the United States. [3] From 2017 to 2019 one of Swedish Match's US plants, located in Owensboro, Kentucky, was expanded to handle the manufacturing of Zyn pouches directly in the US. [4] [5] The works required an investment of $115 million and the new plant opened in May 2019. [6] By the end of 2020, they were available in about 100,000 stores in the United States. [7] Zyn pouches are also distributed in other countries, such as Sweden, [4] Switzerland, [8] and the UK. [9]

Sales of Zyn pouches have grown rapidly and have contributed to a significant increase in Swedish Match's revenues from 2020 onwards. [10] [11] Although tobacco companies entered the nicotine pouch category around the same time, Swedish Match reached a 67% market share in the US at the beginning of 2023. [12] [13] According to a study focusing on the four main brands available in the US between September 2019 and March 2022, Zyn's sales increased from around 20 million pouches per month in the last quarter of 2019 to more than 140 million pouches per month in the first quarter of 2022. [14] The company reported sales reaching 261 million pouches at the beginning of 2023. [13] In May 2024, many shops and consumers started to note a ZYN shortage due to unprecedented demand. Philip Morris International plans to build an additional factory, which will enable it to produce 900 million cans per year. [15]

In November 2022, Swedish Match was acquired by Philip Morris International. [1] Zyn has been identified among the strategic brands acquired by the tobacco giant to achieve its vision of a "smoke-free future", alongside the company's existing portfolio of Iqos and Veev vaping products. [12]

Design

Zyn pouches are sold in round cans (resembling those traditionally used for smokeless tobacco products like snus and dipping tobacco) containing 15 or 20 pouches depending on the market. These cans are available with different levels of nicotine strength (such as 3 or 6 milligrams per pouch in the US) and different flavored and unflavored varieties. [4]

The pouches contain nicotine extracted from tobacco leaves, together with food grade ingredients. [16] The pouches themselves are made of plant fibers, which allow the nicotine to diffuse out of the pouch when moistened. [17] They are designed to be placed between the user's upper lip and gum, or between the gum and cheek, and used for up to 1 hour. [18]

Criticism

Consumption of nicotine pouches result in levels of nicotine in the blood that are similar to those from cigarettes. [19] Various tobacco-control advocates allege that the pouches constitute gateway products for youth; eventually leading to the consumption of traditional cigarettes or other tobacco containing products. [20]

In 2021, Swedish Match was criticized in the UK for its Zyn marketing on social media, including presenting its nicotine pouches as a supplement to regular smoking in places where smoking is banned, with the slogan "Can't smoke? Can't vape? Can Zyn". [9] [21] In 2024, further criticism emerged regarding Zyn's rewards program. The program, which allows users to accumulate points for purchases and redeem them for prizes, [22] was characterized by The Guardian author Alaina Demopoulos as incentivizing nicotine use, with the article headline stating "Use nicotine, win an iPad!" [23]

Nicotine pouches are addictive and the long-term health effects remain unknown due to the lack of history for the recreational use of non-tobacco snus. However, while not carcinogenic, nicotine is a vasoconstrictor that moderately harms cardiovascular health, which can cause higher risks for cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and reproductive harm if used over long-term periods. [24] [25] [26] Among side effects associated with the consumption of nicotine pouches, users reported gum irritation, hiccups or nausea. [27]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Snus</span> Moist tobacco product placed under the upper lip

Snus is a Swedish tobacco product and non-tobacco nicotine product consumed by placing a pouch of powdered tobacco leaves or powdered non-tobacco plant fibers under the lip for nicotine to be absorbed through the oral mucosa. Whereas the nicotine in tobacco-based snus derives from tobacco leaves, the nicotine in non-tobacco snus can be either natural or synthesized.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Swedish Match</span> Swedish multinational tobacco company

Swedish Match AB is a Swedish multinational tobacco company headquartered in Stockholm. The company manufactures snus, nicotine pouches, moist snuff, tobacco- and nicotine-free pouch products, chewing tobacco, chew bags, tobacco bits, cigars, matches, lighters, and other fire products with operations in Sweden, Denmark, the United States, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, the Netherlands, and the Philippines. The company's origins can be traced back to 1868, and Ivar Kreuger. Swedish Match has played an important part in Sweden's industrial development.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nicotine replacement therapy</span> Treatment for tobacco use disorder

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a medically approved way to treat people with tobacco use disorder by taking nicotine through means other than tobacco. It is used to help with quitting smoking or stopping chewing tobacco. It increases the chance of quitting tobacco smoking by about 55%. Often it is used along with other behavioral techniques. NRT has also been used to treat ulcerative colitis. Types of NRT include the adhesive patch, chewing gum, lozenges, nose spray, and inhaler. The use of multiple types of NRT at a time may increase effectiveness.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dipping tobacco</span> Finely ground smokeless tobacco product

Dipping tobacco is a type of finely ground or shredded, moistened smokeless tobacco product. It is commonly and idiomatically known as dip. Dipping tobacco is used by placing a pinch, or "dip", of tobacco between the lip and the gum. The act of using it is called dipping. Dipping tobacco is colloquially called chaw, snuff, rub, or fresh leaf among other terms; because of this, it is sometimes confused with other tobacco products—namely dry snuff.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Philip Morris International</span> American multinational tobacco company

Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) is an American multinational tobacco company, with products sold in over 180 countries. The most recognized and best selling product of the company is Marlboro. Philip Morris International is often referred to as one of the companies comprising Big Tobacco.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smokeless tobacco</span> Tobacco product used by means other than smoking

Smokeless tobacco is a tobacco product that is used by means other than smoking. Their use involves chewing, sniffing, or placing the product between gum and the cheek or lip. Smokeless tobacco products are produced in various forms, such as chewing tobacco, snuff, snus, and dissolvable tobacco products. Smokeless tobacco is widely used in South Asia and this accounts for about 80% of global consumption. All smokeless tobacco products contain nicotine and are therefore highly addictive. Quitting smokeless tobacco use is as challenging as smoking cessation.

Tobacco harm reduction (THR) is a public health strategy to lower the health risks to individuals and wider society associated with using tobacco products. It is an example of the concept of harm reduction, a strategy for dealing with the use of drugs. Tobacco smoking is widely acknowledged as a leading cause of illness and death, and reducing smoking is vital to public health.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Electronic cigarette</span> Device that vaporizes a liquid nicotine solution for inhalation

An electronic cigarette (e-cigarette), or vape, is a device that simulates tobacco smoking. It consists of an atomizer, a power source such as a battery, and a container such as a cartridge or tank. Instead of smoke, the user inhales vapor. As such, using an e-cigarette is often called "vaping". The atomizer is a heating element that vaporizes a liquid solution called e-liquid, which quickly cools into an aerosol of tiny droplets, vapor and air. The vapor mainly comprises propylene glycol and/or glycerin, usually with nicotine and flavoring. Its exact composition varies, and depends on several things including user behavior.

Herbal smokeless tobacco is any product that imitates types of smokeless tobacco but does not contain tobacco and nicotine, or may contain nicotine without tobacco. Like herbal cigarettes and electronic cigarettes, they are often used as a tobacco cessation aid. Herbal smokeless tobacco use is an alternative to using smokeless tobacco that may help users quit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Regulation of electronic cigarettes</span>

Regulation of electronic cigarettes varies across countries and states, ranging from no regulation to banning them entirely. As of 2015, around two thirds of major nations have regulated e-cigarettes in some way. A 2023 report by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that 34 countries had banned the sale of e-cigarettes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Modified risk tobacco product</span> United States legal designation

A modified risk tobacco product (MRTP) is a legal designation in the United States for a tobacco product that poses lower health risks to individual users and the population as a whole when compared to existing products on the market such as cigarettes. The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009 gives the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) broad authority to regulate tobacco products; the FDA's power extends to approving or rejecting MRTP applications.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vape shop</span> Shop selling vaping products

A vape shop is a retail outlet specializing in the selling of vaping products, though shops selling derived psychoactive cannabis products have increased in the United States since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. There are also online vape shops. A vape shop offers a range of vaping products. The majority of vape shops do not sell vaping products that are from "Big Tobacco" companies. In 2013, online search engine searches on vape shops surpassed searches on e-cigarettes. Around a third of all sales of vaping products in one US state took place in vape shops. Big Tobacco believes the independent vape market is a threat to their interests.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Juul</span> American electronic cigarette manufacturer

Juul Labs, Inc. is an American electronic cigarette company that spun off from Pax Labs in 2017. The Juul electronic cigarette atomizes nicotine salts derived from tobacco supplied by one-time use cartridges.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iqos</span> Heated tobacco products by Philip Morris International

Iqos is a line of heated tobacco products designed to be used with tobacco and zero-tobacco nicotine-containing consumables. They are manufactured by Philip Morris International (PMI). The brand was first introduced in November 2014 in Japan and Italy. At the end of 2023, smoke-free products made up nearly 40% of PMI's total net revenue and gross profit, with Iqos surpassing Marlboro in terms of net revenue.

The Foundation for a Smoke-Free World is an organization focused on smoking harm reduction founded in 2017. In May 2024, it changed its name to Global Action to End Smoking. The World Health Organization (WHO) urged not to collaborate with this front organization of the tobacco industry.

Electronic cigarettes are marketed to smoking and non-smoking men, women, and children as being safer than cigarettes. In the 2010s, large tobacco businesses accelerated their marketing spending on vape products, similar to the strategies traditional cigarette companies used in the 1950s and 1960s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act</span> Law regulating the use of nicotine

The Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, officially recorded as Republic Act No. 11900, is a law in the Philippines which aims to regulate the "importation, sale, packaging, distribution, use and communication of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products and novel tobacco products", such as electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products. It lapsed into law on July 25, 2022. As a proposed measure, the law was known as the Vape Regulation Bill.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Veev</span> Electronic cigarette brand

Veev is a brand of electronic cigarettes manufactured by Philip Morris International (PMI).

The chemical constituents of different types of snus vary, and population-level studies suggest that the disease risks vary as well. Using snus is harmful to health, although much less than smoking tobacco.

References

  1. 1 2 Marie Mannes (2022-11-28). "Philip Morris to de-list Swedish Match after raising stake to 93%". Reuters.
  2. ↑ Organization, World Health (2023-08-23). WHO study group on tobacco product regulation. Report on the scientific basis of tobacco product regulation: ninth report of a WHO study group. World Health Organization. ISBN   978-92-4-007941-0.
  3. ↑ Anna Ringstrom (2021-04-30). "Swedish Match steps up ZYN nicotine pouch marketing after Q1 profit beat". Reuters.
  4. 1 2 3 John Reid Blackwell (2019-03-27). "Swedish Match starting nationwide rollout of tobacco-free nicotine pouch product". Richmond.com.
  5. ↑ "Swedish Match to invest $41 million in Owensboro operation creating 36 jobs". Lane Report. 2017-08-31.
  6. ↑ Ashley Sorce (2019-05-14). "Swedish Match cuts ribbon on $115 million expansion of Owensboro-exclusive product line". Owensboro Times.
  7. ↑ Dermot Davitt (2021-11-18). "Swedish Match targets growth for nicotine pouch brand ZYN in Middle East". The Moodie Davitt Report.
  8. ↑ Sarah Serafini (2022-05-13). "Snus ist in aller Munde – jetzt springt Philip Morris auf den Trend auf". Watson (in German).
  9. 1 2 Rob Davies (2021-11-08). "Firms under fire for using UK influencers to push nicotine products". The Guardian.
  10. ↑ "Swedish Match profit rise beats forecasts helped by ZYf sales". Reuters. 2020-07-17.
  11. ↑ "Swedish Match continues to see strong smoke-free sales growth". Reuters. 2022-10-28.
  12. 1 2 "Philip Morris wins Elliott's backing for $15.7bn Swedish Match takeover". Financial Times. 2022-11-06.
  13. 1 2 Pat Crawley (2023-03-06). "Philip Morris: Steady Dividends With New Growth Levers". MarketBeat.
  14. ↑ "Nicotine Pouch Sales Rising; Products with Highest Concentration Levels also Increasing, New Study Shows". American Cancer Society. 2022-11-16.
  15. ↑ ZYN Shortage: What you Need to Know Prilla.com October 2024
  16. ↑ Rich Duprey (2019-08-26). "This Under-the-Radar Smoking Alternative Could Be Bigger Than E-Cigs". Yahoo Finance.
  17. ↑ Clément Perruche (2022-05-09). "Tabac : Philip Morris sur le point de racheter le suédois Swedish Match AB". Les Echos (in French).
  18. ↑ Diane Caruana (2022-05-19). "ZYN Launches Tobacco Flavoured Nicotine Pouches". Vaping Post.
  19. ↑ "Health risk assessment of nicotine pouches" (PDF). Federal Institute for Risk Assessment . 2022-10-07.
  20. ↑ "Nicotine Pouches". Tobacco Tactics. 2022-12-19.
  21. ↑ Dasha Afanasieva (2023-04-15). "Big Tobacco Pushes Nicotine Pouches as Vaping Hit by Curbs". Bloomberg.
  22. ↑ "ZYN Rewards Program: Prizes, How It Works, Maximum Points | Prime® Nic Pouches". www.primenicpouches.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-08-15.
  23. ↑ Demopoulos, Alaina (2024-05-20). "Use nicotine, win an iPad! Zyn's viral rewards program fuels addiction fears". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 2024-08-15.
  24. ↑ Whitehead, Anna K.; Erwin, Abigail P.; Yue, Xinping (April 2021). "Nicotine and Vascular Dysfunction". Acta Physiologica. 231 (4): e13631. doi:10.1111/apha.13631. ISSN   1748-1708. PMC   8026694 . PMID   33595878.
  25. ↑ Avenue, 677 Huntington; Boston; Ma 02115 (2024-04-16). "Zyn pouches safer than smoking, but still pose risks". News. Retrieved 2024-09-10.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  26. ↑ "Are Oral Nicotine Pouches Safe? | Johns Hopkins | Bloomberg School of Public Health". publichealth.jhu.edu. 2024-04-24. Retrieved 2024-09-10.
  27. ↑ "Nicotine pouches: Are they safer than chewing, smoking or vaping?". University of Nebraska.
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