How Swedish snus is made?

How Swedish snus is manufactured?

Swedish Snus manufacturing (By Swedish Match)

The manufacturing process for snus from Swedish Match differs from the processes used in other countries for smokeless tobacco products. Swedish snus is subject to the Food Act, this means that the additives used are approved for food, and that the hygienic standard is high. In addition to this, Swedish Match has also developed its own quality standard, GOTHIATEK®.

Swedish snus is a product that differs significantly from most other smokeless tobacco products. To ensure the unique quality of the products, Swedish Match has developed a quality standard. The standard is called GOTHIATEK® and is a guarantee that the consumer can always be sure that Swedish Match snus products are controlled and maintain the highest quality at all stages, from the tobacco plant to the consumer.

Raw material requirements
Tobacco in Swedish snus is selected to ensure that Swedish Match's internal limit values ​​for undesirable substances are met in each individual product. Swedish snus according to GOTHIATEK® does not contain genetically modified tobacco.

Ingredients
In addition to ground tobacco, the main ingredients in the preparation of snus are water, salt (common table salt) and sodium carbonate. In addition, aroma substances and humectants are included.

Manufacturing
The production of Swedish snus according to GOTHIATEK® mainly takes place in three stages: grinding, preparation and packing. Swedish Match follows an extremely careful manufacturing process with strict hygiene requirements, where every step is monitored and analyzed.

Grinding
The tobacco is loosened, dried and then fed into a mill where it is ground. The ground tobacco is sifted into coarse, medium and fine flour.

Preparation
The process starts with the tobacco flour being weighed and transported to a closed mixer. Water and salt are added while stirring, after which the snuff is heated. The temperature and stirring of the snus mixture is computer controlled. This part of the process is called pasteurization. The snus is then cooled and other ingredients are added. Samples are taken for quality control. If all measurement values ​​are approved, the batch is ready to be packed.

Packing
Loose snus: Filling of boxes takes place in automatic packing machines. The filled boxes are closed with a lid. They are then weighed and labeled.
Portion snus: Packing portion snus is a more complicated process. The portions are measured and placed in a tube of cellulose fiber, which is then sealed crosswise and then cut apart into pellets. Ready portioned pills are filled in a plastic box after which the lid is put on. Finally, the cans are weighed and labeled.

Packaging material: Loose snus is mostly packaged in paraffin-coated cardboard boxes. In the manufacture of the cardboard boxes, cardboard of two different qualities is used, one for the edge and one for the bottom of the box. The lid is made of polypropylene plastic. For portioned snus, plastic containers made of polypropylene are used. Portion snus is more sensitive to drying out than loose snus. The use of a plastic box for the portion snus is primarily due to sustainability reasons.

Cold storage
All prepackaged snus is stored in a cold room for a number of days before it is distributed to the trade. Cold storage is important for the snus to mature and acquire its characteristic aroma and taste.

Source: https://www.swedishmatch.com/sv/Var-verksamhet/rokfria-produkter/snustillverkning/