As smoking rates decline in many parts of the world, consumers are turning to alternative alternatives, one of which is the nicotine pouch. The rise in popularity of nicotine pouches poses new questions about their environmental footprint, particularly when considering their production, usage, and disposal. Should you flush them, or can you throw them anywhere? 

Just like any manufactured product, nicotine pouches can be harmful or impact our environment improperly. However, if you treat the pouches and packs in the right way, you can make a minimal impact on the environment. So, let us help you become an eco-friendly "snuser" by guiding you on how to manage your snus waste!

Why is it important to manage snus waste?

Most nicotine pouches come in plastic or metal cans. The environmental impact of these containers depends largely on the materials used and whether or not they are recycled. If cans are simply discarded, they can contribute to landfill waste or, worse, find their way into natural ecosystems, affecting wildlife and marine life.

A common misconception is that nicotine pouches are biodegradable and can be disposed of anywhere. This is partly true. The pouches themselves are made of biodegradable cellulose fibres, but the binder that glues the pouches together can be difficult for wastewater plants to filter out. (If you want to know more about the content of nicotine pouches, you can find lab reports and analyses of the content of different brands of snus and nicotine pouches at www.nicoleaks.com).

Where is the best place to dispose of snus?

Firstly, you should not flush used pouches, as most wastewater treatment plants have difficulty filtering out nicotine and other harmful substances in snus.  It is best to dispose of them in your household waste. In addition, snus can clog sewage pipes. The cans, which are usually made of plastic or metal, should be sorted and recycled. By doing this, you help protect the environment and maintain sustainable waste management systems.

Easy steps to remember

• Empty the can of all used tablets and dispose of them in household waste.
• Remove the label as the can cannot be recycled otherwise.
• Take the cans to the recycling centre and put them in plastic waste.

How does the production of nicotine pouches impact the environment?

The production of nicotine pouches involves the processing of natural fibers and flavors, the extraction of nicotine, and the manufacturing of the pouch itself. While the carbon footprint of this process can be substantial, it's typically lower than that of producing cigarettes. This is largely because cigarettes involve the cultivation of tobacco, which can be resource-intensive and often involves deforestation and pesticide usage.

How about cigarette’s impact on environment?

We all know how harmful smoking can be. But the production and waste of cigarettes does also make a big impact on the environment. Cigarette butts are among the most commonly littered items worldwide, and their environmental footprint is significant. Here's a look at the scale of the problem based on available data:

Cigarette Waste Statistics:

• Quantity: Worldwide, it is estimated that between 4.5 trillion to 6 trillion cigarette filters, commonly referred to as cigarette butts, are littered annually.
• Constituents: A cigarette filter is primarily made up of cellulose acetate, a type of plastic, which can take decades to degrade in the environment. These filters also contain the residue of smoked tobacco and many of the harmful chemicals that are introduced during the cigarette's production or are produced during burning.
• Toxicity: The toxins trapped in the cigarette filters can leach into the ground and waterways, posing potential harm to aquatic life and entering the food chain.
• Collection from Beaches: Cigarette butts are consistently among the top items collected during beach cleanup events. According to Ocean Conservancy's annual International Coastal Cleanup reports, millions of cigarette butts have been collected from beaches around the world every year.
• Financial Implications: Many cities and municipalities spend a significant amount of money annually on cleanup efforts to remove cigarette litter from streets, parks, and public spaces.

Environmental and Health Impact:

• Non-Biodegradability: As already noted, the filters in cigarettes are made from cellulose acetate and can take many years to break down. During this time, they can contribute to land and marine pollution.
• Harm to Marine Life: Aquatic organisms, especially smaller ones, can mistake small debris, including cigarette butts, for food. Consuming these butts can lead to poisoning due to the toxins or physical harm due to ingestion of indigestible materials.
• Contamination: The chemicals from cigarette butts can contaminate water sources, affecting both wildlife and potentially human water supplies.
• While there have been some innovations and initiatives to tackle the issue, such as recycling programs for cigarette waste or campaigns to raise awareness about the environmental impact of cigarette butt littering, the problem persists on a large scale.
• Addressing cigarette waste requires a multi-pronged approach that includes stricter regulations on cigarette waste disposal, public education campaigns, and innovations in cigarette design that reduce environmental harm.

Conclusion

Nicotine pouches, while offering a smoke-free alternative to traditional tobacco products, come with their own set of environmental considerations. By understanding these implications and following guidelines for responsible disposal, users can mitigate some of the negative impacts. As the market for nicotine pouches grows, there will hopefully be more innovation in sustainable production and disposal methods. Until then, being informed and conscious about our choices can make a significant difference.