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Mi-One Brands Launches Pod Nic-Salt Device

Photo: Mi-One Brands
Mi-One Brands has launched its Mi-Pod 2.0, a sleek refillable liquid pod-based system with a larger battery, laser-cut mesh coil pods and robust flavor production. According to Mi-One Brands, the device is one of the few sub-OHM pod systems on the market. It is designed for use with nicotine salt-based e-liquids.
“We have always designed products with attention to detail of all the five senses to create the ultimate user experience,” says Geoff Habicht, co-founder of Mi-One Brands, in a statement. “With Mi-Pod 2.0, we not only incorporated the five sense and years of customer feedback into the design, but we also added sacred geometry designs to symbolize the ‘connection to self,’ which we have found so vitally important on the journey to live a smoke-free life.”
Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, Mi-One Brands started in 2008 as Smoking Vapor, providing alternatives to combustible tobacco cigarettes before the term “vaping” was coined. Co-founders Amir Hakak and Geoff Habicht created Mi-One Brands to help eradicate the harm caused by smoking and improve the lives of adult smokers with simple, efficient designs and convenient, high-quality devices.
October 22, 2021
Zanoprima Producing Synthetic Nicotine

Image: Zanoprima Lifesciences
Zanoprima Lifesciences has announced the commercial production of its SyNic brand of synthetic (S)-nicotine. SyNic is produced using a patented process that does not involve the use of tobacco or any synthetic racemic mixture. The company says its high purity (typically 99.9 percent), synthetic (S)-nicotine is free of tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), toxins, carcinogens, odor and harsh taste.
“This is a landmark development for the trillion-dollar tobacco industry and its 1.3 billion consumers as it heralds the arrival of a superior, substantially lower risk, cost-effective and greener alternative to a global industry that is arguably the single biggest avoidable cause of death globally,” the company stated in a press release.
“SyNic Protonated (S)-Nicotine e-liquid for e-cigarettes is without any potentially harmful ingredients, such as organic acids and propylene glycol. It is pure, stable and has a long shelf life. E-cigarettes that use SyNic offer a smooth taste and enhanced nicotine experience, a distinct advantage given the nicotine limit guidelines/rules in e-liquids in the EU and other geographies.”
According to Zanoprima Lifesciences, SyNic (S)-nicotine conforms to and exceeds European Pharmacopeia and United States Pharmacopeia specifications. The company says that its “Green Chemistry” principles-compliant production process minimizes the environmental impacts of nicotine production.
The product can be used for e-liquid, white snus and next-generation chewing gums and lozenges, according to Zanoprima Lifesciences. It is also appropriate for heated-tobacco products and transdermal patches for Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Zanoprima owns patent applications or registration for its revolutionary manufacturing process in several countries, including the United States, Europe, Great Britain, Australia, China, India and others, according to the release.
Synthetic nicotine has attracted much attention recently, especially in the United States. After the Food and Drug Administration started denying market access to electronic nicotine devices in September, some companies have started offering their products with synthetic nicotine rather than natural nicotine.
The FDA defines a “tobacco product” as anything “made or derived from tobacco that is intended for human consumption, including any component, part or accessory of a tobacco product,” suggesting that synthetic nicotine remains outside its remit.
October 12, 2021
Juul2 Launched in the United Kingdom

Photo: steheap
Juul Labs has unveiled its Juul2 device in the U.K.
The device features a more consistent vapor experience, a longer battery life and anti-counterfeit technology.
Launching initially on the Juul.co.uk website on Sept. 30, the Juul2 system has been updated from previous versions with new technology and features based on feedback from smokers.
Among other features, the Juul2 features a more consistent vapor experience, a longer battery life and a smart light system communicating e-liquid level and battery life.
The Juul2 also comes with newly designed tobacco and menthol Juul2 pods (18 mg/mL nicotine strength) and technology to prevent unauthorized use. The device will not work when it detects counterfeit pods.
“We are pleased to launch the next-generation Juul2 in the U.K.,” Juul Labs’ EMEA vice president, Dan Thomson, said in a statement. “A key part of our mission is to transition adult smokers away from cigarettes, the leading cause of preventable death in the world, killing some 90,000 Britons annually.
“We believe the best method to switch adult smokers from combustible cigarettes to a potentially less harmful noncombustible alternative is to provide a product that closely resembles the consistency and experience of smoking. With Juul2, we believe we are taking another step in that direction as we aim to transition even more adult smokers.”
A retail rollout is planned for early 2022, and all U.K. retailers stocking Juul products will continue to uphold the company’s Challenge 25 age verification policy, which includes continued mystery shopping audits.
September 30, 2021
Taat Arrives in the United Kingdom

Photo: TAAT Global Alternatives
More than 43,000 packs of Taat Original, Smooth and Menthol products have arrived in the United Kingdom and will be dispatched to the London warehouse of Green Global Earth (GGE) following a standard customs inspection. This shipment is part of more than CAD1.2 million ($943,996) worth of Taat purchase orders for distribution in the United Kingdom and Ireland, markets in which GGE is the exclusive Taat distributor.
On Aug. 20, 2021, Taat Global Alternatives announced that Public Health England had issued a Confirmation of Registration authorizing Taat to be sold in Great Britain. The company expects Taat to benefit from several competitive advantages in the United Kingdom, including a lower price point than tobacco cigarettes and the “shelf appeal” of Taat’s colorful packaging in comparison to the plain packaging required by law for all tobacco products. Because Taat does not contain tobacco, it is not subject to the U.K. generic packaging requirements.
Furthermore, based on Philip Morris International’s stated intention to stop selling tobacco cigarettes in the United Kingdom by 2030, Taat will not be competing with bestsellers such as Marlboro in the future.
“Less than one year after the first retail launch of Taat in Ohio, we could not be more enthusiastic about our first international expansion materializing shortly after we cleared the 1,000-store threshold in the United States last week,” said Taat CEO Setti Coscarella in a statement. “GGE has proven to be an invaluable distribution partner for us in navigating the steps required to bring Taat into the United Kingdom and Ireland.
“In addition to our advantages with respect to price and packaging in the United Kingdom, we also believe Taat Menthol can be extremely appealing to smokers of legal age in the U.K. who preferred mentholated tobacco cigarettes before they were banned nationwide last year. All three varieties of Taat will soon be hitting store shelves in both the United Kingdom and Ireland in what we believe will be among the first of many launches in new global markets.”
September 29, 2021
ICCPP Launches New Ceramic Core

Photo: ICCPP
ICCPP, the parent company of Voopoo, has launched its first ceramic core technology brand, Gene Tree.
According to ICCPP, the new core addresses shortcomings of existing ceramic core products, which tend to suffer from light taste, sticking powder and burning coils. Such issues, says the company, affect not only the user experience but also pose a threat to consumers’ health.
Developing the new generation of ceramic core products involved more than 1,000 days of technical explorations and scientific experiments. In addition, it took tens of thousands of hours to choose the best solution from more than 2,000 sets of ceramic core material formulations.
ICCPP’s research and development team comprises more than 300 people, including more than 40 holding either doctoral degrees or master’s degrees. In addition to solving the problem of ceramic coils’ powder sticking and dropping, ICCPP managed to turn its R&D results into a solution fit for mass production.
In a blind test among more than 3,000 vapers, participants indicated they favored the taste of Gene Tree over that of competing products.
According to ICCPP, ceramic cores on the market generally have poor “taste reduction.” To compensate, companies traditionally have increased the amount of nicotine—but this isn’t an option for disposable vapor products sold in countries that limit nicotine concentrations.
According to ICCPP, 20 mg of nicotine salt in liquid vaporized with Gene Tree can achieve the same result as 30 mg of nicotine salt used in a competing product. Weighing about 0.07 grams, Gene Tree’s volume is also 50 percent smaller than existing ceramic cores.
ICCPP says the Gene Tree ceramic core is made of environmentally friendly mineral materials.
September 21, 2021
New Nicotine Pouch Hits Market

Photo: V&YOU
V&YOU has launched a new Boost+ nicotine pouch that offers “a bold and bright burst of flavor balanced with a powerfully refreshing kick,” according to the company.
“We’re incredibly excited to share this product with our fans,” says V&YOU co-founder Markus Bonke. “Boost+ is simply one of the best nicotine pouches we’ve ever made. The flavor combos, the nicotine content and flavors—even the can itself has been improved to deliver the ultimate in consumer satisfaction, not to mention the first-ever child-safe packaging.”
“Our customers demanded a stronger nicotine pouch, and we’ve really delivered here,” says V&YOU co-founder Titus Wouda Kuipers. “With 15 mg of Swiss-made nicotine per pouch combined with our fantastic delivery system, this is for pure fans who love the nicotine sensation without the hang-ups of smoking, vaping or snus.”
Boost+ comes in a professional looking can with a beautiful metallic finish that matches style with substance, according to V&YOU.
September 17, 2021
Japan Tobacco Launches Ploom X

Photo: JT/JTI
Japan Tobacco is launching Ploom X, its next-generation heated-tobacco device, on Aug. 17, 2021. Ploom X will gradually be made available across Japan, including in convenience stores and select tobacco retail stores. Ploom X will also be available for pre-launch sale at the Club JT online shop from July 26, 2021.
The device was jointly developed by JT in Japan and JTI, the group’s international subsidiary headquartered in Switzerland.
“Ploom X is the first global device developed by JT and JTI, bringing together all our resources to offer the best user experience of our time,” said Daniel Torras, senior vice president of reduced-risk products, in a statement.
“We are delighted to be able to offer this new innovative product to adult consumers in Japan, the world’s leading heated-tobacco market and where product standards and quality are of the highest importance. Listening to consumers globally, we have created a proposition that is aligned with today’s lifestyles and choices. This includes a more authentic tobacco taste, new connectivity possibilities and several options to personalize the device to everyday needs.”

Ploom X is the first global device developed by JT and JTI, bringing together all our resources to offer the best user experience of our time.
Daniel Torras, senior vice president of reduced-risk products, JTI
The new device adopts the aesthetic and innovative “Nastro” design with a more intuitive user experience, with no buttons on its surface. In addition to allowing users to precisely control heating temperature, Ploom X is equipped with a new heating technology, Heatflow, which focuses on airflow.
Ploom X is also equipped with Bluetooth functionalities that connect with users’ smartphones, enable consumers to see the battery status, lock the device and much more.
Along with the device, improved heated-tobacco sticks are being rolled out. The regular tobacco stick flavor is blended with lamina, the most aromatic part of the tobacco leaf. There is a range of 12 different heated-tobacco sticks.
July 15, 2021
Amcor Installs Blown-Film Production Line

Photo: Amcor
Amcor’s Flexibles North America (AFNA) business has installed a seven-layer blown film line.
The new machine will produce the company’s recently launched proprietary AmPrima PE Plus ultra-clear and heat resistance films. The AmPrima line uses machine-direction orientation technology to produce films that can run at unmatched speeds.
These films enable customers to shift to recycle-ready solutions without compromise on performance, product appearance or manufacturing throughput. AmPrima is part of Amcor’s growing portfolio of responsible packaging solutions. In the U.S., when clean and dry, AmPrima can be collected for recycling curbside where available or through existing in-store drop-off locations. These solutions also are prequalified for the How2Recycle label, which saves customers time, cost and reduces risk in development.
According to Amcor, the AmPrima line represents another meaningful step forward against the company’s effort to make all its products recyclable or reusable by 2025. Amcor continues to enhance its leadership position in responsible packaging solutions with a keen focus on addressing end-of-life and reducing waste in the environment.
“This move enhances our ability to grow our AmPrima product line,” said AFNA President Fred Stephan, in a statement. “The integration of this technology is an important example of how we’re leaning into our commitment to satisfy customer demand for more sustainable solutions.”
Production teams at Amcor Flexibles North America Oshkosh Converter Films have completed first runs on the new AmPrima line. Amcor expects full production capability by the end of June.
June 24, 2021
Poda Patents Closed-Ended HnB Cigarette

Photo: Poda Lifestyle and Wellness
Poda Lifestyle and Wellness expects to receive patent protection for its Poda zero-cleaning heat-not-burn (HnB) technology in Europe and the United States soon.
The Poda system uses proprietary biodegradable single-use pods. The design prevents cross-contamination between the heating devices and the pods, eliminating cleaning requirements and providing users with a convenient and enjoyable potentially reduced-risk smoking experience.
The company says its pods are the first and only cigarettes to have a completely closed end. A closed-ended cigarette utilizing HnB heating technology allows for an ashless experience and provides for consistent quality each time a new pod is inserted into the heating device.
Poda Lifestyle and Wellness’ research and development commenced in January 2015. The Poda zero-cleaning technology was granted a Canadian patent in 2018 with patent entries filed in more than 65 additional countries.
“We have spent years of research and development with regards to our invention and are very pleased to see that our invention has been granted a patent in Canada,” said Poda CEO Ryan Selby in a statement.
“We have filed for patents in 65 other countries and expect USA and European patents to follow in short order now that we have received the Canadian patent.”
We have spent years of R&D and are very pleased to see that our invention has been granted a patent in Canada.
Ryan Selby , CEO, Poda
“This will protect our company for many years ahead as we launch Poda into the global marketplace as the first heat-not-burn system that allows users to experience maintenance-free heating of substrates such as tobacco or dried plant material with zero cross-contamination when switching from one substrate to another.”
May 26, 2021
Lessebo Paper Certified “Cradle to Cradle”

Image: Lessebo Papers
Lessebo Paper has achieved a Cradle to Cradle Certified Gold award for its white ranges of uncoated, premium graphical papers, Lessebo Design and Scandia 2000. End users can thus not only support their own sustainability strategy but also give consumers who are looking for a sustainable solution a decision-making aid. Lessebo Paper has been producing paper since 1693, making it one of the oldest paper manufacturers in Sweden.
The company focuses on innovative graphic papers in the premium segment.
Cradle to Cradle Certified is a globally recognized measure of safe, sustainable products made for the circular economy. To receive certification, the products are assessed for environmental and social performance across five critical sustainability categories: material health, material reutilization, renewable energy, water stewardship and social fairness.
To be awarded with the gold award, gold standards must be met in all categories.
“Our products have once again been proved to be a leader in sustainability,” says Eric Sigurdsson, CEO at Lessebo Paper, in a statement. “Being the first paper producer worldwide to receive Cradle to Cradle Certified at Gold level for our uncoated paper products is a big achievement and has been made possible by our focus on sustainability. This is clearly showing that our paper is one of the most climate-friendly paper qualities in the world.”
The paper is produced from totally chlorine-free pulp and has a minimal carbon footprint. It is especially suitable for printing materials where quality and sustainability are of importance, two factors that are key values of the Lessebo brand.
The manufacturer has a long history in Sweden and a track record when it comes to sustainability. Starting in 1662 as an iron mill, the company soon began to focus especially on paper production. And though Lessebo Paper has significantly grown over the years, its tradition and core value—to develop high-performance and environmentally responsible papers and boards—has persisted.
The continuing improvement on every level of production as well as the use of certified management systems has made Lessebo Paper one of the world’s most environmentally friendly paper mills, with emissions at 22 kg per metric ton of finished product—more than 96 percent lower than an average producer of graphical paper.
This commitment has over the years also been acknowledged by the industry: Lessebo Paper is qualified with many sustainability certificates, like the EU Ecolabel for its Lessebo Recycled paper range, the Forest Stewardship Council for several of its paper and board ranges and now also with the Cradle to Cradle Certificate.
In addition, Lessebo Paper had its white ranges of uncoated paper, Lessebo Design and Scandia 2000, assessed in the category of material health and was awarded a platinum level material health certificate by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. This means that all ingredients and process chemicals have been evaluated and accepted by the organization.
April 27, 2021