Pouched product for oral use

Abstract

A pouched product for oral use. The pouched product comprises a saliva-permeable pouch and a filling material enclosed by the saliva-permeable pouch. The saliva-permeable pouch comprises a nonwoven fabric. The nonwoven fabric comprises non-elastomeric staple fibres and elastomeric staple fibres. A user container comprising a plurality of pouched products.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pouched product for oral use, the pouched product comprising a saliva-permeable pouch and a filling material enclosed by the saliva-permeable pouch, the saliva-permeable pouch comprising a nonwoven fabric. The present disclosure also relates to a user container comprising a plurality of such products.Background

[0002] Tobacco or non-tobacco filling materials enclosed by a saliva-permeable pouch form smokeless pouched products for oral use. When such a smokeless pouched product is placed in the oral cavity of a user, active ingredients, such as nicotine, or other agents, such as flavouring agents, are released from the filling material to the saliva of the user and subsequently absorbed by the user via the oral mucous membrane. From a consumer's perspective, a fast release, and / or a release of large amounts, of such ingredients or agents is desirable.Summary of the invention

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to allow for a fast release, and / or a release of large amounts, of active ingredients, such as nicotine, or other agents, such as flavouring agents, from a pouched product for oral use. This and other objects, which will become apparent to a skilled person studying the description, are achieved by a pouched product for oral use as set out in the appended claims. Accordingly, the nonwoven fabric of the saliva-permeable pouch comprises non-elastomeric staple fibres and elastomeric staple fibres.

[0004] It has been found that by including elastomeric staple fibres in the non-woven fabric, it becomes possible to obtain a pouched product that elongates under the light pressure acting on the product when placed between the gum and the lip of a user. When the pouched product elongates, the product area increases beyond the product area of an unused product. An increased product area facilitates fast release, and / or release of large amounts, of such ingredients or agents from the pouched product. As the product area increases, the area available for contact with the mucous membrane of the gum or lip increases. Absorption by the user of such ingredients or agents is thereby further facilitated.

[0005] The nonwoven fabric is elastic in one or more directions. The elastic nonwoven fabric of the saliva-permeable pouch is typically in a gathered state before oral use of the pouched product. The nonwoven fabric being in a gathered state means that the nonwoven fabric may be elastically stretched in one or more directions. The elastic nonwoven fabric of the saliva-permeable pouch may, but need not, be in a fully relaxed state, particularly before use of the pouched product.

[0006] The terms "oral" and "oral use" are used herein as descriptions for use in the oral cavity, such as by buccal placement. The product is then intended for placement within the oral cavity, such as between the gum and the upper or lower lip, such that the product as a whole is contained in the oral cavity. The pouched product for oral use is not intended to be swallowed.

[0007] The nonwoven fabric may comprise 50 wt% or more of non-elastomeric staple fibres and 50 wt % or less of elastomeric staple fibres, such as 50 to 99 wt% of non-elastomeric staple fibres and 1 to 50 wt% of elastomeric staple fibres. A typical nonwoven fabric comprises 80 wt% or more of non-elastomeric staple fibres and 20 wt% or less of elastomeric staple fibres, such as 80 to 99 wt% of non-elastomeric staple fibres and 1 to 20 wt% of elastomeric staple fibres. A preferred nonwoven fabric comprises 80 to 90 wt% of non-elastomeric staple fibres and 10 to 20 wt% of elastomeric staple fibres. A more preferred nonwoven fabric comprises 80 to 85 wt% of non-elastomeric staple fibres and 15 to 20 wt% of elastomeric staple fibres.

[0008] The nonwoven fabric of the saliva-permeable pouch may be in a crinkled state, particularly before oral use of the pouched product. The nonwoven fabric of the saliva-permeable pouch may thus be crinkled. The nonwoven fabric being in a crinkled state, or being crinkled, is the result of bonding the non-elastomeric staple fibres to the elastomeric staple fibres when the elastomeric staple fibres are elastically stretched, and subsequently allowing the formed nonwoven fabric to contract. Such contraction typically leads to curling of the non-elastomeric staple fibres. In other, or supplementary, words, the nonwoven fabric may, particularly before oral use of the pouched product, have an irregular surface structure formed by different three-dimensional configurations of the non-elastomeric staple fibres and the elastomeric staple fibres.

[0009] The nonwoven fabric may thus be in a crinkled state, or be crinkled, when it forms part of the saliva-permeable pouch, particularly before oral use of the pouched product. Would the nonwoven fabric be stretched beyond the extension it has when forming part of the saliva-permeable pouch the crinkles may diminish. Correspondingly, the nonwoven fabric has said irregular surface structure when it forms part of the saliva-permeable pouch, particularly before oral use of the pouched product. Would the nonwoven fabric be stretched beyond the extension it has when forming part of the saliva-permeable pouch the irregularities of the surface structure may diminish.

[0010] In the nonwoven fabric of the saliva-permeable pouch, the non-elastomeric staple fibres may be bonded to the elastomeric staple fibres in a configuration retaining the nonwoven fabric in a crinkled state, particularly before oral use of the pouched product. In the crinkled state, the non-elastomeric fibres are typically curled. In other, or supplementary, words, the non-elastomeric staple fibres may be bonded to the elastomeric staple fibres in a configuration retaining the non-elastomeric staple fibres and the elastomeric staple fibres in different three-dimensional configurations, particularly before oral use of the pouched product.

[0011] The nonwoven fabric is thus retained in a crinkled state when the nonwoven fabric forms part of the saliva-permeable pouch, particularly before oral use of the pouched product. Would the nonwoven fabric be stretched beyond the extension it has when forming part of the saliva-permeable pouch, particularly before use of the pouched product, such state may no longer be retained. Correspondingly, the non-elastomeric staple fibres and the elastomeric staple fibres are retained in different three-dimensional configurations when the nonwoven fabric forms part of the saliva-permeable pouch, particularly before oral use of the pouched product. Would the nonwoven fabric be stretched beyond the extension it has when forming part of the saliva-permeable pouch, particularly before oral use of the pouched product, such configurations may no longer be retained.

[0012] Nonwoven fabrics are fabrics that are neither woven nor knitted. Methods for the manufacturing of nonwoven fabrics are commonly known in the art. Further information on nonwovens is found in "Handbook of Nonwovens" by S. Russel, published by Woodhead Publ. Ltd., 2007.

[0013] Nonwoven fabrics comprising staple fibres may comprise dry-laid or wet-laid webs. Dry-laid webs may be carded or airlaid. If carded, the manufacturing process may result in fibres substantially being oriented in the carding direction. Dry-laid nonwoven may comprise parallel laid web, cross laid webs or randomly laid webs. Parallel laid webs and cross laid webs normally include two or more superimposed web layers, which normally are carded, while randomly laid webs normally include a single web layer, which may be airlaid.

[0014] Several methods may be used to bond together the fibres of the web, also called web consolidation. The different types of bonding methods may be classified as mechanical bonding, e.g. needle punching, stitch bonding, hydroentanglement, as chemical bonding, e.g. saturation bonding, spray bonding, foam bonding, powder bonding, print bonding and as thermal bonding, e.g. hot calendering, through-air thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, radiant-heat bonding. More than one bonding method may be used to consolidate the nonwoven.

[0015] In chemical bonding, a binder, typically a non-fibrous binder, also called bonding agent or adhesive, is combined with the fibres. This type of nonwoven is generally called chemically bonded or adhesive bonded nonwoven. The nonwoven fabric may comprise or may be free from such a bonding agent or adhesive. In thermal bonding, thermoplastic fibres may be included among the fibres of the web. The nonwoven fabric may comprise or may be free from thermoplastic fibres.

[0016] In the nonwoven fabric, the non-elastomeric staple fibres may be selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic fibres, such as polyolefin fibres or polyester fibres, non-thermoplastic fibres, such as cellulosic fibres, and combinations thereof, preferably the non-elastomeric fibres are selected from cellulosic fibres, such as fibres of regenerated cellulose.

[0017] The non-elastomeric staple fibres preferably comprise fibres of rayon, viscose, lyocell or a combination thereof.

[0018] Alternatively, the non-elastomeric staple fibres may comprise polyolefin fibres, polyester fibres or a combination thereof. Examples of suitable polyolefin fibres are polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) fibres. Examples of suitable polyester fibres are polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibres and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) fibres. It has been found that such fibres may facilitate migration of active agents or other agents, such as flavouring agents, from the filling material to the pouch material already before use of the product. The presence of an active ingredient or another agent not only in the filling material, but also in the pouch material, contributes to fast release, and / or release of large amounts of such ingredient or agent once the product is placed in the oral cavity.

[0019] The non-elastomeric staple fibres typically have a linear mass density in the range of 0.9 to 1.7 dtex and / or a length in the range of 10 to 50 mm.

[0020] The elastomeric staple fibres preferably comprise fibres of polyurethane.

[0021] The elastomeric staple fibres typically have a linear mass density in the range of 0.5 to 3 dtex and / or a length in the range of 10 to 50 mm.

[0022] In a preferred nonwoven fabric, the non-elastomeric staple fibres comprise fibres of viscose and the elastomeric staple fibres comprise fibres of polyurethane. In the preferred nonwoven fabric, the non-elastomeric staple fibres and the elastomeric staple fibres may be present in the percentages (wt%) set out above and / or have respective dimensions set out above.

[0023] The nonwoven fabric may have an elongation at break according to NWSP 110.4.R1 (22), measured on a 12 mm x 20 mm sample, of at least 10 %, preferably of at least 15 %, more preferably of at least 25 %. The elongation at break may thus be in the range of 10 to 100 %, preferably 15 to 100 %, more preferably 25 to 100 %.

[0024] The nonwoven fabric may have a grammage according to NWSP 130.1.R0 (20), in the range of 8 to 40 g / m 2< , preferably in the range of 25 to 35 g / m 2< , more preferably in the range of 30 to 40 g / m 2< . When considering a pouched product, the grammage is to be measured on a sample obtained by removal of any seals of the pouch followed by washing and drying of the remaining piece of nonwoven fabric.

[0025] The filling material may comprise a tobacco composition, a non-tobacco composition, such as a particulate or fibrous non-tobacco compositions, or a combination thereof. The filling material is preferably a particulate non-tobacco composition. Suitable particulate non-tobacco compositions comprise insoluble carrier particles, for example of microcrystalline cellulose, carrying an active ingredient, such as nicotine, or another agent, such as a flavouring agent. Suitable fibrous non-tobacco compositions comprise natural or synthetic fibres carrying an active ingredient, such as nicotine, or another agent, such as a flavouring agent. The tobacco compositions or non-tobacco compositions are typically smokeless tobacco compositions or smokeless non-tobacco compositions as set out below.

[0026] Addition of a small amount of tobacco to a non-tobacco composition provides a low-tobacco composition. It will be appreciated that the low-tobacco composition may be identical to the non-tobacco composition except for the added small amount of tobacco. The filling material may thus comprise 0.1 to 10 wt% tobacco based on the total dry weight of the filling material.

[0027] Generally, the filling material or the nonwoven fabric may comprise nicotine, a flavouring agent or a combination thereof. An example of such a nonwoven fabric is a nonwoven fabric that is impregnated with nicotine, a flavouring agent or a combination thereof.

[0028] Pouched non-tobacco products for oral use may contain nicotine, i.e. they are pouched nicotine-containing smokeless products for oral use. Alternatively, pouched non-tobacco products for oral use may lack nicotine, i.e. they are pouched nicotine-free smokeless products for oral use.

[0029] Pouched smokeless low-tobacco products for oral use may contain added nicotine, i.e. nicotine in addition to the nicotine of the tobacco. Alternatively, they contain no added nicotine, and the nicotine is only provided by the tobacco in the product.

[0030] For pouched nicotine-containing products for oral use, or pouched nicotine-containing low-tobacco products for oral use, which contain nicotine in addition to the nicotine provided by the tobacco in said product, the nicotine may be synthetic nicotine and / or nicotine extract from tobacco plants. Further, the nicotine may be present in the form of nicotine base and / or a nicotine salt. The nicotine salt may be free, i.e. it is mixed with the other components of the product without combining chemically with said components. Additionally or alternatively, the nicotine salt may combine chemically with one or more components of the products. For instance, the nicotine salt may combine with alginate particles or cellulose.

[0031] The present disclosure also relates to a user container comprising a plurality of pouched products according to any one of the preceding claims.

[0032] A user container typically comprises in the range of 10 to 30 pouched products for oral use, such as in the range of 20 to 25 pouched products. The pouched products may be placed randomly in the user container or in a pattern, for instance as described in WO 2012 / 069505. The user container as disclosed herein is a consumer package having a shape and a size adapted for conveniently carrying the package in a pocket or in a handbag and may be used for packaging any known type of pouched product for oral use.Pouched products

[0033] Pouched products for oral use be produced by measuring portions of a filling material and inserting the portions into a nonwoven tube, as exemplified below for smokeless tobacco compositions.

[0034] US 4,703,765 discloses a device for packaging precise amounts of finely divided tobacco products, such as snuff tobacco or the like, in a tubular packaging material into which snuff portions are injected via a fill tube, the tubular packing material thereby having a vertical orientation. Downstream from the tube, welding means are positioned for transverse sealing of the packaging material, as well as cutting means for severing the packaging material in the area of the transverse seal to thus form discrete or individual portion packages.

[0035] EP 2 428 450 B1 relates to a snus dosing method, wherein a portion of tobacco is filled into a dosing chamber of a dosing device and then blown out of the dosing chamber by means of blow-out air to which water vapor has been added.

[0036] Pouched products for oral use may alternatively be produced by placing portions of a filling material, such as moist snuff, on a nonwoven web using a pouch packer machine in accordance with the device disclosed in US 6,135,120. This device comprises feeding means for feeding the filling material into pockets formed in a rotary portioning wheel for portioning the material into portions, at least one compression means for compressing the filling material portions, a unit for advancing a packaging material, such as a nonwoven web, in synchrony with the compressed portions, at least one discharge means for discharging the portions from the pockets to the packaging material, and a forming unit for forming individual portion packages (i.e. pouched products for oral use) from the discharged portions and the packaging material. At the intended point of discharge of the portions to the packaging material, said packaging material has the form of a tape, the compression means being arranged to compress the portions in a direction which differs from the discharging and the feeding directions. The compression is preferably effected in a direction perpendicular to the discharging and the feeding directions. The compression may be effected in the axial direction of the portioning wheel whereas the feeding and discharging may be effected in the radial direction of said wheel. This technique is herein referred to as the "NYPS" technique.

[0037] The individual portions are sealed and cut apart thereby forming rectangular "pillow shaped" (or any other desired form) pouched products. Generally, each final pouched product includes parallel transverse seams at opposite ends and a longitudinal seam orthogonal to the transverse seams. The seals must be of sufficient strength to preserve the integrity of the pouched product during use while not disturbing the consumer's experience.

[0038] Pouched products for oral use are normally sized and configured to fit comfortably and discreetly in a user's mouth between the upper and lower gum and the lip.

[0039] Sealing of the pouches of the pouched product for oral use may for example be performed by means of heat or by ultrasonic energy. It is in that case desirable that the pouch material comprises a component, e.g. a thermoplastic polymer, which is reactive to the heat or ultrasonic energy, such that this component contributes to the sealing of the pouch. This component may be a binder, as mentioned above, or may form a staple fibre or a continuous filament.

[0040] As an alternative or a complement, sealing may be performed by means of glue or adhesive. As yet an alternative or a complement, sealing may be performed by mechanical edge embossing, with or without heat.Smokeless tobacco compositions

[0041] A smokeless tobacco composition may in addition to tobacco material comprise one or more of water, salt (e.g. sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride and any combinations thereof), pH adjuster (e.g. sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate or magnesium carbonate), and optionally one or more additional ingredients, such as flavouring agents, cooling agents, heating agents, sweetening agents, colorants, humectants (e.g. propylene glycol or glycerol), antioxidants, preservatives (e.g. potassium sorbate), binders, fillers, non-tobacco plant fibres and disintegration aids.

[0042] Typically, the amount of tobacco in the smokeless tobacco composition is within the range of from about 50 to about 80% w / w based on dry weight of the smokeless tobacco.

[0043] The tobacco may be finely divided tobacco, such as cut (shredded) or ground tobacco, in granulated form or powder form, i.e. tobacco flour, for instance having an average particle size of about 1 mm to about 2 mm. The tobacco material may be cured (aged) tobacco material. The tobacco material may be a bleached tobacco material.

[0044] Generally, cured and ground or cut tobacco material has a moisture content within the range of from about 3% to about 15% w / w, such as within the range of from about 3 to about 10% w / w or from about 5% to about 8% w / w. Generally, the pH of such finely divided tobacco material is within the range of from about pH 4 to about pH 6, such as within the range of from about pH 4.5 to about pH 6.

[0045] The pH of divided tobacco material, such as tobacco flour, can be measured by adding 100 ml of distilled water to 5 gram of tobacco material, for instance in a 100 ml Erlenmeyer flask, stirring the resulting mixture at room temperature with a magnetic stirrer at 100 rpm for about 5 minutes, and then measuring the pH of an extract obtained therefrom with a calibrated (according to the manufacturer's instructions) pH meter. For correctness of readings, the sample solutions shall be analysed within one hour.

[0046] Salt, such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride and any combinations thereof, may be added to a smokeless tobacco composition mainly for its taste enhancing properties, but it also may provide a preservative effect which contributes to improved shelf life of the product. Salt, such as sodium chloride lowers the water activity of the products, thus preventing microorganisms from growing. Normally, the amount of added salt in the smokeless tobacco is within the range of from about 0.5 to about 10% w / w based on dry weight of the smokeless tobacco composition.

[0047] pH adjusters, such as sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate, brings the pH value to the slightly alkaline side, such as about pH 7.5 to 8.5. Sodium carbonate may also be used to give the products their characteristic aroma profile. Typically, the amount of pH adjuster in the smokeless tobacco composition is less than about 7% w / w, such as within the range of from about 3 to about 5% w / w, based on dry weight of the tobacco composition.

[0048] Humectants, such as propylene glycol or glycerol, may also be added to protect the smokeless tobacco from drying out and may also have a preservative effect since the water activity of the product will be lowered, thereby preventing microorganisms from growing. Normally, the amount of humectant in the smokeless tobacco composition is within the range of from about 5 to about 15% w / w based on dry weight of the smokeless tobacco composition.

[0049] The moisture content of a smokeless tobacco composition in the form of moist snuff may be within the range of from 10 to 60% w / w, such as within the range of from 15 to 60% w / w or 20 to 60% w / w or 20 to 58% w / w or 30 to 56% w / w or 40 to 54% w / w. Flavours used are generally natural or nature identical compounds that comply with food regulations. Flavours are usually dissolved in a solvent, such as ethanol, when added.

[0050] In addition, the smokeless tobacco composition may optionally comprise other botanical filling material, such as any non-tobacco plant fiber. 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. The amount of non-tobacco plant fibers, such as bamboo fibers, in the smokeless tobacco composition may be within the range of from about 1 to about 60% w / w or from about 2 to about 20% w / w based on dry weight of the smokeless tobacco composition.Smokeless non-tobacco compositions

[0051] Non-tobacco compositions may be in the same form as oral smokeless tobacco products, such as forms resembling moist or dry snuff, hard snuff, or chewing tobacco and contain the same ingredients, with the exception of tobacco.

[0052] Non-tobacco compositions may comprise divided non-tobacco plant material (e.g. in flour form) and / or at least one filler. Suitable non-tobacco plant materials include non-tobacco plant fibres, such as dietary plant fibres, such as maize fibres, oat fibres, tomato fibres, barley fibres, rye fibres, apple fibres, sugar beet fibres, potato fibres, corn fibres, buckwheat fibres, cocoa fibres, bamboo fibres, citrus fibres and any combinations thereof. The at least one filler may be present in the form of particles. Also processed fibres such as microcrystalline cellulose fibres may be used. For instance, the filling material may be a particulate filling material such as particles of microcrystalline cellulose. Further, the non-tobacco compositions may comprise one or more of the following: water, salt (e.g. sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride and any combinations thereof), pH adjuster, flavouring agent, cooling agent, heating agent, sweetening agent, colorant, humectant (e.g. propylene glycol or glycerol), antioxidant, preservative (e.g. potassium sorbate), binder, disintegration aid. Suitable non-tobacco plant materials are non-tobacco plant fibres, in particular dietary plant fibers, such as maize fibers, oat fibres, tomato fibers, barley fibers, rye fibers, apple fibres, sugar beet fibres, potato fibres, corn fibres, buckwheat fibres, cocoa fibres, bamboo fibers, citrus fibers and any combinations thereof. Examples of these ingredients, and the amounts thereof which are normally used, are herein provided in the disclosure relating to smokeless tobacco compositions and may be used in a similar way in a non-tobacco composition.

[0053] Typically, the amount of non-tobacco plant material in a non-tobacco composition is within the range of from about 50 to 80% w / w based on dry weight of the composition.

[0054] The moisture content of a non-tobacco composition in the form of moist snuff may be within the range of from 10 to 60% w / w, such as within the range of from 15 to 60% w / w or 20 to 60% w / w or 20 to 58% w / w or 30 to 56% w / w or 40 to 54% w / w.

[0055] A non-tobacco composition may or may not comprise nicotine. The nicotine of a nicotine-containing non-tobacco composition as disclosed herein may be provided by nicotine or a salt thereof (e.g. nicotine bitartrate) optionally in combination with one or more fillers, such as polysaccharides (e.g. maltitol or mannitol) and / or microcrystalline cellulose. The nicotine or a salt thereof (e.g. nicotine bitartrate) optionally in combination with one or more fillers, such as polysaccharides (e.g. maltitol or mannitol) and / or microcrystalline cellulose may be provided in the form of particles. For instance, the filler may be a particulate filler such as particles of microcrystalline cellulose optionally in combination with a nicotine salt.Detailed description

[0056] Table 1 presents literature data for the elongation at break (NWSP 110.4.R1 (22)) of several elastomeric fibres as well as for viscose fibres. Table 1FibreElongation at break (%)Spandex450-500Lycra450-500Elastan450-500Neoprene100-800Natural rubber latex600-900Polyester elastane / PBT elastane200-800Polyurethane≤1300Elastolefin50Viscose17-25

[0057] Table 2 presents data obtained for a commercially available nonwoven fabric formed of 100 % carded viscose fibres. Table 2PropertyMethodData obtainedGrammageNWSP 130.1.R0 (20)29 g / m 2< ThicknessNWSP 120.1.R0 (20)0.2 mmElongation at breakNWSP 110.4.R1 (22)8.7 %

[0058] For a nonwoven fabric comprising non-elastomeric staple fibres and elastomeric staple fibres, such as viscose fibres and polyurethane fibres, respectively, it is expected that a higher ratio of elastomeric staple fibres to non-elastomeric staple fibres will lead to a higher elongation of the nonwoven fabric. It is expected that an elongation at break of at least 10 %, preferably of at least 15 %, more preferably of at least 25 % may be obtained.

Claims

1. A pouched product for oral use, the pouched product comprising a saliva-permeable pouch and a filling material enclosed by the saliva-permeable pouch, the saliva-permeable pouch comprising a nonwoven fabric, wherein the nonwoven fabric comprises non-elastomeric staple fibres and elastomeric staple fibres.

2. The pouched product according to claim 1, wherein the nonwoven fabric is in a crinkled state.

3. The pouched product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the nonwoven fabric has an irregular surface formed by different three-dimensional configurations of the non-elastomeric staple fibres and the elastomeric staple fibres.

4. The pouched product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the non-elastomeric staple fibres are bonded to the elastomeric staple fibres in a configuration retaining the nonwoven fabric in a crinkled state.

5. The pouched product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the non-elastomeric staple fibres are bonded to the elastomeric staple fibres in a configuration retaining the non-elastomeric fibres and the elastomeric staple fibres in different three-dimensional configurations.

6. The pouched product according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the non-elastomeric staple fibres are selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic fibres, such as polyolefin fibres or polyester fibres, non-thermoplastic fibres, such as cellulosic fibres, and combinations thereof, preferably wherein the non-elastomeric fibres are selected from cellulosic fibres, such as fibres of regenerated cellulose.

7. The pouched product according to claim 6, wherein the non-elastomeric staple fibres comprise fibres of rayon, viscose, lyocell or a combination thereof.

8. The pouched product according to claim 6, wherein the non-elastomeric staple fibres comprise polyolefin fibres, polyester fibres or a combination thereof.

9. The pouched product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic staple fibres comprise fibres of polyurethane.

10. The pouched product according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the non-elastomeric staple fibres comprise fibres of viscose and the elastomeric staple fibres comprise fibres of polyurethane.

11. The pouched product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nonwoven fabric has an elongation at break according to NWSP 110.4.R1 (22) of at least 10 %, preferably of at least 15 %, more preferably of at least 25 %.

12. The pouched product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nonwoven fabric has a grammage according to NWSP 130.1.R0 (20) in the range of 8 to 40 g / m2, preferably in the range of 25 to 35 g / m2, more preferably in the range of 30 to 40 g / m2.

13. The pouched product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling material comprises a tobacco composition, a non-tobacco composition, such as a particulate or fibrous non-tobacco composition, or a combination thereof.

14. The pouched product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling material or the nonwoven fabric comprises nicotine, a flavouring agent or a combination thereof.

15. A user container comprising a plurality of pouched products according to any one of the preceding claims.

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