Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1547352
Tobacco Asia 81 depending on availability and whether a component must be custom-made. Peng said Packmate has approximately 30 years of experience in packaging machinery and develops its equipment through its own research and devel- opment and engineering teams. For a new brand owner, the combination of machinery, integration assistance, and ongoing technical support may simplify the process of establishing a production line. Further information: pack-mate.com or packmate.cn Piab AB: Precise Powder Conveying Swedish industrial technology company Piab specializes in vacuum convey- ing systems that transfer powders between production stages. In nicotine pouch manufacturing, this equipment can transport ingredients from storage or preparation areas to mixers, intermediate hoppers, and pouch-filling ma- chines. Tomas Tiger, global manager application & customization centers and ATEX manager in Piab's vacuum conveying division, summarized the ap- plication: "Our machines are transferring the powders between process steps in the nicotine pouch industry." He added that they are commonly used to supply powder to pouch packaging machines. Vacuum conveying can reduce reliance on manual transfer and help limit dust emissions by moving materials through enclosed systems. These characteristics are valuable when manufac- turers handle fine powders or blends containing several ingredients. Systems for different process requirements Piab's piFLOW ® vacuum conveying range serves different industrial material- handling applications. In oral pouch production, systems can connect bag- dumping stations and bulk storage with mixers, sieves, intermediate contain- ers, and filling equipment. The company identifies microcrystalline cellulose, plant-based fibers, nicotine salts, flavorings, sweeteners, and premixed blends among the materials relevant to oral pouch manufacturing. Its solutions can be configured to suit different process arrangements, including applications where multiple flavors or formulations require careful separation. For exam- ple, ingredients can be transferred into a mixer, conveyed through a sieve, and delivered to a hopper feeding the packaging machine. The appropriate config- uration depends on production volumes, material characteristics, cleaning re- quirements, and the need to prevent cross-contamination between products. Testing before investing Because pouch blends vary in particle size, moisture content, and flow behav- ior, Piab encourages manufacturers to test their own material before a system is specified. At the company's customer experience centers, engineers run conveying trials on customer samples to verify throughput, check whether premixed blends segregate during transfer, and simulate the conveying dis- tances and heights of the planned installation. The results, Tiger said, give the customer a documented basis for sizing the system, and where a process calls for it, Piab's application teams can adapt standard piFLOW ® components to the specific line. For brand owners entering the category, this approach also supports gradual growth. Because the systems are modular, a line can start with a single conveyor feeding one packaging machine and be extended with further conveyors or larger units as volumes increase or new product variants are added. Hygienic design and global service Tiger said Piab develops its vacuum conveying equipment in Sweden and uses materials suitable for demanding industrial applications, including stainless steel grade 316L. Such materials can be relevant to hygienic manufacturing environ- ments, although the suitability of a complete installation depends on the prod- uct and applicable requirements. Piab also offers configurations and certifica- tion options for particular food, pharmaceutical, and potentially explosive dust or gas environments. Manufacturers should verify the precise specifications and certifications required for their facilities before selecting equipment. A legacy dating back 75 years The company's industrial history dates to 1951. To- day, Piab serves customers in more than 100 coun- tries through its own subsidiaries and a network of distributors and partners, providing local access to application support, service, and spare parts. Al- though powder conveying is less visible than fill- ing or packaging, it can have a substantial effect on the efficiency and consistency of a production line. Piab's technology gives manufacturers a means of connecting processing stages while managing the particular demands of powdered ingredients. Further information: vc.piab.com/vacuum-conveying Choosing the best-suited partners The five suppliers showcased in this article address different but complementary requirements in nic- otine pouch manufacturing. CelluTech Pharma supplies cellulose-based excipients; Piab transfers powders between process stages; CarryLine trans- ports cans and bundles; and CXM and Packmate offer equipment for labeling, pouch production, and packaging. The right combination depends on the formulation, required production capacity, investment budget, and intended markets. Some companies may need only one specialized ingre- dient or an individual machine, while others will benefit from a more integrated production line. For new and established brand owners alike, early discussions with prospective suppliers can help establish technical requirements, clarify support arrangements, and identify potential integration challenges. Choosing partners whose capabilities match the business's immediate needs and longer- term ambitions is an important step toward turn- ing a nicotine pouch concept into a commercially viable product. Piab's Tomas Tiger showcases a vacuum conveyor unit at InterTabac 2026. Credit: Thomas Schmid