ZYN nicotine pouches are not fully biodegradable. ZYN pouches are made with plant-based fibers, nicotine salt, and other fillers, some of which aren't biodegradable. While these pouches are environmentally friendly, you cannot put them in a compost bin or expect them to degrade naturally.
A majority of people do not know a lot about ZYNs biodegradability. They end up making decisions that harm their health and hygiene. We've collected all the info you'll ever need on ZYNs and their biodegradability.
Are ZYNs Really Biodegradable? How & Why
ZYN nicotine pouches are not fully biodegradable. The nicotine salt, sweeteners, and preservatives prevent the internal contents from degrading naturally. While the nicotine salt and powder dissolves in water and other fillers maintain their form and do not decompose naturally.
Furthermore, the outer pouches are with plant based fibers and binders. These keep the pouch together and prevent it from dissolving or decomposing in the soil. Naturally, ZYN nicotine pouches aren't fully biodegradable.
Note: According to the textbook definition, anything that decomposes and dissolves in natural elements like soil and water is considered biodegradable.
List of ZYN Ingredients and Their Biodegradability
Here's a complete list of the ingredients in a ZYN pouch and their biodegradability:
| Ingredient | Is It Biodegradable? |
| Nicotine Powder | Yes |
| Arabic Gum | Yes |
| Humectant | Yes |
| Cellulose | Yes |
| Sodium Chloride | Yes |
| Benzoic Acid | Yes |
| Sucralose & Acesulfame K | No |
| Maltodextrin | Yes |
| Sodium Alginate | Yes |
| Potassium Sorbate | Yes |
| Glycerin | Yes |
| Nicotine Pouch (External Covering) | No |
Sucralose & Acesulfame K is considered a major pollutant because they do not dissolve in natural elements. Most nicotine pouches like ZYN use Sucralose and Acesulfame K as an artificial sweetener. It makes them pernicious to wildlife, including aquatic animals and plants.
The external pouches are made with plant based fibers which are naturally biodegradable. However, during the manufacturing process, these pouches are combined with binders, that make them non-biodegradable. The other filler materials also take a considerable long time to decompose.
Verdict on ZYNs Biodegradability
While ZYN nicotine pouches contain a lot of biodegradable materials, a majority of them take a long time to decompose. Some of the ingredients like Acesulfame K and the pouch itself are not biodegradable. Consequently, nicotine pouches are not biodegradable.
Are ZYN Nicotine Pouches Environmentally Friendly?
Yes, ZYN nicotine pouches are environmentally friendly when used and disposed of correctly. They do not produce smoke, spit, or other harmful byproducts that could trigger a negative effect on plants. However, these pouches are dangerous for aquatic animals and plants, because of their non-biodegradable nature.
Disposing these pouches into water could cause contamination and consequent negative effects. ZYN and every other nicotine pouch is also almost fatal for most household pets. These pouches often contain Xylitol, which if accidentally swallowed by a dog or cat could prove fatal.
ZYN pouches also contain copious amounts of nicotine. They could cause a nicotine overdose if a child accidentally swallows a used pouch. We always recommend care and caution when you're getting rid of your nicotine pouches.
Do ZYN Pouches Decompose Naturally?
No, ZYN pouches do not decompose naturally because of the binder agents in the pouches. These pouches will not decompose naturally, even if left in the soil. A used pouch will usually harden and turn into a inflexible piece of cardboard.
If you leave it in moist soil, it will lose some of its content and mass, but it will still maintain its shape. The outer covering and internal fillers decompose very slowly. The Sucralose and Acesulfame K might seep out of the pouch, but will remain insoluble in the soil.
Can You Compost Used Nicotine Pouches?
No, you cannot compost used nicotine pouches, because:
- It Is Disgusting: Use nicotine pouches contain countless contaminants and bacteria, which are nasty. Trying to compost these pouches will lead to bad odor and nothing more.
- Nicotine Pouches Do Not Compost: Used pouches do not decompose naturally or with the introduction of additives. These pouches cannot compost in any form or way.
How to Dispose of ZYN Nicotine Pouches
We'll show you how you can throw away your ZYN nicotine pouches responsibly:
- A ZYN nicotine pouch lasts 30 to 40 minutes, after which you should remove it from your mouth.
- Place the used the pouche in the waster compartment beneath the lid.
- At the end of the day, empty your waste compartment into a trash can.
- When you've finished the can, throw the used pouches into a trash can.
- Throw the now empty can into a recycling bin (because it is made of plastic).
Remember, a catch lid can only contain around 8 to 10 used pouches. Always empty the catch lid because used pouches create a foul odor and might contaminate your can. We recommend recycling the plastic can after you've thrown away the used pouches.
4 Things You Shouldn't Do When Disposing Nicotine Pouches
Most new users make these 4 simple mistakes when disposing of nicotine pouches. You, my friend, are smarter and more responsible, so please don't make these same mistakes:
- Never throw a used nicotine pouch in an open playground, the side of a road, or around the house. Children and pets could accidentally swallow ZYN pouches, which might lead to negative effects.
- Do not throw away used pouches near plant life or vegetation. The outer coverings and added ingredients could contaminate the soil and cause decay.
- Never throw a pouch into open water, because nicotine pouches are pernicious for aquatic life. These pouches can contaminate water and Acesulfame K is considered a leading water pollutant.
- Do not attempt to reuse nicotine pouches no matter what. Used nicotine pouches are contaminated with bacteria, which could harm your gingiva, cause mouth infections, and other problems.
While the last one may seem a bit wild, you'd be surprised at how many people try to reuse pouches.
Are ZYN Pouches Sustainable?
No, ZYN pouches are not sustainable. Swedish Match has on numerous occassions stated their intention of making ZYNs sustainable. However, ZYN pouches use plastic to make the cans and the pouches aren't completely biodegradable.
Consequently, the current version of ZYN pouches is not sustainable. Compared to cigarettes, vapes, and hookahs, ZYNs are more sustainable, because of the lower carbon impact, and microplastic quantity. It still doesn't change the fact that these pouches aren't 100% sustainable.
Environmental Impact of ZYN vs Nicotine Products
ZYN pouches should be biodegradable and eco-friendly to be considered as alternatives to cigarettes. One of the biggest downsides of cigarettes and vapes is their impact on the environment. We'll look at how nicotine pouches compare to other products:
Environmental Impact of Cigarettes
Cigarettes have the worst impact on the environment. According to the WHO, 4.5 trillion cigarettes buds end up as litter and make their way into various ecosystems. These buds end up in oceans, drains, soil, and the worst part is that these buds do not decompose.
Cigarette filters are also made of non-biodegradable cellulose acetate, which leads to plastic pollution and contamination. Cigarette smokers also produce 84 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, which makes them one of the worst nicotine products for the environment.
Environmental Impact of Vapes
Vapes are tobacco-free and contain various glycerin-based liquids like propylene glycol. These are often derived from petroleum jelly, which has a major carbon impact on the environment. Vapes also require an atomizer, which includes plastic components, which are not biodegradable.
Most disposable vapes and e-cigarettes cannot be recycled, which increases their plastic footprint. The smoke from a vape is also harmful to other people and pets, which means they aren't environmentally friendly.
Environmental Impact of Snus
Snus contains tobacco, herbs, bergamot oil, and completely natural materials. These ingredients decompose effortlessly when compared to other nicotine products. Although, the material used for the pouches is biodegradable, the cans are not.
To reduce the carbon footprint of snus products, some brands use metal cans. The plastic cans are also recyclable, which makes more sense than cigarettes and vapes.
Environmental Impact of Nicotine Pouches
Nicotine pouches are relatively environmentally friendly and do not produce smoke. On paper, replacing nicotine pouches reduces 84 million tonnes of carbon waste. These modern nicotine pouches are also less harmful compared to cigarettes.
The production of nicotine pouches is one of the main sources of carbon. The cans are made with plastic, which is made with petroleum products. Fortunately, the cans are recyclable, which makes them much better than cigarettes and vapes.
FAQs - ZYNs and Biodegradability
Are ZYNs enivronmentally friendly?
Yes, ZYNs are environmentally friendly because they do not produce smoke or other harmful byproducts. At the same time, ill-disposed used pouches coule cause damage to soil and other critters living in it.
Do ZYNs dissolve?
Yes, the nicotine salt and powder in ZYN pouches dissolves in solvents. However, the pouch itself and some of the other ingredients do not dissolve.
Can I compost ZYN pouches?
No, you cannot compost ZYN pouches, because they are not fully biodegradable. ZYN nicotine pouches cannot be composted. You shouldn't put a ZYN pouch in the compost bin under any circumstances.
What makes ZYNs non-biodegradable?
The binder agent in the pouches and artificial sweeteners like Sucralose make ZYNs non-biodegradable. ZYN nicotine pouches contain nicotine, cellulose, humectant, most of which are biodegradable. However, the presence of some insoluble products make it non-biodegradable.
Conclusion
ZYN nicotine pouches are not fully biodegradable because they contain Sucralose, Acesulfame K, and artificial binders. These products prevent the pouch from decomposing naturally in the elements. You cannot and should not try to compost these pouches.
Some of the ingredients are hazardous for children and pets. You should not throw away your pouches recklessly. Always throw used pouches into a trash can and keep your cans away from children and pets.
While, ZYNs aren't fully biodegradable, they are still better than cigarettes and vapes. Reduce your carbon footprint by switching to the best smokeless, tobacco free nicotine pouches today. Get sweet discounts on large orders and get your ZYN cans at your doorstep.
