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Labels for snus and nicotine pouches

The label matters just as much as what’s inside

Whether you produce traditional tobacco snus, original portions, white portions, tobacco-free nicotine pouches or innovative products such as energy, caffeine and CBD pouches, Nordvalls has a label solution for you. We offer bespoke labels that strengthen your brand and withstand the demands of everyday handling.

Strong growth in tobacco-free nicotine pouches

Rapid growth in tobacco-free nicotine pouches has transformed the snus market, with this trend expected to continue in the years ahead. For producers, this brings new opportunities and new challenges.

Greater competition
Label design is central to your brand identity and helps your products stand out in an increasingly crowded retail display.
Stricter regulatory requirements
The right label solution helps ensure that all required information is included, reducing the risk of products being withdrawn from sale.
Higher production speeds
High-quality labels tailored to your production conditions reduce the risk of downtime and labelling errors, saving both time and money.
More export opportunities
We offer labels that can be adapted to national and international labelling requirements.
A focus on sustainability
Today’s consumers have high expectations of environmental responsibility. Our labels are produced locally in Sweden, with short transport distances, carefully selected materials and the right combination of material and adhesive to support more sustainable production.

Why do snus producers choose Nordvalls?

With extensive industry knowledge, we help some of the Nordic region’s leading snus and nicotine pouch manufacturers develop labels that combine high quality, efficient production and accurate labelling.

High quality – labels that withstand moisture, cold and everyday wear while maintaining their colour and adhesion.
Efficient production – labels designed for high production speeds, automatic application and reliable operation.
Premium design – distinctive materials and finishes, including metallic foil, embossing, soft-touch finishes and spot varnish, strengthen your brand’s shelf presence.
Flexibility – from short runs for product launches to large volumes for established brands.
Optimised production – tactile surfaces, security features and multi-layer constructions can be combined in a single label to streamline production.
Responsive, personal service – support at every stage, from design to finished label.
A complete supplier – printed and unprinted labels, ribbons and more, all from one partner.
Sustainable production – labels made in Sweden with a focus on quality, reliable delivery and a reduced carbon footprint.

With Nordvalls, you gain a long-term label partner who helps you optimise production, meet market requirements and create labels that strengthen your brand and customer experience.

Frequently asked questions about snus labels

Which parts of a snus can can be labelled?

Top label

The top label sits on the lid and is often the main focus for your branding. It offers the most space for design, logos and graphics that make your product recognisable on the shelf or in refrigerated displays

Side label

The side label is a long label or band that wraps around the edge of the can. It carries the mandatory health warnings required for tobacco and nicotine products. A security feature can also be integrated into the side label.

Side labels can also form part of the opening mechanism. Two common options are tear-off labels and perforated labels.

A tear-off label has a small pull tab that the user pulls to open the can. It acts as a seal while providing a clear, straightforward opening mechanism.

A perforated label covers the opening and has a perforation aligned with the can’s opening line. When the can is opened, the label breaks along the perforation, combining labelling and sealing with a convenient opening mechanism.

Bottom label

The bottom label sits on the underside of the can and carries mandatory information, such as warning symbols, a tactile warning triangle where applicable, an ingredient list and traceability information, such as a barcode, QR code or DataMatrix code. It also provides space for the best-before date and other product details.

What label solutions are available for snus cans?

Single-layer labels

The most common label solution for the top and side of a can, with print on the front and adhesive on the back. These labels provide the main surface for your design, logo and brand identity.

Multi-layer labels

A multi-layer label provides extra space for information and brand communication.

On the lid, it can carry promotions, QR codes, product news or “coming soon” messages.

The underside often needs to accommodate mandatory information, including warnings, symbols, a tactile warning triangle where applicable, ingredients, a barcode, production date, batch number, best-before date and DataMatrix code. With space typically limited to a diameter of 55–70 mm, multi-layer labels are a practical solution for the base too.

We offer several options, including crossover, two-layer and foldout labels, tailored to your content and requirements. Our experts help you find the right solution.

What are the requirements for security labels on snus cans?

A security label incorporates a distinctive pattern to help prevent counterfeiting. It contains five authentication elements, at least one of which must be provided by an independent third-party provider. The security feature must be positioned to allow authenticity checks, support traceability and provide protection against tampering. Since 20 May 2024, security features have been mandatory for cans containing tobacco snus.

The five authentication elements are:

Guilloche – an intricate ornamental pattern.
Optically variable ink – changes colour depending on the viewing angle.
Microprinting – extremely small text that can only be read under magnification.
UV printing with fluorescent ink – visible only under ultraviolet light.
Anti-Stokes ink – detectable using specialist equipment.

Integrating the security feature into the side label design removes the need for separate labelling equipment, simplifying production, reducing downtime and lowering costs. It also reduces the risk of incorrect placement or obscuring essential product information, helping you meet labelling requirements.

What special effects can be used on snus labels?

Snus labels can incorporate a range of special effects to enhance your brand’s appearance and create a distinctive feel in the hand. Popular options include metallic surfaces, foiling, embossing, soft-touch varnish, tactile finishes and spot varnish to highlight logos or details. These techniques can be used on both lid and side labels to create a premium feel and improve brand recognition in refrigerated displays

Which label materials work best for snus cans?

Labels for snus cans need to withstand moisture, cold and wear. Plastic-based materials such as PP (polypropylene) and PE (polyethylene) are commonly used because they remain flexible and durable in chilled storage.

Sustainability and recycling are also becoming increasingly important, particularly as requirements under the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) are introduced. This places greater emphasis on recyclability, resource efficiency and restrictions on substances of concern.

Bio-based materials and options designed to support recycling are also available, depending on your performance and circularity requirements. The right material depends on the can’s shape, its conditions of use and the finish you want, such as gloss, matt or metallic. Nordvalls helps you choose a label solution that balances sustainability, design and preparation for future regulatory requirements.

What is a tax stamp?

A tax stamp is a special label used to demonstrate that the applicable tax requirements for tobacco products have been met. Tax stamps are required in certain destination markets, and each country has its own rules governing their design and placement. The labelling must therefore be adapted to the destination country’s specifications.

What labelling requirements apply to snus and nicotine pouches?

Snus and nicotine pouch labels are subject to strict requirements, which vary depending on the product and market. In Sweden, relevant rules include national legislation and, for tobacco products, the EU Tobacco Products Directive. Labelling requirements cover consumer information and, where applicable, supply chain traceability and protection against illicit trade.

Relevant legislation and guidance:

Swedish Act (2018:2088) on Tobacco and Similar Products
EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD)
Public Health Agency of Sweden – legislation on tobacco and nicotine products

Mandatory product information

Packaging must carry essential product information to support correct identification and inform consumers.

→ Swedish Food Agency regulations on snus, snus-like products and chewing tobacco

Health warnings

Health warnings are mandatory and must be clear, clearly visible and presented in the prescribed format.

→ Public Health Agency of Sweden – product and labelling requirements

Traceability and security features

All tobacco products sold in Sweden must carry a unique identifier to enable tracking throughout the supply chain. Cans containing tobacco snus must also carry a security feature.

→ Public Health Agency of Sweden – traceability and security features for tobacco products