PulPac, Future Materials Sweden and Yoik have developed a Dry Molded Fiber snus can for the Helwit brand, marking an effort to introduce fiber-based packaging into the smokeless tobacco segment, a category traditionally dominated by plastic packaging formats.
The partners say the concept is designed to meet the functional and commercial requirements of snus packaging, which requires durability, dimensional accuracy and a consistent fit due to frequent handling by consumers.
Future Materials Sweden has signed a licensing agreement with PulPac to commercialise Dry Molded Fiber products. Together with Yoik, the companies have developed a fiber-based can engineered to withstand repeated opening and closing while protecting the product and maintaining surface quality and tight tolerances.
Sanna Fager, Chief Commercial Officer at PulPac, said the project illustrates how collaboration across the value chain can accelerate packaging development in established consumer categories.
“What’s exciting about this project is how quickly we’ve moved from identifying a promising segment together with a brand to developing a new packaging concept,” she said.
“Product development in a high-volume category requires thorough validation and the willingness to refine details along the way. That’s where this partnership really shows its strength. By combining technology, industrial expertise, and brand insight, we can move from concept to scalable solution in a structured and efficient way.”
Product Validation And Industrial Scale-Up
The project is currently undergoing a structured product validation phase, including performance testing and trials within Yoik’s filling line environment. According to the partners, further iterations and refinements are expected before the packaging format can be introduced at scale.
Tobias Björneskog, Co-Founder at Yoik, said packaging development forms part of the company’s broader strategy to differentiate the Helwit brand.
“Helwit has always been about doing things our own way. Packaging is a natural part of that mindset. Through the Helwit Concept, we explore new formats and challenge established norms in our category,” he said.
“Developing a fiber-based snus with PulPac and Future Materials is a continuation of that journey. It requires iteration and careful validation, but that’s how meaningful progress is made.”
The companies are also planning the industrialisation and scale-up strategy for the packaging concept, including production planning and tooling optimisation intended to support large-scale manufacturing.
Morgan Svensson, Founder at Future Materials Sweden, said the partners have already presented the concept to selected customers.
“We have presented the concept to selected customers, and the response confirms clear market demand,” he said.
“Interest from Swedish and US actors shows that the volume potential is substantial. From the outset, we have focused on building a commercially viable solution, and the cost position supports industrial adoption. Together with PulPac, our ambition is to scale this concept globally.”
The development represents an expansion of PulPac’s Dry Molded Fiber technology into new packaging categories as brand owners and converters explore fiber-based alternatives to conventional plastic formats.
