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Nicotine pouches are the new cool thing for Gen Z people, which is a convenient and tobacco-free way to satisfy nicotine cravings. One of the leading brands in this market is Zyn, manufactured by Swedish Match, a subsidiary of Philip Morris International. Zyn pouches are tiny packets that don’t have tobacco but are full of nicotine, and people stick them under their lips like snus, a popular Swedish tobacco pouch.
But here’s the thing – not only adults but also kids are getting into them.
Let’s delve into the details of Zyn nicotine pouches, the increase in oral nicotine pouches, and the Zyn lawsuit filed by the plaintiff and know how to file a Zyn lawsuit.
What are Zyn Nicotine Pouches?
Zyn nicotine pouches are marketed as a smoke-free, spit-free, and hands-free alternative to tobacco products. It is designed to create and maintain nicotine addiction, much like cigarettes and e-cigarettes. With a variety of flavors, they promise nicotine satisfaction without the need for refills and batteries.
Nicotine, a highly addictive substance, is the chemical behind the product, and many will start using it before the age of 18. It can cause high blood pressure, increased breathing, and heart rate. Heart attack is another effect of nicotine.
ZYN is manufactured by Swedish Match, a company owned by Philip Morris International. The company is headquartered in Connecticut. Zyn entered the U.S. market in 2014, but its sales skyrocketed in the past year, reaching $1.8 billion as shipments surged by more than 60% year-over-year.
Does Zyn have harmful ingredients? A 2023 study analyzed the chemical composition of various oral nicotine products, including Zyn, snus, moist snuff, and two nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products. Zyn pouches contained nicotine but no nitrosamines or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), with low levels of ammonia, chromium, formaldehyde, and nickel. The study concludes that Zyn and NRT products had similar levels of harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs), all at low concentrations.
Rise in the Zyn Nicotine Pouches Business
ZYN has captured the attention of millions of users, including a significant number of teenagers. The rapid growth of ZYN has not gone unnoticed by the tobacco industry. With Zyn dominating the market, PMI expects to generate $2 billion in revenue from it in 2024.
The product’s marketing has been particularly effective on social media, where influencers, known as “Zynfluencers,” have promoted the product to millions of viewers.
ZYN’s popularity has led to a surge in demand, with shipments increasing by over 65% in recent quarters. The rise in sales of nicotine pouches is evident, with over 350 million cans sold in 2023. The company has even forecasted 9% profit growth for 2024, attributing much of this success to the “exceptional growth” of the ZYN brand.
Despite its success, ZYN is now facing its first major legal issues. The lawsuit brought against Swedish Match and Philip Morris International highlights the concerns surrounding ZYN’s addictive nature and health risks, particularly among teens.
Zyn Lawsuit 2024
On March 1, 2024, a new class action lawsuit was filed against Swedish Match North America, LLC, and Philip Morris International, Inc.
Plaintiff, Bailey Wolters, a resident of California, started using Zyn as a teenager around 2019. He was addicted to the nicotine in Zyn and suffered personal injuries, including dental issues and addiction.
Wolter was influenced by Zyn’s marketing and advertising, which led to his purchases. He was unaware of the harmful characteristics of Zyn.
According to the Zyn pouches lawsuit, the defendant companies design, manufacture, market, advertise, promote, distribute, and sell Zyn in the United States. The lawsuit also accuses the companies of deceptive advertising, claiming that Zyn is marketed as “tobacco-free” despite being derived from the tobacco plant.
Social Media Role in Marketing
The Zyn class action lawsuit alleges that social media plays a significant role in Zyn’s promotion, with thousands of TikTok videos under hashtags like #Zyn and #Zynbabwe amassing millions of views. As a result, rates of oral nicotine pouch use among middle and high schoolers are on the rise, according to the CDC.
Additionally, the influence of “Zynfluencers” further contributes to the normalization and glamorization of these addictive products among young people.
The Zyn nicotine lawsuit says that the pouches deliver more nicotine than cigarettes and that PMI benefits from “Zynfluencers” who promote the brand on social media.
The lawsuit alleges Zyn follows a long-standing pattern of designing products to addict youth while downplaying their risks. Packaged to resemble chewing gum and available in enticing flavors like “wintergreen” and “peppermint,” Zyn aims to hook young users.
Advertisements promote themes like “Freedom” and “Finding Your Curiosity,” appealing directly to the desires of youth. Even the name “Zyn” plays on the idea of inner peace and calm.
Zyn-related content on platforms like TikTok, with hashtags garnering millions of views, underscores the reach and influence of these marketing efforts.
Are Zyn Pouches FDA Approved?
According to the law, makers and sellers of “non-tobacco nicotine” must follow FDA rules. While oral nicotine products aren’t as tightly regulated as other tobacco products, the FDA imposes some rules, like submitting specific information, using nicotine warning labels, and adhering to certain marketing restrictions.
While Philip Morris’ marketing application has been pending since 2020, FDA officials have permitted Zyn to continue selling its products as they conduct their review. If teenage usage remains minimal, there’s a possibility that the company could receive FDA approval for some of its products, which include various strengths and flavors.
Accusations against the Defendants
The complaint contains many accusations against the defendant. Allegations against the manufacturers include:
- Strict Liability – Design Defect
- Strict Liability – Failure to Warn
- Negligence
- Fraud
The plaintiff is seeking comprehensive relief from the court in response to the harm caused by Zyn Nicotine Pouches.
This includes a judgment in favor of the plaintiff against the defendants and compensation for a range of injuries resulting from Zyn use, such as physical pain, mental anguish, and medical expenses.
Additionally, punitive damages are being pursued, along with reimbursement for attorneys’ fees and costs incurred during legal proceedings. The plaintiff also seeks prejudgment and post-judgment interest at appropriate rates, as well as medical monitoring to address any ongoing health concerns.
How to File a Zyn Lawsuit?
If you have used Zyn pouches, you may be eligible to file a Zyn lawsuit. To file a Zyn lawsuit, the first step you have to take is to contact a qualified attorney who specializes in product liability or personal injury cases. Provide relevant details about your use of Zyn, and learn about your legal options.
Your attorney will guide you to gather evidence to support your case. This may include medical records, receipts for medical expenses related to Zyn use, documentation of any adverse health effects experienced, and any communication with the manufacturer or distributor of Zyn.
It’s important to work closely with your attorney and follow their guidance to ensure that your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in your Zyn lawsuit.
Stay tuned for more Zyn lawsuit updates 2024.
To conclude,
Quitting oral nicotine pouches such as Zyn can be tough, especially due to the high nicotine levels they contain, which can result in addiction. It’s essential to be aware of these challenges and seek support when trying to quit.
Additionally, it’s important to keep studying and watching over these products to make sure they’re safe for everyone, especially young people.
