Innovation in Harm Reduction: PMI's Path to Progress

PMI by 2FIRSTS.ai
Dec.14.2023
Innovation in Harm Reduction: PMI's Path to Progress
Philip Morris International (PMI) advocates for harm reduction strategies to combat smoking-related health consequences, according to Branislav Bibic, VP of Africa at PMI.

According to a recent report by the foreign media outlet IOL, Branislav Bibic, Vice President of Africa for Philip Morris International, has stated that history has proven that civilized societies make steady progress through the advancement of innovation. He further explained that due to these innovations, improvements aimed at reducing harm in everyday behavior and activities have now become commonplace.

 

He pointed out that Philip Morris International company (PMI) advocates for the application of the harm reduction (THR) strategy to known smoking risks. He also emphasized especially that the best choice for any smoker is to completely quit tobacco and nicotine.

 

He stated that public health institutions, expert organizations, and the general public are increasingly using innovation to address the serious health consequences of smoking. For example, the US FDA has created separate channels for innovative tobacco products that are considered better than cigarettes and has approved their marketing as appropriate alternatives for promoting public health.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

BAT Adds Former Apple General Counsel Bruce Sewell to Board as Finance, Legal, Marketing and Regional Leadership Shift
BAT Adds Former Apple General Counsel Bruce Sewell to Board as Finance, Legal, Marketing and Regional Leadership Shift
British American Tobacco has appointed former Apple Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary Bruce Sewell as an independent non-executive director, effective January 1, 2027. He will also join BAT's Audit and Nominations Committees. BAT Chair Luc Jobin highlighted Sewell's experience in technology, government and regulatory affairs, public-company governance and AI-company boards. Over the past 18 months, BAT has changed or announced changes to its CFO, general counsel, CMO and APMEA regional leadership, while the main board has also seen multiple changes. The appointment comes as BAT advances Horizon 2030 and its Fit2Win transformation while expanding New Categories and reshaping parts of its digital, technology and operating structure.
Business
Oct.29
Product | Philip Morris Japan Teams Up With Renowned French Audio Brand DEVIALET for Limited-Edition IQOS Priced 60% Above Standard Model
Product | Philip Morris Japan Teams Up With Renowned French Audio Brand DEVIALET for Limited-Edition IQOS Priced 60% Above Standard Model
Philip Morris Japan (PMJ) launched the limited-edition IQOS ILUMA i PRIME Soundsorial Model in collaboration with French audio brand DEVIALET on October 1, 2026. Featuring sound-wave patterns, a silver-and-black finish and a gradient holder, the heated tobacco device is priced at JPY 15,980, including tax, and is available at four IQOS stores in Japan. According to Japanese media citing a PMJ representative, about 1,900 units were allocated to the Japanese retail market. A separate Soundsorial Collection, combining the device with DEVIALET Gemini II earbuds, includes 440 sets allocated to Japan for a membership prize draw.
product
Oct.23
Product | PMI Launches ZYN Melts in UK, Extending ZYN Beyond Nicotine Pouches Into Dissolvable Tablets
Product | PMI Launches ZYN Melts in UK, Extending ZYN Beyond Nicotine Pouches Into Dissolvable Tablets
Philip Morris International (PMI) has launched ZYN Melts in the UK, introducing a fully dissolvable oral nicotine tablet format alongside the brand's existing nicotine pouches. The range includes Cool Mint and Peppermint, each offered at 1mg and 2mg of nicotine per tablet, creating four SKUs. Each can contains 20 tablets and is priced at £6.50 in the UK. Unlike ZYN nicotine pouches, Melts are placed between the upper lip and gum and dissolve completely during use.
News
Sep.29 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Smoke-Free Business Hits 42% of Q2 Net Revenue as PMI’s First TNFD Report Covers Single-Use Electronics, Critical Raw Materials and IQOS Repairs
Smoke-Free Business Hits 42% of Q2 Net Revenue as PMI’s First TNFD Report Covers Single-Use Electronics, Critical Raw Materials and IQOS Repairs
Philip Morris International has published its first report aligned with the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures, bringing its electronics supply chain and the use and end-of-life stages of smoke-free devices and consumables into its nature-related assessment. PMI said its smoke-free business accounted for about 42% of total net revenues in the second quarter of 2026. The report says non-circular electronic products, particularly single-use items, can increase consumption of limited natural resources and also details an IQOS repair pilot. A 2040 circularity scenario tests assumptions including a 50% reduction in product waste-related costs, 10% raw-material savings and a 25% substitution rate for refurbished products versus new products.
Sep.23
Malaysia's Poisons Board Backs New Vape Nicotine Exemption After Unanimously Opposing 2023 Proposal
Malaysia's Poisons Board Backs New Vape Nicotine Exemption After Unanimously Opposing 2023 Proposal
Malaysia's Poisons Board has endorsed Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad's proposal to exempt liquid nicotine used in vaping products from the Poisons List, according to a November 2, 2026, report by CodeBlue. The Board unanimously opposed a similar proposal in 2023, but the government proceeded with the exemption. The Kuala Lumpur High Court invalidated the 2023 decision in May 2026, and the government withdrew its appeal in August. No new ministerial order has been published. The development raises questions about the interaction between Malaysia's two regulatory frameworks and the treatment of RM354.51 million in excise duties collected on e-cigarette and vape products between May 2023 and June 11, 2026.
Regulations
Nov.03
Product | Japan Tobacco Expands Nordic Spirit Nicotine Pouch Range to Eight SKUs in Japan, Launches Melon Variant and Broadens Mint Retail Distribution
Product | Japan Tobacco Expands Nordic Spirit Nicotine Pouch Range to Eight SKUs in Japan, Launches Melon Variant and Broadens Mint Retail Distribution
Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) launched Nordic Spirit Rich Melon Medium through selected tobacco retailers in Japan on November 2, 2026, while expanding physical retail distribution for three existing mint products previously sold through the CLUB JT online store. The melon launch brings Nordic Spirit's Japanese portfolio to eight SKUs. All four products are manufactured in Sweden, contain a standard 14 pouches per can and retail for ¥500 including tax. Since introducing Nordic Spirit in Japan in March, JT has expanded the brand's product lineup and distribution through its online store, convenience stores and selected tobacco retailers.
product
Nov.04