Philip Morris International Plans to Launch LEVIA, a Tobacco-Free Pod

PMI by 2FIRSTS.ai
Dec.26.2023
Philip Morris International Plans to Launch LEVIA, a Tobacco-Free Pod
Philip Morris International (PMI) plans to launch a tobacco-free pod called LEVIA, made from natural plant fibers.

In recent days, according to a report from Egypt's daily news outlet, Philip Morris International (PMI) is reportedly planning to introduce a smoke-free tobacco pod called LEVIA. Made from natural plant fiber known as cellulose, LEVIA contains nicotine but does not contain tobacco.

 

Gizelle Baker, Vice President of Global Scientific Affairs at PMI, further elaborated on the efforts of LEVIA and PMI in innovating smoke-free products.

 

Dr. Beck states that PMI is planning to release a heating tobacco pod called LEVIA, the details of which they hope to unveil soon. This particular product is primarily composed of cellulose derived from natural plant fibers, including tobacco leaves. While LEVIA does not contain actual tobacco, it does contain nicotine and propylene glycol, enabling the production of vaporized nicotine similar to that of an e-cigarette, without the need for tobacco leaves. As a result, despite being a smoking alternative, LEVIA lacks the taste or smell of tobacco, making it highly anticipated due to its unique sensation.

 

According to research findings, e-cigarettes have been found to reduce the emission of harmful chemicals by an average of 95% compared to traditional cigarettes, while LEVIA, on the other hand, reduces the emission of harmful chemicals by an average of 99%.

 

LEVIA is used on the IQOS ILUMA device. The device is capable of recognizing the inserted product and adjusting its settings accordingly based on the different products. Once LEVIA is launched, PMI will update the device's firmware to enable this feature, aiming to enhance the user experience of using the product.

 

LEVIA is now preparing to go public and plans to conduct a "consumer usage" study upon entering the market.

 

We are excited to be able to offer smokers a new choice to transition from tobacco products to smoke-free alternatives," said Baker.

 

Doctor Baker pointed out that the changes that smokers need to make can primarily be achieved by not producing smoke. When a cigarette is lit and placed in an ashtray, it releases smoke into the room.

 

This is known as environmental tobacco smoke and accounts for 85% of passive smoking exposure. However, if tobacco is heated instead of burned, this situation would not occur. Therefore, it can eliminate 85% of passive smoking risks. The remaining 15% comes from aerosols exhaled by users. Traditional cigarettes contain a large amount of harmful chemicals at high concentrations, while alternative products reduce harmful chemicals by 95% to 99%, depending on the product.

 

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

NACS Urges USTR to Address Illegal E-Cigarette Exports in China Trade Engagements
NACS Urges USTR to Address Illegal E-Cigarette Exports in China Trade Engagements
NACS submitted a comment letter to USTR in a proceeding examining unfair trade practices worldwide. The letter focuses on illicit nicotine products made in China and shipped to the United States in violation of U.S. law. NACS said the U.S. electronic nicotine delivery systems market has become dominated by illicit products, mainly disposable e-cigarettes manufactured in China and sold without the marketing authorization required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Apr.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
EU Novel Tobacco Regulation Trends and Business Response | Guest Contribution by a European Legal and Compliance Expert
EU Novel Tobacco Regulation Trends and Business Response | Guest Contribution by a European Legal and Compliance Expert
Carlos Cabrera, founder of CabLab Law & Advocacy, contributes this article to 2Firsts, arguing that the EU’s evolving approach to novel tobacco regulation may unintentionally reinforce cigarette use by narrowing alternatives. He warns companies to watch signals on flavours, labelling, traceability, nicotine pouch rules and digital marketing, while grounding business decisions in realistic timelines, compliance planning and continuous monitoring.
Apr.22
BAT Uzbekistan and Regulators Discuss Production Modernization and Export Expansion
BAT Uzbekistan and Regulators Discuss Production Modernization and Export Expansion
A meeting was held at the Department for Combating Economic Crimes under the General Prosecutor’s Office of Uzbekistan with representatives of British American Tobacco Uzbekistan. Participants included the department’s leadership, the Inspectorate for Regulation of the Alcohol and Tobacco Market, and business representatives.
May.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
One Year After UK Disposable Vape Ban: Youth Use Falls to 13%, Adult Use to 8%
One Year After UK Disposable Vape Ban: Youth Use Falls to 13%, Adult Use to 8%
among both youth and adults. However, industry groups and regulators warn that the illicit vape market remains a growing concern.
Jun.09
BAT New Zealand Says Illicit Tobacco Trade Drove Nearly 29% Revenue Decline in 2025
BAT New Zealand Says Illicit Tobacco Trade Drove Nearly 29% Revenue Decline in 2025
British American Tobacco New Zealand said the illicit tobacco trade is responsible for its profit halving and revenue falling between the 2024 and 2025 financial years. Financial results filed with the Companies Office show that BAT Holdings (New Zealand) recorded 2025 revenue of NZ$180.7 million, or about US$106.95 million based on the European Central Bank’s April 27, 2026 reference rates, down from NZ$254 million, or about US$150.33 million, in 2024.
Apr.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Ispire and Jincheng Pharma Form Joint Venture to Enter Global High-Growth Nicotine Pouch Market
Ispire and Jincheng Pharma Form Joint Venture to Enter Global High-Growth Nicotine Pouch Market
Summary Ispire Technology announced a strategic joint venture with Chinese pharmaceutical company Jincheng Pharma to manufacture and commercialize nicotine pouch products. The partnership combines pharmaceutical-grade production capabilities with Ispire’s global regulatory infrastructure and distribution network as the company expands beyond vaping hardware into oral nicotine products.
Business
May.13