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

New York’s 75% Wholesale Tax on Nicotine Pouches Takes Effect Sept. 1, With Aug. 31 Inventory Subject to Floor Tax
New York’s 75% Wholesale Tax on Nicotine Pouches Takes Effect Sept. 1, With Aug. 31 Inventory Subject to Floor Tax
New York State will extend its tobacco products tax to “alternative nicotine products,” including tobacco-free nicotine pouches, from September 1, 2026, at a rate of 75% of the wholesale price. Distributors, wholesalers and retailers must also inventory products held as of 11:59 p.m. on August 31 and pay a floor tax. Vapor products are excluded from the new category and remain subject to New York's separate 20% supplemental sales tax on the retail price.
Aug.26
Iowa Enforces Vape Registry Law as Retailers Warn Product Limits Could Increase Store Pressure
Iowa Enforces Vape Registry Law as Retailers Warn Product Limits Could Increase Store Pressure
Iowa has begun enforcing its vape registry law, requiring vape products to be registered before they can be legally sold in the state. The move follows a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit to lift an injunction that had blocked enforcement. Retailers have warned that tighter product availability rules could increase pressure on vape shops. One Iowa retailer said that if only a limited number of products remain available, many stores could face significant business challenges.
Aug.06
Nevada Considers Nearly Doubling Tobacco Taxes, With $65 Million in New Revenue Expected From Expanded Nicotine Levies
Nevada Considers Nearly Doubling Tobacco Taxes, With $65 Million in New Revenue Expected From Expanded Nicotine Levies
Health groups in Nevada are urging lawmakers to nearly double the state cigarette tax and extend similar tax changes to other nicotine products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.
Jul.17
UK Directors Banned After 352,688 Vapes Imported From China Were Misdeclared as Medical Nebulizers in £15 Million Tax Case
UK Directors Banned After 352,688 Vapes Imported From China Were Misdeclared as Medical Nebulizers in £15 Million Tax Case
The UK Insolvency Service said YSK Enterprises imported large quantities of vapes from China in 2023, with a shipment addressed to the company declared as medical nebulizers before Border Force found 352,688 vaping products. HMRC calculated nearly £15 million ($20.3 million) in unpaid VAT and customs duty, alongside about £437,000 in corporation tax. Two directors were disqualified for nine years. The case predates the UK's Vaping Products Duty, which will introduce vape-specific excise and duty-stamp requirements from October 2026.
Regulations
Sep.11
EU ‘TPD3’ Enters Next Phase on Aug. 14 as Fragmented Vape and Nicotine Pouch Rules Push the Single Market Toward Regulatory Overhaul
EU ‘TPD3’ Enters Next Phase on Aug. 14 as Fragmented Vape and Nicotine Pouch Rules Push the Single Market Toward Regulatory Overhaul
A 12-week European Commission consultation on revising the Tobacco Products Directive and Tobacco Advertising Directive is due to close on Aug. 14, 2026. The Commission has identified e-cigarette flavours, disposable vapes, tobacco heating devices, nicotine pouches, nicotine-free e-cigarettes, packaging and digital marketing among areas for possible new EU rules. National regulations already vary significantly across the bloc, a fragmentation the Commission says creates internal-market barriers and distorts competition. No formal revised TPD/TAD legislative text has yet been published, with the Commission currently indicating December 2026 for the legislative initiative.
Aug.14
UK Vape Maker Riot Enters Clacton By-Election to Fight Government 'White Packaging' Proposals
UK Vape Maker Riot Enters Clacton By-Election to Fight Government 'White Packaging' Proposals
British e-liquid manufacturer Riot Labs has introduced a fictional “candidate” called Riot Man around the Clacton parliamentary by-election, seeking to mobilize consumers and retailers against parts of the UK government’s proposed restrictions on vape packaging, device appearance and retail displays. Riot Man is not listed as an official candidate.
Aug.12