
According to German media FinanzNachrichten.de, on August 6th, Philip Morris International (PMI) has invested $600 million in Colorado, USA. The company plans to establish a highly modern smokeless nicotine pouch production facility in the city of Aurora, Colorado within the next two years.
Philip Morris International (PMI) is responding to the growing global demand for smoke-free nicotine products. However, in Germany, nicotine pouches still lack legal regulation, hindering their safe sale and product standards in the country. The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) conducted an evaluation in 2022 and determined that "switching from cigarettes to nicotine pouches could reduce health risks for smokers.
Due to reduced-harm products such as smokeless nicotine pouches, the number of smokers in the United States is decreasing. In recent years, an increasing number of smokers have been turning to reduced-harm alternatives. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2022, only 11% of adult Americans smoke, compared to over 20% in 2005.
In the United States, the number of smokers has dropped to a historic low, according to a study by a German medical journal in 2023. However, Germany has not seen a similar positive trend in smoking rates, which have remained consistently high at over 30% for many years. One reason for this may be the lack of regulatory framework for harm reduction products such as nicotine pouches.
Torsten Albig, the General Manager of External Affairs for Philip Morris International (PMI) Germany, stated:
For years, German politics have hindered adult smokers from legally accessing nicotine pouches as a harm reduction alternative, leading to a black market. Germany is still waiting for necessary regulations. The sales of nicotine pouches, especially in terms of their ingredients and youth protection, must eventually be regulated by law and establish these products as alternatives to smoking. In 2021, the Consumer Protection Ministerial Conference decided to regulate nicotine pouches in the tobacco law, but the federal government has yet to implement it. The example of the United States demonstrates that, through the right regulatory framework, not only can smoking rates be lowered, but positive economic benefits can also be generated.
Notice
1. This article is provided exclusively for professional research purposes related to industry, technology and policy. Any reference to brands or products is made solely for the purpose of objective description and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or promotion of any brand or product.
2. The use of nicotine products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products, is associated with significant health risks. Users are required to comply with all relevant laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.
3. This article is strictly restricted from being accessed or viewed by individuals under the legal age.
Copyright
This article is either an original work by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with the original source clearly indicated. The copyright and usage rights of this article belong to 2Firsts or the original source. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other unauthorized use of this article by any entity or individual is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally responsible. For copyright-related matters, please contact: info@2firsts.com
AI Assistance Disclaimer
This article may have utilized AI to enhance translation and editing efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, errors may occur. Readers are advised to refer to the sources provided for more accurate information.
This article should not be used as a basis for any investment decisions or advice, and 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any errors in the content.