In 2016, Philip Morris International (PMI) announced its new purpose: to deliver a smoke-free future. The metrics showcased here illustrate how PMI is working to meet this goal by focusing its resources on developing and scientifically substantiating smoke-free products as less harmful alternatives for adult smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke.
These facts and figures were most recently updated in April 2025. You can read our latest Integrated Report to learn more about some of these key facts and figures, as well as other performance metrics.
At PMI, we take a rigorous, evidence-based approach to substantiate the harm reduction potential of switching to our smoke-free products compared with continuing to smoke. Our scientific assessment program contains distinct research “steps,” although each product is assessed differently. Assessment includes research in aerosol chemistry and physics, toxicology, clinical studies, perception and behavior studies, and long-term research. Through meticulous research and analysis, we continue to advance our understanding of smoke-free products and their potential impact on public health.
We have published 541 scientific publications since 2008, most open access. Sharing our research through peer-reviewed articles and open-access publications builds transparency and trust in our science and fosters informed dialogue on the potential benefits of smoke-free products on public health. We publish our findings on PMIScience.com and produce regular briefings through our Scientific Update magazines and Open Science events, which complement what we share throughout the year.
In 2024, we invested USD 759 million in research and development (R&D), of which 99% continues to be dedicated to smoke-free products. Our commitment to change underpins our business transformation and has resulted in an extensive portfolio of patents for smoke-free technologies. These patents, granted by the world's five largest intellectual property offices, reflect our ongoing efforts to develop and commercialize products that potentially benefit harm reduction and public health. Innovation also guides improvements in areas from sourcing to manufacturing, logistics, and sales.
To fulfill our commitment to a smoke-free future, PMI consistently expanded our dedicated team of scientists, engineers, technicians, and support staff year after year. Our science team plays a pivotal role in driving PMI R&D efforts toward smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes. With a diverse range of expertise spanning various scientific and engineering disciplines, our growing team is committed to innovating smoke-free products, providing adults who would otherwise continue to smoke with a range of better alternatives than continued smoking to choose from.
Since 2008, PMI has made a substantial investment in the development, testing, manufacturing, and responsible commercialization of smoke-free products. This investment is driving the transition toward a smoke-free future by providing adult smokers with scientifically substantiated, better alternatives to cigarettes.
The delivery of a smoke-free future is powered by the growth in expenditure on initiatives aimed at advancing tobacco harm reduction. Our R&D effort is focused on developing and scientifically substantiating smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes for adult smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke. By allocating resources toward scientific research, product development, and meeting regulatory standards, we are relentlessly working toward delivering innovative smoke-free products.
The increasing number of users of PMI smoke-free products indicates a growing demand for alternatives to traditional cigarettes. We estimate that approximately 41 million adults were using our smoke-free products, as of June 30, 2025. This includes an estimated 34 million heated tobacco product (HTP) users, 6.5 million oral smokeless users, and 1 million e-vapor users.* With millions of smokers successfully stopping smoking, our HTPs have the potential to make a positive impact on public health and contribute to the realization of a smoke-free future.
First half (H1) estimated total adult users of PMI smoke-free products (in millions) is defined as the sum of total HTP users, total oral smokeless users, and total e-vapor users, and considering poly-users across PMI smoke-free categories.
*Source: PMI earnings release of July 22, 2025, and the accompanying glossary of key terms, definitions, explanatory notes, select financial information and reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures available on our Investor Relations pages.
