Replacing cigarettes with scientifically substantiated smoke-free products

    We at Philip Morris International (PMI) have a vision of replacing cigarettes with scientifically substantiated better products for adult smokers who don’t quit. Quitting tobacco and nicotine altogether is always the best choice for any smoker. However, we know that most smokers continue to smoke.

    To achieve our vision, we have developed smoke-free products that either eliminate the burning of tobacco or do not use tobacco at all. In the absence of combustion, the levels of harmful chemicals in the generated aerosols emitted or released by our smoke-free products are significantly reduced compared with cigarette smoke.

    We recognize that no single product will be acceptable to all adult smokers in order to fully switch. Therefore, our approach is to provide a wide range of smoke-free alternatives, so that adults who would otherwise continue to smoke can find a suitable alternative that allows them to fully switch.

    • Heated Tobacco Products

      Products that heat rather than burn tobacco

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    • E-Vapor Products

      Products that create a nicotine-containing vapor

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    • Oral Products

      A small, nicotine-containing packet placed in the mouth

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    • OTHER SMOKE-FREE PRODUCTS

      Products that provide nicotine via different methods

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    HEATED TOBACCO TECHNOLOGIES

    Heated tobacco products

    Heated tobacco products (HTPs), also known as Heat-Not-Burn (HnB) products, heat the tobacco instead of burning it, generating an aerosol with significantly lower numbers and levels of harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) compared with cigarette smoke.

    Tobacco Heating System (THS)

    There are two technologies used with our THS: 

    Blade technology uses internal resistive heating, where a blade is inserted into the tobacco plug. The blade heats the tobacco radially from the center, ensuring consistent taste while avoiding combustion. Released commercially as IQOS Originals. 

    Induction technology employs a magnetic field to heat the tobacco plug or the nontobacco plug. A heating element in the center of the plug is heated contactless, generating an aerosol without burning. Released commercially as IQOS ILUMA.

    This uses external resistive heating technology which surrounds the tobacco stick and heats its outer surface. The heater, made of polyimide stainless-steel tracks, ensures even and controlled heating. Released commercially as BONDS by IQOS.

    E-VAPOR TECHNOLOGIES

    E-vapor products

    E-vapor products, also known as e-cigarettes, are battery-operated devices that vaporize a liquid solution containing nicotine and flavors to create an inhalable aerosol.

    Ceramic Vaping System (CVS)

    This technology uses a ceramic heater with an innovative H-shaped design, increasing the surface area available for e-liquid vaporization. This ensures consistent aerosol production, delivering a high-quality vaping experience. Released commercially as VEEV ONE.

    A single-use, e-vapor device which uses wick and coil technology. A porous organic cotton wick draws e-liquid onto a coil, which heats the liquid to create an aerosol. Released commercially as VEEV NOW.

    ORAL PRODUCTS TECHNOLOGY

    Oral products

    Oral products do not require a device or heating. They are designed to be placed between the gum and the cheek or upper lip, allowing nicotine to be absorbed through the mucous membranes in the mouth.

    Tobacco-free pouches which contain nicotine, stabilizers, fillers, pH adjusters, flavorings, and pouch material made from plant-based fibers. These are commercialized under the brand ZYN.

    Snus is a tobacco product that comes in varying levels of moisture and contains finely ground tobacco, salt, water, and flavorings. Available under various affiliate brands like General.

    INNOVATION TECHNOLOGIES

    Other smoke-free products

    A novel nicotine-based electronics-free product which consists of two parts: a consumable that contains a highly soluble encapsulated nicotine powder, and a nonelectronic device that activates it.

    Nicotine Salts Product (NSP)

    The NSP delivers nicotine through a mechanical process in the form of a powder containing nicotine salts.

    SMOKE-FREE PRODUCT PORTFOLIO

    See why smoke-free products could help phase out cigarettes

    To eliminate cigarettes and improve public health, adult smokers who don't quit need access to better alternatives that suit their needs. To that end, we have developed a portfolio of diverse products for users to choose from.

    Understand the role of smoke-free products
    Group of tourists at Old Tow Square. Prague, Czech Republic, May 21, 2017
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    PRODUCT SCIENCE

    Follow the research on our smoke-free products

    Rigorous, robust, and transparent science is at the core of the development and assessment of our smoke-free products.

    News & events

    Open Science

    We have committed to replacing cigarettes with better alternatives as rapidly as possible for adults who would otherwise continue to smoke. Our Open Science event series provides a platform for in-depth discussions on various topics, including tobacco harm reduction, among others.

    Learn more about Open Science
    Get in touch

    We would be happy to hear from you

    Whether you have a question, a comment, or an idea, send us a message. Open dialogue is something we are passionate about, and we would like to know your views.

    Contact us

    PMIScience.com is operated by Philip Morris International for the purpose of publishing and disseminating scientific information about Philip Morris International’s efforts in support of its smoke-free product portfolio. This site is a global site for use by scientists, the public health and regulatory communities, and other stakeholders with an interest in tobacco policy. The purpose of this site is not advertising or marketing, nor is it directed at any specific market. It is not intended for use by consumers. New tobacco products sold in the United States are subject to FDA regulation; therefore the content of this site is not intended to make, and nor should it be construed as making, any product related claims in the United States without proper FDA authorization. ​
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    Reduced Risk Products ("RRPs”) is the term we use to refer to products that present, are likely to present, or have the potential to present less risk of harm to smokers who switch to these products versus continuing smoking. PMI has a range of RRPs in various stages of development, scientific assessment and commercialization. All of our RRPs are smoke-free products that deliver nicotine with far lower quantities of harmful and potentially harmful constituents than found in cigarette smoke.