Science-Based Smoke-Free Products And Technology: Sampoerna-PMI Key Presents Better Alternative Products

JAKARTA - Innovations in science and technology have played a crucial role in supporting the vision of Philip Morris International (PMI), the parent company of PT HM Sampoerna Tbk. (Sampoerna), to provide a choice of smoke-free products for nicotine users who decide to keep using tobacco products.

PMI Scientific Engagement Director Tomoka Iida said that the presence of a variety of smoke-free products based on the concept of risk reduction (harm reduction) could make a significant contribution to improving the quality of public health.

Japan and Sweden are real examples of how smoke-free product innovations have contributed positively to reducing smoking prevalence. In Japan, smoking prevalence at the age of 20 years and over fell from 20.1 percent (2011) to 9.4 percent (2023).

In Sweden, the contribution of the use of nicotine bags, which was introduced in 1973, as an alternative to switching from smoking, also correlates with improving public health quality. Sweden recorded lung cancer cases in men of about 17 cases per 100,000 population. This figure is much lower when compared to the average EU country which is in the range of 42 cases.

This is at the heart of reducing the dangers of tobacco. When you have scientifically proven products that are better than cigarettes, and adult smokers have access to switching, you will really see the impact on the population level," Tomoko said at Technovation 2025 in Jakarta, Wednesday, July 2.

Technovation 2025 is a strategic platform for Sampoerna to discuss and share insights into science and technology behind the development of smoke-free products.

Meanwhile, Sampoerna Marketing Director Andre Dahan, said that Sampoerna's smoke-free products are very diverse. For the category of heated tobacco products, Sampoerna presents IQOS Iluma i and BONDS by IQOS. These two smoke-free products, respectively, have variants of TEREA Clove and Blends by A, which use original Indonesian cloves, and are the first in the world. These products are already available in 20 major cities in Indonesia.

For the vape category, Sampoerna has VEEV ONE and VEEV NOW. Both were developed through rigorous testing to answer the needs of adult consumers who want to find better alternatives. Then for the nicotine bag portfolio, Sampoerna has ZYN which is used orally. Currently, ZYN is available exclusively in Jakarta and Bali as part of a gradual recognition strategy and market research.

"We believe that the innovation presented by Sampoerna can answer the needs of adult nicotine consumers who are looking for a better smoke-free alternative. We are also optimistic that the existence of this smoke-free product will be an important part in creating improvements in the quality of public health in Indonesia," concluded Andre.

Andre added that Sampoerna's smoke-free products have world-class quality, supported by smoke-free product facilities and the Advanced Laboratory located in Karawang, West Java, with an investment of US$330 million.

Sampoerna's Head of Quality Nikolas Widhi Ananggadipa, said, the first in Asia, and second in the world, has been accredited by ISO 17025, a global recognition of technical competence and strict quality management systems and supported by around 200 high-quality Indonesian experts, including scientists, who are dedicated to the latest research and development of smoke-free products.

Niko said the Advance Lab was able to process thousands of samples of smoke-free products, both for the Indonesian and Asia Pacific markets.

"This testing is crucial to ensure that our products, both for domestic and for export to various countries in Asia Pacific, meet the highest global standards for adult nicotine consumers," he said.