In the tobacco industry, Indonesia is best known for its rich variety of leaf tobaccos, its characteristic clove cigarettes and its relative tolerance for smoking; the Southeast Asian nation is one of the few countries that has neither signed nor become a party to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
While those characteristics still hold true, they are increasingly only part of the story, as Indonesia now also manufactures some cutting-edge new nicotine products. Attracted by the country’s rapidly growing economy, young workforce and business-friendly policies, investors have been setting up shop here to supply not only the large domestic market but also other countries in the region.
For example, in January 2023, Philip Morris International inaugurated a factory for the production of IQOS HEETS consumables in Karawang, West Java. Leading atomization companies such as Smoore, have built production facilities, as well. And in September 2023, KT&G announced the construction of a second factory in Indonesia, which in addition to traditional cigarettes is slated to produce heat-not-burn products.
The combination of heritage and forward-thinking makes Indonesia a market to watch.
A Fresh Start
After a decade of operating under the Essentra umbrella, Filtrona is back as an independent company.
Essentra Filters Rebrands as Filtrona
The Filtrona name represents innovation and partnership, says CEO Robert Pye.
Essentra Sells Filters Businesses
The company aims to become a ‘pure-play’ components business.
Essentra Invests in Sheet-Fed Applications
The technology expands the company’s ability to serve the paper and board industry.
Essentra Tapes Expands Global Sales Team
The company says it has been experiencing strong interest in its tape solutions.
Pure Play
Filter manufacturers consider their strategies in an increasingly challenging environment.
Essentra Appoints Operations Director
Previously, Lay Moi Know helped the firm set up systems for continuous improvement.
Essentra Filters Names New Managing Director
Robert Pye succeeds Kamal Taneja, who will now lead Essentra’s packaging division.
