Until recently, few people would have mentioned the words “tobacco” and “innovation” in the same sentence. Even as other legacy industries started disrupting their respective operations, the tobacco industry remained content to milk its tried-and-tested business model and count on the habit-forming properties of nicotine to sustain its business.
That has changed dramatically over the past 15 years. Advances in technology, together with shifting attitudes, have turned the once-staid nicotine business into a cutting-edge innovator. The modern e-cigarette was not invented by the tobacco industry, but when it started making inroads around 2008, the industry recognized its potential and devoted considerable resources to its perfection. The ensuing disruption to the nicotine business prompted one major financial institution to rank the impact of e-cigarettes in the same league as that of 3D printing.
And it didn’t stop there. Tobacco companies went on to develop a host of additional reduced-risk technologies, such as tobacco-heating devices. Some even began applying their expertise in agronomy, product development and substance delivery to create nonrecreational products, such as vaccines, pharmaceuticals and therapeutic devices.
Astonished by the radical transition taking place in the industry, and excited about what it promises for the future, Tobacco Reporter devote its entire April 2022 issue to the topic of innovation.
Russia Attacks JTI Subsidiary in Ukraine
JTI said the factory had been struck several times and that operations were suspended before the latest attacks. The company said all employees were safe.
Imperial Targets FY26 Growth, Announces £1.5B Buyback
The company expects adjusted operating profit growth within its 3% to 5% guidance, high-single-digit adjusted earnings per share growth, and £2.2B in free cash flow.
Ill. Rep Questions FDA Review of Vape Rules
He also requested communications between FDA officials and Altria, Reynolds American, their subsidiaries, and other parties involved in challenges to the rules.
Russia to Allow Regional Vape Sales Bans
The measure will run through 2032, with regions able to adopt their own laws imposing the bans.
GAO Finds FDA Holding 130K Tobacco Applications to End 2025
The FDA received more than 26.6 million applications from 2018 through 2025 and completed reviews of about 26.5 million.
BAT Bangladesh Appoints Corporate Affairs Head
Momshad Ali Khan has more than 20 years of experience in corporate affairs, government relations, regulatory strategy, and strategic communications.
Philippines Requires Safety Certification for Nicotine Pouches
Products must meet World Health Organization reference procedures for nicotine content, pH level, and water activity.
KT&G Opens Second Indonesian Plant
The facility in Pasuruan has an annual capacity of 21 billion cigarettes, joining the Surabaya plant to bring KT&G’s total Indonesian capacity to 35 billion cigarettes.
UK Smoking Rate Falls as Vaping Remains More Common
In Great Britain, 5.4 million adults reported using e-cigarettes daily or occasionally, compared with 4.8 million current smokers.
Eight EU Countries Seek Broad Nicotine Restrictions
The countries called for maximum nicotine limits, standardized products and devices, plain packaging, and broad flavor restrictions.
French Retailers Cite Cross-Border Tobacco Trafficking
A pack that costs nearly €13 in France can be purchased for about €5.50 in Italy and between €5 to €6.25 in Spain.
Germany Steps Up Enforcement Against Illegal Vapes
More than 7.6 million nicotine-containing disposable vapes had been imported illegally into Germany, resulting in an estimated €33.3 million in lost excise tax.
