In the context of 89th Thessaloniki International ExhibitionPapastratos organized another interesting discussion on her corporate booth on “Myths and truths about alternative nicotine products” Papastratos Vice President participated in the discussion, Jacob Kargarotou, The Head of Scientific Affairs, Stavroula Dailakiwhile the journalist was coordinated Marianna Skylakakis.
As part of the discussion, Papastratos’ two executives had the opportunity to talk about principle of decrease in damageas a strategy aimed at reducing the negative consequences of dangerous behaviors without judging individual choices, being an important intervention for public health. Following this principle, Papastratos and her parent company, Philip Morris International (PMI)have invested over $ 14 billion in the past 15 years, In science and innovationwith the aim of developing better products than conventional cigarette. Today, more than 1,400 scientists, from different fields, are conducting research on these products by contributing to their scientific documentation. At the same time, the company has a variety of different categories in its portfolio, such as heated tobacco products, electronic cigarettes and sachets or nicotine pouches, enabling adult smokers who do not stop smoking to choose the product that will help them leave behind.
Separate reference was made by Ms. Dailaki In the example of Swedenwhere the availability of such alternatives, such as Snus and Nicotine Pouches (nicotine bags), has been connected to Significant decrease in the number of smokers and smoking -related diseases. Recently, The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Licensed the circulation of PMI’s Nicotine Pouches after a thorough evaluation of their scientific data.
In the context of the discussion, it was presented and the example of Greecewhere the choice of a modern but at the same time rigorous regulatory framework that does not prohibit the movement of alternative products and at the same time ensures the possibility of validly updating PMI Public smokers, seems to have brought visible and measurable results. to reduce smoking in Greece. It is characteristic that according to his details EurobarometerGreece has succeeds in reducing smoking by 6 percentage points In the period 2021–2023, from 42% to 36%. It is about Second best performance in EU-27after the Czech Republic, which applies a similar policy.
At the same time Tax stability in recent yearsin conjunction with enhancing the effectiveness of the checks, have made a decisive contribution to reduce illegal trade in tobacco products ensuring market predictability.
Finally, there was extensive reference to Papastratos’ initiative “It’s up to us not to be up to them»In collaboration with the state aimed at preventing minors from accessing tobacco and nicotine products, through education, information and use of innovative tools.
The Company’s Scientific Affairs Head of Stavroula DailakiHe said: “Reduction of smoking damage is a complementary policy next to prevention and interruption with the aim of maximizing public health benefits. Science and technology give us the opportunity to evolve products and offer adult smokers who do not stop smoking, better, scientifically documented choices. “
Papastratos Vice President, Jacob KargarotosFor his part, he noted: “Greece continues to dispel myths and conquer positive firsts in both smoking and limiting illegal trade. In the new environment shaped by the forthcoming European directive, it is important to maintain the progress made in recent years, for the benefit of public health, economy and society. “