Within the framework of the 89th Thessaloniki International Fair, Papastratos held another substantial discussion at its corporate pavilion, this time focusing on: “Myths and truths about alternative nicotine products.” The discussion featured Papastratos Vice President Iakobos Kargarotos and the company’s Head of Scientific Affairs Stavroula Dailaki, with coordination by journalist Marianna Skylakaki.
Papastratos at Thessaloniki Fair: discussion on alternative nicotine products
During the discussion, the two Papastratos executives had the opportunity to speak about the harm reduction principle as a strategy aimed at reducing negative consequences from risky behaviors without judging individual choices, representing a significant public health intervention. Following this principle, Papastratos and its parent company Philip Morris International (PMI) have invested over $14 billion over the past 15 years in science and innovation, aiming to develop better products than conventional cigarettes. Today, more than 1,400 scientists from different fields conduct research on these products, contributing to their scientific documentation. Meanwhile, the company offers a variety of different product categories in its portfolio, such as heated tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, and nicotine pouches, giving adult smokers who don’t quit smoking the opportunity to choose products that will help them leave cigarettes behind.
Ms. Dailaki made special reference to Sweden’s example, where the availability of such alternative options like snus and nicotine pouches has been linked to significant reductions in smoker numbers and smoking-related diseases. Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the circulation of PMI’s nicotine pouches after thorough evaluation of their scientific data.
The discussion also presented Greece’s example, where choosing a modern yet strict regulatory framework that doesn’t prohibit alternative product circulation while ensuring valid smoker information appears to have produced visible and measurable results for smoking reduction in Greece. Notably, according to Eurobarometer data, Greece achieved a 6 percentage point smoking reduction during 2021-2023, from 42% to 36%. This represents the second-best performance in the EU-27, after Czech Republic, which applies similar policies.
Additionally, taxation stability in recent years, combined with enhanced control effectiveness, have contributed decisively to reducing illegal tobacco product trade while ensuring market predictability conditions. Finally, extensive reference was made to Papastratos’ initiative “It’s in our hands so it’s not in theirs” in cooperation with the State, aimed at preventing minors from accessing tobacco and nicotine products through education, information, and innovative tools.
The company’s Head of Scientific Affairs, Stavroula Dailaki, stated: “Smoking harm reduction constitutes a complementary policy alongside prevention and cessation aimed at maximizing public health benefits. Science and technology give us the opportunity to evolve products and offer adult smokers who don’t quit smoking better, scientifically documented choices.”
Papastratos Vice President Iakobos Kargarotos noted: “Greece continues to debunk myths and achieve positive records in both smoking reduction and illegal trade limitation. In the new environment shaped by the upcoming European Directive, it’s important to maintain the progress achieved in recent years for the benefit of public health, economy, and society.”
