Best of the Spectator

Nicotine pouches: solution or smokescreen?

Dec 1, 2025
Dr. Moira Gilchrist, the Chief Communications Officer at Philip Morris International, and Charlie Weimers, a Member of the European Parliament from Sweden, dive into the debate on nicotine pouches. They discuss PMI's ambitious goal to shift to smoke-free products by 2030 and weigh in on Sweden's success with snus in reducing smoking rates. The conversation highlights the nuances of youth usage concerns, the impact of regulatory measures, and the science behind nicotine alternatives. What does this mean for the future of tobacco control in Europe?
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INSIGHT

Business Strategy Drives Harm Reduction

  • Philip Morris kept cigarettes to steer resources into smoke-free products and cannibalise their own sales.
  • The company plans two-thirds of net revenues from smoke-free alternatives by 2030 to accelerate decline in smoking.
INSIGHT

Sweden's Oral Nicotine Experience

  • Sweden's long history with snus preceded nicotine pouches and coincided with falling smoking rates.
  • In Sweden, alternative oral nicotine products acted as a gateway away from smoking rather than into it.
ADVICE

Regulate To Protect Youth And Inform Adults

  • Regulate to prevent youth access and marketing while allowing adults to learn about less harmful alternatives.
  • Policymakers should balance youth protections with clear information for adult smokers to enable switching.
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