Philip Morris International Plans to Launch LEVIA, a Tobacco-Free Pod

PMI by 2FIRSTS.ai
Dec.26.2023
Philip Morris International Plans to Launch LEVIA, a Tobacco-Free Pod
Philip Morris International (PMI) plans to launch a tobacco-free pod called LEVIA, made from natural plant fibers.

In recent days, according to a report from Egypt's daily news outlet, Philip Morris International (PMI) is reportedly planning to introduce a smoke-free tobacco pod called LEVIA. Made from natural plant fiber known as cellulose, LEVIA contains nicotine but does not contain tobacco.

 

Gizelle Baker, Vice President of Global Scientific Affairs at PMI, further elaborated on the efforts of LEVIA and PMI in innovating smoke-free products.

 

Dr. Beck states that PMI is planning to release a heating tobacco pod called LEVIA, the details of which they hope to unveil soon. This particular product is primarily composed of cellulose derived from natural plant fibers, including tobacco leaves. While LEVIA does not contain actual tobacco, it does contain nicotine and propylene glycol, enabling the production of vaporized nicotine similar to that of an e-cigarette, without the need for tobacco leaves. As a result, despite being a smoking alternative, LEVIA lacks the taste or smell of tobacco, making it highly anticipated due to its unique sensation.

 

According to research findings, e-cigarettes have been found to reduce the emission of harmful chemicals by an average of 95% compared to traditional cigarettes, while LEVIA, on the other hand, reduces the emission of harmful chemicals by an average of 99%.

 

LEVIA is used on the IQOS ILUMA device. The device is capable of recognizing the inserted product and adjusting its settings accordingly based on the different products. Once LEVIA is launched, PMI will update the device's firmware to enable this feature, aiming to enhance the user experience of using the product.

 

LEVIA is now preparing to go public and plans to conduct a "consumer usage" study upon entering the market.

 

We are excited to be able to offer smokers a new choice to transition from tobacco products to smoke-free alternatives," said Baker.

 

Doctor Baker pointed out that the changes that smokers need to make can primarily be achieved by not producing smoke. When a cigarette is lit and placed in an ashtray, it releases smoke into the room.

 

This is known as environmental tobacco smoke and accounts for 85% of passive smoking exposure. However, if tobacco is heated instead of burned, this situation would not occur. Therefore, it can eliminate 85% of passive smoking risks. The remaining 15% comes from aerosols exhaled by users. Traditional cigarettes contain a large amount of harmful chemicals at high concentrations, while alternative products reduce harmful chemicals by 95% to 99%, depending on the product.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

China Tobacco Yunnan Patent Describes Cigar Flavor Granules With Encapsulation Rate Above 77%
China Tobacco Yunnan Patent Describes Cigar Flavor Granules With Encapsulation Rate Above 77%
According to public records from China’s National Intellectual Property Administration, a patent application filed by China Tobacco Yunnan Industrial Co., Ltd. for “cigar flavor granules” was published on May 12, 2026. The filing proposes purifying an ethanol extract of cigar tobacco leaves using LX-8 macroporous resin, followed by encapsulation with maltodextrin and sucrose fatty acid ester to improve smoking comfort, reduce dryness and enhance aroma release stability in reconstituted tobacco.
Jun.10
German Environment Minister Plans Bill to Ban Disposable E-Cigarettes This Year
German Environment Minister Plans Bill to Ban Disposable E-Cigarettes This Year
German Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider said he is preparing legislation to ban disposable e-cigarettes and will present a bill this year. Industry data estimated that legal e-cigarette sales in Germany rose by about one quarter in 2025 to €2.4 billion. Refillable devices are not expected to be affected by the ban.
May.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT Uzbekistan and Regulators Discuss Production Modernization and Export Expansion
BAT Uzbekistan and Regulators Discuss Production Modernization and Export Expansion
A meeting was held at the Department for Combating Economic Crimes under the General Prosecutor’s Office of Uzbekistan with representatives of British American Tobacco Uzbekistan. Participants included the department’s leadership, the Inspectorate for Regulation of the Alcohol and Tobacco Market, and business representatives.
May.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysia Nicotine Vape Market Faces Legal Uncertainty Over Tax and Poisons List Ruling
Malaysia Nicotine Vape Market Faces Legal Uncertainty Over Tax and Poisons List Ruling
Malaysia’s Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim said duties and taxes on nicotine-containing vape products will be determined in line with the Court of Appeal’s ruling on whether liquid or gel nicotine can be exempted from the Poisons List under the Poisons Act 1952, a case that could affect the legal basis for vape taxation, retail sales and future ban policy.
Jun.29
BAT Estimates U.S. Unauthorized Vape Market at $9.4 Billion, Plans New Vuse and Velo Launches After FDA Enforcement Shift
BAT Estimates U.S. Unauthorized Vape Market at $9.4 Billion, Plans New Vuse and Velo Launches After FDA Enforcement Shift
British American Tobacco (BAT) CEO Tadeu Marroco said the U.S. unauthorized vape market is worth about £7 billion, or US$9.43 billion. Following a shift in FDA enforcement policy, BAT plans to launch flavored Vuse products in the third quarter and an updated Velo pouch in August or September.
Jun.15
Special Report | Russian Vape Compromise Faces First Hurdles
Special Report | Russian Vape Compromise Faces First Hurdles
Russia’s regional vape-ban model is facing early legal and political tests, as Perm Krai moves ahead before federal legislation is fully adopted. The case highlights uncertainty over regional authority, concerns from business groups about market fragmentation, and the risk that pressure against regional bans could revive calls for a stricter nationwide prohibition.
Industry Insight
May.28