Imperial Brands scientists and innovators showcase how our consumer-led approach is helping us grow our contribution to tobacco harm reduction.
A diverse selection of Imperial Brands delegates took part in the noted harm reduction conference the Global Forum on Nicotine (GFN) in Warsaw in June, excited to demonstrate how we’re blending science, innovation and insights to build a healthier future for our consumers.
Presenting on the importance of consumer-centric innovation, Global Innovation Director Mattia De Dominicis and Head of R&D Paul Ellis spoke about our dynamic insights and partnership-driven approach to building capability across a broad portfolio of diverse next generation products (NGP).
These agile new ways of working have, among other benefits, helped drive improvements in bringing innovative and high quality NGP to market at pace.
Elsewhere at the event, Director of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Joe Thompson took part in a panel discussion focusing on the economics of tobacco harm reduction.
Joe explained how our business is guided by the tobacco harm reduction (THR) equation, and the way it demonstrates how NGP can have a positive impact on public health.
The panel discussed the importance of several factors – including scientific substantiation, consumer acceptance and addressing unintended appeal and usage – in maximising the success of THR.
Joe argued that good regulation, another key driver of THR, should be based on science and consumer protection (including high standards and proactive enforcement). Effective regulation would allow for meaningful communication between brands and adults smokers about the potential health benefits of NGP, he said, and alternative products should be taxed appropriately and proportionally.
Imperial Brands scientists were active too, submitting a series of ‘GFN Five’ short films discussing their latest NGP research.
GFN confrence
Head of R&D Paul Ellis spoke to the GFN about the importance of consumer-centric innovation.
Building on his GFN panel contribution, Director of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Joe Thompson shared further thoughts on the regulation of NGP on our dedicated Science website.
These included the first public presentation of our behavioural study on Pulze 2.0 and iD in the Czech Republic, where we tracked adult smoking participants and demonstrated how they used our products over time to substantially reduce smoking – or stop using cigarettes entirely.
Study lead Martin Fitzpatrick also led an associated ‘Science Lab’ session, where he discussed the study’s encouraging findings in more detail with other attendees – and exclusively revealed two new vape-focused in-market behavioural initiatives using blu currently in progress.
You can watch all our GFN Fives here.
Finally, our dedicated science & innovation booth at the adjacent International Symposium on Nicotine Technology enabled attendees including industry, scientists, public health professionals, and noted harm reductionists to interact constructively with our team.
You can read and watch more content from this year’s GFN at https://gfn.events/#GFN24
