Facts & figures

    PMI’s progress toward a smoke-free future

    In 2016, Philip Morris International (PMI) announced its new purpose: to deliver a smoke-free future. The metrics showcased here illustrate how PMI is working to meet this goal by focusing its resources on developing and scientifically substantiating smoke-free products as less harmful alternatives for adult smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke.

     

    These facts and figures were most recently updated in July 2024. You can read our latest Integrated Report to learn more about some of these key facts and figures, as well as other performance metrics.

    Studies

    Scientific studies behind PMI’s harm reduction strategy

    At PMI, we take a rigorous, evidence-based approach to substantiate the harm reduction potential of switching to our smoke-free products compared with continuing to smoke. Our scientific assessment program contains distinct research “steps,” although each product is assessed differently. Assessment includes research in aerosol chemistry and physics, toxicology, clinical studies, perception and behavior studies, and long-term research. Through meticulous research and analysis, we continue to advance our understanding of smoke-free products and their potential impact on public health.

    Learn about our smoke-free product assessment approach
    Publications

    PMI’s scientific publications

    We have published 532 scientific publications since 2008, most open access. Sharing our research through peer-reviewed articles and open-access publications builds transparency and trust in our science and fosters informed dialogue on the potential benefits of smoke-free products on public health. We publish our findings on PMIScience.com and produce regular briefings through our Scientific Update magazines and Open Science events, which complement what we share throughout the year.

    Technologies

    Patents for PMI smoke-free technologies

    In 2023, we invested USD 709 million in R&D, of which 99% continues to be dedicated to smoke-free products. Our commitment to change underpins our business transformation and has resulted in an extensive portfolio of patents for smoke-free technologies. These patents, granted by the world's five largest intellectual property offices, reflect our ongoing efforts to develop and commercialize products that potentially benefit harm reduction and public health. Innovation also guides improvements in areas from sourcing to manufacturing, logistics, and sales.

    Explore our product technologies
    OUR PEOPLE

    Scientists and engineers leading PMI’s science

    To fulfill our commitment to a smoke-free future, PMI consistently expanded our dedicated team of scientists, engineers, technicians, and support staff year after year. Our science team plays a pivotal role in driving PMI’s research and development (R&D) efforts toward smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes. With a diverse range of expertise spanning various scientific and engineering disciplines, our growing team is committed to innovating smoke-free products, providing adults who would otherwise continue to smoke with a range of better alternatives than continued smoking to choose from.

    Investment

    PMI's investment in smoke-free products

    Since 2008, PMI has made a substantial investment in the development, testing, manufacturing, and responsible commercialization of smoke-free products. This investment is driving the transition toward a smoke-free future by providing adult smokers with scientifically substantiated, better alternatives to cigarettes.

    Expenditure

    Expenditure on smoke-free product innovation

    The delivery of a smoke-free future is powered by the growth in expenditure on initiatives aimed at advancing tobacco harm reduction. Our R&D effort is focused on developing and scientifically substantiating smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes for adult smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke. By allocating resources toward scientific research, product development, and meeting regulatory standards, we are relentlessly working toward delivering innovative smoke-free products.

    Read more about research at PMI
    Users

    Increasing adult usage of PMI smoke-free products

    The increasing number of users of PMI smoke-free products indicates a growing demand for alternatives to traditional cigarettes. We estimate that approximately 38.6 million adults were using our smoke-free products, as of December 31, 2024. This includes an estimated 32.2 million HTP users, 72% of which have completely switched and stopped smoking, 5.7 million oral smokeless users, and 1.0 million e-vapor users. With millions of smokers successfully stopping smoking, our heated tobacco products have the potential to make a positive impact on public health and contribute to the realization of a smoke-free future.

    Explore the science behind the smoke-free future with our PMI Science Booklet

    First half (H1) and full year estimated total adult users of PMI smoke-free products (in millions) is defined as the sum of total HTP users, total oral smokeless users, and total e-vapor users minus poly-users across PMI smoke-free categories.

    Source: The graph should be read in conjunction with the PMI’s earnings release of February 6, 2025, and the accompanying glossary of key terms, definitions, explanatory notes, select financial information and reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures available on our Investor Relations pages.

    Related articles
    laboratory-tablet.jpg
    Our findings on the Tobacco Heating System
    Discover key scientific results on PMI’s heated tobacco products (HTPs), focusing on the Tobacco Heating System (THS).
    Dark blue world map with a network of lines and lights.
    Explore PMI’s Global Network
    Discover PMI’s global network of research and production sites for smoke-free products.
    Gloved hand holding test tube
    Milestones in Tobacco Heating System research
    PMI answers questions about some of the key scientific research relating to THS and what this can tell us about the harm-reduction potential of smoke-free products.

    PMIScience.com is operated by Philip Morris International for the purpose of publishing and disseminating scientific information about Philip Morris International’s efforts in support of its smoke-free product portfolio. This site is a global site for use by scientists, the public health and regulatory communities, and other stakeholders with an interest in tobacco policy. The purpose of this site is not advertising or marketing, nor is it directed at any specific market. It is not intended for use by consumers. New tobacco products sold in the United States are subject to FDA regulation; therefore the content of this site is not intended to make, and nor should it be construed as making, any product related claims in the United States without proper FDA authorization. ​
    ​
    Reduced Risk Products ("RRPs”) is the term we use to refer to products that present, are likely to present, or have the potential to present less risk of harm to smokers who switch to these products versus continuing smoking. PMI has a range of RRPs in various stages of development, scientific assessment and commercialization. All of our RRPs are smoke-free products that deliver nicotine with far lower quantities of harmful and potentially harmful constituents than found in cigarette smoke.