Philip Morris International (PMI) is a name that used to be closely linked with Marlboro cigarettes, but today it’s gaining recognition for its significant transformation. With a goal of creating a smoke-free future, PMI is changing the game for an entire industry.
The Origin: From Small Tobacco Shop to Global Empire
Philip Morris started in 1847 as a modest tobacco shop on London’s Bond Street. The founder, Philip Morris, sold hand-rolled Turkish cigarettes. After his death, his family carried on the business, and by the early 1900s, the brand had made its way to the U.S. market. Over the next century, PMI grew into one of the largest tobacco companies worldwide, with famous products like Marlboro becoming household names.
But this power brought increased scrutiny.
By the 2000s, rising health concerns and stricter rules led to a clear message for tobacco companies: change or disappear. PMI chose to change, but not in the way most expected.
A Radical Shift: Smoke-Free FutureIn 2016, PMI surprised everyone with an announcement that it aimed to phase out cigarettes completely. Yes, a cigarette company working to end cigarette smoking.At the heart of this change is PMI’s investment in science and technology. The company dedicated over $10.5 billion to develop reduced-risk products (RRPs), like IQOS, a heat-not-burn device that heats tobacco instead of burning it—providing nicotine without producing smoke.
PMI asserts these alternatives greatly lower the harmful chemical levels compared to traditional cigarettes. The company’s goal isn’t to attract new smokers, but to offer better options for adults who would otherwise keep smoking.
Science Meets StrategyTo support its claims, PMI built The Cube, a top-notch research center in Switzerland. The company now has hundreds of scientists—from toxicologists to behavioral experts—focused on studying the effects of its smoke-free products.Currently, IQOS is available in over 80 markets, and PMI reports that over 20 million smokers have already switched to it.Their marketing has changed as well. Instead of flashy advertisements, PMI collaborates with public health experts, governments, and researchers to promote responsible harm reduction.
What’s Next: The Future of PMI
PMI doesn’t just want to sell improved nicotine products—it aims to go beyond nicotine. The company recently ventured into wellness and healthcare, acquiring businesses like Fertin Pharma and Vectura to develop inhalable drug delivery systems and oral delivery formats.
In the next few years, PMI plans to evolve into a diverse science-based company. The future might include nicotine-free products, wellness solutions, and even medical devices.
Why It Matters :Philip Morris International’s story is about more than just corporate change—it highlights how even the most controversial industries can reinvent themselves. Whether you support the company or not, PMI’s shift serves as an example of bold vision and real-world innovation.From a small shop in London to a global scientific leader, Philip Morris International’s journey is genuinely transformative. Its transition from promoting cigarettes to creating a smoke-free future provides a fresh take on corporate responsibility and innovation.-Kartik Naik