Invited journalists attending Technovation 2025 recently got answers from Sampoerna’s scientific experts, not only during a panel discussion but also through a visit to the company’s manufacturing facility and globally standardized Testing and Analysis Laboratory in Karawang, West Java.

The visit to the factory and its Advanced Lab offered a vivid look at how state-of-the-art technology operates quickly and efficiently, with automated systems that reflect Sampoerna’s commitment to quality and innovation.

Sampoerna’s President Director, Ivan Cahyadi, noted that the manufacturing facility is proof that Indonesia is not only a key market but also one of the global centers of excellence for the research and development of smoke-free tobacco products.

For example, a comprehensive quality control system ensures that every product leaving the factory is based on global standard.

Sampoerna’s Head of Quality, Nikolas Widhi Ananggadipa, stated that the Advanced Lab in Karawang, the first of its kind in Asia and the second in the world, has received ISO 17025 accreditation, a globally recognized standard for technical competence and stringent quality management systems.

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PMI’s only Advanced Lab in Asia is staffed by around 200 highly qualified Indonesian experts, some of the country’s top talents, who conduct rigorous testing and quality analysis for smoke-free products marketed not only in Indonesia but also across PMI affiliates worldwide.

Niko noted that the cutting-edge lab can process thousands of smoke-free product samples to meet the demands of both domestic and Asia Pacific markets. “Testing is crucial to ensure that our products, whether for domestic use or export to various countries in the Asia Pacific region, meet the highest global standards for adult nicotine consumers,” he said.

Sampoerna’s smoke-free products eliminate combustion, emitting an average of 90–95 percent lower levels of harmful and potentially harmful substances compared to traditional cigarettes.

Sampoerna Director Elvira Lianita emphasized the importance of providing accurate information about the causes of tobacco-related diseases, noting that public understanding is often clouded by misinformation.

“Many believe that nicotine is the cause of tobacco-related diseases, but studies show that the primary culprit is combustion, or the burning of tobacco,” she said, adding that tobacco smoke contains numerous toxic chemicals that harm health.

Elvira also encouraged stakeholders and researchers to conduct independent studies on the topic. She reiterated Sampoerna’s commitment to transparency in disseminating product information and research findings.

Meanwhile, PMI’s Scientific Engagement Director, Tomoko Iida, stated that smoke-free products based on harm reduction principles could significantly improve public health outcomes.

Japan and Sweden are tangible examples of how innovation in smoke-free products contribute to lowering cigarette smoking prevalence. In Japan, smoking prevalence among adults aged 20 and above declined from 20.1 percent in 2011 to 9.4 percent in 2023.

In Sweden, the introduction of nicotine pouches in 1973 as an alternative to cigarettes has also correlated with improved public health. The country records about 17 lung cancer cases per 100,000 men, far below the European Union average of approximately 42 cases.

“This is a core aspect of tobacco harm reduction. When you have a scientifically validated product that is better than cigarettes, and adult smokers have access to switch, you can observe real population-level impact,” Tomoko said at Technovation 2025 in Jakarta on July 2.

Sampoerna’s Marketing Director, Andre Dahan, highlighted the wide range of smoke-free products developed by the company. In the heated tobacco category, Sampoerna offers IQOS ILUMA i and BONDS by IQOS.

In the vape category, Sampoerna produces VEEV ONE and VEEV NOW, both rigorously tested to meet the needs of adult consumers seeking better alternatives.

Additionally, Sampoerna has introduced ZYN nicotine pouches, currently available exclusively in Jakarta and Bali as part of a phased launch and market research strategy.

“We are confident that the innovations developed by Sampoerna address the needs of adult nicotine consumers seeking better smoke-free alternatives. We are optimistic that smoke-free products will play a significant role in improving public health in Indonesia,” Andre said.

According to Andre, Sampoerna’s smoke-free products are of world-class quality, backed by advanced production facilities and an investment of US$330 million (approximately Rp 5.3 trillion).

In just two years of operation, the facility has exported products to countries such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Japan (duty-free), Kazakhstan, Maldives, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, the Philippines, Pakistan and South Korea (duty-free).

Scientific and technological innovations have played a vital role in helping PMI realize its vision of offering smoke-free alternatives for adult nicotine users who choose to continue consuming tobacco.

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