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Category: Around the Industry

  • Cambodia Orders Pollution Controls at Tobacco Facility

    Cambodia Orders Pollution Controls at Tobacco Facility

    Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment issued corrective orders to the Koh Pen Small Tobacco Processing Enterprise in Kong Pisey District following multiple complaints of strong odors and air pollution. An inspection this week led by deputy director Ung Vutthy, found the facility operating without an environmental permit and lacking proper ventilation and waste management systems.

    The factory must now separate production areas, install odor and dust control equipment, and obtain an environmental management license. The Ministry will continue monitoring to ensure full compliance with national environmental standards.

  • E-liquids.com Launches New Line After UK Ban

    E-liquids.com Launches New Line After UK Ban

    With the UK’s ban on traditional single-use vapes, E-liquids.com introduced a wide range of disposable vape alternatives featuring brands like Lost Mary BM600, Elf Bar 600, SKE BAR 600 Pre-filled Pod Kit, and PIXL 8000. E-liquids.com’s new lineup includes vape kits, vape pods, and juices in 3,000 flavors and strengths.

    Designed to deliver the same flavors and convenience as banned single-use models, the new alternatives include pre-filled and refillable pod kits, starter kits, and advanced vape devices. The company hopes these options offer a more sustainable, cost-effective, and customizable vaping experience.

  • EU’s Plan to Tax Tobacco, Large Companies Continues

    EU’s Plan to Tax Tobacco, Large Companies Continues

    Last week, Euractiv reported reviewing a document where the European Commission was pushing for new taxes on tobacco, large corporations, electronics waste, and carbon emissions, to help fund its next long-term budget (2028–2034). This week, more details and context are emerging.

    With the costs of most everything increasing, and the fact that the EU needs to begin repayment of €650 billion in Covid recovery loans starting in 2028, Euractiv said the EU needs new income sources beyond traditional gross national income-based contributions, which fund 56% of the current budget.

    The reported plan includes a Tobacco Excise Duty Own Resource (TEDOR), expected to bring in major revenue while supporting public health goals. Previous reports suggest the Commission has floated a 139% tax hike on cigarettes. Other proposed revenue sources include a Corporate Resource for Europe (CORE) for firms with over €50 million turnover, and green taxes like carbon levies (ETS1, CBAM) and electronics waste contributions.

    All 27 member states must approve the plan unanimously, making negotiations politically complex. However, the Commission views the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) as a critical moment to secure the bloc’s economic, environmental, and defense goals.

  • Parkside Champions Flexible Packaging for the Future of Tobacco

    Parkside Champions Flexible Packaging for the Future of Tobacco

    As the tobacco industry evolves toward reduced-risk products (RRPs), Parkside is urging manufacturers to rethink traditional packaging formats. Highlighting sustainability, convenience, and performance, the company says flexible packaging—especially high-barrier pouches and flow wraps—is the next step for modern nicotine delivery.

    “Next-generation products demand next-generation packaging,” said Laura Haggerty, Sales Account Manager, Tobacco at Parkside. Rigid jars and boxes, she explained, are increasingly misaligned with the needs of nicotine pouches, heated tobacco, and CBD formats, as well as shifting consumer expectations.

    Parkside offers recyclable, compostable, and mono-material solutions, enabling brands to lower their environmental impact while improving product protection and portability.

    “Flexible packaging is the next logical step for brands looking to future-proof their products,” Haggerty said.

  • Samsung SDI Avoids Liability in Vape Battery Explosion Case

    Samsung SDI Avoids Liability in Vape Battery Explosion Case

    Samsung SDI Co. Ltd. has been cleared of liability in a high-profile lawsuit over a vape battery explosion that severely injured a teenager, after the Seventh Circuit Court ruled the company had no direct ties to the Indiana vape market. In a unanimous 3–0 decision, the court upheld the dismissal of the case filed by B.D., a minor, who suffered third-degree burns and required skin grafts after a loose 18650 lithium-ion battery exploded in his pocket.

    The battery, manufactured by Samsung SDI, had been purchased from a local vape shop by B.D.’s stepfather. The court determined that Samsung SDI did not purposefully sell or market its batteries for standalone consumer vape use, and thus could not be held liable under Indiana jurisdiction. The company produces batteries for integration into finished products like laptops and power tools, not for resale as individual units.

    The ruling highlights the fine line between manufacturer liability and third-party misuse in the growing aftermarket battery trade, particularly as injuries linked to unregulated vape components continue to rise.

  • KT International Hosts Global Distributor Conference

    KT International Hosts Global Distributor Conference

    KT International SA recently hosted its KTI Distributor Conference 2025, welcoming 50 partners from over 30 countries under the theme “Growing Together.”

    The event showcased KT International’s global growth across 70 markets, featuring strategic sessions, product innovation workshops, and a tour of its state-of-the-art Plovdiv facility. Guests also enjoyed cultural highlights of the city and a gala dinner.

    As part of its ESG efforts, the company planted 50 trees to honor each participating partner. KTI said the conference reaffirmed its commitment to partnership, innovation, and building a sustainable global future with proudly Bulgarian roots.

  • The Cigar Academy to Train Dubai Duty Free

    The Cigar Academy to Train Dubai Duty Free

    The Cigar Academy has partnered with Dubai Duty Free to provide online training for its cigar retail staff, enhancing expertise in product knowledge, humidor care, pairings, and customer service. The program, supported by The Leaf Master, aims to elevate service standards in luxury travel retail.

    “This partnership supports our mission to empower cigar professionals worldwide,” said Thomas Gryson, co-founder of The Cigar Academy.

    Staff will receive certification through the academy’s digital learning platform.

  • Northerner.com Offers 25% Discount to Service Members, First Responders

    Northerner.com Offers 25% Discount to Service Members, First Responders

    Northerner.com launched a new service appreciation program in partnership with GOVX, the exclusive marketplace for military members, first responders, and government personnel, so eligible GOVX members can receive a 25% discount on all Northerner.com products as a thank-you for their service.

    “Partnering with GOVX is our way of honoring the everyday heroes who serve our communities with courage and commitment,” said James Lees, vice president of customer retention at Haypp Group, parent company of Northerner.com. “This partnership is one step in our ongoing harm reduction efforts. At Northerner.com, we stand behind those who consistently stand up for others—that’s our commitment.

    “This isn’t a limited-time deal—it’s a standing thank-you.”

    The discount can be accessed via a pop-up verification on Northerner.com and is available to over 9 million GOVX members. The promotion applies sitewide and can be combined with other offers. For more details or to sign up, visit Northerner.com or GOVX.com.

  • KT&G Launches ESSE in Germany, Marking Major European Expansion

    KT&G Launches ESSE in Germany, Marking Major European Expansion

    KT&G has officially launched its flagship ESSE superslim cigarette brand in Germany, signaling the start of a full-scale European expansion for the South Korean company. Partnering with German distributor Hauser, the company introduced ESSE Blue and ESSE Red in key cities including Berlin, Dortmund, and Munich.

    “ESSE has already been recognized as a competitive, stylish product in many countries, and has grown to become the global No. 1 superslim brand,” a KT&G spokesperson said. “We will continue to expand our influence in Germany based on the distinguished features of our product.”

    First launched in 1996, ESSE has grown to reach around 90 global markets, with major success in the Middle East, Russia, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. In 2024, the brand sold 430 billion sticks globally, claiming one-third of the global superslim segment.

  • 22nd Century Advances FDA Renewal for VLN

    22nd Century Advances FDA Renewal for VLN

    22nd Century Group, Inc. announced that it is proceeding with the Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP) renewal process for VLN, its flagship line of reduced-nicotine content cigarettes.

    First authorized by the FDA in December 2021, VLN remains the only combustible cigarette with MRTP designation, permitted to market key reduced-harm claims such as “95% less nicotine” and “Helps you smoke less.” The renewal, due in December 2026, comes as the company expands its VLN portfolio through partnerships and patented low-nicotine plant varieties.

    “Our MRTP authorization for VLN cigarettes stands apart as one of the most unique and innovative tools in the tobacco industry, leading the fight in Tobacco Harm Reduction to reduce the health harms of smoking,” said Larry Firestone, Chief Executive Officer of 22nd Century Group. “Our VLN cigarette is the only product that meets the FDA’s guideline for low nicotine based on its proposed low-nicotine mandate issued in January 2025.

    “While the FDA’s mandate has not yet become a final ruling, we expect that the FDA will fully support our MRTP renewal for VLN.”