RRP (Consumer expectations)

Reducing health impact: Transparency in RRP science

The JT Group has a long history of developing propositions with the potential to reduce the health risks associated with smoking. In recent years, many adult smokers have chosen to use such products, in particular non-combustible products, which reduce exposure to known harmful substances found in tobacco smoke. Several public health bodies have endorsed such products for their reduced-risk potential, which can contribute to harm reduction.

We believe it is essential for reduced risk potential to be scientifically substantiated and findings shared transparently in order to support informed choice. Every year, we invest heavily in research to thoroughly evaluate our Reduced Risk Propositions. One exciting area we use is New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), including cutting edge Organ on a Chip (OoC) technology. These tiny, simulated “organs” allow us to study how substances behave in conditions that more closely resemble real human biology, giving us deeper, more relevant scientific insights than traditional lab tests.

One recent study we published looked at how aerosols from Heated Products compare with cigarette smoke in their effects on the early stages of atherosclerosis, a condition which happens when plaque builds up in the arteries and can lead to serious cardiovascular problems. Multiple lifestyle factors play a role, including diet, exercise, and smoking. To explore this, our scientists used an advanced OoC model, essentially a tiny, lab grown blood vessel. This allowed them to see how the cells reacted to Heated Products aerosols compared to cigarette smoke in a controlled way, especially how the immune system might respond. Overall, this approach aimed to help us better understand whether Heated Products may pose a lower risk than combustible cigarettes when it comes to early changes linked to cardiovascular diseases.

Our chip based blood vessel model let us closely observe how different tobacco products trigger inflammation, a key event in the development of atherosclerosis. Heated Products aerosols had far less impact than cigarette smoke: they weakened the vessel lining much less and attracted fewer immune cells. In fact, their effects looked similar to the untreated control conditions, suggesting Heated Products aerosols may pose a lower risk to blood vessel inflammation and the development of atherosclerosis. (Monocyte migration assay using a vascular-on-a-chip model and its utilization for the evaluation of a heated tobacco product - Hayashida et al., 2025, Frontiers in Toxicology)

These advanced lab methods can provide a useful first screen of tobacco products and their potential effects on the human body. To build a fuller picture, additional, including longer-term, studies are required to translate our laboratory insights into a clearer understanding of real world consumer health impacts.

We have a clear commitment to transparently evaluate the reduced risk potential of RRPs and we share the findings of our scientific studies openly, presenting them at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.

Read more about the science behind RRP on the JT International website.

Our approach to RRP sourcing

We have a dedicated RRP sourcing team specialized in sourcing RRP devices manufactured by contract manufacturing organizations. Our approach to responsible sourcing is aligned with the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. To better identify and assess supply chain risks, we use a risk-based due diligence approach. We consider risks inherent to electronic manufacturing and raw materials sourcing, as well as the specific human rights and environmental risks related to each supplier and the countries where they operate. We collaborate with suppliers to strengthen their capabilities and help them continuously improve their sustainability performance.

As a member of the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA), we are committed to RBA Code of Conduct and leverage their initiatives and tools to ensure the responsible manufacturing of our products. All of our existing Tier 1 and selected high-risk Tier 2 suppliers were audited under the RBA Validated Assessment Program (VAP) and received silver recognition, with audit scores exceeding the average of their respective countries. The audits typically identify issues related to working hours, health and safety, and emergency preparedness, which require close attention and are usually addressed after implementing a corrective action plan.

As stated in our Minerals Sourcing Statement, we are committed to sourcing materials responsibly, and we extend this expectation to our suppliers through our updated Supplier Standards. This commitment is supported by and aligned with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals. We leverage the Responsible Minerals Initiative tools to increase visibility deeper in our supply chain. In 2025, we expanded our due diligence scope to cover battery-contained metals and worked with our battery suppliers to ensure the minerals in our supply chain are responsibly sourced. Recognizing that certain risks are inherent at deeper levels of our supply chain, we partnered with a 3rd party platform to map our supply chain and identify potential forced labor risks beyond Tier 2. The complexity and dynamics of the electronics supply chain make this process very challenging, however, we remain committed to better understanding our supply chain and its inherent risks.

Further to the environmental topics covered through RBA audits, we launched a more detailed environmental due diligence. We work toward assessing the environmental impact of our RRP devices through a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), with a primary focus on climate change. This allows us to identify hotspots and address our impacts in close collaboration with our suppliers.

Read more about Reduced-risk product sourcing on JT International website.



Various information on Consumer expectations can be found at followings.

Read about progress towards targets

Read more about RRP outlook, Circularity, and other details about our RRP products in the Integrated Report 2026.