Draft:Ploom Device: An Overview

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
  • Comment: entirely inappropriate promotional marketing. Theroadislong (talk) 19:12, 25 January 2024 (UTC)

The Ploom device, introduced by Japan Tobacco Inc. (JTI) in 2016, represents a hybrid approach to tobacco consumption, incorporating both heated tobacco and electronic cigarette elements. Unlike traditional smoking, Ploom employs a heating chamber to elevate the temperature of tobacco without combustion, aiming to provide users with a cigarette-like experience devoid of smoke and ash.

History[edit]

The Ploom device was developed by JTI, a multinational tobacco company headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Initially, the Ploom brand was founded by James Monsees and Adam Bowen in 2007 (California, USA) as an electronic vaporizer company with which JTI had partnership since 2011 to commercialized the Ploom products outside the US. However, partnership came to an end in 2015, and JTI acquired a number of patents and trademarks relating to the product; Ploom becomes Pax Labs:[1]

Later, the JTI launched the newly redeveloped device on its own technologies in Japan in 2016[2], and with time has been introduced to other markets such as the UK[3] and Italy[4].

Ploom HTP hybrids[edit]

JTI's heated tobacco product (HTP), Ploom TECH, and its enhanced version, Ploom TECH+, utilize hybrid technology. This involves heating a liquid to produce vapor, akin to e-cigarettes, and subsequently passing the vapor through a capsule containing tobacco. Launched officially in April 2016 in Japan, JTI characterizes these products as "tobacco infused." Notably, Ploom TECH stands out in the HTP market by employing "low temperature" heating at 30°C and 40°C, respectively. In contrast, conventional cigarettes reach temperatures around 600°C, Philip Morris International's IQOS at 350°C, and British American Tobacco's glo at 280°C.[5]

PloomTech, alternatively marketed as Logic Vapeleaf in the United States since 2017, faced regulatory scrutiny as it seemed to lack Pre-Market Authorization, a mandatory requirement in the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) addressed this concern by requesting additional information from JTI in September 2019. Finally, in March 2022, the FDA approved the marketing of Logic Vapeleaf in the U.S.

The JT will discontinue its Ploom TECH, Ploom TECH + and Ploom TECH + With infused tobacco capsule devices, which are only in Japan. They will be available until stocks are sold out.[6]

Ploom Heated Tobacco[edit]

Following Ploom Tech JTI introduced Ploom S in August 2019, exclusively utilizing tobacco sticks heated to 200°C. In November 2020, JTI launched Ploom S and Evo tobacco sticks in the UK, making them available online and through various channels, including independent retailers, "pop-up shops," and tobacconist stores. This launch occurred amid the COVID-19 pandemic, shortly after the announcement of renewed closures for non-essential commercial premises, including e-cigarette stores.[7]

In July 2021, JTI unveiled its latest HTP, Ploom X, in Japan, supported by digital campaigns and the introduction of the Ploom X CLUB portal. Additionally, JTI markets tobacco sticks compatible with Ploom devices under its Mevius and Camel tobacco brands.

Japan Tobacco Corporation (JT) announced the launch of their new heated tobacco product “Ploom X Advanced” in November 2023. On October 30, according to an official announcement on the Japan Tobacco website, Japan Tobacco Corporation (JT) revealed that its latest heated tobacco product, “Ploom X Advanced.

The models are[8]

Model Year Released Market Features And Distinct Qualities Insert
PLOOM TECH 2016 March Japan
  • inhaling mist from the capsule as the LED tip glows blue
  • low-temperature heating, 30 degrees Celsius
  • almost odorless
Tobacco capsules
PLOOM TECH PLUS 2016 November Only Japan
  • no waiting time for heating and ready-to-smoke-liquid heating type easier to use than Ploom Tech
  • achieves “less than 1% odor” like “Ploom Tech
  • low-temperature heating, 40 degrees Celsius
  • auto stop function
  • blinking power to indicate remaining battery power
  • has more - improved adsorption and sucking power than Ploom Tech tobacco leaves and tobacco vapor (water vapor generated) than regular Ploom Tech
  • smaller size than Ploom X
Tobacco capsules
PLOOM S 2019 January UK, Italy, Russia, Japan
  • 200 degrees heating temperature
  • omnidirectional heating type
  • cute design
  • the model with the least odor among high-temperature heating devices
  • curved form and shape
  • matte main body
  • can only smoke 10 cigarette sticks on a full charge
  • takes 90 minutes to fully charge
  • 40 seconds waiting time for heating
  • effortless cleaning and maintenance
  • feel more tobacco than tech series
Tobacco sticks
PLOOM S 2.0 2020 July UK, Italy, Russia, Japan
  • equipped with taste accelerator specialized for menthol, with a new heating mode “Taste Accel”
  • extended peak time of heating temperature compared to Ploom S so menthol flavor will be more pronounced (about 30 seconds)
  • high temperature heating
  • 60 minutes (20 sticks) charging time or 90 minutes (22 sticks)
  • 10g heavier than the S model
Tobacco sticks
PLOOM TECH PLUS 1.5 2020 November Only Japan
  • 1mm thinner in diameter and 4g lighter in weight than 1.0
  • 60 minutes charging time
  • 2 pieces (main body, mouthpiece)
Tobacco capsules
PLOOM X 2021 August Italy, UK, Portugal, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Japan, Kazakhstan
  • aluminum body
  • can link to the phone via Bluetooth for checking battery percentage and device locking function
  • stronger kick and taste than Ploom Tech Plus
  • charging time of 110 minutes
  • 25 seconds heating time
  • high temperature heating, 300 degrees Celsius
  • odorless and good suction
  • blinking pattern during malfunction and temperature abnormality
  • cool, sleek design
Tobacco sticks
2023 November Ploom X Advanced 2023 November Europe, Japan
  • an upgraded heating technology, dubbed “Power Heatflow,” which increases the maximum heating temperature from 295 degrees Celsius to 320 degrees Celsius to provide a richer flavor experience
  • a new automatic heating function that automatically starts heating when a stick is inserted into the device.
  • reduced charging time from approximately 110 minutes for the current model to approximately 90 minutes.
Tobacco sticks

Product Features[edit]

Intuitouch design provides an intuitive User Interface that is user-friendly[9].

The device is artistically designed with an aluminum body that is durable and includes vibration and LED indicators that allow the user to effortlessly check the device's readiness.

Ploom X ensures improved airflow, heating temperature control, and an overall better experience. Blending expert techniques with HEATFLOW®[10], the heated tobacco sticks bring out the highest quality aroma and a rich aftertaste[11]

The front panels of Ploom X are available in seven different colors and are magnetically attached to the device, allowing consumers to freely customize their device according to their personal preferences.

Marketing[edit]

The company has positioned the device as a way for smokers to enjoy tobacco with the less negative health effects of smoking. JTI has also marketed the device as a more convenient and discreet way to enjoy tobacco, as it produces less smoke and odor than traditional cigarettes.

JTI has used various marketing channels to promote the Ploom, including social media, advertising, and influencer marketing. The company has also partnered with retailers and online stores to sell the device and accessories.

Ploom is successful in Japan. Several models of the Ploom device have been launched in Japan, but the real success has been achieved by the well-known Ploom X, Currently, Ploom X holds a 3.8% market share in Japan and has already gained over 1.5 million consumers.

Scientific Understanding[edit]

Research on heated tobacco products is ongoing to better understand their impact on health. Some studies suggest that compared to traditional cigarettes, heated tobacco products may expose users to lower levels of harmful chemicals, which has led to the perception that they could be a less harmful alternative. However, the long-term health effects are still not fully known, and the scientific community continues to monitor and assess the potential risks associated with heated tobacco use.[12]

Future Perspectives[edit]

The Ploom continues to launch its product worldwide and invest in it, currently reaching 13 countries.

  1. ^ Page, Barnaby (2015-02-17). "Ploom and JTI agree to split up, divide heat-not-burn brands". ECigIntelligence. Retrieved 2023-11-30
  2. ^ "JT Group launches Ploom X The next generation heated tobacco device hits stores across Japan on August 17th | JT Global Site". www.jt.com. Retrieved 2023-05-30.
  3. ^ "Ploom X Debuts in the United Kingdom". Tobacco Reporter. 2022-11-03. Retrieved 2023-05-30.
  4. ^ "Ploom X | Japan Tobacco International – a global tobacco company". www.jti.com. Retrieved 2023-05-30.
  5. ^ Newer Nicotine and Tobacco Products: Japan Tobacco International tobaccotactics.org Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  6. ^ JT Launches New Infused Tobacco Device tobaccoreporter.com Retrieved 2023-07-05.
  7. ^ Newer Nicotine and Tobacco Products: Japan Tobacco International tobaccotactics.org Retrieved 2023-02-16.
  8. ^ "Introducing the Ploom X: JT's Next-Generation Global Model Heated Cigarette Device with Advanced Technologies and Customizable Designs! | OTOKOMAE | Men's Fashion Media". en.otokomaeken.com. 2021-08-03. Retrieved 2023-05-30.
  9. ^ "JT Group launches Ploom X". OTS.at. Retrieved 2023-05-30.
  10. ^ "Branching Out". Tobacco Reporter. 2023-01-01. Retrieved 2023-05-30.
  11. ^ "Experience the New Plum Violet Color for Ploom X's Customizable Front Panel: A Distinctive and Stylish Addition to the Next Generation Heated Tobacco Device | OTOKOMAE | Men's Fashion Media". en.otokomaeken.com. 2022-09-14. Retrieved 2023-05-30.
  12. ^ Exposure to Heated Tobacco Products and Adverse Health Effects, a Systematic Review www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Published online 2021 Jun 21