Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1500748
28 tobaccoasia PRODUCT NEWS 产品新闻 Finan also said the usage of Juul products by minors had decreased by nearly 95%, citing federal data. "The terms of the agreement, like prior settlements, provide financial resources to further combat underage use and develop cessation programs and reflect our current business practices," Finan said. Innokin Partners with Aquios on Water-Based Vapes Innokin Technology is partnering with Aquios Labs launching water-based vapes using a technology Aquios developed to offer smokers a better smoking experience. Unlike traditional vapes, the e-liquid in AQ30 water- based vapes is 30% water. The high water content was made possible through a specialized formulation process developed by Aquios and a new hardware design developed by Innokin. Research and development took more than two years, and the resulting technology is a unique offering in the vaping market. The water content found in products deploying AQ30 technology produces smoother vapor, delivers nicotine to the bloodstream more efficiently, and significantly reduces the dehydration associated with vaping. Additionally, water acts as a neutral flavor carrier, resulting in more balanced and natural flavors than previously possible. Furthermore, the water-based technology may have big implications for reducing the harm that can result from vaping. With a significantly lower 119°C boiling point, vapes using AQ30 technology were found to produce 92% less acetaldehyde and 81% less formaldehyde compared to traditional vapes. That scientific result has been proven through tests carried by leading labs in the world. The initial line-up of water-based vaping products was launched in all major markets in the first quarter of 2022, including Aquios Bar and Esco Bar 6000. Positive reviews and feedback from trade press and from consumers led to adoption of the solution in professional vapor and FMCG retail channels, such as Eco Vape, JM Wholesale, Best One, Nisa, etc. Innokin launched Innobar C1 in November 2022, including a line-up of disposable devices and the reusable Innobar C1 pod system, all of which rely on AQ30 water- based technology. The Innobar C1 has been particularly successful and strongly contributed to business growth as the replaceable, pre-filled pods can be easily tailored to the desired specifications of the vaper. A strong finish to 2022 culminated in Innokin and Aquios Labs' venture winning "Biggest Breakthrough Innovation" at the Golden Leaf awards in Washington, DC, winning over vaping industry bigwigs with their breakthrough technology. With water-based vaping technology on track to gain a significant share of the market in 2023, Innokin and Aquios aim to launch the products in more markets over the coming year. EU Parliament Members Clueless About New Products Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are less aware of key issues surrounding new nicotine products than in previous years, despite being asked to vote on important new legislation concerning the topic in the coming months, according to a new survey. The third annual MEP survey conducted by business intelligence researcher Tamarind Intelligence, publisher of ECigIntelligence and TobaccoIntelligence platforms, shows that the more MEPs know about new nicotine products (e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches and heated tobacco), the more likely they are to consider that these products are less harmful than cigarettes. Among its key findings, the report shows that: • MEPs rarely believe that new nicotine products are as harmful as smoking – only 19% of responses, the lowest number since the annual survey was launched in 2020 – and a majority believe they are less harmful than smoking. • MEPs with no knowledge of new nicotine products are becoming far more likely to acknowledge that they don't know the risks. In previous years MEPs were quick to adopt a position in one direction or the other, but in 2022 half of MEPs with no knowledge said they didn't know the risks of these products. • MEPs with some knowledge of new nicotine products strongly tend to believe (76% of responses) that they are less harmful than smoking. • While very few MEPs consider that new nicotine products should be more restricted than traditional tobacco, and a majority believe online sales should be allowed for adults (with age verification), more MEPs are unsure how they should be regulated than in previous years. Tim Phillips, managing director of Tamarind Intelligence, said, "Our 3rd annual MEP Survey results are particularly relevant given the recent launch of the European Commis- sion's public consultation on evaluating the legislative frame- work for tobacco control at the end of February 2023, and the adoption by the European Parliament of the BECA commit- tee's recommendations over a year ago. As some of the questions in the Commission's consultation are similar to the ones we asked in our MEP Survey, it will be fascinating to see if MEPs views on the topic of new nicotine products will be in line with responses to the public consultation." The survey was carried out online and anonymously, and all data from it remains confidential other than as used in consolidated analysis. The survey was sent to all MEPs (from all member states and political parties) and responses were obtained from 43 MEPs representing 6% of the European Parliament. Innokin's Innobar C1, a joint venture with Aquios Labs, uses 30% water in its e-liquid, which creates a smoothness, helps absorption of nicotine, and reduces dehydration.

