Tobacco Asia

tobaccoasia 59 CLOSING NEWS 卷尾新闻 Tobacco's chemical makeup supports this method. The plant contains high levels of water‑soluble carbohydrates and nitrogen and relatively low lignin content, making it easier to break down than energy crops such as switchgrass or Miscan‑ thus. Environmental assessments cited by the researchers suggest that growing tobacco on marginal or degraded land worldwide could generate about 573 billion gallons of ethanol per year. Compared with traditional lignocellulosic biofuels, etha‑ nol derived from tobacco could cut greenhouse gas emissions and overall energy use by roughly 76%, according to the study. Laboratory tests indicate that tobacco biomass can produce several hundred liters of ethanol per metric ton. Under intensive farming practices, tobacco cultivation yields about 10 to 15 dry tons per hectare, which translates into potential ethanol output of several thousand liters per hectare. These figures place tobacco in a competitive range alongside established bioenergy crops such as sorghum and switchgrass. The researchers say the approach could help provide alternative income streams for tobacco farmers as global cigarette demand declines, while also supporting climate objectives by lowering emissions associated with biofuel production. They note, however, that technical hurdles remain. Nicotine toxicity can interfere with fermentation, requiring detoxification steps or the use of specialized microorganisms. New Director for JTI's Largest Factory Wojciech Odzimek has assumed the role of director of Japan Tobacco International's (JTI) factory complex in Stary Gostków, the company's largest production site globally. Valued at more than US$1.3 billion, the complex employs nearly 2,500 people and stands as one of JTI's most significant investments in Europe. Odzimek joined JTI in 2007, beginning his career in Poland within the engineering division. He later took on production responsibilities before moving into global roles in 2015. His international experience includes assignments at JTI's headquarters in Switzerland, leadership of a factory in Kazakhstan, oversight of investment projects in Ethiopia, and management of the company's plant in Izmir. In Poland, he succeeds Yan Sobolevsky, who recently became head of JTI's operations in Moldova. "This is a distinction and an important professional stage. I want to further strengthen the role of the Polish factory in JTI structures and develop its innovation and sustainable nature," Odzimek said. The Stary Gostków complex comprises four advanced manufacturing facilities, including the newest plant dedicated to innovative products and nicotine sachets. JTI invested more than US$200 million in this latest facility as part of its broader strategy to expand next‑generation product capacity. This year, the company also commissioned one of the largest solar farms in the region to support the site's energy needs. The project required an investment of PLN40 million (US$10 million) and now supplies power to the complex while cutting carbon dioxide emissions by roughly 10,000 tons annually. Across Poland, JTI's cumulative investment now exceeds US$1.3 billion. The company employs around 3,500 people nationwide, with the majority based at manufacturing sites near Łódź. The Stary Gostków facility continues to play a central role in JTI's global production network. Countries Strengthen Illicit Trade Fight Parties to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products concluded their fourth session in Geneva with a slate of decisions designed to tighten global cooperation and control measures against the illicit tobacco market. Delegates from 60 Parties met from November 24 to 26, 2025, and agreed to intensify information‑sharing, expand evidence‑based research, and strengthen enforcement coordi‑ nation. Independent estimates show that illicit tobacco accounts for about 11% of the global market and drains governments of billions of dollars in tax revenue. Some analyses suggest that eliminating illicit trade could raise global tax revenues by roughly US$47.4 billion each year. Andrew Black, acting head of the Secretariat of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), told delegates that illicit trade "robs governments of vital resources, undermines public health, and erodes the foundations of sustainable development." He added that the Protocol "equips Parties with tools to slam the door on illicit trade" and warned that the illegal market fuels corruption, money launder‑ ing, and organized crime. "We cannot allow those who profit from illicit trade in tobacco to escape justice," he said. During the meeting, Parties adopted several decisions to advance implementation of the Protocol. One decision instructs the Convention Secretariat, working with the World Customs Organization and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, to compile and analyze existing data on seizures of tobacco, tobacco products, and manufacturing equipment. Delegates agreed that the resulting analysis will guide future strategies to counter illicit trade. Parties also created a working group to expand evidence‑ based research and promote the exchange of experiences, case studies, best practices, technology, and capacity‑building tools. A second working group will identify effective practices and prepare recommendations to strengthen cooperation and assistance for investigations and prosecutions of illicit‑trade offenses. Delegates adopted another decision urging Parties to step up monitoring and collection of licensing fees. Parties can use these fees to support licensing administration, enforcement, public health activities, or other related programs. The decision also encourages Parties to work together—and with interna‑ tional and regional organizations—to provide technical assistance, training, and broader cooperation related to licensing measures. Several governments highlighted the importance of stronger restrictions on supply‑chain controls, improved financial support mechanisms, and enforcement coordination across borders. Discussions covered licensing, supply‑chain monitoring, and ways to mobilize financial resources to support implementation of the Protocol. The meeting also marked a milestone for treaty member‑ ship. Officials announced that Vanuatu had joined the Protocol as its 71st Party. The Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, adopted on November 12, 2012 during the 5th session of the WHO FCTC Conference of the Parties in Seoul, aims to counter the global problem of illegal tobacco trade. The treaty expands on Article 15 of the WHO FCTC, which outlines measures to combat illicit trade as part of comprehen‑ sive tobacco‑control policy.

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