BAT Shifts Focus to Smoke-Free Products

Why this is here: BAT’s global research and development network includes more than 1,600 scientists and specialists in fields like toxicology and biotechnology.

British American Tobacco (BAT) is transforming its business in the United Kingdom and globally to focus on products that do not burn tobacco. The company is investing heavily in science and technology, aiming to create a “world without smoke.” BAT launched Omni™, a platform to share scientific evidence about non-combustible products with scientists and policymakers.

More than 34.1 million adults now use BAT’s non-combustible products, and these “New Category” products are gaining market share in some regions. BAT employs over 1,600 scientists and has contributed to over 276 scientific publications on these products. The company invested over 300 million pounds into a research and development center in Southampton.

The company also emphasizes diversity within its workforce—women currently hold 44.4% of management positions—and environmental sustainability across its supply chain. While acknowledging nicotine’s addictive nature, BAT argues that switching to scientifically-backed alternatives is a better option for adult smokers. The work to validate these products and their potential benefits continues.