Evaluating the Recycling Practices of Leading E-Cigarette Companies: A Focus on Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco
Session Number
Project ID: ENVR 05
Advisor(s)
Dr. Robert K. Jackler, Stanford University
Discipline
Environmental Science
Start Date
17-4-2024 8:55 AM
End Date
17-4-2024 9:10 AM
Abstract
This study investigates the recycling practices of Philip Morris International (PMI) and British American Tobacco Company (BAT) in relation to their e-cigarette products, IQOS and VUSE, respectively. The research assesses the effectiveness of the companies' recycling programs by examining factors such as progress towards stated goals, user accessibility and awareness, and their impact on reducing waste. Despite the implementation of the "take back program" by PMI and the "repod" program by BAT, the study reveals several shortcomings in these initiatives. PMI is falling short of achieving its projected recycling goals for 2025 and generates substantial plastic and bioplastic waste that ends up in landfills. Similarly, BAT's recycling rate is consistently decreasing, while the overall waste disposed of by the company continues to rise. The findings suggest that these companies may be exaggerating their environmental efforts, and their recycling programs appear to be instances of greenwashing. The study concludes that the recycling initiatives of PMI and BAT have more shortcomings than successes, and the companies continue to claim they have effective recycling systems despite evidence to the contrary. Further research and more transparent reporting are necessary to accurately assess the environmental impact of these e-cigarette companies.
Evaluating the Recycling Practices of Leading E-Cigarette Companies: A Focus on Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco
This study investigates the recycling practices of Philip Morris International (PMI) and British American Tobacco Company (BAT) in relation to their e-cigarette products, IQOS and VUSE, respectively. The research assesses the effectiveness of the companies' recycling programs by examining factors such as progress towards stated goals, user accessibility and awareness, and their impact on reducing waste. Despite the implementation of the "take back program" by PMI and the "repod" program by BAT, the study reveals several shortcomings in these initiatives. PMI is falling short of achieving its projected recycling goals for 2025 and generates substantial plastic and bioplastic waste that ends up in landfills. Similarly, BAT's recycling rate is consistently decreasing, while the overall waste disposed of by the company continues to rise. The findings suggest that these companies may be exaggerating their environmental efforts, and their recycling programs appear to be instances of greenwashing. The study concludes that the recycling initiatives of PMI and BAT have more shortcomings than successes, and the companies continue to claim they have effective recycling systems despite evidence to the contrary. Further research and more transparent reporting are necessary to accurately assess the environmental impact of these e-cigarette companies.