At the 2024 Global Tobacco and Nicotine Forum (GTNF) held in Athens, three major Chinese vape companies, including Smoore International, Hangsen International Group, and Zinwi Biotech, revealed they are conducting research into nicotine-like chemicals that could serve as alternatives to nicotine in vaping products.
The forum underscored Greece’s role as a hub for discussions on global innovations in smoking alternatives.
One of the chemicals under study, 6-methyl nicotine, has a similar structure to nicotine and is already in use in some U.S. vaping products. However, researchers and regulators warn it may be more potent and addictive than nicotine itself, raising concerns about its safety. Executives from the Chinese companies stressed the need for extensive research before introducing these nicotine analogs to the market.
Speaking at the Athens forum, Eve Wang, executive director of Smoore, emphasized the company’s cautious approach, stating that understanding the health implications of nicotine alternatives would take "years" of study. Yu Kang of Hangsen International and Haley Xu from Zinwi Biotech echoed similar sentiments, stressing the need for careful assessment of potential risks before launching any new products.
The discussions at the Athens-based conference highlighted the global vape industry’s focus on innovation, while also placing Greece at the centre of crucial debates about the future of nicotine alternatives.