As part of PMI’s global vision for a smoke-free future, Philip Morris Romania is committed to accelerating the transition of adult smokers toward better alternatives—products that are scientifically substantiated to be less harmful than continuing to smoke. This transformation is not only a public health priority but also a cornerstone of the company’s sustainability strategy.
“Our milestones in Romania reflect this ambition. First, we aim to ensure that adult smokers have access to accurate, science-based information about smoke-free alternatives, enabling informed choices. At the same time, we are expanding access through a regulated distribution network that guarantees these products are sold exclusively to adults, in compliance with strict standards,” said Corina Vasile, Manufacturing Sustainability Manager at Philip Morris Romania, in an interview with Sustainability Today.
How would you describe Philip Morris International’s overall sustainability vision and how is it reflected in the Romanian market?
As part of Philip Morris International’s global commitment to a smoke-free future, the company is leading a deep transformation in Romania—with sustainability as a fundamental pillar of its business strategy, not as a secondary element. With over $730 million invested in the past eight years, a significant share has gone into reducing environmental and social impact. The focus: manufacturing smoke-free products with reduced risk potential and phasing out cigarettes. Sustainability is embedded across operations—from innovation and resource efficiency to responsible partnerships. The company’s strategy aligns with EU and national climate goals, including the EU’s 55% emissions reduction target by 2030 and Romania’s aim for 30.7% renewable energy by the same year.
Through cutting-edge technologies, community engagement, and strong collaborations, Philip Morris Romania is working toward a future where resources are used responsibly, and communities thrive.
In your opinion, what differentiates PMI’s sustainability approach from other companies in the tobacco and FMCG sectors?
Philip Morris International (PMI) does not treat sustainability as a side initiative. It’s fully embedded in the company’s transformation toward a smoke-free future. What sets PMI apart is its holistic approach: beyond emissions and waste management, the company fosters innovation, drives responsible practices across its value chain, and aligns with both EU and national climate targets.
PMI invests in technologies that lower environmental impact and builds strong partnerships with local communities to deliver measurable results. This blend of long-term vision, concrete action, and accountability defines our unique sustainability model.
What are the main milestones you aim to achieve in Romania in terms of transitioning adult smokers to better alternatives?
As part of PMI’s global vision for a smoke-free future, Philip Morris Romania is committed to accelerating the transition of adult smokers toward better alternatives—products that are scientifically substantiated to be less harmful than continuing to smoke. This transformation is not only a public health priority but also a cornerstone of our sustainability strategy. Our milestones in Romania reflect this ambition. First, we aim to ensure that adult smokers have access to accurate, science-based information about smoke-free alternatives, enabling informed choices. At the same time, we are expanding access through a regulated distribution network that guarantees these products are sold exclusively to adults, in compliance with strict standards.
Equally important is our engagement with authorities, health experts, and civil society to foster dialogue and support harm reduction policies. This collaborative approach helps create a regulatory environment that encourages innovation while protecting consumers. We continue to invest in research and development to improve our smoke-free portfolio and adapt it to local needs, ensuring that Romanian consumers benefit from the latest advancements. Finally, we track our progress through clear performance indicators, which guide responsible adjustments to our strategy and ensure transparency.
Through these efforts, Philip Morris Romania is reshaping the tobacco industry and contributing to a future where smoking is replaced by better alternatives—reducing health risks, minimizing environmental impact, and aligning with PMI’s global sustainability goals.
What further steps is PMI Romania taking to minimize its environmental footprint across the value chain?
Minimizing our environmental footprint is a core priority for Philip Morris Romania, and we approach it through a combination of green innovation and strong partnerships across the value chain. At our Otopeni factory, sustainability is embedded in every process, guided by three pillars: reducing environmental impact, ensuring social well-being, and securing long-term economic viability. We work closely with suppliers under strict ESG criteria, applying mandatory codes of conduct, conducting regular sustainability audits, and providing training to help partners adopt cleaner technologies. This collaboration extends to joint initiatives in waste management, energy efficiency, and green logistics, supported by transparent communication and shared goals.
On the operational side, we have implemented initiatives such as Zero Carbon Tech, which includes over 6,000 solar panels with a 3.4 MWh total installed capacity, heat pumps, and system optimizations to reduce natural gas consumption. Through our Drive for Zero program, we are targeting CO₂ neutrality, combining emissions cuts, renewable energy, and offsets. Waste management is another critical area: since 2020, our factory has achieved zero landfill waste, with 77% of the waste being recycled and 23% used for energy recovery. Our fleet is also transitioning to low-emission vehicles with 97% hybrid or electric vehicles by the end of 2025. Water stewardship remains a priority, supported by two advanced wastewater treatment plants and full compliance with NTPA 001 standards. We are working toward 100% water circularity by 2033, and the factory already received the Alliance for Water Stewardship certification.
While challenges such as high costs of green technology and efficient water management persist, our response is clear: long-term strategic investments that enhance operational efficiency and protect natural resources. These efforts are part of an integrated sustainability strategy that not only reduces our footprint but also contributes to community well-being and the preservation of resources for future generations.
How do you measure the progress of your carbon reduction and waste management initiatives?
Measuring progress is essential to ensure that our sustainability commitments translate into real impact. At Philip Morris Romania, we track environmental performance through an integrated reporting and evaluation system that covers every stage of the value chain. This approach combines data, innovation, and accountability, reflecting our commitment to transparency and continuous improvement.
For waste management, our success story speaks for itself: the Otopeni factory has maintained zero landfill waste since 2020, as mentioned before. This achievement is supported by process optimization to prevent waste, selective collection and sorting, and advanced recycling and reuse practices—77% of waste is recycled and 23% is used for energy recovery. All waste flows are monitored through dedicated software, and annual audits and performance targets ensure compliance and progress. Employee engagement through training and awareness campaigns further strengthens these results.
Carbon reduction is monitored with equal rigor. We track greenhouse gas emissions, air pollutants, energy consumption, and resource use in real time. Initiatives such as Zero Carbon Tech are complemented by our Drive for Zero program. Fleet electrification and the use of low-carbon materials are also key components. All these initiatives contributed to a group of 21 PMI factories, including the factory in Otopeni, to achieve carbon neutrality in 2024.
Can you share a few examples of community programs or partnerships that have made a measurable impact?
The sustainability initiatives carried out by Philip Morris Romania have generated a positive and tangible impact both on employees and on local communities, contributing to the development of a responsible work environment and strengthening the company’s relationship with society. For employees, clean tech investments mean safer workplaces, while training and innovation programs boost engagement and skills. A culture of ethics, inclusion, and responsibility strengthens team cohesion. For communities, initiatives in recycling, green logistics, and sustainable agriculture create jobs and cleaner environments. Investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure improve quality of life, while partnerships with NGOs and local authorities ensure long-term impact.
Flagship projects include the annual clean-up and reforestation programs launched in 2016, in partnership with NGOs and local authorities. Over 65,000 saplings were planted in Ialomița, Călărași, Prahova, and Dâmbovița counties and more than 20 tons of waste were collected from natural areas, with employees’ support. Conservation efforts were made to protect habitats and enhance green spaces. We have carried out projects to protect and improve areas within the Argeș-Vidia-Pitești river basin: reforestation, minimizing habitat destruction, waste collection, enhancing aesthetic value, and supporting biodiversity conservation initiatives together with NGOs and local authorities.
How do you ensure that sustainability initiatives are aligned with local needs and priorities?
We ensure that our sustainability initiatives align with local needs and priorities by embedding ESG principles into every aspect of our operations and by maintaining an open dialogue with communities, authorities, and partners. At the Otopeni factory, sustainability is not just a goal—it’s a process that is tracked, audited, and continuously improved to reflect both global standards and local expectations.
Our approach starts with rigorous monitoring using ESG-aligned metrics across environmental, social, and governance dimensions. Environmentally, we have achieved 100% renewable energy in production, maintain AWS-certified water stewardship since 2020, and track CO₂ emissions under Scope 1 and 2. Socially, we prioritize workplace safety, invest in local communities, and foster an inclusive workforce. From a governance perspective, we conduct annual audits under ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and AWS, and report transparently through GRI and TCFD frameworks.
These indicators feed into annual sustainability reports, which guide strategy adjustments and set new goals based on local realities. For example, our water stewardship program responds to regional water challenges, while our waste management system—achieving 77% recycling and zero landfill waste since 2020—addresses local environmental priorities.
Looking ahead, what are the most important sustainability goals PMI Romania plans to achieve in the next 5–10 years?
Looking ahead, our sustainability goals for the next 5–10 years are ambitious and deeply integrated into our business strategy. At Philip Morris Romania, we aim to make sustainability a catalyst for innovation, competitiveness, and accountability—delivering a more resilient future. One of our priorities is to strengthen partnerships for green innovation, working with companies in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and carbon capture to amplify impact across the value chain. We are also embedding smart digitalization into our operations, using advanced tools to optimize resource use and monitor environmental performance in real time.
Circular economy principles will guide our packaging strategy, with a focus on reusable and biodegradable materials and the elimination of non-recyclable components. At the same time, we will continue to foster a responsible organizational culture, encouraging eco-conscious behaviors and community involvement among employees.
Health and well-being remain central to our vision, with enhanced wellness programs and initiatives that promote inclusion and quality of life. Finally, we plan to expand our social engagement through volunteering and partnerships with NGOs in education, health, and environmental projects.
