BAT promises a more environmentally clean smoke

British American Tobacco Korea’s new Kent Double Fresh launched earlier this month. [BAT KOREA]

British American Tobacco (BAT) Korea plans to implement solutions to proactively address environmental issues related to tobacco and its production.

The company hosted BAT Innovation Day on Tuesday, where it announced plans “to bring transformation to the tobacco industry with its focus on innovation behind its brands and products.”

In line with the goal, the company recently released the new Kent Double Fresh, which it says utilizes “technological know-how and innovation.”

It is slim, has the soft taste and is low-tar, according to BAT.

The product is produced at its factory in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang.

“We will preemptively respond to the environmental responsibility of our product manufacturing,” said Kang Seung-ho, head of manufacturing at the BAT Sacheon Factory, during a virtual press event held on Tuesday.

Its production site at the company’s Sacheon Factory in South Gyeongsang was revealed virtually on Innovation Day.

“To this end, we plan to build 'A Better Tomorrow' by a series of investments – including the installation of solar power generation facilities, enforcement of recycling through wastewater purification and ensuring zero landfill waste,” Kang said.

BAT Korea plans to expand non-combustible products in line with the group’s ambition to build “A Better Tomorrow.”

“We will seek ways to reduce the impact of increasing product sales on the environment and society and reflect these in communication with adult smoking consumers to conduct responsible marketing,” said Jung Min Yu, Head of Offline Activation at BAT Korea.

BY JIN MIN-JI [jin.minji@joongang.co.kr]