At the virtual Global Tobacco & Nicotine Forum (GTNF) event yesterday, RELX Technology’s Global Head of External Affairs Jonathan Ng spoke on a panel entitled “Innovations on the Horizon.” The panel explored several topics related to the growing international acceptance of e-cigarettes as better alternatives to cigarettes, innovations related to user experience and youth prevention, and illicit trade. GTNF is one of the leading tobacco and nicotine forums in the world; speakers and attendees include public health experts, government representatives, investors and members of the tobacco and nicotine industries.
This year’s GTNF focused on how the industry can achieve sustainable change through innovation and regulation by responding to the growing demand from consumers for new products and the constant challenges from our global society to be responsible and accountable corporate citizens.
In that spirit, Mr. Ng expIained that, “Beyond innovations to the product to enhance adult users’ experiences, there are many areas where science, research and technology can complement the products. And these are very important for an industry like ours, as we look to uphold our commitment to responsible business practices and behaviour.”
Mr. Ng detailed the lengths RELX has gone to in ensuring minors are not attracted to, and are prevented from, using their products. RELX has developed innovative products that are equipped with cutting-edge technologies that prevent minors from accessing e-cigarette products. In 2019, RELX launched the RELX i, which features a remote locking function that allows the user to lock the device by a simple tap on the app to prevent unauthorized use.
In addition, Mr. Ng stated that in China, RELX launched the Sunflower System, a first-of-its-kind minor prevention system for all RELX stores. RELX store customers need to verify their age through a facial recognition process that matches the customer’s face to the photo on their Resident ID card, to ensure the customer is of legal age to purchase e-cigarette products.
To address concerns that fruit or dessert names might be particularly attractive to youth, RELX has even taken the industry-leading decision to give its products neutral names like Fresh Red and Mellow Yellow.
In the same vein, Mr Ng announced that RELX is also developing a tracking system that connects customers, product bar codes and shop locations that will allow for the company to trace a product to its point of sale if a minor is found to be in possession of a RELX product.
