The negative effects of tobacco on a person’s health are well-publicized. Smoking can largely damage a person’s health by impacting their immune system and raising the risks of diseases like cancer and type 2 diabetes. Nevertheless, our post on the ‘Raw Tobacco Leaves Market’ reveals that it began growing at a CAGR of 1.5% in 2021. By 2028, the market will be worth over US$34,436.28 million.
But because of the growing awareness of smoking health impacts, the market for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products is growing at a much faster pace. Zion Market Research’s 2022 report, “Nicotine Replacement Therapy Market – Global Industry Analysis,” states that the NRT market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.1% within the same period. This explosive growth means there are countless trends and products to look out for. Here are some of them.
The main drivers of NRT growth
A growing understanding of the effects of tobacco
A 2022 Bloomberg article titled “Rising Demand in Global Nicotine Replacement Therapy Market Size & Share to Hit US$103.4 Bn Growth by 2028, At a CAGR of 15.1%” states that increasing awareness about the effects of smoking is driving NRT sales. This improved awareness is largely thanks to efforts like government-run anti-smoking programs, insurance requirements to disclose smoking habits, and campaigns that disseminate knowledge on the health risks of smoking. Some healthcare providers and health organizations have also begun providing reimbursement policies for NRTs, encouraging more smokers to embark on their own smoking cessation journeys.
The expanding range of nicotine alternative products
The advancement of research and technology has expanded consumers’ options for nicotine replacement. Recently, there has been a rise in heat-not-burn products, which releases nicotine in the vapor once heated. An article published on Nature showed that compared to cigarettes, heat-not-burn products have fewer negative effects and cause an improvement of blood flow in the arteries. Technology also allows the production of nicotine inhalators and nasal sprays, which are smokeless and contain higher concentrations of nicotine. Lastly, vendors have developed a broader array of flavors for oral nicotine alternatives like nicotine gum, lozenges, and pouches. These include fruit, coffee, mint flavors, and more. These advancements in nicotine alternatives encourage quitting smokers to choose which smoking cessation method best suits their preferences.
Innovative products increasing NRT use
Nicotine pouches
These NRT products are small pouches of clean nicotine that are tucked between the gum and upper lip. The nicotine pouch contains tobacco-free nicotine, flavorings, and food-grade fillers. Some of the most popular nicotine pouch brands sold on Prilla include ON!, ZYN, and VELO — all of which provide a dose of nicotine without the negative side effects of tobacco. They’re also all small enough to keep in your pocket or your purse, making them easy to carry around. Although similar to chewing tobacco, the pouch is much easier to dispose of because it doesn’t need to be spat out multiple times: after an hour, the entire pouch can simply be thrown away. Its easy use and disposal make it perfect for discreet use.
Nicotine inhalers
The nicotine inhaler mimics the hands-to-mouth motion of smoking cigarettes. Smokers who wish to satisfy the muscle memory associated with smoking may find the inhaler a more effective form of NRT. Inhalers have also been proven to be effective. A study published in JFMPC found that nicotine inhalers can facilitate a sustained reduction in smoking across 24 months of use. The study showed that two of the most established nicotine inhaler brands are Nicotrol and Nicorette. In many countries, acquiring a nicotine inhaler requires you to secure a prescription, as each cartridge contains 10 mg of nicotine.
The explosive growth of the global NRT market presents an optimistic outlook for smoking cessation efforts. These trends and products imply that this market will only continue to grow moving forward.