Philip Morris Pakistan (PMPKL) has achieved raw tobacco exports totaling $48 million over the last five years, driven by its commitment to sustainability.
In the first half of 2024, PMPKL exported over $15.8 million in tobacco to various countries, exceeding last year’s total of $13.9 million.
During a recent visit by a group of journalists to PMPKL’s Green Leaf Threshing (GLT) facility in Mardan, company representatives emphasized their dedication not only to producing high-quality cigarettes but also to significantly boosting raw tobacco exports.
“PMPKL has actively embraced sustainable practices in its operations across Pakistan, concentrating on crop diversification, social sustainability, and environmental stewardship. The advancements made in all sustainability aspects are a source of pride, as the programs implemented have added substantial value to our operations and the community,” stated Abid Javed, Head of Leaf PMPKL.
As part of its Crop Diversification Initiative under the Integrated Production System (IPS), PMPKL has introduced mechanization in tobacco farming, deploying 30 tractor-pulled transplanters, 1,675 suckericide applicators, and 116 intercultivators.
Additionally, 625 farmers have received training in mushroom farming, yielding 14,413 kilograms of mushrooms and raising their incomes by PKR 11,691 per farmer. Kitchen gardening programs have also benefited 3,719 farmers, who received vegetable seed packages that increased their incomes by PKR 23,633.
Furthermore, bean seeds were distributed to 344 farmers, resulting in an income increase of PKR 13,000 per farmer.
PMPKL’s social sustainability initiatives aim to eradicate child labor, ensure fair wages, and enhance working conditions. The company’s “Learning with Safety & Fun” initiative has positively impacted 5,000 children. Additionally, the distribution of 792 stringing machines has lowered labor costs by PKR 20,519 per hectare. PMPKL has provided vocational training to 3,521 youths aged 15-17 in trades such as tailoring, electrical work, and food processing. The company has also launched the ALP Support Line to address labor grievances and conducted awareness campaigns on labor practices through street theater and village outreach programs.
In its efforts to minimize its environmental impact, PMI has achieved a 20.4% reduction in fuelwood usage through upgrades to metallic furnaces and a 10% reduction through the use of venturi furnaces. The company has planted 5.4 million trees and ensures that 100% of its wood is sustainably sourced and traceable. Furthermore, PMI’s waste management initiatives have collected 14.7 tonnes of waste, incinerating plastic waste and recycling non-hazardous materials. The transition from furnace oil to LPG for boiler fuel has led to a 17% reduction in CO2 emissions, and PMI’s Stemmery facility was recognized as carbon-neutral by SGS UK in 2020.
