Ploom
| Company type | Brand |
|---|---|
| Industry | Tobacco products |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Founder | James Monsees, Adam Bowen |
Area served | Japan, France, Italy, South Korea, Switzerland, Romania, and others |
| Products | Heated tobacco products, vaporizers (e.g. Model One Vaporizer, Pax vaporizer) |
| Parent | Japan Tobacco Inc. (JTI) |
Ploom represents a line of heated tobacco products that merge elements from both conventional and electronic cigarettes, utilizing a heating mechanism that warms tobacco without igniting it. This brand is promoted by Japan Tobacco Inc. (JTI).
Initial Innovations
Conceived in California by Stanford design students James Monsees and Adam Bowen, Ploom was created with the objective of producing an e-cigarette capable of delivering nicotine absent the harmful carcinogens produced by burning tobacco. Established in 2007, the company initially faced challenges in obtaining financial backing, depending on private financiers such as Nicholas J. Pritzker to bring its products to market. The release of the Model One Vaporizer in 2010, crafted as a large pen-like device, did not meet commercial expectations.
Collaboration between JTI and Ploom
JTI made a $10 million investment in Ploom in 2011, facilitating the development of the Pax vaporizer—a device with a compact design reminiscent of a smartphone. After launching the ModelTwo, JTI secured patents and trademarks in 2015, granting exclusive manufacturing and distribution rights for the ModelTwo device and its pods. Although initially aimed at cigarette smokers, the Pax device also gained traction among cannabis consumers. Eventually, JTI and Ploom separated; Ploom retained ownership of the Pax series, rebranded as Pax Labs, and purchased JTI’s equity stake.
Post-JTI Acquisition
Ploom entered the Japanese market in 2016 before extending its availability to nations such as France, Italy, South Korea, and Switzerland. The debut in Fukuoka experienced overwhelming demand leading to a suspension of shipments within one week due to limited supply. JTI asserts that Ploom enables users to inhale 99% fewer harmful substances compared to traditional cigarettes; however, no formal toxicity evaluations have been conducted on this product.
By 2023, Romania marked Ploom’s tenth market presence, with JTI announcing plans for a $3 billion investment aimed at global expansion into 24 countries by 2024. This ambitious growth initiative highlights JTI’s commitment to advancing reduced-risk tobacco alternatives across its international portfolio.