Islamabad, Sep 30: PMPKL Achieves New Export Milestone While Promoting Sustainable Practices. Thanks to its sustainability measures, Philip Morris Pakistan (PMPKL) has exported raw tobacco worth $48 million over the last five years.PMPKL surpassed last year’s total exports of $13.9 million by shipping over $15.8 million worth of tobacco to different nations in just the first half of 2024.
A group of journalists recently visited PMPKL’s Green Leaf Threshing (GLT) facility in Mardan, and business representatives emphasized that they are committed to boosting raw tobacco exports while simultaneously manufacturing premium cigarettes.
In Pakistan, PMPKL has proactively incorporated sustainable practices into its operations, emphasizing environmental stewardship, social sustainability, and crop diversity. Head of Leaf PMPKL Abid Javed stated, “The progress on all the sustainability fronts is a moment of pride where the programs implemented have brought tremendous value in the operations and community.”
It is important to note that PMPKL has mechanized tobacco production as part of its Crop Diversification Initiative under the Integrated Production System (IPS). This involves the use of 1,675 suckericide applicators, 116 intercultivators, and 30 tractor-pulled transplanters.
Furthermore, PKR 11,691 has been added to each farmer’s income as a result of the training that 625 farmers received in mushroom cultivation, resulting in the production of 14,413 kg of mushrooms. 3,719 farmers have benefited from kitchen gardening programs as well; they received vegetable seed bundles that increased their income by PKR 23,633.
In addition, 344 farmers received bean seeds, increasing their revenue by PKR 13,000 apiece.The three main goals of PMPKL’s social sustainability initiatives are to end child labor, provide fair pay, and enhance working conditions. The company’s “Learning with Safety & Fun” program has improved the lives of five thousand kids.
In addition, labor expenses per acre were decreased by PKR 20,519 thanks to the distribution of 792 stringing machines. Additionally, 3,521 youths between the ages of 15 and 17 have received vocational training from PMPKL in fields like food processing, electrical labor, and tailoring. In addition to launching the ALP Support Line to address labor complaints, the corporation has run awareness campaigns about labor abuses by putting on street plays and outreach initiatives for local communities.
The company claims that in an effort to lessen its impact on the environment, PMI has upgraded its metallic furnaces to reduce fuelwood usage by 20.4% and used venturi furnaces to cut fuelwood usage by 10%. The company guarantees that 100% of the wood it sources is traceable and responsibly sourced, having planted 5.4 million trees.
Furthermore, 14.7 tonnes of rubbish have been gathered by PMI’s waste management programs, with non-hazardous waste being recycled and plastic waste being burned. CO2 emissions have decreased by 17% as a result of switching from furnace oil to LPG for boiler fuel, and SGS UK certified PMI’s Stemmery facility as carbon-neutral in 2020.
