Introduction
In the UAE, where sustainability is a growing national priority under Vision 2021, smokers are looking for alternatives that reduce their environmental footprint. Traditional cigarettes, with their well known health risks, also have a big environmental impact – from deforestation and chemical use in tobacco farming to litter and air pollution.
Heat-not-burn tobacco products like HEETS and TEREA have become popular as a cleaner alternative. Instead of burning tobacco, these devices heat it to release nicotine containing vapor, proponents claim reduces environmental harm. But how eco friendly are HEETS and TEREA compared to regular cigarettes? This blog explores their environmental impact in depth, focusing on the UAE market and consumer habits.
What Are HEETS and TEREA?
HEETS Sticks are specially designed tobacco sticks by Philip Morris International for use with IQOS heating devices. TEREA is British American Tobacco’s version of tobacco sticks for use with glo devices. Both products heat tobacco at controlled temperatures (around 350°C) instead of burning it, which reduces the production of smoke and harmful chemicals.
Key Differences From Traditional Cigarettes
- Combustion vs Heating: Cigarettes burn tobacco at high temperatures (600–900°C) producing smoke filled with thousands of toxic chemicals.
- Vapor Instead of Smoke: HEETS and TEREA heat tobacco without combustion, emitting an aerosol vapor with fewer toxic byproducts.
UAE Market Growth
The UAE heat-not-burn market is growing fast, especially among younger, urban smokers looking for a healthier and more environmentally friendly option. Dubai Duty-Free reported a 25% increase in sales of IQOS and glo devices in 2023.
Environmental Impact of Traditional Cigarettes
Tobacco Farming and Deforestation
Tobacco cultivation leads to deforestation and soil degradation, especially in tropical countries that supply global markets. This results in loss of biodiversity and worsens climate change.
Chemical Pollution
Heavy use of pesticides and fertilizers in tobacco farming contaminates water and harms ecosystems.
Energy Consumption in Production
Cigarette manufacturing is energy intensive, involving curing, processing and packaging stages that rely on fossil fuels.
Cigarette Butt Litter
Cigarette butts account for nearly 30% of litter globally. In the UAE, filters litter the streets and waterways. Made of cellulose acetate plastic, these butts take years to biodegrade and leach harmful chemicals into the environment.
Air Pollution
Combustion releases harmful gases and particles, pollutes the air and public health.
Environmental Impact of HEETS and TEREA
Tobacco Farming Similarities
Both HEETS and TEREA rely on tobacco grown under similar agricultural conditions as traditional cigarettes, so farming impacts remain largely the same.
Manufacturing and Energy Use
Heat-not-burn sticks require specialized production, and the electronic devices IQOS and glo involve energy-intensive manufacturing and rare metals for batteries.
Waste and E-Waste Generation
- Used HEETS and TEREA sticks produce less litter bulk than cigarette butts but still generate non-biodegradable waste.
- The heating devices contribute to electronic waste, posing a growing disposal challenge in the UAE.
Emissions Compared to Cigarettes
Research shows that HEETS and TEREA emit fewer harmful chemicals and significantly less smoke. However, aerosols still contain nicotine and other substances with environmental considerations.
Packaging and Recycling
Packaging often includes plastic, and recycling infrastructure in the UAE is currently limited for such materials.
Comparative Analysis: HEETS & TEREA vs. Cigarettes
| Aspect | Traditional Cigarettes | HEETS & TEREA |
| Resource Consumption | High water, energy, and chemical use | Similar tobacco farming + electronic resource use |
| Waste & Litter | High (cigarette butts and filters) | Lower stick litter but e-waste from devices |
| Air Pollution | High due to combustion smoke | Lower emissions; aerosol instead of smoke |
| Device Lifecycle | Not applicable | Significant energy and e-waste from devices |
| Hidden Costs | Deforestation, litter cleanup | E-waste management, plastic pollution |
User Behavior and Environmental Impact in the UAE
- Education: More education needed to encourage responsible disposal and support sustainability.
- Habits: Many UAE smokers switch to HEETS and TEREA for perceived health and environmental benefits.
- Disposal: Awareness about disposing of used sticks and devices properly is low, increasing environmental risk.
- Recycling: Formal recycling for tobacco product waste and heat-not-burn devices is limited in the UAE, so most waste ends up in general trash.
Industry Initiatives & Sustainability Efforts
- Environmental Claims: Philip Morris and British American Tobacco promote HEETS and TEREA as part of their sustainability strategy, highlighting smoke and litter reduction.
- Recycling: Device recycling programs exist internationally but are currently not available in the UAE.
- Audits: Environmental claims primarily come from internal company reports; independent third-party verification is rare.
Expert Opinions and Scientific Research
- Research: Studies show heat-not-burn products produce fewer air pollutants but raise concerns about increasing e-waste and plastics.
- Experts: Experts emphasize balancing air quality improvements with the environmental burden of device disposal.
- Research Gaps: More studies are needed in the UAE on consumer habits and waste management infrastructure.
Health vs Environmental Impact: A Dual Perspective
- Health: HEETS and TEREA expose users to fewer harmful chemicals, potentially reducing health risks compared to traditional cigarettes.
- Environment: Reduced smoke emissions improve urban air quality, benefiting both smokers and the wider community.
- Trade-Offs: Users should consider the balance between smoke reduction benefits and the environmental impact of device production and e-waste.
Popular TEREA & HEETS Flavors in the UAE
While flavor preference is personal, some varieties have become favorites among IQOS users in the UAE:
TEREA Flavors:
- TEREA Yellow – Mild and smooth with a light citrus hint.
- TEREA Turquoise – Cool and refreshing with a menthol touch.
- TEREA Sienna – Rich tobacco with subtle woody notes.
HEETS Flavors:
- HEETS Amber – Robust, full-bodied tobacco flavor.
- HEETS Silver – Light and smooth, ideal for beginners.
- HEETS Green Zing – A zesty, menthol-infused taste.
Where to Buy in UAE
Finding authentic TEREA products in the UAE is simple and convenient. For a hassle-free shopping experience, you can order directly from our TEREA Dubai Online Shop, offering a wide selection of flavors with fast, discreet delivery across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other Emirates. Whether you’re restocking your favorites or trying something new, our online store ensures you get genuine products at competitive prices — right to your doorstep.
Conclusion
HEETS and TEREA are better for the environment than traditional cigarettes by reducing smoke and cigarette litter. But the devices themselves generate e-waste and require a lot of energy to produce. Not entirely eco-friendly but a step in the right direction for reducing the environmental impact of smoking. UAE consumers should consider both health and environmental factors when choosing tobacco alternatives and practice responsible disposal.
FAQ
Are HEETS and TEREA completely eco-friendly?
No product is perfect; HEETS and TEREA reduce some environmental harms but introduce e-waste.
How do HEETS and TEREA emissions compare to cigarettes?
They emit fewer harmful chemicals and less smoke but still nicotine containing aerosols.
Can the heating devices be recycled?
Recycling is possible but limited in the UAE; proper disposal is key.
What should I do with used HEETS/TEREA sticks and devices?
Dispose of sticks responsibly and look for e-waste recycling programs for devices where available.
Are there UAE regulations for disposal of heat-not-burn products?
Regulations are evolving; general waste rules apply for now with e-waste management on the rise.
Do HEETS and TEREA reduce cigarette butt litter?
Yes they reduce cigarette butt litter but may contribute to plastic and e-waste.
Are there more eco-friendly alternatives to cigarettes?
Nicotine pouches and tobacco-free vaping options may be lower impact.
