Plain packaging
This sub-site is intended provide access to researchers and governments about the history, research and policy context of proposals for plain packaging of tobacco products.
The plain packaging of cigarettes was first proposed in the late 1980s as part of a generation of package reform proposals, which also included the development of larger and graphic package warnings. You can trace these developments through the Timeline which also provides links to relevant documents and sources.
In recent years, a number of governments have supported the idea of plain packaging, although none as yet have implemented requirements that would end the use of the cigarette package as a promotional tool. In 2008, more than 160 nations agreed that the provisions of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control that controlled advertising and labelling would be best implemented with plain packaging. You can read more about these developments, as well as the growing body of evidence in support of plain packaging by downloading research and related documents. (Because plain packaging is often studied and proposed in conjunction with other packaging issues, like deceptive terms and colours, you will also find research related to these parallel streams).
The tobacco industry has consistently opposed the development of policy measures which affect their ability to use tobacco packages. You can access Industry positions to packaging proposals, as well as analysis of their strategies on this site.
If you are looking for Information Products or material you can easily share with others, you can access it here.
Examples of plain packaging Prototypes are available.
Links to other sites:
* Cancer Council Victoria
* Ash Australia tobacco industry activities
Thanks go to the researchers and analysts whose work is linked here.