Anti-smoking campaigners say new packaging could hide graphic health warnings
Tobacco giant Philip Morris' release of 'limited edition' Marlboro packets with removable plastic covers has been criticised as an attempt to dampen the impact of graphic new health warnings expected to be introduced next year.
The glossy red and black covers - which feature the iconic Marlboro Man strumming a guitar - come on packets of regular, menthol and light Marlboro.
The top is removable, much like that of a pencil case, and the packet of cigarettes can be slipped in and out of the reusable cover. The covers carry the mandatory government health warnings in both Chinese and English.
The plastic sleeves have raised concerns among local anti-smoking campaigners, who claim they could help smokers cover up the graphic health warnings expected to be mandated on cigarette packets next year.
The new warnings could include graphic images such as tumours and diseased lungs, similar to those enforced in Thailand and some European countries.
Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health executive director Wan Wai-yee accused Philip Morris of exploiting a loophole in anti-smoking laws to attract smokers.