Government in UK is considering enforcing law to force tobacco firms to sell cigarettes in plain packaging. They believe banning colourful branding and fancy logos will make tobacco products less appealing, especially to youngsters.

In Australia, anti-tobacco groups are stepping up efforts campaigning to get tobacco firms there to sell their cigarettes in plain packaging in the form of cardboard brown colour too. This is after new research by The Cancer Council Victoria, Australia showed cigarettes in plain packaging made cigarette smoking appear less stylish, sociable, mature compared to branded cigarette smokers.

They also feel that cigarettes in plain packaging contain lower quality tobacco and would be less satisfying too.

Research from the tobacco industry itself shows packaging have a large part to play in cigarette marketing, serving as direct form of mobile advertising everything a smoker reach for the cigarette pack or when they place it on the table. The design of the pack also generates images about the type of person who might smoke the brand and expectation from the smoking experience. The cigarette packaging has taken on a role in communicating brand image and luring new smokers.

If this law gets passed, it would mean the only markings on the packs would be health warnings and the brand name in small letters. The tobacco industry has admitted that such tactic will slash profit and inflict heavy damage for cigarette manufactures. Analysts have warned such a ban on logo and branding would lead smokers to abandon well known brands and opt for cheaper options.

I have to agree that there is no reason for cigarettes to be seductively marketed but will cigarettes in plain packaging actually help in limiting the number of new smokers?

Will cigarettes in plain packaging open up an avenue for contraband cigarette manufacturers to introduce their ware easier into this market since the packaging are going to be plain and maybe easier to manufacture?