This interview is sponsored by Firstunion. Vaping360 provided the questions only. The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Vaping360.
On May 30, 2025, Firstunion’s premium technology brand, PTH, officially launched the world’s first mass-produced Puff-to-Heat product—PTH MASTER—in Jakarta, Indonesia. Equipped with multiple industry-first technologies, PTH MASTER resolves long-standing pain points associated with traditional heated tobacco products, such as preheating requirements and inconsistent flavor, offering consumers a more convenient, consistent, and harm-reducing experience.
In an exclusive interview with Vaping360, Jack Kuai, Product Lead at PTH MASTER, delved into what sets the device apart and the dedicated journey behind its creation.
- Tell us a little about yourself. What's your background, current role, and goals for the future?
I graduated from Jilin University in 2016 with a degree in Materials Science. Since joining Firstunion Group in 2018, my career has centered on technological innovation in the New Tobacco Products sector. Over the past seven years, I've specialized in heated tobacco products (HTP), vape devices, and oral nicotine pouch systems, working at the intersection of material science and consumer-centric product design.
At Firstunion, I lead efforts to build comprehensive R&D frameworks across all New Tobacco Product categories. A key achievement has been the development of EU TPD-certified products while addressing complex technical challenges. I have filed nearly 50 patent applications to date, reflecting our commitment to advancing this field through systematic innovation.
Looking ahead, I aim to further strengthen PTH's position as a global innovator in heated tobacco technologies. My focus remains on creating scientifically robust solutions that meet evolving regulatory standards and consumer needs worldwide, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of the New Tobacco Products industry.
- What is the PTH MASTER?
Launched in 2025, PTH is the world's first brand to introduce puff-to-heat HTP technology. Its revolutionary PTH MASTER product holds 50+ patent families across multiple countries.
As Firstunion's premium technology brand, PTH, since its inception, has embodied the group's ultimate pursuit of next-generation tobacco heating technologies. Meticulously crafted by an elite team of industry experts, it synthesizes cutting-edge technologies with artistic aesthetics to establish a new benchmark for tobacco heating technology.
- What's the relationship between the Firstunion Group and the PTH MASTER brand?
PTH MASTER is a premium technology brand incubated by Firstunion Group, leveraging its cutting-edge R&D, design, and manufacturing capabilities to deliver groundbreaking products worldwide.
- How does Puff-to-Heat work?
Mainstream HTPs today require 15–30 seconds of preheating, leading to long waiting times. They often use ring-shaped heating systems prone to uneven or excessive heating, and once activated, users must finish the sticks within a limited timeframe.
PTH MASTER addresses these pain points with its globally pioneering Distributed Hexa-Core Thermal Control System. Leveraging patented Electromagnetic Distributed Heating technology, it heats individual HOP tobacco sheets (industry's first HOP Honeycomb-Engineered Tobacco Technology) point-to-point, eliminating layer-by-layer heat transfer. This enables rapid heating at the millisecond level with zero wait time. At the same time, point-to-point heating allows the tobacco to be heated more evenly, and the AI temperature control algorithm ensures precise control of each heating. Not only is the taste rich and full, but the experience remains consistent with each puff.
- How does the PTH MASTER compare to traditional heated tobacco products when it comes to harm reduction?
Firstly, we have achieved precise temperature control to prevent the formation of harmful substances due to excessive heating. Secondly, we have improved the tobacco utilization rate: traditional cigarettes contain 700-900 mg of tobacco in a single stick, traditional HTP products contain about 300 mg of tobacco in a reconstituted tobacco sheet, and HOP contains only 120 mg of tobacco. Despite the reduced tobacco content, our performance remains strong, resulting in a combined harm reduction rate exceeding 97% (WHO TobReg9 standard, compared to 3R4F standard cigarettes).
- What are some other features and functions of the PTH Master?
Beyond its groundbreaking Distributed Hexa-Core Thermal Control System, the PTH MASTER integrates multiple innovations to redefine the heated tobacco experience:
- HOP Honeycomb-Engineered Tobacco Technology
Replacing traditional reconstituted tobacco sheets, HOP employs a patented honeycomb structure crafted through 20+ precision steps. It reduces tobacco content by 60% compared to conventional HTPs (120 mg vs. 300 mg) while preserving full-bodied flavor through optimized heat distribution.
- Adaptive Intelligence: Lingxi Airflow Sensor
The proprietary Lingxi Airflow Sensor detects inhalation intensity with millisecond-level responsiveness (30 ms latency), automatically adjusting power and heating modes to match user behavior. This ensures consistent flavor delivery across varying puff styles.
- Intelligent Dual-Mode: Ultra & Eco
Users can toggle between Ultra Mode (six high-intensity puffs) and Eco Mode (12 gentler puffs) for tailored experiences.
- Ergonomic Design & Sustainability
We designed an innovative device form for it - the Tiangong Chamber, which features a 9mm-thick, smartphone-slim cartridge with anti-misclick buttons for one-handed operation. Plus, PTH MASTER crafted from 100% renewable aluminum alloy and medical-grade ceramic mouthpieces, it combines premium feel with sustainability.
- Innovative screen and interactive design
PTH MASTER is equipped with a 0.71-inch round screen - Chrono Halo Display, which is not only fingerprint-proof and high-definition visualization, but is also equipped with a complete UI real-time interactive guide, which can help users keep track of the power level, the number of puffs, and the vaping settlement records at a glance.
In addition, it is also equipped with a linear motor with a total of more than ten types of vibration waveforms, which is convenient for users to get vibration feedback during operation and better grasp the status of the device.
- How many PTH MASTER options will be available?
The PTH MASTER will initially launch with seven flavor options across tobacco and nicotine-free categories, including Original Tobacco, Clove Tobacco, Menthol Tobacco, Mild Menthol Tobacco, Blueberry Menthol Tobacco, Original 0% Nicotine, and Blueberry Menthol 0% Nicotine.
For customization, it offers seven color variants spanning three design series: Master Edition (Royal Vermilion), Ultimate Edition (Dune White, Basalt Black), and Premium Edition (Misty Gray, Rosewood Brown, Dai Emerald, Starry Blue).
Additional flavors will be introduced post-launch to expand the portfolio, aligning with diverse consumer preferences globally.
- What plans does the PTH brand have for the future?
PTH MASTER will debut in Indonesia, the fourth-largest tobacco market globally. Our product will enter the Indonesian market with localized flavors (clove, varied mint intensities, etc.). We have established a subsidiary and manufacturing base there, reflecting our confidence in this market.
Globally, PTH MASTER's competitiveness lies in its effective addressing of key user pain points, making us confident in its universal appeal across markets.
- What is the story of the Firstunion Group? When was it founded, and what have been some of its major milestones?
Firstunion Group was founded in 2004 and began as a pioneer in China's electronic atomization industry. It achieved its first milestone in 2008 by becoming the first Chinese e-cigarette exporter, marking the start of its global footprint.
The result of 21 years of hard work, we are honored to collaborate with over 300 partners across more than 80 countries and regions worldwide. We have a strong team of over 1,000 in-house R&D experts, six global intelligent manufacturing bases, seven lab centers, and a cutting-edge automation R&D center. Firstunion has specialized in heated tobacco technology for over a decade, holding more than 2,000 related patents (including over 200 international PCT patents) as of Q1 2025.
Leveraging our independent research and development capabilities, we have established key technological platforms, including nicotine atomization, non-combustion heating, medical atomization, and functional substance atomization, enable us to offer a diverse range of products.
Firstunion embraces the philosophy of "UNCOVER THE ULTIMATE" in every aspect of our research, development, intelligent manufacturing, and services. We actively pursue the integration of technology with healthy living, guided by the natural principles of harmonious coexistence and sustainable cycles. Our dedication to safety and delivering exceptional user experience fuels our product innovation, placing Firstunion at the forefront of industry efficiency and sustainability.
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