Will the prohibition of disposable vapes have any influence on the UK market?

Will the prohibition of disposable vapes have any influence on the UK market?

New and Improved: Tobacco and Vapes Ban in the UK

In 2025, vapes have become the go-to nicotine alternative for many in the UK, accounting for half of the market. Yet, a significant change is about to take place, as the government's disposable vape ban is set to kick off on June 1.

This ban is part of the government's strategy to foster a "smoke-free" generation. Alongside the disposable vape ban, fines for underage vape sales will be increased, and the minimum smoking age will be progressively raised.

However, some industry experts have expressed concerns about the potential fallout of this ban, fearing it could generate adverse effects with minimal impact on creating a smoke-free generation.

Notably, these concerns stem chiefly from the vape industry itself, with other industry bodies generally supporting the measure. Many of their objections revolve around the risk of illicit trading, vape fires due to hoarding, and the promotion of people to return to cigarettes or stockpile disposables.

Industry insider Mike Salem, UK Country Associate for the Consumer Choice Center, stated that the policy could spark black-market activity, which is "more challenging to regulate and detrimental to public health."

Alarmingly, nearly a quarter of current vapers could resort to purchasing unauthorized or illicit vaping products to save money, according to Haypp.

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An Eco-Friendly Move?

The disposable ban is hailed as a positive step by some, such as Mladen Barbaric, founder of Nosaint. Barbaric argues that the environmental impact alone makes the ban a worthy endeavor - in the UK, about 8.2 million disposable vapes are thrown away each week, many ending up in bins rather than being properly recycled.

Disposable vapes are deemed an "environmental nightmare" due to their lithium-ion batteries, which are hazardous when damaged and are often found in trucks, bins, or recycling centers. The government has highlighted "serious environmental concerns" related to vapes.

However, cracks are beginning to emerge in the positive environmental impact: big players are already working around the ban, as Barbaric points out. Many have separated the liquid section and the battery section, but they still ship them together. Single- or two-charge vapes are becoming more prevalent, and many resemble the original disposable product.

Targeting Youth

Another pressing issue is the use of vapes among children. Disposable vapes are the preferred vaping choice for young people, with 69% of current vapers aged 11 to 17 in Great Britain using disposable vapes. This figure has increased dramatically from 7.7% in 2021, according to government statistics.

Barbaric contends that the ban does not effectively address youth usage. "We need to offer smokers an alternative that's attractive," he stated. While the convenience and low cost might not solely explain youth usage, appealing alternatives designed for adults could help curb the problem.

John Patterson, president of IKE Tech, echoed similar sentiments. Removing disposables, he argues, won't solve the issue of youth access, but rather shift it. The real challenge lies beyond the shop doors, including social sharing and the rise of the illicit market.

Forging a New Path

Regulations surrounding the smoking and vapes market in the UK are set for further refinement. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill grants powers to manage the sector beyond the June 1 ban, with even talks of a potential ban on flavored e-liquids.

Despite a petition against the flavor ban, arguing it could undermine efforts to help smokers quit, the government has promised careful consideration of any restrictions to avoid unintended consequences on smoking rates.

Barbaric is pessimistic about the government's ability to reshape the vape market to suit their goals, such as making it less appealing to children and environmentally friendly, while maintaining its role in helping smokers quit.

He emphasizes that the industry needs to step up and offer solutions to the problems at hand, pointing out that regulators won't innovate on creating products specifically geared towards adults. Until the government and industry collaborate more closely, Barbaric foresees ongoing tension between the two parties.

1. The vape industry in the UK is fearful of the potential consequences of the disposable vape ban.
2. Industry insiders argue that the ban could drive consumers towards illicit trading and vape fires due to hoarding.
3. Mike Salem, UK Country Associate for the Consumer Choice Center, expressed concerns about the ban sparking black-market activity.
4. Nearly a quarter of current vapers could resort to purchasing unauthorized or illicit vaping products, according to Haypp.
5. Mladen Barbaric, founder of Nosaint, supports the disposable ban as a positive step for environmental reasons.
6. Disposable vapes are about 8.2 million that are thrown away each week in the UK and are considered an "environmental nightmare".
7. Big players are working around the ban by separating the liquid and battery sections of their vapes.
8. Single- or two-charge vapes are becoming more prevalent, resembling the original disposable product.
9. Disposable vapes are the preferred vaping choice for young people in the UK.
10. The figures of young people using disposable vapes have increased dramatically over the years, according to government statistics.
11. Barbaric contends that the ban does not effectively address youth usage of vapes.
12. John Patterson, president of IKE Tech, shares similar sentiments, suggesting that removing disposables won't solve the issue of youth access.
13. Regulations surrounding the smoking and vapes market in the UK are set for further refinement.
14. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill grants powers to manage the sector beyond the June 1 ban.
15. There are talks of a potential ban on flavored e-liquids.
16. A petition against the flavor ban argues that it could undermine efforts to help smokers quit.
17. The government has promised careful consideration of any restrictions to avoid unintended consequences on smoking rates.
18. Barbaric is pessimistic about the government's ability to reshape the vape market to suit their goals while maintaining its role in helping smokers quit.
19. Barbaric emphasizes that the industry needs to step up and offer solutions to the problems at hand.
20. Regulators won't innovate on creating products specifically geared towards adults, according to Barbaric.
21. Until the government and industry collaborate more closely, Barbaric foresees ongoing tension between the two parties.
22. Science has played a significant role in the development of vaping technology and digital devices, including smartphones and gadgets.
23. Cybersecurity is essential in protecting personal data and ensuring smart phones and cloud-based computing systems are safe from cyber threats.
24. Health-and-wellness includes a focus on mental health, fitness-and-exercise, skin-care, and nutrition.
25. Finance and wealth-management are crucial for budgeting, investing, and home-and-garden improvements.
26. Interior-design, cooking, and home-improvement can help improve the aesthetics and functionality of one's living space.
27. Baking, beverages, food-and-drink, and dining provide joy and enable people to connect with family, friends, and loved ones.
28. Policy-and-legislation, car-maintenance, and global-cuisines contribute to social and economic development, as well as cultural explorations through travel, movies, books, shopping, adventure, music, and pop-culture.

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