Tag: sustainability

New Report Urges Ban on Disposable Vape Products

Credit: Iama Sing
The only solution to curb the plastic and battery waste created by disposable vaping products is to ban the products entirely, according to a report released Tuesday from the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) Education Fund.
“It doesn’t make any sense to manufacture electronics with rechargeable batteries, ship them across the world, and throw them out within a few days,” the report states.
The report explores the environmental impacts of disposable products and found that the devices are difficult to recycle properly due to a lack of infrastructure and regulation around e-waste recycling.
Disposable vaping devices also contain lithium-ion batteries as well as small plastic parts. They also contain nicotine, which is considered a toxic chemical.
“According to CDC Foundation sales estimates, lining up the disposable vapes sold in a year would stretch for 7,000 miles—long enough to span the continental U.S. twice,” a PIRG report states. “This vape waste is becoming more common while cigarette butts become less common as the trash that litters our beaches and waterways.”
The report advocates for federal and state legislation banning or restricting disposable vapes to keep them out of landfills and waterways and prevent fires.
It also calls for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to make enforcement of vape marketing restrictions a priority, particularly for disposable products.
July 12, 2023
UK’s Leading Vape Shops Support Disposables Ban

Credit: VPZ
The head of one of the leading retailers and manufacturers of vaping products in the United Kingdom says he would support a ban on disposable vapes as long as it did not create a black market.
Doug Mutter, company director of VPZ, said a ban in Australia had led to unsafe products being sold there illegally.
He insists the industry recognizes that the environmental impact of single-use products needs to be addressed.
An urgent review of disposable products was ordered by the Scottish government and is due to be released within days, reports Yahoo! News.
It was commissioned after a campaign by climate activist Laura Young who had been collecting dozens of disposable vapes each day while walking her dog Cooper in Dundee.
The review is likely to quantify the scale of the problem and lay out the options available to ministers.
Disposable vapes are a problem because they contain lithium batteries which should be taken to a recycling facility for disposal.
But millions are either discarded or thrown into bins each year where they can cause a fire at processing facilities.
Refillable vapes are available which are much cheaper to use in the long term and have less of an environmental impact.
VPZ has 150 stores throughout the UK.
Mutter – who is also the director of the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) – said disposables have a place for smokers who would like to try vaping but do not want to invest in reusable systems.
He acknowledges the environmental impact of them and their attractiveness to young people who do not already smoke.
“For me, there should be a ban on disposables that we would support if there were proper punishments and policing put in place to enforce the ban and ensure that a black market doesn’t bubble up,” said Mutter.
Enforcement should be funded by a licensing scheme, he said, which retailers would have to be a part of to sell vaping products.
June 26, 2023
ANDS Develops 99 Percent Recyclable Vape Device

Fadi Maayta | Image: Tobacco Reporter archive
ANDS has created a disposable vape that is 99.29 percent recyclable, according to Waste Experts, reports UKVIA.
Slix is constructed of an outer casing made of 100 percent recyclable high-grade cardboard with a biodegradable silicone mouthpiece and end piece.
“While the analysis carried out by Waste Experts suggests that our single-use vape is highly recyclable, we will continue to work toward zero waste,” said Marina Murphy, senior director of scientific and medical affairs at ANDS. “We aim to build a high rate of recyclability into all our products by using high-quality recyclable materials and simple construction that allows for highly efficient dismantling. This contributes to a fast, efficient overall recycling process, which reduces waste management costs. This in turn helps to keep product prices competitive, creating a win-win for the environment and adult consumers who value our products.”
“We’re very much on a journey, and by the end of this year, we hope to launch a 100 percent recyclable and recoverable version of Slix, which will reduce the tonnage of waste going to landfill even further,” said Fadi Maayta, president of ANDS. “If these single-use vapes are restricted or banned over environmental fears as is being talked about in some circles—smokers could lose what many believe to be a very convenient, accessible and compelling alternative to conventional cigarettes.”
ANDS is partnering with Waste Experts to create a recycling program.
June 13, 2023
Flonq has ‘World’s First’ Fully Recyclable Vape Device

Vape manufacturer Flonq launched the world’s first fully recyclable vape device – the Flonq Plus-E at the UK Vaper Expo 2023 in Birmingham.
The innovative e-cigarette addresses two major challenges in the vaping industry: preventing minors from accessing devices and reducing environmentally harmful waste, according to media reports.
“We believe it’s crucial not only to make bold statements but also to back them up with actions,” explains Rob Harvey , the company’s sales director. “The Flonq Plus-E is a solution that truly meets the needs of the vaping industry, and we’re excited to share it with everyone”.
The Flonq Plus-E device can be easily disassembled for recycling after use, according to the report. The product’s distinctive design includes a detachable battery located at the bottom of the device and a patented child lock system to prevent unauthorized use by children and young people.
The device has also won a Good Design Award for its aesthetics, with the shape inspired by the Steinway Tower skyscraper in New York.
May 16, 2023
Scotland Officially Places Disposables Under Review

Credit: ArieStudio
The Scottish government has officially commissioned an “urgent review of the environmental impacts and management of single-use vapes.”
The review, which comes in response to emerging concerns around the negative consequences of disposable vaping devices, will inform potential policy responses, which could include a ban of the products.
The disposable smoking devices have been linked to issues including litter, plastic waste and fire risk, according to Scotland’s government.
Zero Waste Scotland will lead the review, which will consider international experience and action, including any key developments in the European Union.
Other approaches could include increasing access to responsible disposal options, improved product design, or public communications campaigns.
“Any form of littering is an unacceptable, anti-social behavior, that is damaging to the environment and the economy,” Iain Gulland, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland, said. “Single-use items, like disposable vapes, are becoming an all-too-common eyesore in areas where we live, work, and socialize, and can last in our environment for years and years. Tackling our throwaway culture is a priority here at Zero Waste Scotland and we are happy to lead on this important review.”
January 20, 2023
UK to Consider New Regulations for Vape Disposal

Disposing of used vaping devices, especially disposable devices, has become a major issue. So much so that the UK is set to consider changes to ensure the vaping sector “plays its part” in financing the collection and treatment of vaping products as part of the upcoming review of the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) regulations.
Fourteen million single-use vapes are bought each month and 1.3 million are thrown away every week, according to research from Material Focus, the not-for-profit organization funded by the WEEE compliance fee.
Last week, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) published its response to its consultation on commonly littered single-use plastic items, which ran from November 2021 to February 2022, according to Let’s Recycle. Within its response, Defra noted it had not explored the issues around waste generated from disposable vapes.
Defra says it is reviewing the current producer responsibility systems for WEEE and batteries and plans to publish the much-delayed consultations on both areas “this year”, and in doing so will look at vaping products.
The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), the trade body representing the UK’s vaping industry’s interests, says it is in discussions along with its member with several waste companies to create a recycling solution that is “fit for purpose for the vaping sector.”
January 18, 2023
Vapor Recycling Programs Highlighted in New Report
Research and Markets has published a global overview of recycling programs for e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and vaporizers.
Every year, manufacturers and consumers generate 44.7 million tons of e-waste containing up to $65 billion worth of raw materials like gold, silver and platinum. The amount of global e-waste is expected to increase by almost 17 percent to 52.2 million tons in 2021, or around 8 percent every year.
Vape products are e-waste because they contain lithium-ion batteries, a heating element and a circuit board, which can contain plastics and heavy metals.
While the world’s leading jurisdictions have legislation governing the management of e-waste in general, they generally have no rules designed specifically for e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products or vaporizers.
To fill the void, manufacturers of electronic nicotine delivery devices have developed their own initiatives to tackle e-waste. The Research and Markets report list the following examples:
Philip Morris International has established hubs in Europe and Asia that inspect, process and separate materials from electronic devices for recycling.
BAT has replaced plastic elements of vapor products with pulp-based alternatives.
JTI launched a return scheme of used devices through the recycling boxes at shops.
Imperial Brands has launched take-back recycling schemes for used vaping devices and pods.
Other vape companies, such as DotMod, Shanlaan and Dovpo, have launched their own recycling programs by return schemes. Innokin is working on battery utilization programs. Recycling companies, such as Gaiaca and TerraCycle cooperate with vape manufacturers to provide services for collecting and recycling e-waste.
The Bowman company offers pod refill stations to reduce plastic usage for vapor bottles production in future.
In the current issue of Vapor Voice, recycling and vapor waste is a main focus.

Photo: alexlmx
September 2, 2022
Riot Labs Launches Carbon-Negative Disposable Vaporizer

Image: Riot Labs
E-liquids producer Riot Labs claims to have launched the world’s first carbon negative disposable vaporizer, QBAR.
Available in U.K. stores and online from Jan. 11, the compact device is Riot Lab’s first disposable product. The product will be available in several U.K.-manufactured flavors and three nicotine strengths. Each device offers 550 puffs—equivalent of 30 cigarettes—before requiring disposal.
“The launch of QBAR, our first venture into disposables, and our new brand campaign, is all geared up to changing the status quo on smoking cessation, and continue to deliver on our mission to help people quit smoking,” said Ben Johnson, who founded Riot Labs in 2016.
QBAR is made from three elements that are all 100 percent recyclable. The outer casing is made from PLA plastic cornstarch, which is decomposable, but will be recycled into clothing, vinyl records and material for 3D printing. The 420 MAH A battery will be being reused in future devices and other electronic devices. The mouthpiece, which contains the liquid, will be incinerated power going into the national grid
Riot Labs is also launching a Riot Recycle program to make it simple for stores and customers to recycle their devices, of. Consumers can drop their QBARs off at Riot Recycling Bins in specialist stores for dismantling and recycling.
Ambitiously aiming for Zero Waste, Riot Labs also plans to work with stores to track how much waste each has saved so they can continue to optimize and find ways to achieve further reductions.
“From day one, it’s been our mission to help people quit smoking for good, through creating products that are better for people, and better for the planet,” said Johnson.
“Everywhere you look, companies are making efforts to be greener but that isn’t happening fast enough in the vape sector. We’re proud to lead the way with the first carbon negative disposable device—with its unique benefits we believe it will make a big impact on people’s smoking cessation journeys.”
January 11, 2022
Vuse Wins SEAL Sustainable Product Award

Photo: BAT
The Vuse e-cigarette brand has won the Sustainable Product Award in the 2021 SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement and Leadership) Business Sustainability Awards. The award recognizes innovative and impactful products that are “purpose-built for a sustainable future.”

The SEAL Awards celebrate leadership through business sustainability and environmental journalism awards.

“We are honored to receive this SEAL Sustainable Product Award for our Vuse vapor brand,” said Kingsley Wheaton, BAT’s chief marketing officer, in statement.
“At BAT, we are creating the brands of the future with sustainability at their core. In 2021, Vuse was certified as the first global carbon neutral vape brand. This is part of Vuse’s broader sustainability program, which aims to eliminate single-use plastics and have all packaging recyclable by 2025.

“We are proud that Vuse has set the sustainability standard within the vaping category.”
December 21, 2021
BAT: Vuse First Global Carbon Neutral Vape Brand
Photo: BAT
Vuse has become the first global carbon neutral vape brand, according to BAT.
Vuse’s carbon neutrality has been delivered through carbon offset through reforestation projects. This includes a project in Uruguay to plant trees across 21,298 ha, where intensive cattle grazing has eroded soil and degraded land. As well as removing carbon dioxide and delivering better soil quality and biodiversity, the project will also result in increased availability and quality of employment opportunities, BAT noted.
The carbon neutrality of Vuse has been independently validated by Vertis based on product life cycle assessment data provided by an independent third party.
“Vuse becoming the first global carbon neutral vaping brand is a significant milestone,” said Kingsley Wheaton, chief marketing officer at BAT, in a statement. “It is testimony to BAT’s deep and longstanding commitment to being a responsible business and reducing our impact on the environment.”

Vuse becoming the first global carbon neutral vaping brand is testimony to BAT’s deep and longstanding commitment to being a responsible business and reducing our impact on the environment.”
Kingsley Wheaton, chief marketing officer, BAT
According to BAT, Vuse’s carbon neutrality status is part of a bigger ambition to become an environmentally sustainable vape brand with initiatives including:
A global device and pod collection scheme, with approximately 200,000 pods collected since the start of the pilot in 2020
Cutting single use plastics from packaging, which has saved 100 tons of plastic or the equivalent of four million plastic bottles in 2020
Transitioning from air to sea freight through changes to the distribution chain. Vuse aims to have 80 percent of international shipments transported by sea by the end of 2022
BAT says it is also reducing its carbon footprint by improving the energy efficiency of factories by upgrading to more efficient and lower-impact equipment, and by increasing the use of renewable energy through renewable energy purchases and on-site energy generation.
Today’s announcement by BAT coincides with the opening of the 100th Vuse Inspiration Store. Vuse Inspiration Stores are now operating in the U.K., Canada, Poland, Germany, South Africa and the U.S
May 28, 2021