UK prohibits disposable E cigarettes for waste and security risks
UK prohibits disposable E cigarettes for waste and security risks
In the UK, the sale of disposable vapes will be banned from Sunday, since the country takes an important step to combat the “environmental disaster” of disposable equipment. However, some environmentalists warn that these new restrictions are only "a drop on the hot stone" in the fight against plastic pollution.
a step in the right direction
The ban positions the United Kingdom at the top of the European countries that enact laws against disposable vapes, according to similar measures in France and Belgium. It is estimated that around 8.2 million disposable vapes-which corresponds to 13 pieces per second-are disposed of in the United Kingdom every week, such as a Analysis The environmental protection group FOCUS from December shows.
The environmental effects
In official guidelines, the British government described the disposable vapes as "annoyances" and stated that its widespread disposal has "enormously harmful influence on our environment and wildlife". The plastics used in disposable vape products are "almost impossible for nature to completely dismantle". In addition, improperly disposed of batteries can set garbage cars and waste systems on fire, with material FOCUS associated with around 1,200 fires between May 2023 and May 2024.
youth vaping and security concerns
"The ban will also help to counteract the increase in vaping among young people," said the government. "More than half of the children who use vapes report that 'disposable' models are their choice." However, legislation does not criminalize the possession of disposable vapes, but is aimed at retailers and distributors who have to expect fines of £ 270) from Sundays. At continued violation or even a prisoner could improve against the new law become.
market adjustments from the manufacturers
For many who are already fighting environmental consequences, the ban comes far too late. Scott Butler, Managing Director of Material Focus, told CNN: "Without quick and comprehensive measures, the threat of a 'vapocalypse' remains." New models from "Big Puff" and "Pod" are already contributing to the environmental disaster. "The manufacturers of Vapes are infinitely creative with their products to avoid the upcoming ban on disposable vapes," he added.
In the run-up to the legislation, large VAPE manufacturers began to adapt their product lines. A spokesman for Elfbar and Lost Mary, both of whom are in the possession of the Chinese company Shenzhen Imiracle Technology, said: "We prepared ourselves proactively for this change, from the introduction of our first reusable product in the United Kingdom in mid -2022 to the development of reusable products a year ago."
customer preferences and market changes
On the shopping page, however, a retailer in London warned that consumer habits could prove to change as more difficult. "Customers prefer the older disposable vapes that offer 600 trains, and not the newer, non-careful models with 6,000 trains. This is due to the fact that they want to change the flavors of the vapes more often," said Adi Patel, who works in Hari Off License in SHOREDITCH, EAST LONDON.
The higher prices of the new vapes are an obstacle for customers, he added. In the run -up to the ban, John Dunne, General Director of the UK Vaping Industry Association, explained in a explain that "we always have emphasized that prohibitions for the problems in Vaping industry are, but the enforcement of existing laws to protect children and the environment ”. He warned that the measure leads to an increase in the return of steamers to smoke cigarette and create a black market for disposable products.
growth of the vaping
The use of Vapes has increased in recent years. According to an estimated, around 5.6 million people in the United Kingdom vaporize, according to a survey of public health from action on smoking and health from last year. Disposable vapes are particularly popular with young adults who try to stop smoking, and their elegant design, the striking packaging and the sweet tastes have also attracted young people. According to a survey of the National Health Service in October almost 1 of 10 secondary students steam regularly, and a quarter of the 11 to 15 year olds have already experimented with vaping.
personal experiences with disposable vapes
A former user told CNN that he was drawn from the large selection of "tastes and colors" to Vapes, but was uncomfortable for him that they could be thrown away so easily. "I just threw her in the trash, it didn't feel really good," said 17-year-old Eaben Kusik from Brighton. "It seemed a bit wasteful to me to throw the battery away with the Vape after three days. At first I thought: 'I don't like the government forbids things', but I think it's a good thing."
demands for more measures
For the environmental protection organization Greenpeace UK, the step is progress, but far from it. "Einweg vapes are a clear environmental threat," Laura Burley, co-manager of the Greenpeace UK plastic campaign, told CNN. "As welcome as the ban may be, it is just a drop on the hot stone compared to the tsunami of plastic waste that continues to be produced."
A separate law on tobacco and vapes that is currently in parliament would give the ministers the authority to further restrict the packaging, flavors and marketing of vapes, especially those that are considered to be a youth.
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