Disposable Vape: The Rise and Likely Fall of Vape Products in the UK

The vaping industry has seen a significant shift in the last few years with the rise of disposable vape products. These products have revolutionized the way people vape, offering a convenient and hassle-free experience that has attracted millions of consumers worldwide. However, the growing popularity of disposable vape products has also led to concerns about their safety and the impact they have on the environment.

In this article, we will explore the rise of disposable vape products, the impact they have on the industry, and their likely fall. We will also look at the current trends in the market, the dangers of unregistered vape products, and the future of vaping in the UK.

The Rise of Disposable Vape Products

According to the ASH Data report, the number of vapers using disposable e-cigarettes has risen from 2.3% in 2021 to 15% this year. This growth is a result of the introduction of first-to-market products like the Elf Bar 600 and the Geek Bar, which offered nicotine salt (Nic salts) flavors that captured the attention and taste buds of consumers.

This rise in popularity has also been reflected in the number of 'submitted notified' disposable vape products registered with the MHRA. Over 5,800 disposable vape products have been registered during the period 2021-2022 alone, across 15,000 brands. This number is significantly higher than the number of 10ml e-liquid registrations, which only amounted to 5,700 in the same period.

Current Trends in the Market

While disposable vape products have been on the rise, there has been a shift in consumer preferences towards open and closed POD devices and 10ml brands. This trend is in line with the ASH data, which shows that most vapers prefer refillable tank systems. The cost per puff is not as economical as an open system, where consumers can add their favorite e-liquid flavors to their preferred device for a fraction of the cost.

However, the market is also flooded with unregistered vape products, including 6000 puff disposables and 3500 puff disposables, which are putting the entire industry at risk. Illegal disposable vape products and youth access are intrinsically linked. Retailers selling illegal disposable vape devices are unlikely to be strict about checking the age of their customers, which increases the risk of youth access.

The Dangers of Unregistered Vape Products

Illegal disposable vape products, such as 7000 puff vapes with over 20mg of nicotine and way over 2ml of e-liquid, are putting the entire vape industry at risk. These products have not been through the rigors of testing dictated by UK regulations, which poses a significant risk to consumers. Additionally, the increased availability of these illegal products is a serious concern, as thousands of retailers are openly selling them.

Enforcement officers are doing their best to address this issue, but the scale of the problem and the challenges faced by officers are significant. Some regions in the UK only have one officer to cover large areas, and closing rogue distributors requires a multi-agency approach that is expensive and time-consuming.

The Future of Vaping in the UK

Many in the vape industry are calling for immediate action to address the rise of illegal vape products. The good news is that there is international and national action being conducted. The People's Republic of China now licenses their manufacturers, and the licensing scheme prescribes that only products that meet the legal requirements of the destination country may be exported.

Vape Click predicts that consumers who currently use disposable vape products will transition to superior open pod devices, where the technology of the devices coupled with UK-made, high-quality tested e-liquids will provide an enhanced vaping experience. The new 'open pod devices' replicate the same 'vape and go' experience of disposable vape devices but are superior in quality, cheaper, and have a significantly reduced impact on the environment. This trend is already evident in the market, with a steady rise in 10ml e-liquid registrations and other categories like closed and open POD devices.

In conclusion, the rise of disposable vape products has had a significant impact on the industry, but it also poses risks and challenges that must be addressed. The future of vaping in the UK is strong, with consumers transitioning to open pod devices that offer a superior experience and a reduced impact on the environment. However, it is essential to take action to address the growing concerns around illegal and unregistered vape products and youth access to vaping.

FAQs

Are disposable vape products safe to use?

Disposable vape products that have been registered and tested according to UK regulations are safe to use. However, unregistered and illegal vape products pose significant risks to consumers.

What is the impact of disposable vape products on the environment?

Disposable vape products contribute to electronic waste, which is a significant environmental concern. Open pod devices are a more environmentally friendly option as they can be refilled with e-liquids.

Will disposable vape products be banned in the UK?

There have been calls to ban disposable vape products due to concerns about their impact on the environment and the risks posed by unregistered products. However, no such ban has been announced yet.

What are open pod devices?

Open pod devices are refillable devices that offer a similar experience to disposable vape products. They are superior in quality, cheaper, and have a reduced impact on the environment.

What is the ASH Data report?

The ASH Data report is a survey of smoking and vaping trends in the UK. It provides insights into consumer preferences and trends in the vaping industry.