3 days ago
Ban of single-use vapes a failure as makers replaced outlawed devices with lookalike reusables - that get binned anyway
The ban on disposable vapes has been a flop because makers replace outlawed devices with reusable lookalikes that most users still bin, figures show.
Sales of single-use vapes were banned on June 1 after their sweet flavours and bright packaging were blamed for fuelling a boom in underage vapers and piles of discarded vapes.
But brands have responded with copycat reusable vapes with near identical names, flavours, designs and prices.
Internal industry figures leaked to The Mail on Sunday show most of these lookalikes are being thrown away.
In the first month after the ban, 5.3 million of the copycat vapes were sold – but just 1.4 million refills for the devices, figures for vape makers by analysts Nielsen show.
A separate survey of 1,000 vapers for the manufacturers, and also leaked to The MoS, found on average they bought a new device – not a refill – every 16 days, despite the law change.
Sales of single-use vapes were banned on June 1 after their sweet flavours and bright packaging were blamed for fuelling a boom in underage vapers and piles of discarded vapes. Brands have responded with copycat reusable vapes (file image)
A separate survey of 1,000 vapers for the manufacturers, and also leaked to The MoS, found on average they bought a new device – not a refill – every 16 days, despite the law change. Scott Butler, of environmental group Material Focus, warned of a 'vapocalypse'
More than half admitted dumping vapes when the puffs dry up instead of buying refills.
Scott Butler, of environmental group Material Focus, warned of a 'vapocalypse' unless action is taken to stop manufacturers circumventing the ban.
Tory MP Jack Rankin said: 'This law is a triumph of public health puritanism over appreciating the world's complexity.
'The ban shouldn't have been implemented. It made it harder for adults to quit smoking.'
