A series of surveys carried out by firms associated with vape products has revealed consumers have mixed feelings about the ban on disposable devices that comes in on June 1.
From that date, only vapes that can be refilled – either by topping up with e-liquids, or by swapping in new pods – can be sold. Post-June vapes must also be rechargeable.
One poll of 726 UK residents by vape retailer Evapo shows that 61% of people would consider buying illegal vapes after the ban, while 30% say potential price increases caused by the mandating of reusable devices could see them return to smoking.
Another survey by Vape Superstore, this one involving 510 respondents, holds that just 8.1% are thinking of picking cigarettes up again, while research by Confused.com that saw 500 people polled indicates the figure is 19%.
Confused’s data comes from people supplying details when getting quotes for life insurance policies with the firm. This set of questions also showed that 37% said they will quit vaping when the ban comes in, while 29% said they had used vapes to help them quit cigarettes
Evapo’s data, meanwhile, found that 57% of vapers are considering stockpiling disposable devices to use after June 1, while Vape Superstore’s survey asked the same question, and found 70% are thinking about hoarding throwaway vapes.
While the pictures painted by these three surveys contradict each other to some extent, the variability shown by the results indicates there is uncertainty and befuddlement amongst vapers when it comes to the implications of the ban.
The ban on disposables is being introduced because single-use vapes are “an inefficient use of critical resources”, according to the government. The lithium-ion cells in vapes pose fire risks if they are placed in household refuse, while the elements contained in the devices’ batteries can leach into soil and groundwater if they end up in landfill, rather than being properly disposed of as electronic waste.
Vape firms have been wise to the ban for some time, with those known for making single-use items developing reusable vapes that offer a similar experience to disposables, without bringing significantly increased costs.
