A new report from Material Focus highlights the environmental and regulatory challenges posed by the rapid rise of high-capacity disposable vapes, often referred to as ‘big puff’ devices.
The growing trend of high-capacity disposable vapes, often marketed as ‘big puff’ devices, has triggered fresh concerns over compliance and sustainability in the vaping sector. According to the latest report from Material Focus, these devices, capable of delivering up to 10,000 puffs, are not only straining recycling systems but also breaching multiple regulations.
The report reveals that many of these devices fail to meet UK safety and recycling standards, often bypassing the cap on nicotine strength and e-liquid volume, which is limited to 2ml for disposables under current legislation.
Moreover, their non-compliant design presents significant challenges for responsible disposal and recycling efforts. Environmental experts have pointed out the strain these high-capacity products place on waste management.
“These devices are flooding the market and increasing the volume of improperly disposed lithium batteries and plastics.” a Material Focus spokesperson explained.
With vaping today, a major part of harm reduction strategies, authorities are under pressure to strike a balance between regulating non-compliant products and supporting legitimate retailers. Retailers have expressed concerns about the influx of these devices, fearing that non-compliant competitors could undermine their compliance efforts.
Many reputable vape shops are now doubling down on ensuring their product lines meet regulatory standards, including proper labelling and waste disposal measures. “We’re committed to offering safe, compliant products that align with harm reduction goals, but these rogue devices make that harder,” one retailer noted.
Material Focus is calling for stronger enforcement measures to prevent the sale of non-compliant ‘big puff’ devices. These devices are flooding the market and increasing the volume of improperly disposed lithium batteries and plastics.
The report also emphasises the importance of educating consumers on the risks posed by such products and the benefits of switching to regulated, refillable alternatives.
As the market continues to evolve, industry stakeholders agree that sustainable and compliant innovation must remain a top priority. Addressing the challenges posed by these high-capacity disposables will require collaboration between manufacturers, retailers, and regulators to ensure both environmental responsibility and public safety.
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