VPZ speaks out against rule-bending 'big puff' single-use vapes
VPZ, the UK’s largest vaping retailer, has issued a stark warning regarding the ‘big puff’ vapes flooding the UK market. Specifically, those featuring superficial recharging and refilling features. The kits are designed specifically to exploit loopholes in the planned ban on disposables vapes, which comes into force from April 1st, 2025.
Doug Mutter, Director at VPZ, expressed his concern in a recent front-page Daily Record article. Speaking on behalf of VPZ, Mutter said: “We condemn these ‘Big Puffs’ as we strongly believe that they undermine our objectives and are poised to create a public health crisis with unregulated products flooding the marketplace.”
These ‘big puff’ devices can carry up to six times as much e-liquid as a standard regulated disposable vape. They come with 2ml pre-filled, and an extra 10ml chamber that can be used immediately after purchase. The presence of a USB charging port means these ‘big puff’ devices are technically refillable and rechargeable. As a result, these vapes fall within the regulations expected to come into force in 2025. However, their design means the coil cannot be replaced – rendering them useless after a single use.
The rule-bending ‘big puff’ vapes are on track to erode the expected benefits of the upcoming disposable ban. Mutter reported that 95% of attendees at a recent UK vaping expo were showcasing loophole-exploiting devices. Speaking to the Daily Record, he stressed the importance of further rules and regulations: “[Companies are] developing unsustainable products that inherit the same environmental and societal problems”. He went on to say, “Data show that more than ever there is a need for the UK Government to step in to support trading standards and local authorities to keep up with the scale of the ‘big puff’ epidemic.”
VPZ fully supports the UK Government’s impending ban on disposables. The retailer has already taken action to mitigate the threat disposables pose on the environment. The company launched a nationwide recycling service across all 170 of its stores last year – the first of its kind. In-store and online education resources are offered too, educating customers on the benefits of opting for a reusable device instead of a disposable.
VPZ believe it is imperative that the industry and regulatory bodies work together to tackle the 'big puff' issue. Further regulations will protect the health of vape users, the environment, and the quit-smoking initiatives that have benefited public health.
Read more: Vape retailer warns of new ‘big puff’ single-use vapes flooding market to get around ban - Daily Record