FLER at APE

New research from UK recycling campaign group Material Focus says more than 6.3 million vapes and pods are still thrown away each week in the UK. The figure is down 23% from 8.2 million in 2024, which the group said suggests the June 2025 single-use vape ban has helped reduce waste, but it warned that the current level still represents a major waste of valuable materials and a significant fire risk.

Japan’s transport ministry said on April 14 that major Japanese airlines reported 429 passenger smoking incidents on domestic and international flights in 2025, the highest level since comparable data collection began in 2004. The government said the spread of heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes was an important factor behind the increase. Japan plans to work with airlines to raise public awareness of fire risks on aircraft.

New York state health officials said a joint operation last week involving the State Department of Health, Nassau County police and local health officials intercepted about 14 tons of illegal vape products that were intended for local distributors and smoke shops.

Russia is preparing changes to its e-cigarette state standard GOST R 58109–2018. Under a draft order submitted to Rosstandart, the shelf life of vape devices and liquids would be limited to no more than two years, and capacity would be strictly capped at 2 mL for replaceable capsules, 10 mL for disposable systems and 30 mL for refill containers.

Azerbaijan has established fines for the import, export, production and sale of e-cigarettes. Under amendments to the Administrative Offenses Code approved by President Ilham Aliyev, using e-cigarettes in places prohibited by the law “On the Restriction of Tobacco Product Use,” including streets and other public areas, will result in a fine of 30 manat.

China Boton Group reported its results for the year ended December 31, 2025. Revenue was RMB 1.496 billion, down about 9.5% from RMB 1.653 billion in 2024. Gross profit was RMB 377.1 million, with a gross margin of 25.2%, and the group recorded a net loss of RMB 1.000 billion for the year.