Key Points
● South America’s NGP regulations are highly fragmented, ranging from total bans in Uruguay to lenient rules in Paraguay.
● Environmental challenges linked to disposable vapes — including waste management and recycling gaps — are rising across the region.
● Research from Argentine scholars highlights a gap between user awareness of environmental harm and the lack of recycling policies.
● Balancing tobacco harm reduction with sustainability is emerging as a key priority for South American markets.
Introduction
South America’s next-generation product (NGP) landscape is rapidly evolving, shaped by diverse regulations, consumer adoption, and rising concerns about environmental sustainability. While some countries move toward stricter bans, others explore balanced approaches that integrate tobacco harm reduction (THR). At the same time, the growing popularity of disposable vapes highlights new environmental challenges that remain largely unaddressed.
This article draws on research and insights from Aylen Van Isseldyk and Juan Facundo Teme, Argentine advocates and co-founders of the Circular Vape Recycle project, which is supported by the Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Program (THRSP – K•A•C). Their work sheds light on both regulatory dynamics and environmental issues across the region.
Current Market Situation and Regulatory Framework
From a regulatory perspective, South America demonstrates diverse approaches, balancing public health concerns with potential market opportunities:
• Argentina: Since 2011, ANMAT banned e-cigarette sales and promotion. HTPs were also banned in 2023. Reforms expected in 2025 could align regulations with international harm reduction standards.
• Chile: Recently passed legislation promotes reduced-risk alternatives while safeguarding public health.
• Brazil: Maintains one of the strictest bans since 2009, though black-market growth and public consultations have pressured regulators to review policies.
• Paraguay: Allows the sale of electronic cigarettes with minimal restrictions, becoming a regional supply hub but also attracting criticism from opponents of these products who argue "health risks and commercial impacts."
• Uruguay: Total ban since 2009, consistent with its strong anti-tobacco stance, though debates on harm reduction are gaining traction.
• Peru: Regulations are evolving, focusing on youth protection, labeling, and advertising while maintaining adult access.
Environmental and Sustainability Challenges
The global rise of disposable vapes has introduced new sustainability concerns, and South America is no exception. Research findings highlight several urgent issues:
• Low awareness among users: of the environmental impact of vape waste, particularly with batteries and plastics.
• Regulatory gaps: with few countries implementing specific recycling or disposal policies.
• Environmental arguments used politically: by opponents to justify bans rather than balanced solutions.
• Environmental education: In the study conducted by Aylen Van Isseldyk and Juan Facundo Teme, a survey of 188 users revealed that 67.9% of respondents recognize the environmental damage caused by disposable vapes, but 47.9% indicate that there are no recycling policies in their countries, reflecting the gap between environmental awareness and practical solutions.
Research Spotlight: Circular Vape Recycle
The Circular Vape Recycle project, led by Aylen Van Isseldyk and with the collaboration of Juan Facundo Teme, seeks to unite harm reduction with environmental sustainability.
Supported by the Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Program (K•A•C), the project investigates user behavior, explores international best practices, and runs digital education campaigns in Spanish, English, and Portuguese through Instagram and X.
The goal is to generate practical evidence to inform policymakers in Argentina, South America, and beyond—ensuring NGP development incorporates both public health and ecological responsibility.
This study was Supported by the Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Program (K•A•C).
Conclusion
South America remains a complex and dynamic market for NGPs. While regulatory frameworks vary widely, one common theme is emerging: sustainability must be integrated into the harm reduction debate.
Projects like Circular Vape Recycle demonstrate how science, advocacy, and education can contribute to smarter regulation and better outcomes for both consumers and the environment.
Note:
1.Based on research and materials provided by Aylen Van Isseldyk and Juan Facundo Teme
2. The images in this article were provided by Aylen Van Isseldyk.
