Sustainable Development and Recycling in the E-cigarette Industry

May.16.2023
Sustainable Development and Recycling in the E-cigarette Industry
The Vaper Expo saw e-cigarette industry leaders discuss sustainable practices and the importance of responsible recycling.

Special Statement:


This article is for internal industry research and exchange only, and does not make any recommendations for brands or products. Underage individuals are prohibited from accessing it.


On May 13th, 2FIRSTS London News Center conducted interviews with various electronic cigarette exhibitors at the Vaper Expo in Birmingham, UK. The interviewees emphasized the industry's trend towards recycling and sustainable development, indicating a growing consensus within the electronic cigarette industry on the importance of environmentalism and sustainability.


Flonq creates electronic cigarettes that are independent, detachable, and recyclable.


Flonq | image source: 2FIRSTS


Flonq is an electronic cigarette brand headquartered in Dubai that has released three products in the United Kingdom: a disposable e-cigarette, a pod-style e-cigarette, and a reusable e-cigarette with a detachable battery.


Reusable electronic cigarettes have already been sold in the EU and other markets. This brand has identified sustainability as one of its unique selling points, emphasizing that the design of one of its key disposable electronic cigarettes is to facilitate disassembly and recycling. With a simple twist, the battery and container can easily come out of the box.


Cardinal: Malaysia should learn from the UK. Cardinal is the first Malaysian e-cigarette brand to appear in the UK. Erwin, the head of the Cardinal brand, stated that there is a stark contrast between Malaysia and the UK's attitudes towards e-cigarettes and their respective regulatory situations.


Cardinal| Photo credit: 2FIRSTS


In contrast to Malaysia's laissez-faire attitude towards electronic cigarettes, the UK government views them as a means of transitioning from smoking and has thus implemented stricter regulations on the industry.


Erwin said that the Cardinal has a recycling program in Malaysia, but the local consumers are accustomed to throwing all kinds of garbage into the trash can, making recycling a problem. He also suggested that other countries can learn from the regulatory framework of the UK, despite the fact that the UK is implementing a long-term goal. In addition, he advocated that global electronic cigarette industry participants should learn from their UK counterparts in terms of product and battery recycling.


Gold bars: The sustainability of e-cigarette recycling.


Finally, 2FIRSTS interviewed Alex from Gold Bar, a multinational company formed by experienced e-cigarette practitioners from the United Arab Emirates, the United States, the United Kingdom, and China. In addition to prioritizing high-quality aesthetics and preventing underage e-cigarette use, sustainability is also a key aspect of Gold Bar's UK strategy. However, since they have only been in the UK market for two months, they plan to appropriately recycle their products.


Gold bar | Image courtesy of 2FIRSTS


Each brand interviewed brought unique products and emphasized the importance of sustainability and recycling for the future of the industry. This common emphasis signals a collective commitment to environmental responsibility, marking an important step forward in the ever-evolving world of electronic cigarettes.


Cover image provided by 2FIRSTS.



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

ZYN ULTRA Expands Haypp’s U.S. E-Commerce Lineup With 9 mg Pouches
ZYN ULTRA Expands Haypp’s U.S. E-Commerce Lineup With 9 mg Pouches
Haypp Group said ZYN ULTRA became available nationwide in the United States on June 15 through its e-commerce platforms Nicokick.com and Northerner.com for verified adult nicotine consumers.
Jun.17
Opinion | As EU Reviews Tobacco Rules, Experts Warn Against Overlooking Smokers’ Alternatives
Opinion | As EU Reviews Tobacco Rules, Experts Warn Against Overlooking Smokers’ Alternatives
As the European Commission reviews its tobacco and advertising rules, two experts who provided written comments to 2Firsts argue that future EU policy should not overlook adult smokers’ alternatives. Dr Garrett McGovern and Dr Carmen Escrig say regulators should weigh relative risk, adult switching, flavours, consumer behaviour and scientific uncertainty alongside youth protection.
Industry Insight
Jun.01
Michael Olise’s World Cup Locker-Room Photo Puts Nicotine Pouches in the Sports Business Spotlight
Michael Olise’s World Cup Locker-Room Photo Puts Nicotine Pouches in the Sports Business Spotlight
Several European sports outlets have reported on a suspected nicotine pouch seen in French footballer Michael Olise’s locker photo, bringing football’s long-running “snus” culture back into public view and highlighting brand visibility, product classification and public-health debate around nicotine pouches in sports settings.
News
Jun.25 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Bringing Tax and Insurance Into Nicotine Regulation: Insights From a Tobacco Harm-Reduction Report
Bringing Tax and Insurance Into Nicotine Regulation: Insights From a Tobacco Harm-Reduction Report
A smoke-free nicotine policy report argues that tobacco harm reduction should move beyond product bans and health warnings into tax policy, insurance pricing and risk-based regulation. While some projections remain open to debate, the report highlights a wider challenge: nicotine products, technologies and consumer behavior have changed sharply over the past decade, and regulatory systems may need new tools to better align tobacco control with harm-reduction goals.
Jun.08
France Vape Market 2026: Use Reaches 7.9% Amid Tax, Regulatory and Scientific Debate
France Vape Market 2026: Use Reaches 7.9% Amid Tax, Regulatory and Scientific Debate
France remains one of Europe’s active vape markets in 2026, with adult vaping prevalence rising to 7.9%; at the same time, e-liquid taxation, public-space restrictions, advertising compliance and health-risk debate are pushing the industry into a critical policy period.
Jun.23
CBP and FDA Seize 18 Million Illegal Vapes Worth $175 Million in Maritime Cargo Operation
CBP and FDA Seize 18 Million Illegal Vapes Worth $175 Million in Maritime Cargo Operation
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that more than 18 million illegal e-cigarettes valued at over $175 million were seized during “Operation Red Mist,” a joint enforcement initiative involving the U.S. Coast Guard and the FDA. The operation primarily targeted maritime vape shipments originating from China and focused on combating illicit importation, transportation, and distribution activities.
Regulations
May.14