Sustainable Development and Recycling in the E-cigarette Industry

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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.