UK VAPING INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

Writer: Phoebe Harper | Project Manager: Dave West

Although a phenomenon that has exploded in recent years, vaping is an undeniably controversial issue.

In a media storm that continues to favour clickbaithorror stories frequently plagued with misinformation and falsities, the true purpose and value of the industry – as an undeniably healthier alternative for adults looking to quit smoking – is being obscured in an endless game of smoke and mirrors.

As a result of an overwhelmingly negative media barrage, it has been reported that only a third of adult smokers are aware that vaping is a significantly less harmful option to smoking, despite widespread agreement from both medical professionals and the government confirming the same. Indeed, in 2022 data from the Office of National Statistics showed that smoking rates are now at their lowest levels since records began, crediting vaping as playing a ‘major role’ in that decrease, a conclusion further bolstered by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities.

Nevertheless, the industry today must confront the stark reality of the environmental issues and waste implications of a habit that primarily relies on singleuse devices, and the fact that the number of children vaping aged between 11-17 has doubled within the past two years alone (as reported by a YouGov survey for Action on Smoking and Health).

The latter represents the industry’s greatest hurdle, as it seeks to impose more stringent regulations regarding the illegal sale of vaping devices to children, and the policing of marketing tactics that are at risk of targeting a young audience. In addition, manufacturing innovation is needed to promote the use of environmentally-friendly materials and recyclable alternatives, steering consumers away from disposable models.

The comparative health benefits of vaping to smoking make the industry a critical public health tool if the UK is to reach its ambition of being smoke-free by 2030. In addition, its economic benefits cannot be understated – not just in terms of revenue, but also in terms of saving costs for our overburdened public health system. In 2019, this translated to an estimated cost saving of over £300 million (as reported by the UK Vaping Industry Association).

However, the advantages that vaping can bring to the UK’s well-being, both in terms of public health and economically speaking, can only be realised both sensibly, and sustainably, if we fully acknowledge an evidence-based approach over misinformation – one that paves the way for regulating industry activity, and keeping vapes out of the hands of children.