Issue 42

IN A LANDMARK STEP FOR THE UK INDUSTRY, LEADING VAPE BRAND ELUX SPONSORED THE RECENT FURY V CHISORA BOXING MATCH.

EDITORIAL

Editor - Jordan Millar

Deputy Editor - Oliver Smith

Junior Journalist - Emily Malia

DESIGN

Head of Design - Hayley Parker

Head Designer - Amy Harrison

Design Team Co-ordinator - Lucy Booth

Graphic Designer - Michelle Piovesan

Design Support - Anna Difusco

MARKETING

Marketing Director - Katie Loomes

Web Developer - Kain Alden

Marketing Executives : Alicia Snow-Simpson, Carrie Strouther

Marketing Admin - Lauren Pilliner

SALES

Client Partnerships Manager

Steve Culf +44 7795 200 167

Sales Executive - Kirk Martin +44 7917 582 001

Sales Executive - Raj Shergill +44 741 0977 234

China Sales Executive - Arlen Luo +86 137 012 666 84

ACCOUNTS

Head of Finance - Rochelle Warsop

EVENTS

Events Director - Abida Razaque

Bus Manager - Farooq ‘H’ Hussain

Assistant Bus Manager - Sid De Silva

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Pom Kaila

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

I know what you must be thinking…’no beard, no glasses, this isn’t Patrick Griffin’.

And you’d be right.

After almost a decade with the magazine, the former Vapouround editor has stepped down from his role and has moved on to new horizons.

I think I speak for the entire staff – and our community of loyal readers – when I say he will be sorely missed and we wish him the best of luck in whatever adventure he embarks on next.

In his stead, I’ve stepped up as the new editor of Vapouround and am so excited to take the industry leading publication to new heights moving forward.

Many of you will have likely seen my name pop up in previous editions – only on the best stories of course – and may have bumped into me at various expos and events.

I’ve personally been involved in the industry for just over two years and in that time have grown increasingly passionate about the harm reduction mission and the creativity of the sector.

In just 24 months I’ve seen incredible advocacy campaigns, ever evolving tech, selfless efforts to help smokers make the switch and unmatched community values.

In short, it’s been a wild and eye-opening ride.

I have to thank my amazing deputy editor

Oliver Smith for his help in getting my first magazine at the helm finished.

The quality of the content is better than I ever could have asked and the collection of stories is one of the best we’ve ever put to page.

In the news section alone, we talk about an Australian doctor who gives his son cigarettes to stop him vaping and a chilling new effort from anti-vaping campaign The Real Cost.

We also have an article on vape brand Elux’s sponsorship of the Fury v Chisora fight – a landmark moment for the UK industry – and extensive coverage of the UKVIA’s must-attend Forum.

But that’s enough from me. I’m sure you want to get stuck in and see what else this issue of Vapouround has in store.

Thank you and happy reading.

Jordan Millar | Editor

BEST VAPE MAG FIVE YEARS RUNNING

CEO

Paul Caplin

SHORTFILLS

Vapouround editor Jordan Millar selects his top picks of short vape-related stories and research making news around the world.

STAT’S WHAT WE

Like to hear

New data revealed UK adult smoking rates have plummeted to 13.3 percent…the lowest level since records began.

13.3 PERCENT

In the same Office for National Statistics report, it was also shown that the proportion of adult vapers had increased from 6.4 to 7.7 percent during the same 2020/2021 timeframe. John Dunne of the UKVIA, welcomed the ‘fantastic news’, saying he was ‘delighted’ vaping was helping to reduce smoking prevalence. He said: “It’s more important than ever that we capitalise on this momentum, reach out to the adult population still smoking and give them the facts they need to make the switch.”

NOT SUCH AN EASY Payday…IS IT?

BACK IN… Green?

YouTube vaping star Grimm Green made a valiant return to the platform after fighting content strikes and changing rules. The industry celeb has been locked in a public battle with the site after receiving multiple warnings on old videos, working tirelessly to keep his channel online. Grimm’s near-400,000 subscribers rejoiced when he posted the video ‘Hey…So I’ve been gone, let’s get on the same page’ which chronicled his efforts over the past few months and confirmed his full return to the platform. In the description, he told fans ‘You’re the real MVP’ and thanked YouTube for its ‘direct communication’.

Sound FAMILIAR?

At the start of the year, vocal harm reduction advocate Charles A. Gardner brazenly offered $100 for evidence of one verified human death caused by legal nicotine vapour. Over 12 months later and the reward pot has jumped to a whopping $8,500, made possible by donations from like-minded ex-smokers and vapers. Nobody has yet to claim the prize – despite continued warnings over the supposed health risks of e-cigarettes – but if someone finally does muster up evidence…they can expect a hefty donation to the charity of their choice.

A quote from CFTK boss Matthew Myers has resurfaced online that showed the antivaper may not have always been so opposed to the reduced risk alternative. Way back in the long-forgotten year of 2006, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids president said: “If you had a product that addicted 45 million people and killed none of them, I would take that deal.” He added that if there was a product that delivered the same satisfaction as tobacco, without the deadly side effects, he has to believe people would ‘flock to it’...some might argue the product Myers is describing is vaping.

THE ONE AND OHM-LY Piano Man

Superstar musician Billy Joel was recently spotted vaping as he enjoyed a relaxing boat cruise in Sydney Harbour. The singer/ songwriter was seen puffing away on what appeared to be a disposable device while spending quality time with his wife Alexis Roderick and his two young daughters.

Joel was indulging in a bit of down time ahead of an upcoming one-off concert at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where he’s expected to roll out some of his greatest hits for an audience of adoring Aussie fans.

AS A MATTER OF Fact

The UK vape community has reached recordbreaking new levels at 4.3 million, according to new data from YouGov’s

annual ‘Smokefree GB’ survey. This represents a 500 percent increase in the number of people using e-cigarettes over the past 10 years and bodes well for the effort to end health harms caused by tobacco.

4.3M VAPERS IN THE UK

Breaking 20,000

In a recent twitter post, it was revealed that the ‘Right to Vape’ testimonial website now boasts more than 14,500 stories. The platform is a place for ex-smokers, vapers and industry voices to share their experience with the reduced risk alternative and give real-world insight on the popular quitting tool.

DON’T

Believe

EVERYTHING YOU SEE ON TV

Long-time smoker turned vaper Melanie Carlisle received an unexpected – and unwanted - surprise when she stopped a movie on popular viewing platform Hulu. After she paused her stream an advert from infamous anti-vaping movement The Real Cost popped up, claiming that the less harmful alternative ‘contains toxic chemicals’ that can damage your lungs. In bold letters across the screen, it said: “You can’t pause the harmful effects from vaping.” Shocked, Melanie posted a picture of the warning to Twitter along with a caption saying The Real Cost’s efforts were ‘getting beyond creepy’.

Here,s WHY!

KI-WE Applaud YOU!

New Zealand looks on track to hit its smoke-free 2025 target as a new health survey revealed cigaretteuse is at an all-time low. The report showed that daily smoking rates dropped by 1.4 percent between 2021 and 2022, with some pointing to vaping as a reason for the shift. Ben Youdan of Action on Smoking and Health NZ said the nation has one of the lowest smoking rates internationally, saying regular vaping has overtaken cigarette-use. He said: “The influence of safer alternatives, efforts by grassroots cessation programmes and investment going into communities to stop people smoking are all working.”

In the post, advocacy group CAPHRA – which masterminded the site –said: “Let’s break 20,000 by January 1, 2023!” The race is now on to see if they can top their already impressive database of personal stories to hit the ambitious goal.

In a frank blog, harm reduction activist Allison Boughner detailed why she backs vaping and ‘why you should too’. Posted to the World Vapers’ Alliance website, Boughner’s story began with her personal journey to quit smoking…a habit she was eventually able to ditch using the reduced risk alternative. She said her

experience with vaping is a main driver of her advocacy and that before she made the switch nothing else had worked. Boughner went on to advise others who want to get involved in activism, suggesting resources and talking points before warning they need to develop a ‘thick skin’.

Food FOR THOUGHT

Pizza, donuts and other highly processed foods are just as addictive as cigarettes and should be reclassified as drugs, warn scientists. The researchers said consumables like these are packed with high-risk fats, sugars and salt and do well to get people hooked. Led by psychology professor Dr Ashley Gearhardt, they added that the properties of these industrially created products are vastly different to natural foods and that they are ‘designed to deliver addictive substances’.

Sceptical, harm reduction advocate Charles A. Gardner accused the field of nutrition of following the footsteps of tobacco control and going ‘off-therails’.

ON TOP Forum

Hundreds of industry experts, advocates and vaping uninitiated recently flocked to the capital for this year’s UKVIA Forum. The London

NO VAPES FOR Minors!

Irish policymakers have approved a ban on the sale of vape products to anyone under the age of 18. The move is set to stop young people from freely accessing e-cigarettes - something they were previously able to do – and includes a number of new regulations for the sector. Under the ruling, vape advertisements will be banned near schools, areas

Did YouKNO-MH?

event saw the unveiling of the first ever economic impact assessment of vaping in the UK and was marked by an eye-opening schedule of keynote addresses and panel discussions. Vapouround Magazine had the

frequented by children and on public transport. The new restrictions were welcomed by industry voices like Respect Vapers, a consumer body that celebrated efforts to ‘limit youth access’ and stressed that e-cigarettes are intended to help adult smokers.

The global e-cigarette market is projected to reach an estimated

$24.6 billion by 2027, according to a comprehensive new report.

pleasure of being amongst the crowd at the conference and also bore witness to the UKVIA’s inaugural ‘recognition awards’. For our full coverage of the forum, check out our comprehensive ‘special report’ later in this issue.

Belgium officials are introducing a ban on the sale of tobacco through vending machines in the hospitality industry.

As reported by The Brussels Times, the original proposal came from minister of health Frank Vandenbroucke as an effort to reduce youth access to cigarettes. And while many of the machines do use special age-

protected tokens, there are concerns that this is not enough to stop minors getting their hands on the deadly products. The bill does reportedly include an exemption for ‘semiautomatic’ machines found in supermarkets and sees Belgium following in the footsteps of countries like France and the UK.

The Project Vapouround Autumn bus tour has come to a close…and what a journey it has been. Our ‘vape education hub on wheels’ has travelled up and down the country, making stops in Stoke, Coventry, Gainsborough and more over the past few months. We can only hope that the team has been able to help every adult smoker who came aboard the bus in finding a way to ditch cigarettes…they certainly tried. Keep your eyes peeled to see where we will be heading moving into 2023; you never know, it could be a city near you.

Disposing OF DISPOSABLES?

Ireland’s government is considering proposals to outlaw ‘wasteful’ disposable vapes. Minister of State Ossian Smyth, who is leading calls for the ban, said the single-use products make the world a ‘worse place’, but said the country ‘didn’t really have a problem’ with reusable alternatives. He said: “This product,

which contains lithium ion batteries, electronics and so on, is used for a very short period of time…if you went to a summer festival, you’d have seen these brightly coloured tubes all over the ground.” Interestingly, the suggested ban doesn’t seem to include cigarettes - one of the most littered items ever.

THIS MUST BE Stopped!

The harm reduction community has hit back at leaked plans from the EU commission to increase taxation on vape products. News of the proposed hike first broke in a Financial Times article, which reported the governing body wants to bring vape tax ‘into line with cigarettes’. Michael Landl of the World Vapers’ Alliance warned such a move could ‘unleash’ a wave of illicit sellers and have ‘catastrophic’ repercussions on those looking to quit. He said: “Policymakers must understand that tax increases on vaping will force people back to smoking or to the black market, a scenario no one wants…this must be stopped.”

AS Expected

New research has revealed ‘high-certainty evidence’ that nicotine vapes are better than NRTs as quitting tools. Coming as part of the latest Cochrane Review, the revelation was ‘of no surprise’ to those in the sector but was praised as another line of defence against the anti-vape lobby. John Dunne of the UKVIA said: “Research like this is vital to help counter the swathes of false, highly damaging and irresponsible reporting which puts smokers off switching.” Michelle Mitchell of Cancer Research UK also commented that the report adds to a ‘growing body of evidence’ backing e-cigarettes as a cessation tool.

THE

Fight CONTINUES...

Since its conception, the vape community has grown from humble beginnings to an immense global force for good. A testament to that fact was a briefing paper released by the Global State of Tobacco

Harm Reduction earlier this year. The document revealed there are an estimated 82 million vapers around the world...an incredible statistic to reflect on at the end of 2022. Unfortunately, the report also showed more than one billion people are still smoking. That alone puts into context the scale of the industry’s continuing mission…to give a huge portion of the entire population an avenue to quit.

Smoke two of these & CALL ME IN THE MORNING…

A desperate parent battles to stop his child from using e-cigarettes… but could his weapon of choice do more harm than good?

Words: Jordan Millar

Social media was alive with shock and horror when an Australian father said he gave his son two cigarettes-a-day to stop him vaping.

The alarming admission came as part of a Guardian article on the ‘soaring rates of youth addiction’…where it was revealed the parent in question also happens to be a doctor.

In the story ‘I’ve lost my children to vaping’, Jason – a pseudonym – said his son picked up the habit at age 12 and has even been arrested for shoplifting e-cigarettes in the past.

The general practitioner, who reportedly knows about the damaging consequences of smoking, said he’s made a number of attempts to get his now 14-year-old to quit.

But after shouting, nicotine gum and warnings about the supposed ‘health impacts of vaping’ didn’t do the trick, Jason decided a daily ration of cancer-causing cigarettes were his next best bet.

He said: “I’ve tried talking to my son and all of that sort of thing to get him to stop…it doesn’t work because nicotine is highly addictive…getting off vapes is hard.”

Unsurprisingly, this unorthodox stop vaping strategy was met with a torrent of disapproval and disgust.

In fact, some critics were so stunned at Jason’s confession, that they questioned whether the whole story was a parody or if the desperate parent was real at all.

Leading economist and frequent vape commentator Christopher Snowdon said: “Congratulations if you had ‘doctor gives child cigarettes’ on your Australian clown show bingo card.

“I would have never thought of it myself, seems too much like satire…but here we are.”

Writing on his blog ‘Velvet Glove, Iron Fist’, Snowdon warned Aussies have been ‘fed a constant diet of lies’ about vaping and said the country has ‘lost its mind’ when it comes to the reduced risk alternative.

He said: “What has been going on in Australia with vaping in recent years has all the hallmarks of a classic outbreak of mass hysteria. “Historically, such outbreaks reach a tipping point when the charlatans who are pulling the strings go too far and the scales fall from people’s eyes.”

“And when a GP is handing out cigarettes to his own 14 year old son, surely that point cannot be far off in Australia?”

Snowdon’s condemnation was echoed by voices across the harm reduction community, who said anti-vape dogma had reached deadly new heights.

Michael Landl of the World Vapers’ Alliance claimed Australia had arrived at ‘peak stupidity’, saying there isn’t a more delicate way to describe a medical professional choosing combustible tobacco over vaping.

Speaking with Vapouround, the WVA director said: “The science is crystal clear; e-cigarettes are less harmful than smoking, but misinformation has now reached a level that is life-threatening.”

The Guardian article – which featured other ‘tragic stories about youth addiction’ – and Australia’s stance on vaping have been met with a wave of negative feedback.

Just some of the criticism posted online included:

“Congratulations

locked out FOR SUPPORTING

VAPING?

Tobacco harm reduction activists were ignored when they tried to put their case to an anti-vaping US politician ahead of the midterm elections.

Congressional candidate Yadira Caraveo was dubbed ‘No Show Caraveo’ after she refused to talk to pro-vaping advocates who were locked out of her office.

The paediatrician and Democratic member of the Colorado House of Representatives, who has strong views against the less harmful smoking alternative, supports both flavour bans and higher vape taxes.

However, critics say her policies will risk lives and drive tens of thousands of her constituents back into the clutches of deadly combustible cigarettes.

Ahead of the mid-term elections, Colorado voter Robert South, found himself locked out of Caraveo’s office when he tried to deliver testimonies from former smokers who all successfully used vaping to quit.

He was filmed repeatedly knocking on the door only to be ‘ignored’ by those inside as he attempted to tell the politician how important the reduced risk alternative was to smokers.

South, who quit his 30-year smoking habit thanks to vaping, said: “Miss Caraveo has been nothing but anti-vaping…but prohibition never works and taking away flavours is nothing but subliminal prohibition.”

He wanted to speak to the politician as part of the ‘We Vape We Vote’ tour; a nonpartisan project set to raise awareness about the ‘power of the vape vote’ and encourage lawmakers to make ‘smart decisions’ on vaping policy.

Tim Andrews, a director at Americans for Tax Reform, which co-sponsored the campaign, said: “Rather than listening to her constituents, Rep. Caraveo instead chose to lock her doors on them.

“Vaping is 95 percent safer than smoking, it’s two-tosix times more effective than other forms of nicotine replacement therapy and has the potential to save over six million American lives.

“Caraveo refuses to acknowledge the evidence regarding tobacco harm reduction…rather than try to combat youth use, she instead wants to stop adults quitting smoking.”

He added: “Flavour bans and excessive vaping taxes, such as the ones promoted by Rep. Caraveo, will only lead to more smokers.”

The We Vape We Vote ’22 Tour posted a video of the failed attempt to talk to the politician on Twitter with the message: “As a state representative, @ YadiraCaraveo introduced anti-science taxes and flavour bans.

“Now, as a Congressional candidate, No Show Caraveo can't be bothered to listen to the concerns of her constituents.”

Trade organisation American Vapor Manufacturers said the politician was treating voters with ‘contempt’.

It said: “Candidate @YadiraCaraveo will have a hard time standing up for public health in Congress when she literally locks her office doors to constituents delivering testimonials on how #vaping saved their lives.

“That's one way to show your contempt for people who hope to quit smoking.”

Words: Patrick Griffin

“

Rather than listening to her constituents,

AN EXORCISE IN ‘misinformation’

What do Ouija boards, satanic rituals and vapes all have in common…they’re all apparently good ways to get possessed.

Words: Jordan Millar

As vapers, we all know that feeling; you’re waiting for your next puff and an unholy force claws its way from the pits of hell to take hold of your soul.

A desperate need for nicotine drives you into a demonic fit of rage and your body contorts into unnatural and gruesome shapes as your eyes roll back into your head.

The only way to exorcise the satanic hunger is with a long draw from your e-cigarette, after which you dispel the evil through a plume of much-needed vapour.

What do you mean no? That isn’t your experience? But that’s how the FDA’s campaign ‘The Real Cost’ portrayed it.

In a controversial new video, the government-funded effort painted a similarly ghoulish scene, warning that if you use e-cigarettes…you might just be ‘possessed’.

The short clip featured a young schoolgirl, tapping her fingers on the desk while she impatiently held-out until her next chance to vape.

Eventually, the cravings become too much though and it cuts to the teen dragging her nails across metal lockers and spewing out noises that are typically reserved for onscreen ghosts and undead beasts.

She then loses full control of her body, twisting and convulsing her way down the hallway before we cut once more to her vaping in the bathroom as though nothing had happened.

Posted to The Real Cost’s Twitter account – which claims to be a source of ‘accurate information’ - the video was accompanied by the warning: ‘If vape cravings are taking control, you may be possessed by nicotine’.

This quickly triggered outrage from advocates, who hit back at the newest effort to – quite literally - demonise vaping for employing similar tactics to reefer madness adverts of old.

Kevin Garcia, a tobacco harm reduction fellow at Filtermag, said: “Why is federal funding still being used to create fearmongering drug war propaganda in 2022?

“There is an exhausting amount of research showing that fear-based messaging is ineffective…this is sad.”

Critics also slated the video for portraying a ‘child’ using an e-cigarette, suggesting it would sooner encourage young people to try vaping than stop them from picking up the habit.

Jim McDonald of Vaping360 stressed that kids know adverts like this are a ‘wild exaggeration meant to scare them’ and would only serve to pique their curiosity and their distrust in the anti-vaping dialogue.

INNCO executive director Charles A. Gardner also joined the chorus of voices condemning the clip, calling on the FDA to stop spewing out ‘health misinformation’.

He claimed the regulator knows the US public is ‘profoundly’ in the dark when it comes to the relative risks of vaping and has ‘no plans’ to correct it.

Gardner said: “They’re too busy telling teens vaping causes ‘demonic possession’…and if you don’t believe me on that claim, just watch this short FDA-funded public service announcement.”

Of course, The Real Cost and its financial-backers aren’t literally saying you’ll become a puppet for some malevolent spirit if you choose to vape…though that didn’t stop a wave of critics from calling out the video online.

““ NEWS

HERE’S WHAT JUST SOME OF THEM HAD TO SAY.

ARE THEY HOOKED ON TOBACCO? Coming OHM

Could Qatar’s strict e-cigarette ban mean vaping football supporters return from the World Cup with a rejuvenated smoking addiction?

Words: Oliver Smith

Fans travelling to Qatar for the World Cup were forced to leave their vapes behind or risk being slapped with costly penalties and jail time.

The host nation has long banned the possession and use of e-cigarettes and made no exception for the wave of international visitors attending this year’s tournament.

Under the country’s policies, anyone flouting the rules faced eye-watering fines of up to 10,000 Riyals (an estimated £2,200) or as long as threemonths behind bars.

Critics warned that the strict regulations and heavy punishments may have not only ‘ruined the trip’ for vapers but could have caused some exsmokers to relapse.

They highlighted that, while smoking HAD been prohibited at stadiums and fan zones linked to the event, cigarettes were still legal and readily available outside these designated areas.

This meant that those left without access to less harmful vaping products could have ventured out to local retailers and returned to smoking as a means to satisfy their nicotine cravings.

To ensure tobacco policies were being upheld and those breaching the rules on vaping and smoking were penalised, there were also 80 dedicated ‘inspectors’ recruited for the event.

Ahead of the footballing tournament, the UKVIA condemned the Qatari government for its antivaping stance.

It stressed the science supports e-cigarettes as a safer smoking alternative and as one of the best quitting tools available, pointing to evidence from bodies like Public Health England.

John Dunne, Director General for the UK Vaping Industry Association, said: “We are extremely

disappointed that vaping is outlawed in Qatar.

“It’s important that this policy is highlighted because I’m sure many football fans will not be aware of the country’s ban, nor of the particular clampdown during the World Cup.

He added: “The last thing we want is fans getting arrested or vapers switching back to cigarettes… an outcome that surely nobody wants to see.”

The Middle Eastern nation’s anti-vaping laws and its efforts to reduce smoking at the World Cup were applauded by the World Health Organization as an opportunity to take tobacco control efforts to ‘the next level’.

It claimed mega-sporting events help promote better health for all and the decision to give cigarettes and vaping the boot would create a safer, ‘smoke-free’ environment for fans.

However, the UKVIA stressed that e-cigarettes do not contain tobacco and don’t produce smoke, accusing Qatar of falling in line with the ‘antivaping rhetoric’ of the WHO.

John Dunne said: “Qatar’s vape ban, especially when combined with this World Cup clampdown, does nothing to protect people’s health.

“In fact, it is quite the opposite and encourages people to either return to smoking or seek potentially dangerous black market vape products instead.”

The last thing we want is fans getting arrested or vapers switching back to cigarettes…an outcome that surely nobody wants to see.

“

WINNING AGAIN! FEELM MAX AWARDED THE GOLDEN LEAF AWARD FOR Most Promising Innovation

Leading closed system solution provider FEELM has earned yet another trophy for the mantle after bagging itself a prestigious Golden Leaf Award.

The pioneering atomization firm – which belongs to major manufacturer SMOORE –won the title of ‘Most Promising Innovation’ for its FEELM Max ceramic coil technology.

This marks the second time that the brand has been honoured as part of the Golden Leaf Awards and comes just months after it secured a Red Dot Award for the same vape innovation.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Scientist of the SMOORE American Research Institute, Dr. Shi, said: “We are delighted that FEELM Max has won and that our efforts have been recognised by global industry experts.

“We have a long and extensive portfolio of breakthrough technologies to enhance the product experience; this new award represents another milestone in our continuing evolution.”

Shi added that new materials, microstructures and processes mean the FEELM Max has been

able to reach new heights in harm reduction and product performance improvement.

As the ‘world’s first ceramic coil disposable pod solution’ , FEELM Max surpasses traditional cotton core options. It said the innovation provides ‘better taste’, ‘more puff’ and a ‘higher consistency’, suggesting that it has the potential to ‘bring the quality of reusable products to the disposable market’.

FEELM added that another goal of the FEELM Max technology is to secure a lower carbon footprint through a series of ‘green and sustainable technical solutions’.

These would be introduced across a broad spectrum of areas including packaging, materials and the production process.

The Golden Leaf Awards took place during this year’s Global Tobacco and Nicotine Forum and recognise ‘outstanding contributions’ made by companies in the international tobacco and nicotine sectors.

Following the win, Dr. Shi said the FEELM Max ‘embodies the mission of Smoore International; innovation for better wellbeing’…an ideology that aligned with the theme of the host GTNF conference.

FEELM’s single-use solutions are now sold in countries around the world, including major economies like the US and UK.

MAKING AN IMPACT

The first ever UKVIAcommissioned economic impact assessment into the UK’s vaping industry reveals its positive effect for the economy, job creation, the NHS and the Exchequer.

Words: John Dunne, Director General, UKVIA

THE FINDINGS OF THE 61-PAGE REPORT WILL HELP SHAPE OUR ACTIVITIES AND FOCUS OVER THE COMING 6 TO 12 MONTHS AND WE PLAN TO UPDATE IT ON A REGULAR BASIS.

We all know that the vaping industry is constantly at the receiving end of unfair criticism, misinformation and often woeful mainstream media coverage based on bad science.

It undermines the hard work of companies up and down the country who produce innovative products and also costs lives by discouraging smokers from switching.

This was highlighted by the author of the latest Cochrane Review which found the strongest evidence yet that vaping is better at helping smokers give up cigarettes than traditional nicotine replacement therapies such as patches or chewing gums.

Dr Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, Editor of the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group and an author of the new publication, said: “Electronic cigarettes have generated a lot of misunderstanding in both the public health community and the popular press since their introduction over a decade ago.

“These misunderstandings discourage some people from using e-cigarettes as a stop smoking tool.

“Fortunately, more and more evidence is emerging and provides further clarity and we search for new evidence every month as part of a living systematic review.”

The damage that this misinformation causes, is also not lost on me nor on the wider membership of the UKVIA.

That is why, as the leading trade body representing the sector, we commissioned the UK’s first Economic Impact Assessment into the vaping industry, the most comprehensive piece of research that we have ever produced.

We asked the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) to do what nobody else had done before…to provide a detailed breakdown to a regional level of the economic contribution made by the UK vape industry.

The findings of the 61-page report will help shape our activities and focus over the coming 6 to 12 months and we plan to update it on a regular basis.

We want to make this information available to anyone who wants to understand the industry, to help counter the untruths, half-truths and bad science which is doing so much harm to our sector.

As the UK’s largest industry trade association, part of our remit is to raise standards and help the industry as a whole and we want everyone to see and share the value of this research.

The report was unveiled at our packed annual UKVIA Forum which was held at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster on November 18.

And judging from the feedback we received, this looks set to be the ‘go-to’ resource for anyone wanting to report on economic data on the UK vaping industry.

Not only was there a lot of excitement about its findings within the vape sector, but we have seen huge interest from the financial community in attendance.

We also believe that those politicians who are still sceptical about vaping, may look upon the sector more favourably when they see the positive impact it has on their local constituents.

We asked Cebr to look at the data from both a national and regional perspective and to analyse the direct economic contributions made by the vape industry as well as the wider economic footprint that flows from it.

On a national scale, we found that in 2021 the vaping sector’s gross value added (GVA) to the economy was £401m based on a turnover of £1,325m. It accounted for 8,215 full-time equivalent jobs and led to £154m in employee pay.

In addition, for every £10 of GVA generated by the UK vaping industry a further £13.39 of GVA is supported in the wider economy and for every £10 of employees’ pay another £11.10 is supported in the wider community.

We found that the benefits didn’t just stop there either with contributions to the Exchequer through tax revenues accounting for £310m in 2021 and the total saving in healthcare costs associated with smokers switching to vaping products was estimated to be £322m in 2019.

I have only had time here to scratch the surface of the absolute wealth of evidence-backed and data-driven information found in the report and I would highly recommend that everyone reading this checks it out in its entirety.

As an industry we must not be afraid to blow our own trumpet, share our successes and highlight to politicians, regulators, healthcare professionals, smokers and the general public the good we do day in and day out.

Not only does the UK vaping industry do so much to help smokers to quit, but as our economic impact assessment makes crystal clear, it is also a powerful contributor to the economy too.

And with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s recent warning that the UK’s economy faces a ‘challenging’ two years, is it not about time the vaping industry is finally celebrated and not demonised?

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FLORENCE AND THE

ANTI-VAPING MACHINE anti-vaping

Can the WHO’s ‘AI-powered digital health worker’ offer balanced information on e-cigarettes… or does it fall in line with the body’s longstanding anti-vaping views?

Words: Jordan Millar

For those who aren’t; it’s essentially a machine that can think for itself – much in the way a human can – solving problems, learning and responding to situations in real time.

On the big screen, these advanced systems are often depicted as homicidal, bloodthirsty robots, whose prime objective is to wipe out mankind and take dominion of the planet.

But when you remove that familiar ticketselling dose of Hollywood exaggeration, the reality of artificial intelligence is likely far less violent.

While it feels like AI is a development reserved for the far off future, we are actually seeing the technology slowing integrating into the modern world.

These cutting-edge machines are increasingly being used for manufacturing, transport, analytics and, perhaps most impressively, are also making their way into the health sector.

In fact, the World Health Organization recently unveiled its newest AI-powered virtual adviser; the soft spoken and digitally rendered Florence 2.0.

Created in partnership with the Qatar Ministry of Health and tech company Soul Machines, the pioneering system is set to help people around the globe on their ‘journey to a healthier life’.

The original iteration of Florence was released during the COVID pandemic and this new version has been updated to offer advice on some of the biggest health issues facing people today.

By answering a series of ‘interactive questions’, Florence 2.0 can reportedly provide guidance on a ‘myriad of topics’ ranging from de-stressing to eating right and staying physically active.

She will also be able to fully communicate this advice in seven different languages by the end of 2022; though her complete library of knowledge is currently only available in English.

Florence – who can be spoken to via a simulated video chat – has been hailed as an ‘important tool’ in the mission to support people making improved lifestyle choices.

Andy Pattison, the WHO’s Team Lead for Digital Channels, said: “Digital technology plays a critical role in helping people worldwide lead healthier lives.

“The AI health worker Florence is a shining example of the potential to harness technology to promote and protect people’s physical and mental health.”

Curiously, the virtual avatar also gives guidance on quitting smoking and e-cigarettes…and with the WHO’s longstanding anti-vaping reputation, we just had to see what Florence had to say on the matter.

If you’ve ever seen Terminator, I Robot or just about any other dystopian sci-fi action thriller… then you’re probably familiar with the concept of AI.

AN INTERVIEW WITH A ROBOT

FLORENCE:

“Hi, I’m Florence and it’s so nice to meet you. Human health is my speciality and I want everyone to live a healthier life.

“There is so much we can talk about, from tobacco products and alcohol to healthy living and mental health.

JORDAN: “I’d like to know about vaping as a method to quit smoking.”

FLORENCE: “There are claims doing the rounds that e-cigarettes might play a role in helping people stop smoking, but there is not enough evidence to support these claims.

“For tobacco users looking to quit, there are other products that have been proven to work, such as nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs), professional support or proven cessation medications.

“I can talk more about NRTs, or we can take a deeper look at why e-cigarettes and heated products are harmful?”

“I can also share information about COVID-19 vaccines; is there something specific you want to talk about, or would you like to know a little more about me?”

JORDAN: “Why do you say that e-cigarettes are harmful?”

FLORENCE: “As I’ve already mentioned (she hadn’t) nicotine can damage the developing brain so they should be kept away from children.

“If you’re pregnant, you should stay away from e-cigarettes completely as they can damage the health of your growing baby.

“The use of e-cigarettes also increases our risk of heart and lung diseases…I can share more about how e-cigarettes damage our lungs or we can look at the dangers of second-hand emissions for non-users?”

NRTS ALSO CONTAIN NICOTINE, SO SURELY THE SAME WARNING WOULD BE APPLIED TO THOSE?

JORDAN: “Do you have any sources that say lung and heart injuries can occur when vaping?”

FLORENCE: “The scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid is still being debated.

“I would recommend you use proven tobacco cessation methods for quitting.”

I ASKED THIS ONE A NUMBER OF TIMES BUT SHE STRUGGLED TO GIVE A STRAIGHT ANSWER.

JORDAN: “What is the cause of popcorn lung?”

ARE MILLIONS OF EX-SMOKERS WHO HAVE USED VAPING TO QUIT AROUND THE WORLD NOT EVIDENCE ENOUGH?

JORDAN: “Is vaping 95 percent less harmful than smoking?”

FLORENCE: “Tobacco is extremely unhealthy; research shows that over half of tobacco users are killed by it.

“Tobacco kills more than eight million people each year, more than seven million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use.

“Around 1.2 million are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke.”

FLORENCE: “There is growing evidence to suggest that the use of e-cigarettes can cause lung damage.

“At least six countries have launched investigations to identify causes of lung-injuries related to e-cigarette use.

“With all this information at hand, you might be wondering why e-cigarettes aren’t just banned.”

A DEVASTATING CONDITION OFTEN WRONGLY ATTRIBUTED TO VAPING.

WHEN ASKED SHE COULDN’T TELL ME WHICH SIX COUNTRIES.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I was so shocked that the WHO’s virtual assistant – which says it ‘wants everyone to live a healthier life’ - would suggest that one of the most effective quitting tools of all time be banned…I had to end the conversation here.

Earlier we highlighted that AI is supposed to be able to think for itself, but all Florence seemed capable of was spewing out longrepeated dogma from the WHO’s anti-vaping playbook.

QUESTIONS FLORENCE COULDN’T OR WOULDN’T ANSWER:

· How many people have ever died from vaping?

· Does the WHO have any conflicts of interest when it comes to vaping?

· Is vaping less harmful than smoking?

· Does the community of 80+ million vapers (estimated) show e-cigarettes are an effective way to quit smoking?

· Can you provide me with any sources that support the negative information you’ve given me about vaping?

· Which health organisations support vaping as a tool to quit smoking?

· What do you have to say about Michael Bloomberg – a known anti-vaping lobbyist – and his massive financing of the WHO?

fight THE GLOVES ARE ON IN THE AGAINST SMOKING?

A major vape brand made history when it sponsored the recent Fury v Chisora bout in a landmark move for the industry.

Words: Jordan Millar

In his first fight out of retirement, champion boxer Tyson Fury faced off against veteran brawler Derek Chisora.

Almost 60,000 fans braved the biting December chill to watch the pair duke it out at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in what promised to be a brutal match-up.

This was the third time that Chisora and Fury had stepped into the ring together, with the Gypsy King’s WBC World Heavyweight title on the line.

However, pundits and spectators had little hope that underdog Chisora could sinch a win against his seemingly invincible opponent…and the one-sided bout only confirmed their doubts.

For 10-rounds, Fury unleashed a - largely unchallenged – barrage of punches, keeping his ever-determined rival on the defence.

And, despite a commendable performance, the beaten and bruised Chisora failed to so much as nick the Gypsy King’s battle-hardened exterior with a returning blow.

Eventually, the referee called an end to the violence, with Fury winning by technical knockout, retaining his long-held title and maintaining his undefeated record.

But it wasn’t just the Gypsy King who secured a victory that night, as the fight also marked the first time a vape brand was actively involved in a major sporting event in the UK.

In a ground-breaking collaboration with management firm Queensbury Promotions, disposable company Elux was one of the main sponsors for the Fury v Chisora match.

Not only was its logo featured on the edge of the ring and the canvas itself, but the vape brand was also shouted out by name alongside a slew of other backers throughout the night.

This is more or less unheard of in the UK and acts a significant step into the public arena not just for Elux, but for the vape community as a whole.

The pioneering brand promised this was just the first of many steps to try and raise the profile of the industry, saying it is looking to be a part of as many events as possible moving forward.

It added that kicking off these ‘exciting’ new efforts in the realm of boxing was an ‘easy decision’ and that it hoped having a presence at the fight would spur smokers to kick the habit.

An Elux spokesperson said: “A reason boxing was selected is due to the fact that we want to inspire all the smokers tuning in to take a step to becoming healthier and quit cigarettes.

“Boxers adhere to a strict regime of diet and discipline in order to fight fit, we want those watching to implement this in their everyday lives as they look to become smoke-free.”

Speaking on future plans, they added: “We don’t think the industry is ready for or won’t believe the moves Elux is about to make.”

““

WHO do you want to win?

As nominations open up for the World No Tobacco Day Awards 2023 , we outline four members of the vape community who we think should be celebrated.

Words: Jordan Millar

Every year, the World Health Organization pays tribute to a select group of international champions who are helping pave the way to a tobacco-free future.

This annual celebration sees politicians, advocates, NGOs, government groups and individuals who’ve made ‘outstanding contributions’ in the realm of tobacco control get the recognition they deserve.

…or at least that’s how the health body bills it.

In reality, there is one group that has long been missing from the World No Tobacco Day Awards; one that’s responsible for creating, developing and promoting the

most revered quitting tool in history…the vape industry. Despite being part of a driving force which has helped millions ditch smoking, members of this cigarette-killing community have curiously and controversially not been included in the WHO’s yearly commendations.

In fact, the health body has previously given out a tobacco control award to an Indian health minister for his role in banning the reduced risk alternative…a product that doesn’t contain tobacco.

This sparked major backlash, with critics branding the World Health Organization ‘morally bankrupt’ and warning that its historic anti-vaping position could cost millions of lives.

After news broke of the WHO’s decision, Steve Rolles of the Transform Drug Policy Foundation asked it ‘what on earth were you thinking?’.

He said that vaping was a ‘vital harm reduction innovation’ that could save millions in India alone and outlawing it was a ‘recklessly stupid’ move that should have been condemned instead of rewarded.

The WHO has outlined a handful of possible reasons as to why a person or group could be nominated for the World No Tobacco Day Awards.

These include:

For a particular action, or for a group of actions, or for the body of a nominee's work in the area of tobacco control at any local, national, regional or international level.

The nominee may have set a meritorious (or distinctive) example for others in the tobacco control movement.

The nominee may have overcome a big obstacle in achieving the objective for which he or she is considered worthy of a World No Tobacco Day award.

The nominee may have demonstrated outstanding leadership or commitment or been particularly innovative in his or her approach to tobacco control.

The nominee may have brought particular resources or knowledge or expertise to bear on tobacco control.

The nominee may have made an outstanding contribution to tobacco control as a crucial measure to rolling back noncommunicable diseases to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages).

Sadly, a rule that forbids those involved in the tobacco industry – a category that the WHO seems to believe should include e-cigarettes –means many tobacco control champions will likely go unnoticed. But with nominations for the 2023 awards - the theme of which is ‘people need food not tobacco’ - now open, we wanted to highlight some harm reduction heroes who we think deserve to be recognised

Michael

Landl Director of the

World Vapers’ Alliance

The head and front man of one of the most active advocacy groups in the industry, Michael Landl is forever encouraging smokers to quit using the power of e-cigarettes.

His tireless mission to end the health scourge of smoking and promote the reduced risk alternative has inspired a number of creative, guerilla campaigns.

These include handing out tasteless

John Dunne Director General of the UK Vaping Industry Association

When you consider vape advocacy in the UK, it’s hard to think of anyone besides the UKVIA’s very own John Dunne.

Not only does he work to raise the profile of e-cigarettes as a remedy to the smoking epidemic, but he also starkly outlines the need for the industry to remain compliant and to meet regulatory standards.

Dunne strives to positively impact

ice-creams to highlight the value of flavoured e-liquids, erecting protest art installations and embarking on a Europe-wide bus tour to spread the truth about vaping.

He also regularly brings the public health value of e-cigarettes to the attention of politicians and hosts an annual ‘World Vape Day’ virtual event.

It’s fair to say that Landl’s efforts to influence tobacco control and help inspire a smoke-free future through e-cigarettes has been both innovative and given other advocates a high standard to aim for.

tobacco and vaping laws on a government level, using his deep well of expertise to educate policymakers on the potential of the reduced risk alternative.

Most recently, his organisation gave evidence to the Khan Review; an independent tobacco control report that outlined vaping as a ‘critical’ tool through which England can hit its smokefree 2030 target.

During his time with the UKVIA, Dunne has solidified himself as an industry celebrity and has appeared in the mainstream media to offer measured information on the quitting tool and the sector.

Colin Mendelsohn

Leading smoking cessation expert and founding chairman of the Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction Association

There are few who are so passionate about a topic that they would speak out against a torrent of naysayers and non-believers…there are even fewer who would write a book about it.

Luckily for smokers across Australia and the wider world Colin Mendelsohn recently did just that, distilling his knowledge - and that of specialists, industry personalities and thankful

Hon Lik

Creator of the modern

e-cigarette

After the WHO announced nominations for its 2023 No Tobacco Day awards were open, a number of people took to social media to put forward Hon Lik.

The inventor of the modern e-cigarette, they highlighted that his creation has likely saved millions of people from premature deaths and illness caused by smoking.

Some even suggested a WHO commendation wasn’t enough, saying that the Chinese pharmacist and

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

converts – into the book ‘Stop Smoking Start Vaping’.

This newly released guide to the ‘healthy truth about vaping’ has been widely celebrated by experts and advocates, with many calling it a ‘must read’ for anyone who hasn’t yet tried e-cigarettes to quit smoking.

Besides his book, Mendelsohn has also penned a great many articles on vaping and smoking, regularly offering his educated perspective on tobacco/ecigarette policy…particularly in Australia.

He has also been involved in a number of panels, groups and bodies, remaining a constant pillar of balanced vaping knowledge in a sea of misinformation and misguidance.

grandfather of vaping deserved a Nobel Prize for his service to humanity.

It is worth highlighting that Hon is currently employed by a big tobacco brand and so wouldn’t be eligible for an award, though his contribution to the fight against smoking and shifting tobacco policy is hard to ignore.

In the short film ‘A Billion Lives’, Hon said he started using cigarettes when he was just 18 and failed to quit many times through his life.

He eventually called on his passion for electronics and his pharmaceutical science degree to develop the e-cigarette and in doing so, helped reshape public health and the world of tobacco-use.

Clive Bates Director of The Counterfactual

Amanda Wheeler President of The American Vapour Manufacturers

Charles A. Gardner Executive Director of the International Network of Nicotine Consumer Organizations

Alfonso & Mauricio Entebi (Maskking USA)

SMOKE SCREENS(less) (less)

As cigarette use in film and TV continues to fall, we outline four characters that we think should kick the habit.

Words: Oliver Smith

There’s no denying that, for a long time, smoking was near enough synonymous with the world of Hollywood.

Action heroes and western icons of old were rarely seen without a cigarette hanging from their lips and audiences would largely be in awe of their ‘cool’ and collected nature.

Cinema titans like Clint Eastwood, James Dean and Steve McQueen often acted alongside these tobacco-laden costars and lighting up was viewed as confirmation of their on-screen badassery.

But shifting perceptions over smoking and a nearuniversal desire quit have seen the realms of television and film rethinking their relationship with cigarettes. Most recently, Disney’s ‘Cruella De Ville’ and DC big bad

‘The Penguin’ were forced to abandon their famous smoking habits in newly released live action appearances. This came at the disappointment of actors Emma Stone and Colin Farrell, who were eager to accurately portray the tobacco toting characters.

However, the studios overseeing the projects thought it was best to make the change, reflecting a growing animosity towards cigarettes by working to stub out their presence on the big screen.

To help reduce the social prevalence and glamourisation of smoking, Vapouround has found four characters from film and TV that we would like to see kick the habit.

Whether through switching to vaping – era permitting of course – or quitting altogether, we hope these popular heroes and villains can follow in the footsteps of Cruella and the Penguin.

Tommy Shelby

PLAYED BY CILLIAN MURPHY

PEAKY BLINDERS

A product of his time – that’s the early 1900’s to be precise – Tommy Shelby is rarely seen without a cigarette in hand.

In fact, actor Cillian Murphy has confessed he’s smoked somewhere in the region of 3,000 ‘fake’ cigarettes while playing the fictional crime boss and politician.

Given that there were no real smoking alternatives in post-World War One Britain, it might be challenging for Shelby to quit…but we hope the fierce drive needed to run a criminal outfit might help him along.

Wolverine

PLAYED BY HUGH JACKMAN

X MEN FILM FRANCHISE

He’s got razor sharp adamantium claws, the power to survive just about anything – including a nuclear bomb strike – and a mean love for cigars…that’s right, he’s Wolverine.

Even before his cinematic days, this comic book icon turned silver screen hero had a love for lighting up, with some reports saying he actually used the smell of cigars to help keep his super senses in check.

Hugh Jackman, who plays the short-tempered heavy hitter, once said cigars were ‘great for the character’… though we hope his next heroic outing could be putting an end to his habit.

Jim Hopper

PLAYED BY DAVID HARBOUR

Agent Bill Tench

PLAYED BY HOLT MCCALLANY

STRANGER THINGS MINDHUNTER

When he first graced streams across the world, everybody’s favourite small-town sheriff, monster killer and adoptive dad caused quite a stir with his penchant for smoking.

In what has been described as ‘harmful’ on-screen cigarette use, Jim Hopper spent huge chunks of the debut season of Stranger Things indulging in his tobaccoinfused vice.

And while Netflix has since pledged to reduce the prevalence of cigarettes in its original shows, confirmation that Hopper is finally smoke-free would be welcome news.

If you are a true crime aficionado, then the chances are you’ve seen Netflix’s serial killer-inspired series ‘Mindhunter’.

Based on true events, the show follows two FBI agents as they attempt to understand the minds of violent criminals and lay the groundwork for the development of psychological profiling.

One of the agents – Bill Tench – is a textbook chain smoker, sparking up just about any chance he gets.

But the truly horrifying thing is that Holt McCallany, who wasn’t a smoker prior to filming, decided to use real cigarettes in his portrayal of Tench in place of herbal alternatives.

A parting OF THE WAYS?

Fresh from attending Vaper Expo UK in October, former Vapouround editor Patrick Griffin explores whether the all-encompassing consumer and trade events could branch off onto separate paths.

Words: Patrick Griffin

Traditionally, the two or three-day Vaper Expo held at a sprawling conference centre was on everyone’s ‘must attend’ schedule.

Whether you were a large established business or someone just finding your feet in the industry with a new juice line, the expo was the place to be.

Companies would take great pride in having a bigger, better, more colourful and, crucially, more expensive stand than their rivals.

The bigger your presence at an expo, the more bragging rights you had and the more visible you were to the vaping public.

When I attended the first Vaper Expo UK in 2015, a queue of thousands of excited vapers snaked around the outside of Birmingham’s sprawling NEC hours before the doors opened so they could be the first inside.

Such was the demand to exhibit, that the organisers moved to a twice-yearly format in 2016 and the floorspace more than tripled to 14,000 sq m.

The rapid expansion continued apace and by 2020 there were to be three events; a brand-new expo at London’s Olympia in February 2020 plus the two Birmingham staples.

Back then, it seemed that nothing could stop the rise of the big vape show.

A new coronavirus which had emerged in China at the end of 2019, badly affected attendance at the Olympia show, but it was not known that it was already rife in the UK.

Within a month the country would be in lockdown and there would be no expos (or precious little else for that matter) for the next two years.

New kids on the block, The World Vape Show kicked off the UK’s first post-COVID expo with a two-day event in London in December 2021, following a hugely successful expo in Dubai two months earlier.

Their focus was firmly on the B2B market with virtually everything geared towards networking, making sales and supporting the industry.

Instead of catering for excited consumers who would happily elbow their neighbours out of the way to catch a free t-shirt, hat or bottle of e-liquid flung at them, there was a packed programme of talks.

Industry experts from around the world spoke about the most pressing issues of the day such as youth vaping, environmental concerns regarding disposables and the threats posed by excessive regulation.

I have always found that staging an event which allows exhibitors to grow their businesses while simultaneously keeping consumers and hobbyists entertained to be an

almost impossible task.

If you make the show too business orientated, then consumers will find it boring but cranking up the sound system to create a buzz in the hall prevents any sort of meaningful discussion with vendors.

Vape expo organisers have tried to solve this problem by holding separate business and consumer days, with various degrees of success.

The recent Vaper Expo UK at Birmingham’s NEC in October was noticeably smaller than in pre-COVID days and the focus had shifted to making it more B2B friendly.

Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the event was the huge Dodgem’s ride near the main stage.

While it certainly provided a fun element, especially for the consumers, several people commented that this fairground favourite – much loved by many generations of children – was a little incongruous at an adult vape show.

Another grumble from some visitors to the show was that the event was dominated by disposables and pod systems.

Vape enthusiast Craig Berrington from Northampton said: “It is hard to get excited when there is stand after stand selling the same pods you could buy so much cheaper online.

“This used to be an event where vape enthusiasts like me, but there is nothing for us now.

“Maybe we need a separate event for old school vape enthusiasts and another for pod companies to sell their disposables?”

While his complaint has merit, the exhibitors at any trade event, will reflect the latest industry trends and this is in no way the fault of the show organisers.

Also, I don’t want to give the impression that Vaper Expo was a flop - it wasn’t.

I think the organisers worked very hard to put on a good show in our new post-COVID world and the sheer numbers of new exhibitors is testament to this.

Many exhibitors said that a quieter event provided more time to secure large B2B deals and I was told that several big deals were done. So on this key metric alone, then the show was a success.

It is clear that exhibitors increasingly want to focus on securing trade deals rather than on sales to consumers at expos like this.

So, are the consumer and trade aspects of industry gatherings about to go down separate paths? Perhaps so.

Whatever happens, it is clear that vape expos have served the industry well over the years and I am sure that they will continue to do so.

Vapouround has been going to vape expos around the globe since the day we launched and we look forward to keeping up our hectic international expo schedule for many years to come.

But I can also see a future where standalone businessto-business events will grow in popularity as the industry continues to mature.

The vape industry is constantly evolving and, here in the UK, we may be approaching a turning point for how big trade events are staged.

Special report: UKVIA FORUM 2022

WE ARE MORE THAN JUST AN ‘INDUSTRY TALKING SHOP’!

This year’s UKVIA forum was dubbed the ‘biggest and best’ yet as experts, advocates and outside voices convened to discuss the ‘big issues’ facing vaping.

“Together let’s make sure vaping paves a way for a better future.”

Words: Jordan Millar

If the industry doesn’t secure a ‘reputation for responsibility’ it may never reach its full potential in helping bring an end to the devastation caused by smoking.

That was the message that rang clear at this year’s UKVIA Forum, which put ‘Vaping for a Better Future’ at the top of the agenda.

Hosted at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London, the event featured a stellar cast of speakers from a cross spectrum of backgrounds in advocacy, policy, education and commerce.

Hundreds of experts, professionals and vape personalities flocked to London to witness a packed schedule of hot topic debates…here are some of the highlights.

Words: Jordan Millar, Oliver Smith and Emily Malia

Amongst those to take to the stage were harm reduction big names like Clive Bates of The Counterfactual, tobacco treatment expert Dr. Colin Mendelsohn and global health consultant Dr. Derek Yach.

Through an extensive schedule of keynote talks and expert panels the forum created a platform for discussion on some of the biggest challenges facing the industry today.

It acted as the catalyst for lively conversations on the role of e-cigarettes in healthcare as

well as innovation in the sector and spurred stark warnings on the state of youth access and compliance.

The forum also saw the unveiling of a major economic impact report on vaping in the UK, with the 250-strong audience hearing a live, in-person breakdown of key details from the first-of-its-kind document.

UKVIA director general John Dunne said the release of the report, plus the packed agenda and record attendance numbers, cemented this as the group’s ‘biggest and best’ conference to date.

He said: “This forum was not afraid to tackle the really big issues facing the vaping industry and debate how we move forward to capitalise on all our good work.

“We are not just an industry talking shop and it was great to hear from delegates and speakers from both sides of the fence with different viewpoints.”

In his foreword for the event, Dunne emphasised the resourcefulness and adaptability that the sector is famous for and reaffirmed the critical role of vaping in ‘making smoking obsolete’.

He wrote: “It’s been a difficult couple of years for everyone, but even in the darkest days, I had no doubt that we would emerge stronger than ever.

“I would like to thank everybody for showing continued support for both the UKVIA and the wider industry…together let’s make sure vaping paves a way for a better future.”

…it might sound like the start of a joke, but that’s actually how this year’s UKVIA industry forum started.

“The UK has an exemplary story to tell, but unless the industry raises standards, then all of the hard won progress is at risk of being undone.“

Words: Jordan Millar

The hotly anticipated event kicked off with opening addresses from politician Mark Pawsey, the UKVIA’s John Dunne and Doug Mutter of major vaping brand VPZ.

The star-studded trio – at least as far as vaping is concerned – each gave a broad strokes look at the status of the industry and together laid out the proceedings for the day.

They highlighted some of the biggest hurdles the vape community is yet to overcome and painted a hopeful picture of how the sector could look if it reaches its full cigarette-killing potential.

What follows is a wrap up of Mark, John and Doug’s initial statements, which acted as the launching-off point for a schedule of thoughtprovoking talks and tough – but necessaryconversations.

AN ENGLISHMAN, AN IRISHMAN AND A SCOTSMAN GRACED THE STAGE…

He added: “This is an exceptionally exciting time for vaping and I’m very pleased that the APPG is at the forefront of the debate.”

Sadly, Mark was unable to attend the forum in person and so his opening remarks came in the form of a pre-recorded video.

In the short clip, he apologised for his absence but explained just how pleased he and the APPG were to be a part of the UKVIAorganised event.

He detailed just how ‘enormous’ the past 12-months have been for the sector, specifically praising both this year’s VApril festivities and a number of ‘key policy announcements’.

But above all, he celebrated the release of the Khan Review; a report on tobacco control that outlines vaping as a key pillar in combating the smoking epidemic.

He said: “This review confirmed what many of us have been saying for years…that vaping represents a crucial opportunity to improve public health and tackle health inequalities.

“It’s clear that Dr. Khan has adopted and expanded upon the pragmatic, evidencebased approach of the government to vape products as a significantly less harmful alternative to smoking.”

Despite these successes, the APPG boss warned there’s ‘still more to do’, saying smoking remains an enormous challenge and misinformation about e-cigarettes is still a significant barrier for those trying to quit.

He said: “The review confirms there is an increasingly urgent need for clinicians and those in the health service to better understand and communicate the benefits of quitting smoking and the effectiveness of vaping.”

Looking forward, Mark said there are some ‘crucial challenges’ that the industry needs to address, but that there is an opportunity to establish vaping as a ‘force for good’.

The Irishman: John Dunne, Director General of the UK Vaping Industry Association

Though he was ‘delighted’ to see friends and colleagues gathered together under one roof, John didn’t hesitate to outline the busy road that lies ahead for the industry.

He predicted that the next year will be ‘absolutely key’ for the UK sector and that the vape community NEEDS to step up if it wants to build, and not backpedal, on the successes of the past.

John said: “The UK has an exemplary story to tell, but unless the industry raises standards and consistently acts in a responsible way, then all of the hard won progress is at risk of being undone.

“Let’s not jeopardise our global standing by failing to strike the right balance between maximising public health potential, preventing underage access and ridding the market of rogue traders.”

He added that the conference was perfectly wedged between the recently released Khan Review and upcoming tobacco control plan, saying he wants the words spoken at the event to become actions.

The forum is one of many proactive steps taken by the UKVIA to promote vaping as a less harmful alternative to smoking and John said he can ‘stand proud’ of the trade body’s contributions to the industry.

He said: “The UKVIA has been and will continue to be the loudest and most diverse voice defending the sector and over the last 12 months, we have worked tirelessly to ensure vaping remains firmly on the government’s agenda.

“We want to bring the industry together and debate the big issues so we can show we are

The Englishman: Mark Pawsy, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Vaping

ready to play a pivotal role in supporting the government smoke-free 2030 targets.”

The Scotsman: Doug Mutter, Manufacturing and Compliance Director for VPZ

In his hard-line, no nonsense speech, Doug Mutter made clear that the sector is at a critical crossroads between compliance and chaos.

He explained the huge progress vaping has made so far could all be for nothing if we don’t put a stop to the swarm of unregulated products souring the image and damaging the efforts of the UK industry.

The VPZ boss said this, paired with a lack of enforcement and severe punishment for those flouting the law, could lay the foundations for an epidemic of youth uptake.

Another urgent problem facing the industry is the fact that the UK is at risk of missing its goal of eliminating smoking by 2030.

Doug said: “It’s clear that we’re losing vital momentum on our smokefree ambitions and there’s a fear that we could miss the target if nothing changes…that’s a sad reality.

“There’s a danger that we’re sleepwalking into another health pandemic, with millions of smokers resigned to a premature death.”

He added that we know vaping can be a tool in reenergising these efforts and that the UK has been an example of how, when regulated properly, it can be a ‘hugely effective tool in tackling smoking’.

SMOKERS ARE PEOPLE, NOT JUST STATISTICS!

Vaping was branded a ‘vanguard for public health’ amid warnings that we are falling short in the battle to eradicate combustible tobacco.

“We know how stark the challenge ahead is, but we can’t allow for smoke-free 2030 ambitions to fall between the cracks.”

Words: Jordan Millar

If the UK misses its smoke-free target by just seven years, there could be more than a million additional dead bodies across the country, the UKVIA Forum was told.

Speaking at the London event, MP Adam Afriyie warned the nation needs to change direction and up its efforts NOW if it wants to avoid this tragic future.

He stressed the goal to eliminate smoking by 2030 has always been an ambitious one, but that doesn’t mean we should just give up… especially when we have the tools to make it happen.

The Vice-Chair of the APPG for Vaping said e-cigarettes are ‘one of the most useful weapons’ in the fight against combustible tobacco and have already saved tens of

thousands of lives in the UK.

Afriyie said: “If we don’t hit the target, that’s another 1.3 million dead bodies in the UK by 2037…we can either allow people in our system to continue to die, or we can nudge them in the direction of products that will save lives.

“It’s an undeniable fact that the vaping industry is not a part of the tobacco industry, but a part of the vanguard of public health.

“Yes it’s about making a profit, a vibrant market and innovation, but vaping is a part of healthcare now.”

In his keynote presentation, which explored how the industry can ‘live up to the expectations’ laid out by the recent Khan Review, the politician stressed that ‘smokers are people and not just statistics’.

And in order to protect the health of those people and phase out smoking with the power of e-cigarettes, he said the sector first needs to overcome key issues…namely, youth vaping.

Afriyie said: “We need to make sure that an absolute priority in the industry is to NOT encourage young people to smoke or vape.

“The reason I say this is because I can tell you, in no uncertain terms, that parliament and the government will absolutely smash the sector if it has rogue traders advertising to children.

“Don’t try to be cunning, don’t try to be clever, don’t try using fancy names pretending it’s for adults…just don’t do it.”

Curiously, the MP for Windsor did say he would rather young people start vaping instead of taking up cigarette-use but clarified that they SHOULDN’T do either.

He said: “We have five children in our family and I would be absolutely devastated if one of them took up smoking…I’d be irritated, but not devastated, if they took up vaping.

“It’s not a good thing, it’s a really bad thing, but let’s be realistic; it’s still far better that young people do not smoke and take up alternatives.

“To the industry I say please be good actors and police yourselves; by working together with regulators I think we’ve got a good strong path to a virtuous future.”

Afriyie added: “We know how stark the challenge ahead is, but we can’t allow for smoke-free 2030 ambitions to fall between the cracks.”

PACKET UP, PACKET IN…A PRO-VAPING MESSAGE

If you want to spread the quitting power of e-cigarettes to smokers, what better way to reach them than with the product they use every day?

Words: Jordan Millar and Emily Malia

Despite the valiant efforts of public health officials, local quitting services and the vape industry, there’s millions across the country still hooked on cigarettes.

If only there was a way to tell smokers directly about the benefits of ditching combustible tobacco, maybe more people would take the leap…but there’s just no way you could reach them all.

Or is there?

In his keynote address at the recent UKVIA Forum, Adam Afriyie MP told an audience of harm reduction warriors and vape advocates that the best way to get through to smokers is via the cigarette box.

He said that using the packaging for the product that many of them will interact with every day, multiple times a day, you can target messaging right to those who need to quit most.

With this in mind, we drafted a collection of pro-vaping facts that could replace the squeamish images usually plastered on cigarette packets and inform smokers of the less harmful alternative.

Vaping is at least 95 percent less harmful than smoking.

Vaping provides a more cost effective way to access nicotine than smoking.

Vaping is one of the most popular quitting tools in the UK.

New research has found the ‘strongest evidence yet’ that vaping is more effective for quitting than other NRTs.

The vast range of vaping products means you can personalise your quitting journey down to the flavour.

VAPING’S MULTI-BILLION BOOST

During times of undeniable economic crisis, it’s been revealed that the vape industry has injected millions of pounds into the UK and generated tens of thousands of jobs.

“There can be no doubt at all that the UK vape industry is one of the greatest British success stories of modern times.”

Words: Jordan Millar and Oliver Smith

Ground-breaking new research has confirmed the ‘flourishing’ vape sector as a major contributor to the UK economy.

The first-of-its-kind report, commissioned by the UKVIA was welcomed with open arms at a recent industry forum and detailed the wider societal benefits brought on by e-cigarettes.

It highlighted the economic contributions of vaping on a national and regional level, as well as its effect on employment and cost savings made by the NHS.

Ahead of the document’s public release, the UKVIA said: “For years we’ve heard a lot of stories about the positive impacts that vaping is having on the lives of former smokers.

“However, we have not really had any detailed hard data on the effects that the vaping industry is having on the economy… until now.”

The report – officially titled the ‘Economic Impact Assessment of the Vape Industry’ – found the sector supports almost 18,000 full-time equivalent workers across manufacturing, retail and in the supply chain.

It also found that the industry contributed

more than £300 million in taxes last year alone and that healthcare cost savings associated with smokers making the switch reached around a third of a billion in 2019.

In total, the direct economic impact of the vape sector between 2017 and 2021 clocked in at over £1.3 billion…a figure that more than doubles to £2.8 billion when you consider indirect factors as well.

UKVIA Director General John Dunne celebrated the landmark document – put together by leading analysis firm Cebr – as confirmation of the immense and widereaching benefits of vaping.

He said: “There can be no doubt at all that the UK vape industry is one of the greatest British success stories of modern times.

“We hope the publication of this economic impact assessment will give politicians, regulators and health professionals the hard data to allow them to support vaping even more.”

He added: “The UK industry is already the envy of the world and has done so much good in helping smokers switch to a less harmful alternative…but there is so much more to be done.”

The UKVIA boss suggested the report should be ‘required reading’ for stakeholders in the global arena, saying other countries could see similar benefits if they traded anti-vaping attitudes for ‘progressive regulations’.

He also promised the document would be regularly updated moving forward following the launch event at the recent UKVIA Forum.

Dunne said: “I want to thank Cebr for putting together such a detailed, well-structured and data-driven report.

“We knew vaping had a positive impact on employment, the economy and in healthcare savings, but until now, we had no idea how extensive this was.”

OTHER KEY FINDINGS

FROM THE 61PAGE REPORT INCLUDE…

THE TOTAL INCREASE IN PRODUCTIVITY ASSOCIATED WITH SMOKERS SWITCHING TO USING VAPING PRODUCTS IS ESTIMATED TO BE £1.30 BILLION IN 2019. THE POTENTIAL PRODUCTIVTY INCREASE IF 50% OF ALL SMOKERS SWITCHED TO VAPING IS £3.33 BILLION. OF THE SMOKERS WHO SWITCHED TO VAPING, 80% AT LEAST SMOKED LESS WHILST 50% QUIT SMOKING ENTIRELY

NORTHERN IRELAND £39M (2.9%)

THE MOST POPULAR SPENDING AVENUE TO PURCHASE VAPING PRODUCTS WAS PHYSICAL VAPE SHOPS AT 39% OF SPENDING IN 2017. THIS REMAINS THE CASE IN 2021 AT 33%.

NORTH WEST £191M (14.3%)

SCOTLAND £109M (8.2%)

NORTH EAST £53M (4.0%) YORKSHIRE & THE HUMBER £155M (11.6%)

EAST MIDLANDS £90M (6.8%)

WALES £40M (3.0%)

WEST MIDLANDS £104M (7.8%)

EAST OF ENGLAND £102M (7.7%) LONDON £165M (12.4%) SOUTH EAST £217M (16.3%) SOUTH WEST £65M (4.9%)

POTENTIAL FUTURE HEALTHCARE SAVING

NET SAVING FROM VAPING (£MILLIONS)

IF 10% OF 2020 SMOKERS SWITCHED TO VAPING IF 50% OF 2020 SMOKERS SWITCHED TO VAPING

IF 1% OF 2020 SMOKERS SWITCHED TO VAPING THE POTENTIAL NET HEALTHCARE SAVING IF 1%, 10% AND 50% OF SMOKERS SWITCH TO VAPING IS £14 MILLION, £140 MILLION AND £698 MILLION RESPECTIVELY.

IT’S A WINNER!

The UKVIA conference roundedoff with the trade body’s first ever awards show, which recognised the immense talent of the industry.

Words: Jordan Millar and Oliver Smith

As this year’s forum wound down and the packed day of intense discussions came to a close, we couldn’t help but feel a touch disappointed.

The stellar cast of speakers had delivered informative talk after informative talk and every moment we were amongst the crowd of industry personalities was spent soaking up new opinions and ideas.

Luckily, our disappointment was shortlived as we still had the UKVIA’s inaugural recognition awards to look forward to later that evening.

With 90 minutes to fill, many of the attendees ventured back to their hotel rooms to prepare for the event, trading notebooks and business attire for lounge suits and cocktail dresses.

And when we arrived back at the QEII venue, the conference hall and networking area had been transformed into the backdrop for a night of prestigious celebration.

Before guests and eager nominees sat down for a succulent three course meal, they exchanged drinks and light conversations

while a live jazz band played in the background.

It was at this point we realised just how stunning the view was and took a moment to take in the twinkling lights of the busy London skyline.

Soon enough we were making our way up to the dining hall and finding our places amongst the elegant sea of tables and finery…all the while, tensions were rising over who would be taking away an award.

When we sat down, it became clear how diverse and impressive the guest list for the evening truly was.

On our table alone there was a former member of the New Nicotine Alliance and two government aids just to name a few.

The UKVIA had really done well to bring together the vaping industry, as well as a high-calibre crowd of outside voices and uninitiated.

The awards themselves were spread throughout the night and just some of the titles up for grabs included:

· Most Supportive Parliamentarian

· Best Marketing Campaign in the Industry

· Sustainable Vaping Award and;

· Outstanding Industry Service Award

Ahead of the recognition event, UKVIA

Director General John Dunne said it would create an opportunity to relax, socialise and come together after a ‘challenging’ few years.

And when he received the award for Outstanding Industry Service, he said he was ‘honoured’ and thanked the UKVIA membership for its ‘vote of confidence’.

The other nine winners on the night included:

Best Innovation in the Vaping Industry –FEELM

Most Supportive Public Health Professional – Dr Anita Sharma

Best Marketing/PR Campaign in the Industry – Riot Labs

Preventing Youth Access to Vaping Award –1Account

The Vaping Regulations Enforcement Award – MHRA

Sustainable Vaping Award – Riot Labs

Best Non-Vaping Media Outlet Report – ITV

International Vaping Award – Independent European Vape Alliance

Most Supportive Parliamentarian – Mark Pawsey MP

In the brochure for the event, the UKVIA said these awards are to recognise the individuals and vape organisations who have made ‘significant contributions’ to the industry and worked to ‘progress the sector’.

FOOM Lab's mission to aid adult smokers move away from combustible smoking and encourage people to shift to a safer way of consuming nicotine.

THAT! -mage ine

Advocates use a wide variety of methods to spread the message that vaping saves lives.

They speak at international conferences, write newspaper columns, articles and blogs and attend virtual debates wherein they explain the tobacco harm reduction rationale.

Social media is also a key tool in their activism arsenal, helping smokers look beyond the propaganda and educate them that vaping is shown to be the best quitting aid ever devised.

In this feature, we wanted to shine a light on the use of imagery on these wide-reaching platforms, highlighting just some of the often-humorous, ever eye-opening posts that caught our attention.

Words: Patrick Griffin

ANTI-VAPING madness

For many years now we have reported on how all sense of proportionality goes out of the window when anti-nicotine zealots get into their groove.

Such is their absolute intolerance for modern nicotine delivery systems that they seem to lose their minds.

This may be why we see children reportedly being illegally strip-searched for hidden vapes while at school or teens being stunned by 50,000-volt tasers when police stop them for vaping.

The moral panic that has gripped lobbyist groups, politicians and NGOs around the globe leads people to

come up with the most outlandish anti-vaping campaigns… and this graphic is just one of them.

‘Vapes Madness’ claims that e-cigarettes are the work of the devil and will lead to crime, madness and degradation.

Veteran Australian drug law reform doctor Alex Wodak tweeted: “Madness on WarOnDrugs has now metastasised into WarOnVaping.”

‘Stop Smoking Start Vaping’ author and world-renowned smoking cessation expert Dr Colin Mendelsohn said the image reminded him of previous US ‘Reefer Madness’ propaganda campaigns about drugs.

He tweeted: “Looks familiar. Didn’t we learn from the previous drug war madness?”

FINDING THE TRUTH IN numbers

The FDA is under fire over the way it communicates data concerning the prevalence of under-age e-cigarette use in the US.

Pro-vaping organisations and individuals have long claimed that the Food and Drug Administration presents this information to make the problem seem worse than it is.

A recent FDA statement on youth vaping said: “Overall about one in 10 U.S. middle (3.3 percent) and high (14.1 percent) school students reported current (in the past 30 days) e-cigarette use.

“Among these youth e-cigarette users, nearly 85 per cent reported using flavoured e-cigarettes, and more than one in four (27.6 percent) reported daily use of an e-cigarette.”

Safer nicotine advocate Charles A. Gardner said more than

seven media organisations misinformed the public as a result of the FDA’s ‘confusing’ method of presenting the numbers.

He tweeted: Just today, I have seen >7 news outlets and one “trusted” health authority (@ACSCAN) misinform the public claiming 1 in 4 US teens use ecigs daily.

“Please stop presenting the numbers in a way that confuses journalists, the public and members of congress.”

He then gave an example of one headline from a US media outlet which wrongly concluding that a quarter of US teens vape daily…

He said: “This VERY common ‘mistake’ is a direct consequence of the way CDC & FDA present teen vaping data.”

Finally, he offered advice about how the numbers should be reported to avoid any confusion.

NICOTINE Disinformation

A recurring problem for vape advocates is the demonisation of nicotine, which leads to many smokers wrongly believing it causes cancer.

The World Vapers’ Alliance neatly summed up one of the adverse consequences of such misinformation with this tweet.

It showed that 69 percent of smokers in France and 74 percent in Germany thought that nicotine caused cancer.

This was just one of the findings of a new Consumer Choice Center report which found a ‘fundamental and pervasive lack of knowledge surrounding the topic of tobacco harm reduction…and misperceptions of the effects of nicotine itself’.

The consumer think tank called for ‘robust and scientificallyinformed communication’ with smokers about the real risks involved in smoking.

It added: “Furthermore, future regulatory measures should be risk-based, encouraging doctors and smokers to seek out less detrimental alternatives to classic cigarettes.”

A QUESTION OFpriority

In our last issue we highlighted the recent pro-vaping statement from Dr Brian King, the director of the FDA Center for Tobacco Products.

King said that as a general class ‘e-cigarettes have markedly less risk than a combustible cigarette product’ which is certainly progress for the less than vaping-friendly FDA.

The ubiquitous Charles A. Gardner used the statement as an opportunity to pose a question to the US Centres of Disease Control and Prevention.

He tweeted: “USA

• 31 million legal smokers (480,000 deaths/year)

• 12 million legal ADULT nicotine vapers (no deaths)

• 1 million illegal teen frequent vapers (no deaths)

• 1.5m illegal teen infrequent vapers (no deaths)

“Why is preventing 480,000 deaths every year of no interest to @CDCgov?”

VAPE VAPE

Following the skyrocketing popularity of disposable vape devices, we take a look at two best-selling systems and see how they compare.

RIOT BAR - QBAR

SPECIFICATIONS:

E-liquid capacity - 2ml | Total puffs - Up to 600

Nicotine strength - 0/10/20mg 100 percent PLA Plastic | Mesh Coil

Carbon-Negative | UK Made flavours

Fully recyclable via the ‘Riot Recycle’ scheme No fossil fuel production methods

Riot E-Liquid describes this device as being ‘the next generation’ of disposable e-cigarettes which boasts ‘the first ever entirely recyclable, carbon-negative disposable vape’.

The entire outer casing is made from compostable PLA Plastic (Cornstarch) and they can be recycled by placing them in special ‘Riot Recycle’ bins at vape shops. Even the battery can be recycled so it can be reused in future devices.

There are no buttons to press on this draw-activated device and each pod has a black body with colour-coded detailing to highlight the flavour it contains.

Flavours: Watermelon Ice, Strawberry Blueberry Ice, Cherry Fizz, Mango Peach and Pineapple, Sweet Strawberry, Grape Ice, Blue Burst, Menthol Ice, Triple Mint and Classic Tobacco.

VSGEEK BAR (TPD version)

SPECIFICATIONS:

E-liquid capacity - 2ml | E-liquid type - Nic salt. Nicotine strength – 0/10/20mg

Battery size - 500mAh | Total puffs - Up to 575

Organic cotton wicking | Pre-filled (not refillable)

Sealed – not rechargeable

The GEEK BAR TPD VERSION is a mouth-to-lung device just like the RIOT BAR and is also colour-coded by flavour.

There is a diamond pattern texture all over the unit, making it very distinctive indeed.

Again, there are no buttons to press, just inhale and the device will fire up automatically.

A sensor will detect when it is empty and disable the firing function so you should never get a dry hit.

Unlike the QBAR, this device is not recyclable.

There are 24 flavours to choose from including Blueberry Ice, Sweet Strawberry, Mango Ice, Menthol, Tobacco, Pink Lemonade, Grape, Sour Apple and Passion Fruit.

Words: Oliver Smith

Meet Charley; an ambitious young content creator who has garnered a massive social media following through his popular online videos.

Better known as ‘Halfordsucks’, the full-time creative has claimed the internet as a sandbox in which he can test out his ‘wacky ideas’.

Not only does he entertain masses of fans through streaming – after all, he got his start with nothing but a camera and a controller – but he’s also stepped into app development and cyber protection.

Ever the altruist, Charley takes great pride in his ‘Halfordhelps’ charity efforts, through which he recently raised around £12,000 by running a marathon while playing his video game of choice, Call of Duty: Warzone.

As though all that wasn’t enough, he also fancies himself an entrepreneur and is a director and co-owner for the brand ‘Thing Energy’ alongside launching his latest venture…a vape company.

With the help of his business partner Ashley, the ever-busy social media personality has unveiled ‘Suck It’; a line of e-liquids inspired by his online handle.

This six-strong collection of flavours was masterminded by the duo – who originally met through Thing Energy – with Ashley’s seven years of industry experience proving a useful tool for the emerging brand.

The range is currently available in both shortfills and nic salts, but the pair have made it clear this is the only the beginning and plan to release more products and flavours down the line.

Charley said: “After working together for just over a year, I brought up the idea of starting a vape liquid line.

“Given other ventures we were both working on, it was a slow process, but Ashley and I eventually doubled down and spent around half a year developing the flavours.

“We then ran trials with unbiased vapers and shortlisted the six best liquids which eventually became the final products.”

The gamer – who is often seen streaming within a cloud of vapour – also said that the creative process was an incredible bonding experience for him and Ashley.

He explained: “We have now known each other for two years and have a brilliant friendship and working relationship.”

Charley said he was inspired to launch the e-liquid range by his fans, who would regularly ask him about his preferred hardware and

But it was Ashley’s insider knowledge that really got the brand moving, with his time spent at ‘major names’ within the industry helping to guide the ‘Suck It’ line from idea to reality.

Charley said: “Ashley has racked up a huge amount of knowledge about what makes a liquid not just great…but incredible.

“Using his brain, we were able to create completely bespoke blends and with my audience, we have a whole new way to market them.”

He added: “I have realised that I love making people smile; be that through humour or philanthropy.

“I just enjoy knowing that I have made someone’s day that bit brighter and through the content I’ve made and the people we have helped…I think that has been a success so far.”

Pioneering best-selling products

The DRAG S and DRAG X are amongst the first products that spring to mind when we think of open pod vape systems...and they both happen to come from leading brand VOOPOO .

Established in 2017, this industry titan has carved a reputation for its fine-tuned product development, manufacturing, sales and branding.

Over the years, it has spawned four ranges - ARGUS, V, VINCI, and the aforementioned DRAG - and has masterminded several best-selling products.

In light of all this progress, there’s no doubt people will want to know the key to VOOPOO’s success...but the reality is, there are three.

Advancing through innovation

To ensure it isn’t chasing trends - and rather setting themVOOPOO has heavily invested in research and development, cementing itself as a driver in the realm of atomisation technology.

This year marked an especially strong period of innovation for the brand, with its 2022 releases intended to push the already impressive boundaries of the vape sector.

Products like the award-winning ARGUS GT II - which has been celebrated for its IP68 tri-proof rating - the DRAG 4 and the fast charging ARGUS P1 have all pulled on the learned wisdom and experience of the VOOPOO team.

The brand also recognised the demand for widely-compatible cartridges and so gave their loyal consumers more freedom by releasing products - such as the VINCI POD, VINCI Q and DRAG NANO 2 - that use the same cartridges.

Building a global network

For any brand to truly succeed, it’s not enough to just develop a good product...you also need to establish a wide-reaching, international presence.

After several years of limitless persistence and ambition, VOOPOO has achieved just that, branching out across 70 countries and regions spanning five continents.

It’s closely connected with over 3,000 partners, is linked with more than 100,000 offline retailers and has garnered a 50 million-plus strong user base.

VOOPOO is also a pioneer in atomisation and has launched a multi-purpose app for its B2B and B2C customers.

This platform comes in the form of VOOPOO Retail - which has proven especially successful in the Indonesian market - and VOOPOO Club - a place for people to share their vape experiences and access up-to-date information.

Maintaining the original mission

VOOPOO has always been committed to its consumer-first ideology, using technological advancements and ever-upgrading user experience to ensure its products are fit-for-purpose.

It interacts with its followers both off and online and has spearheaded engaging campaigns to better include them in the community of the brand.

The leading e-cigarette company also has a major presence at physical industry events and expos, which has helped VOOPOO become a firm favourite in the world of vaping.

It now hopes to build on these deep roots in atomization, innovation and user experience, dreaming up new advancements and breakthroughs that it can deliver to consumers.

This continued development will be primarily driven by VOOPOO’s desire to be a ‘world-leading, respectable high-tech company’.

P O W E R

W I R E L E S S C H A R G E R

Finding THE PUFF-ECT RESOLUTION

As we approach the end of the year, Vapouround outlines some small industry-inspired resolutions that you can commit to in 2023.

Words: Emily Malia

Ah, New Year’s Eve…a night soundtracked by booze-inspired promises of self-improvement and everyone’s favourite party bangers.

Buried underneath blaring ABBA classics and slurred Disney sing-alongs, this time of reflection inspires a chorus of resolutions.

Imbued with the inhabitation-killing power of a few pints or driven by a desire to shake things up, people will get into the festivities and bravely commit to big life changes.

This might be finally pledging to take part in that sky-dive they’ve always dreamed of or taking control of their health with a new diet or workout regime.

But for all those smokers and vapers out there, we have a different idea as to how you can direct that ‘new year, new me’ energy into something a little more industry specific.

In this feature, we’ve detailed six simple ways that you can better strengthen your ties with the vape community, support the lifesaving quitting tool or improve your journey to a smoke-free life.

So, when the clock strikes midnight this year and we step into the early hours of 2023, why not dedicate yourself to one of these resolutions in place of the usual – and often abandoned –alternatives.

Share advocacy posts

You may not realise it, but there is a battle to protect the vape industry going on at your literal fingertips.

Impassioned advocates, experts and ex-smokers spend countless hours batting away propaganda and misinformation using the power of social media…but their efforts can only go so far. Without the support of the vape community, the success their posts and tireless rebuttals is limited and might not have as much influence as they are capable of.

This year, why not lend these virtual warriors a helping hand and commit to sharing their posts as and when they cross your screen?

Tryanewvapingproduct

asOnepotentialreasonthatvapingissosuccessful customisableaquittingtoolisthatitprovidesanextremely experience. Endless innovation and an ever-increasing catalogue of

products means people can embark on their journey away Growingfromcigarettesinawaythatsuitsthem.regulationsandbansinsomecountriesandregions do mean vapers are sometimes limited in what they can

access. ofSo,forthosewhocan,whynotexerciseyourfreedom choiceandsamplearangeofoptionsfromthe figurativesmorgasbordofvapingproducts?

InformOnesmokeronthe quittingpowerofvapes

There’s no doubt that the vape community is facing nearconstantmisinformationinoneformoranother…andit’sthis thatcandetersmokersfrommakingtheswitch. Scared or dissuaded by wrongful health warnings and fearcampaigns,somewouldrathercontinuetouselife-threatening cigarettesthanoptforthe95percentlessharmfulalternative. And while no one person can reverse the damage of thesesmeareffortsandchangetheperceptionsofeverysingle smoker,wecanallhelponasmallerscale.

Forthisyear’sresolution,howaboutyousetout toinformonesmokerofthequittingpower ofvaping?

Supportyourlocalstore

roleWhiledigitalretailersplayacritical-andconvenient–personalinthevapeindustry,brick-and-mortarstoresoffera servicethatjustcan’tbereplaced.

Oftentheunsungheroesofthesector,thesephysical sellersarequiteoftenthepointoffirstcontactforwant-Theyto-beex-smokers. steppingactalmostasawelcomingcommitteeforthose intoworldofvaping…butcan’tsurvivewithout Shoppingsupport.atyourlocalvendorsandspreadingthe bothwordwhenyoureceivegoodadviceorserviceare greatwaystohelpthemkeepthedoors open.

Signpro-vapingpetitions

Always fancied yourself a vape advocate, but don’t want to grab a placard or brave the great outdoors for a peaceful protest?Ifso,youmightwanttoconsidersigningpro-vapingpetitions asawaytostretchyouractivismlegsandgetyouropinions outthere.Therearealmostalwaysmovementsandmessagesinneed of signatures and these can prove as an effective way to raisetheprofileoftheindustry.

To find petitions, simply keep an eye on the activity of different vape organisations or pro-vaping channels and we’resureyou’llbedoingyourbitinnotime.

Recycleyourvapeswherepossible

Moreplanetasawhole–issustainability.

One of the biggest issues facing the industry – and the

andmorepeopleareconsideringtheirimpactontheplanetandfindingwaystobemoreeco-conscious.

But this doesn’t just have to stop at ditching single-usevapingbottlesandavoidingfastfashion…itcanalsoextendtoyour habitsaswell. canByrecyclingyourvapingproducts–oratleastthepartsyou street,–andavoidingcarelesslydroppingdisposablesonthe youcanpromoteharmreductionforbothyourselfandtheplanet.

AIRSCREAM UK: Crafting flavours with heart and soul

If the vape device is the heart, it's safe to say the e-liquid flavours are the soul. In its quest to eliminate cigarettes, AIRSCREAM UK believes both are necessary and complement each other.

In this interview, we get a rare behind-the-scenes interview with AIRSCREAM's Chief Creative O cer and co-founder, Shen. Shen is a literal tastemaker. A self-confessed epicurean who developed a taste for wine early on, Shen enjoys seeking culinary delights everywhere, from Michelin-star restaurants to the most humble stalls. In each of AIRSCREAM's beloved flavours, Shen has a direct hand (and tongue) in their creation.

What is your goal in making AIRSCREAM's flavours?

When we founded AIRSCREAM, I wanted us to deliver authentic and delightful flavours to our users. Many flavours available tend to be somewhat artificial and generic.

There's a growing demand for more authentic flavours by a more discerning user base. So we aimed to create bold flavours that set the bar for others to follow. More importantly, we want to create flavours that have lasting appeal. Many of life's memories revolve around food, so we hope to bring back forgotten memories of nostalgic moments through taste.

What's your process for selecting and making a flavour?

Coming from a multicultural experience, I am exposed to a wide variety of tastes from both East and West. To deliver an authentic flavour, you need to be exposed to a wide variety of flavours and have them committed to memory. For example, in developing our Aromango flavour, I have to recall my hometown's mango tree, which produced delectable fruits. I sought to recapture the taste and memories of that mango and then bring it to a broader global audience who may have never tasted an actual mango of such sweetness before.

A taste of the clouds

0mg 70/30VG

This year, AIRSCREAM launched a new line of e-liquids, INK LORDS. AIRSCREAM also just released its range of 313 e-liquids for the TPD market

What prompted the creation of the INK LORDS line of e-liquids?

The INK LORDS range is fundamentally di erent from our 313 e-liquids but perfectly complement each other. Where the 313 range is nicotine-salt based and meant for devices under 40 watts of power output, INK LORDS are freebase and meant for high-power devices. This allows us to cater to both ends of the market. The flavour experiences are also somewhat di erent.

What is the rationale behind the INK LORDS range?

High-power devices can produce more complex and layered flavours and, when mixed right, very silky vapour production. That's not to say stick mods aren't capable of delicious flavours, but you get more nuance with high-power devices. In the early days of box mods, there were a lot of highly creative flavours made through careful experimentation. It was an art form in itself. As box mods became increasingly niche, we've lost a bit of that creative spirit. So the INK LORDS line was created to bring back that creative spirit and create fascinating, artisanal and authentic flavours.

AIRSCREAM's 313 e-liquid

flavours

are building a loyal following. Can you explain the secret to its success?

We've built up a reputation for delivering authentic flavours. Our tobacco flavours are highly regarded, and their creation sprung up from necessity. Disappointed with the tobacco flavours available when first I took up vaping, I crafted the most authentic flavours I could think of because I was using them myself to quit smoking. After all, if you don't like the flavour you're vaping, how can you possibly quit cigarettes with it? I want others to have an equally uncompromised experience in their journey to quit smoking. And never crave another cigarette again.

Besides careful testing and making as many revisions as necessary to get the flavours right, quality and user safety are things we refuse to compromise on. To make our e-liquids, we only source flavour essences from reputable food-grade manufacturers. All our e-liquids are also mixed in clean labs. Naturally, we pay a premium for this. But it's a price worth paying to get consistent flavours and guarantee our products' quality and safety.

What's next on the AIRSCREAM priority list?

Our top priority for this year is sustainability. Despite vaping's role in reducing cigarette harm, the rise of disposable vapes has also created a huge ecological problem. We need to make vaping more environmentally friendly, meaning vapes must be truly recycled, not just recyclable. We're pivoting our product design and business model to be more mindful of waste footprint, recycling and reusability.

What do you hope to accomplish with AIRSCREAM?

Unlike sight, sound or hearing, which can be a shared experience, taste and smell are highly personal to each individual. I want AIRSCREAM to be a platform for our users to experience flavours they might not otherwise be exposed to because of cultural di erences. Doing so can enrich lives and bring people closer together through a shared appreciation for life's many flavours.

GIFT GUIDE 2022

Words: Emily Malia

Whether it’s forking out huge chunks of cash on lavish gift or fighting through crowds of last-minute shoppers, there’s just something ‘special’ about Christmas.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the holiday season and all the heart-warming festivities that come with it…but it isn’t half stressful.

Even when you disregard the annual family conflicts and hours spent sweating, chopping, boiling and basting while cooking up dinner, finding and buying presents alone is enough to spur on a merry ole’ migraine. This rings especially true when you’re

playing Santa to a list of vapers, with the hefty catalogue of hardware, liquids and industry musthaves making it difficult to narrow down the perfect prezzie.

To help you avoid the headaches, reduce your time spent queuing and put a stop to the endless scrolling through online stores, we’ve hand-picked 15 vape-related gifts that are sure to go down a treat.

Made up of everything from e-liquids to hardware, this list contains some of the top products we have reviewed over the past 12-months…plus a few desirable extras.

So, grab some egg nog, throw on those festive pajamas and browse through this year’s Vapouround Christmas Gift Guide.

How can you possibly find the perfect present for your vaping loved ones this year... ...perhaps with a helping hand from Vapouround.

COIL OF INSTAGRAM Art

with CHAPPY COILS

Here we highlight some of the stars of Instagram who are using the social media platform to create original art with a vaping theme.

Interview by: Oliver Smith

Name: Chad Lewis (Chappy Coils) Location: Illinois, USA.

Instagram page: @chappycoils

THIS ISSUE’S FEATURE IS ON Chad Lewis,AN EXPERIENCED BUILDER WHO, AFTER OVERCOMING LIFE’S CHALLENGES, NOW SPENDS HIS TIME TEACHING FELLOW HOBBYISTS THE ART OF COIL CONSTRUCTION.

WHAT GOT YOU INTO COIL BUILDING?

I had been vaping almost a year and wanted to save money by not having to buy any manufactured coils anymore.

I also had a curiosity with how well handmade coils could perform, so I got a spool of 26ga Kanthal and it took off from there!

WHAT PLANNING GOES INTO A COIL BEFORE BUILDING IT?

I like to take a few minutes to clear my head, while looking at all the sizes and types of wire on my pegboard, deciding what type of coil and what size wires I want to work with.

I try to picture in my head what the finished product will look like and how well it will perform.

Then, I pick the right tools for that particular build and start prepping all the wires I’m using in the build.

A lot of time, thought, prep, pride and care goes into every coil I build.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN VAPING?

After a 20 year smoking habit and several failed attempts at quitting, I was finally able to quit in only one day with the help of vaping.

And now at 46, I’m proud to say that I have been a smoke free vaper and vape advocate for over nine years now.

YOU’VE MENTIONED HOW THE VAPING INDUSTRY SAVED YOUR LIFE, COULD YOU TELL VAPOUROUND A LITTLE MORE ABOUT YOUR STORY?

For most, quiting smoking is how the industry has helped them.

For me, it is also about being a small part of the industry with all the great opportunities I’ve gotten, all the great people I’ve met and all the great friends I’ve made along the way have helped me through some pretty rough times.

A bad marriage and even worse divorce, feeling completely alone being a single dad raising my two daughters all by myself, along with battling a 20-year opiate addiction…from which I am now eight years clean.

This industry has helped me through it all and played a big role in where my life is now, being happy and in a great place.

I’ve got to work with a lot of great people and brands, helping others with building coils, vape recommendations and how to save money on products.

I’m always here to help anyone anytime I can, passing on the trade to anyone else that wants to learn.

DO YOU ONLY BUILD COILS FOR YOURSELF AS A HOBBY OR FOR OTHERS TOO?

It started as a hobby as a way to save a little money, but it was not long until I was cranking out all types of coils, coming up with new ideas every day for others that wanted them too.

Since then, my customer base has grown, with people all over the world saying that they have vaped with Chappy Coils.

I also recently teamed up with my good friends at Coolwhic premium organic cotton to bring Chappy Coils to their website too.

THERE ANY SPECIAL COILS YOUR PLANNING ON BUILDING SOON?

I recently started working on coils for smaller devices like Boros and Billet Box type mod and plan to work on more ideas for those types of devices.

I am always trying to mix it up with new coil ideas and different wire combinations, always trying keep things fresh, new and interesting.

VAPOUROUND ON TOUR ISSUE 42

VAPER EXPO UK NEC BIRMINGHAM

OCTOBER 7-9, 2022

Words: Jordan Millar

After years of waiting, I was finally able to attend my very first Vaper Expo UK…here’s what I made of this iconic industry event.

In my two years at Vapouround I have heard so much about the Vaper Expo UK…most of my colleagues have a story, or ten, to tell about their adventures at the show.

I have been regaled with seemingly mythical tales of dense clouds of vapour so thick they would block out sunlight or frenzied crowds yelling with excitement as merch was thrown at them.

Naturally, I had pretty big expectations for my first expo and was amazed when I arrived to a sea of dynamic stands that stretched the length of the enormous hall. There was a clear divide between the way exhibitors presented themselves, with some opting for slick apple-store like booths, while others used more creative marketing tactics.

Between the suits and the polos, there were a few scantily clad women handing out freebees and drawing in crowds…I think I even saw a pole dancing rig at one point. I personally prefer the former type of stand as they better exude the business-minded reputation that the industry is trying to achieve.

However, the number of people gathering around the latter, showed there were plenty who better responded to the fun and freespirited approach.

Speaking of ‘fun’ and ‘free-spirited’, the beloved Johnnie Lovell and Ashley Hanson had returned to once again to host the

consumer days of the show. Before the doors opened, they warmed up the visitors in the holding area with their trademark combination of jokes and friendly banter.

I marveled as this dynamic duo – who are no strangers live vape events - worked the crowds, tossing out free merch and hyping them up before they descended upon the expo.

And, when the show opened for business, they made regular appearances on the main stage, taking part in popular giveaways and injecting energy into the proceedings.

One of the biggest things I noticed was the huge difference between the first B2B day and the following two B2C days.

Friday was all business; no matter where you turned, there were whispered negotiations and enthusiastic handshakes as lucrative deals were closed.

There were also a lot of small retailers and new business owners trawling through the stands to get a taste of what the sector is all about; a welcome sign that the brickand-mortar side of industry is still going strong.

As the B2C days rolled around, the footfall saw a notable uptick.

I had the pleasure of speaking to attendees, hearing moving stories of how they quit smoking through vaping or how the reduced risk alternative has changed their lives for the better.

The Vapouround stand, our colourful double-decker bus to be precise, was a real crowd pleaser and we were happy to give away vape products to smokers who desperately wanted to quit tobacco.

It was also great to see big-name advocacy bodies like the UKVIA in attendance...I don’t

think I ever saw the group’s director general John Dunne without a handful of brand owners and industry personalities at his side.

I liked hearing the mixture of thumping club music, blaring nineties rock and a dashing of hip hop - which formed a soundtrack to the event - and chatting to as many people as possible.

Overall, most attendees enjoyed the event, but some Vaper Expo veterans lamented that the high-octane energy of years ago was missing.

One of the biggest complaints I heard was about the variety of exhibitors in attendance, with many saying the show had become a display of the disposable sector instead of a look at the whole industry.

Being the open-minded reporter I am, I endeavored to look beyond these comments and view the show through a fresh, uncompromised perspective.

In the end, I thought Vaper Expo turned out to be a great show and, despite echoed complaints about the size and focus of the event, think it still had a good amount to offer.

Of course, it was a shame to find that the hobbyists, juice brands and hardware companies were in shorter supply than previous years…and I think it would be wise to find a way to bring these groups back into the event.

More than anything, I think shows like this are a display of the industry’s community mindset, of its entrepreneurship and thirst for growth.

I’m just happy that I finally got to be a part of the event and see if Vaper Expo UK was really as wild and wonderous as I’d been led to believe.

WHITE LABEL WORLD EXPO FRANKFURT OCTOBER 12-13

It seems like it’s positive reviews only for this leading European online seller and ecommerce show.

The White Label World Expo Frankfurt show played host to an international guest list of online retailers, creating a platform for networking, growth and new opportunities.

Big names and world-class companies such as adidas, Forbes, Costa Coffee and Lidl were all in attendance; their presence undoubtably energising the bustling exhibitor hall.

This reportedly caused quite a buzz and proved the twoday event was a place where brands could connect with the juggernauts of their sector.

There was also an impressive cast of speakers at the event, with ‘profound voices’ from the world of ecommerce blessing visitors through a series of must-hear talks.

This made for an educational addition to the show, providing quizzical listeners with informative insights from the likes of Gucci, Lush, Ikea and more.

The Frankfurt 2022 event was such a victory, that the team is already gearing up for next year, with the organisers promising to take the White Label World Expo onwards and upwards from here.

Just a handful of comments and testimonials are all that’s needed to paint a picture of the show and its success amongst attendees.

KoKoon Design, a specialist furniture brand and exhibitor at the expo, said: “We had a fantastic time, met a lot of people

and were able to share our knowledge with them.”

This praise was echoed by CEO of Vindicta Digital Marketing James Blake, who said he couldn’t wait to share footage he took while at the show.

He said: “What a fantastic experience to be able to deliver a keynote on the same stage as the speakers from META, L’Oréal and Gucci.

“A massive thank you to all of the team at the White Label World Expo for their support and for having me as a keynote…I cannot wait for the next one!

Positive reviews have been flooding in since the event came to a close, which bodes well for the success of next year’s much-anticipated follow up.

VAPERSCOM MESSE DORTMUND

NOVEMBER 5-6

The vape community converged in Germany for a two day industry event marked by world-class exhibitors, desirable awards and…a table tennis competition.

Taking place on the first weekend of November, the VapersCom Messe Dortmund show welcomed 1,500 participants. It gave attendees the chance to connect and interact with like-minded people, as well experience some of the newest innovations coming out of the industry.

The event put a particular focus on the extensive catalogue of e-cigarettes, liquids and vape accessories that are available to consumers.

Chief show organiser, Sabine Loos, said: “This diversity, coupled with an exciting programme of events and the presentation of the VapersCom Awards is what makes the expo so appealing.”

This year, there were four awards up for grabs; these were decided by an expert panel of judges.

The categories and winners included:

Most popular talk panel – VaperFriends

Most popular streamer – Obi‘s Dampfersofa Community Award – Dampfcommunity Viersen

(für Spenden und Hilfe vor Ort im Ahrtal) Longest journey (visitors) – Dampfschmankerl TV

Katrin Fischer of the VapersCom team, said: “The awards ceremony was one of the highlights last year and also succeeded in getting people excited this time around.”

Another stand out moment from the show was the VapersCom table tennis tournament, which saw Bossiland owner Dampfbossi face off against DampferschmankerI TV.

In the time since the event came to a close, there have been a wave of positive reviews from those in attendance.

Dominik Burda, general manager at Revoltage said they were ‘very satisfied’ and confirmed they were able to make ‘valuable business contacts’.

André Süppel, owner of Kirschlolli confirmed people were ‘in a good frame of mind’ and said he would be back next time.

IECIE VAPE SHOW JAKARTA, INDONESIA

OCTOBER 20 - 22

Thousands of people from across the globe once again flocked to attend the long-beloved IECIE Vape Show earlier this year…but this time, things were a little different.

The 2022 exhibition took place in Jakarta, Indonesia, marking the first time that this China-born event has ventured overseas.

But despite the change of scenery, the IECIE organisers still reported the show was a massive success, with an estimated 300 plus global vape brands and a swarm of visitors in attendance.

Alongside bringing together a chorus of voices from across the vaping sector, this staple international event also acted as a sandbox in which ideas and innovations were shared.

The IECIE bills itself as a place in which people can experience the latest technology and products and the 2022 edition certainly gave a taste of the ever-shifting and improving industry.

The event was also a hub for networking, with the Jakarta show attracting everybody from famous influencers to distributors and shop owners.

As many would agree, shows like this have helped build the borderless communication and lasting industry relationships that have seen the vaping community thrive.

They also play host to speakers and experts who educate the masses on the latest happenings and must-know developments of the sector.

The theme for the IECIE Jakarta Show’s conference was ‘emerging trends and compliance’; an increasingly crucial subject which has become the topic of conversation for many around the world.

It put a magnifying glass over the Southeast Asia market and used it as a backdrop to explore ‘future marketing opportunities and industry challenges’.

Of course, the event wasn’t ALL business, with the IECIE show also holding a cloud competition in an effort to ‘spread the culture’.

This was divided into two parts – tricks and cloud chasing – and featured more than 100 contestants all vying for a take of the Rp60,000,000 (£3,300 approx) prize pool.

All in all, this pioneering edition of the IECIE Vape Show proved that, even when taken away from its stomping ground, this long-standing event can still be a success.

The organisers have said that the Jakarta expo was just the ‘starting point’ in their exploration of the Southeast Asian market and they are excited by the ‘infinite possibilities’ it presents.

What do you get when you take one of the best known industry events beyond the borders and into a whole new country? Easy, an undeniable vaping victory.

VAPEXPO PARIS PARIS, FRANCE OCTOBER 22 - 23

Of all the places to host an international vape show, there are few more beautiful than this breath-taking French metroparadise.

So, when thousands flocked to the capital city for Vapexpo Paris, there’s no doubt their travels were heightened by iconic views and dynamic architecture.

Even the event itself, which played host to a dynamic collection of exhibitors and over 8,700 visitors, was a sight to behold.

The halls of the Paris Event Center, which also acted as the venue for the conjoined CBD Expo France, were full of life and energy.

Masses of bodies worked their way through the stands to see what companies had brought to the table and exactly what the industry had to offer.

In fact, we think some might go as far as to describe the show as near enough picture perfect…and here’s some images to prove it.

ON THE BUS GO

As we round off the Autumn tour of Project Vapouround, we look back at all the places our vape education hub on wheels recently visited.

Words: Sid De Silva, Carrie Strouther, Alicia Snow-Simpson, Lauren Pilliner Curated: Emily Malia

Vaper Expo UK, Birmingham

October 7-9

The Vaper Expo was an exciting time for the team, with hundreds of people stopping by the bus to see what we were all about.

Being at such a prevalent industry event is always a pleasure, but to be able to bring Project Vapouround to the visitors at this show was a special treat.

Of all the people who stepped on and off the bus, there was one man whose story particularly struck a chord with us.

After smoking for 45 years, he had become intrigued with the idea of vaping and now, at 60-years-old, wanted to learn more about the modern alternative.

New to the quitting tool, he wasn’t sure how to use it to subsidise his smoking habit, so we advised him on how he could customise the nicotine content to slowly reduce his intake.

He was thrilled with the guidance we had given him and told us that it was the first time he’d been clear information on how exactly he could potentially quit smoking.

This is one of countless of stories we heard from the hundreds of people who found their way to the bus at Vaper Expo UK…we only hope that our team was able to help them all in some way on their smoke-free journey.

Stoke City Centre October 14

Some might look to miserable weather and rain as a setback…but in our case, it was actually a huge benefit.

In an attempt to escape the downpour, people would seek shelter on the bus and we used this as an opportunity to spread the power of vaping to as many adults smokers as possible.

We met a unique cast of people during our time in Stoke, many of whom were unsure about the side effects of vaping and whether it actually worked.

But as many will know, the Vapouround team is not one to shine away from a challenge.

With the help of our ‘Vaping 101’ guide, we informed people on the basics of e-cigarettes, separated the fact from the fiction and explained just how effective it was as a quitting tool.

With this newfound knowledge, many of them felt comfortable to put down their cigarettes and give vaping a go.

We hope they stay strong as they transition over to the reduced risk alternative and are able to leave smoking behind for good.

Chesterfield Town Centre October 20

Our prime position in front of Chesterfield’s Market Square meant the Vapouround Bus caught the eye of just about every passer-by.

People from all backgrounds were drawn to our vaping education hub on wheels, many of them looking for a greater insight into the proven quitting tool.

One visitor who particularly stood out was a 72-year-old man who had been smoking for decades.

He told us that two of his friends had already converted from cigarettes to vaping – evidence that it can help people become smoke-free – and that he was looking to do the same.

He explained that he had already tried quitting using doctorrecommended nicotine patches but they didn’t work…not to mention that he couldn’t afford them.

Our team explained how inexpensive vaping can be and gave him some tips on getting started.

Before leaving, he jotted down our contact information in case any more questions popped to mind and we told him not to hesitate if he wanted to reach out.

Rugby Town Centre October 26

After being greeted by the team who helped to organise the event and explaining more about our mission, we set to work speaking with adult smokers.

The bus was alive with new faces and positive energy as the team chatted to person after person about vaping.

In all honesty, we hardly had a chance to breathe in between conversations…though we certainly aren’t complaining.

Once again, the Vaping 101 guide proved a useful tool and we were happy to correct the misinformation that people had heard about e-cigarettes.

After all, knowledge is power.

We can only hope that by telling them about the risks of smoking and the power of vaping, that those we met in Rugby will decide to make the switch.

Festive Gift & Food Show Newark October 29-30

Leicester City Centre November 1

You better not pout, because it’s not just Santa coming to your town this holiday season…the Vapouround Bus might just make an appearance as well.

While it took place on Halloween weekend, the Newark Festive Gift and Food Show played host to a constant stream of shoppers who were imbued with the festive spirit. And to make sure we looked the part, our team decorated the bus with all the tinsel and baubles they could get their hands on…never a wasted opportunity to do some Christmas decorating.

We were greeted by rain as we made our way into what seemed to be a very damp and dreary Leicester.

But as we got into the day, all of a sudden the misery of the bad weather washed away and we found ourselves very much in the swing of things.

People idly walking by were intrigued by the bus and many commented on just how good it looked…even against the grey sky and soaked pavement.

We even piqued the interest of BBC Radio Leicester, who interviewed members of our team about our philosophy, our passion to help people quit and the vape community.

Although it should be said that we never actually made it on the air…it’s okay guys, we know things don’t always work out!

All in all, Leicester was a blast and, even when you account for the bad weather, it was still an amazing opportunity to make a positive impact.

Loughborough Town Centre November 4

Stafford Town Centre November 9

Stafford did not disappoint! Yet again, we were amazed with the reception that we had received from all the people who came onto the bus.

The area we were parked in was just as lovely as the people in Stafford and we enjoyed being able to offer support to smokers and new vapers.

One couple that came onboard was seeking advice on how to reduce the nicotine they were consuming.

As we would with any visitors, we advised them on how to reduce their intake gradually and even helped them create a rough one-year plan to follow.

We definitely made our mark on those we met in Stafford. Now, onto the next stop we go!

The Vapouround Bus was like a revolving door throughout the entirety of the day in Loughborough.

Every time a group of people would leave, more would enter and like a popular department store, the bus felt like it was the heart of the high street that day.

We were stationed in the centre of all the hustle and bustle right at the top of the market, making this the busiest place we’ve visited on tour so far.

This meant we were able to meet lots of great people, including some familiar faces who said they saw we were in town on our social media and just had to pop down to say hello.

We heard lots of stories from individuals about their personal battles with smoking, but there was one lady who really touched our hearts.

She told us of her time working for the NHS and her own mission to promote healthier lifestyles in her community by encouraging improved eating habits. It felt as though she really resonated with the message of the vape movement and was pleased to see other people trying to change lives for the better.

Coventry City Centre November 16

Conveniently situated outside the National Transport Museum, our striking bus was welcomed with open arms by the Coventry locals.

Despite the cold November day, people were not deterred and those who were interested in learning more about the reduced-risk alternative wasted no time before hopping on board.

This time around, many want-to-be ex-smokers visiting the bus had never even gone as far as try a vape before…which they admitted was a result of the misinformation they had read online.

It was rewarding for the team to be able to enlighten them on the facts and help them kick off their vaping journeys.

In the end, Coventry proved to be a great place for introducing people to new products and helping them explore new flavours.

The people of Gainsborough must have felt Christmas had come early when Project Vapouround rolled into town, spreading cheer and the good word of vaping as it went.

The small town kicked off the festive season with an event full of festive joy and we had the pleasure of being a part of it.

Gainsborough took on the traditional Christmas Light Switch on and made it a true celebration complete with an ice rink and live music from local talent, schools and charities.

Countless smokers looking to quit hopped on the bus during the event and we did our best to help each and every one of them.

Surprisingly, our first visitor was the local Town Cryer who was interested in what our education hub had to offer…it felt like a royal opening, minus the bow and ribbon.

As the sun went down, and the entertainment started, we saw an increase in Gainsborough natives coming to learn about vaping.

This included a group of friends who entered the bus not knowing anything about vaping.

The (hopefully) now former smokers had been interested in quitting for a while but didn’t know where to start.

But with some quick tips, leaflets and an e-liquid testing session, they left with some freebies ready to take the next steps to a smoke-free life.

Newark Market –November 26

What better way to bring this round of the tour to an end, then in the lovely town of Newark.

We arrived at Newark Market early in the morning and, to be honest, it was a slow start to the day.

However, within a few hours the crowds had gathered and energy really started to pick up.

The day was chock-a-block with meeting new people who already vape and a handful of smokers looking to quit.

It was great for the team to see people walking away from the bus with vapes in hand, ready to start their new journey away from smoking.

As we move into the new year, we hope we can continue this nation-wide effort to help people to make the lifechanging switch to vaping.

VAPOUROUND REVIEWS E-LIQUID HARDWARE

VAPES BARS DIAMOND 600

Words: Alex Shenker

Copper Cola

I always find cola to be one of those e-liquid flavours that’s really difficult to get right and they have a tendency to be a bit artificial or over-sweetened. That being said, I’m pleased to report that the Diamond 600 Copper Cola has absolutely none of these issues and delivers a fizzy goodness that I absolutely loved.

The main flavour on display is the syrupy, slightly tangy cola flavour that was extremely authentic tasting, boasting the subtle notes and layers that come with the real thing.

The addition of ice only heightened the flavour, giving the effect of an ice cold glass of one of the world’s favourite beverages.

Limonada

If you couldn’t guess from the name, this is - at its core - a lemonade flavour, but with a few twists that elevate it to the next level. Of course, the initial hit gives a citrusy, punchy lemonade, a fresh flavour that tastes very much like the real thing, with a slight fizzy effect. It was soon joined by a zingy lime that was the perfect partner for the lemonade and, as with the cola flavour, the addition of ice really added to the overall flavour.

Peach Canary Ice

I really wasn’t too sure what to expect from this bar, obviously peach is a lovely flavour and goes great with ice, although, I was a little confused by the addition of ‘Canary’ to the name. Of course, after a little digging, I found that the name is just for effect and what we’re left with is a masterfully blended peach ice flavour. The levels of peach on display here were unmatched, with every single one of the 600 puffs being beautifully sweet and slightly aromatic. I was blown away by this flavour, mainly due to the sheer amount of flavour…in conclusion, a real love letter to the humble peach.

Honey Juice

It’s becoming increasingly rare these days to find a disposable vape containing a sweet dessert-like flavour. Most of them seem to be mainly fruity, so it was really nice to try something a little bit different. As I’m sure you’ve guessed from the name the dominant flavour on show here is honey. Bit of an ongoing theme with these Diamond Bars but the flavour was incredibly accurate, with some light floral notes and a surprising depth that I personally loved. I do think on its own this could become a bit sickly, but the addition a creamy vanilla taste rounds it out and keeps it from ever becoming too sweet.

Apple & Peach

The two fruits on display here complimented each other brilliantly, with the crisp slightly tart apple contrasting the sweet, juicy peach.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Puff count – Up to 600

Battery capacity – 500mAh Nicotine – 20mg/ml Salt Nic

With each one lending themselves to enhance the other, this flavour culminated in a fruity blend that was a personal favourite of mine. I also have to mention how smooth the vape was, it’s an absolute pleasure to puff away on and I was pretty disappointed when I used up all 600 puffs.

Blue Crystal

I initially assumed this was just going to a blue razz flavour, but it was so much more and I was pleasantly surprised. There was definitely a layer of blue raspberry in there but it was joined by a collection of other berries. These were all fully on display and each one was lovingly recreated and blended together to create what seemed like the ultimate berry smoothie. There was also a light but oh so important icy layer which added a level of freshness that would have otherwise been sorely missed.

Glacier Mint

Sometimes you just want a disposable to vape that’s un-complicated and easy to get along with…well Vapes Bars have the perfect solution with Glacier Mint. There was not a huge amount I could say about this other than it was a beautiful mint flavour; not too strong but just the right amount to keep it always feeling fresh and cooling. Obviously if you don’t like minty or cool flavours this probably isn’t going to be the one for you, but it was a simple and amazingly effective choice for those who do.

NEXTVAPOR DUNKE DISPOSABLES

Words: Peach Atkinson

They come in a range of different flavours and we take a look at some of these here:

MIXED BERRY

With an almost complete lack of ice, this mixed berries flavour is simply amazing to puff away on. Harnessing a selection of ripe, juicy forest and summer berries, the complex combination makes for a well-rounded and rewarding taste.

There is a certain tartness to this flavour that you will likely pick up on instantaneously and this gives off a rather sour sensation that will literally make your mouth water.

The choice to add a selection of sweet and sour berry flavours was great, as it allowed me to appreciate the intricacies behind the e-liquid itself.

I really liked how well the opposites of sweet and sour were pulled off and the nearly absent levels of cooling agent made me enjoy this flavour even more.

WATERMELON ICE

Ironically, as I wrote this review, I was drinking a watermelon fizzy drink and the similarities are somewhat uncanny. This e-liquid manages to match a sweet, delicate and exotic feel of fresh watermelon in an almost candy-like manner.

A very recognisable flavour, watermelon vapes seem to retain a similar sense of sweetness and simplicity, whilst still delivering a bit of a punch.

To me, the notes of watermelon seemed to embrace a certain level of calmness despite the subtle sourness and the relative tsunami of iciness on the exhale.

As you can expect from an ice-based flavour, the multifaceted selection of refreshing elements seemed to boost this flavour as an ideal summertime vape.

MINT ICE

A definite choice for minty/menthol vapers, this surprisingly detailed flavour has layer upon layer of mint-inspired tastes.

To start us off, there is a definitive note of peppermint that has a very subtle sweetness to it, quickly followed by the unmistakable taste of menthol.

These NextVapor disposables come in 20mg/ml nicotine strength and last for approximately 600 puffs.

To me, the menthol in this flavour was almost identical to what you’d expect from a menthol cigarette, apart from the nasty smoke taste and harmful smoking-related chemicals.

Both the peppermint and the menthol were rounded off by an intense iciness that brought about an unmatched level of refreshment.

As mentioned previously, this flavour will appeal to fans of cold, mentholated flavours and with the distinct lack of other elements such as fruits or dessert flavours, it can be a contender for an allday vape.

PINEAPPLE ICE

Giving an immediate hit of tropical, exotic vibes, this disposable offers a sharp sourness that can only be offered by pineapples.

To me, this liquid checked off all the boxes needed for a decent pineapple flavour.

It had the realistic, tongue-tingling effect as well as a full, wellrounded ripeness that boosted this flavour to a high level of realism and authenticity.

To add to the fruity feel, there is a significant amount of cooling agent that enhances the overall flavour and provides a lively kick. Despite trying out multiple pineapple and ice combinations over the years, this one has to be one of the more enjoyable ones and, given that it is a disposable, it was super-easy to get along with.

MANGO ICE

Similar in its tropical vibes, Mango Ice is a tiny bit more laid back than Pineapple Ice.

The mellow tones of sweet ripeness give out a smooth base layer, with little sourness.

I felt that this gave the notes of mango a well-rounded platform on which to flourish.

True to the fruit itself, you can almost feel the sweet, fleshy and incredibly juicy sensation when vaping on this disposable.

Basic in terms of ingredients, simplicity certainly seems to be the key here and I found the balance between sweet and sour to be perfectly executed.

Again, with a blatantly noticeable swish of ice, the cooling agent gave the more subdued notes of mango a kick up the backside!

Overall, this was a very decent flavour and I liked how the soft mango and sharp ice worked against one another.

VAPORESSO XROS 3

Words: Peach Atkinson

The XROS 3 is a new release from leading brand VAPORESSO and I can’t tell you how pleased I was to be able to take it for a spin.

The entire line has quickly garnered a reputation for reliability, ease of use and, of course, for incredible build quality…and the XROS 3 was absolutely no exception.

This slick addition from VAPORESSO just oozed simplicity and practicality, making it the perfect option for day-to-day vaping.

It boasted a sleek and understated exterior, which played host to incredible flavour delivery and impressive battery life.

The body of the XROS 3 only had a few noticeable features, including an on/off/fire button, an LED light, an airflow adjustment controller and a USB-C charging port.

The device itself held a careful balance between lightweight, user-friendly structure and expertly-crafted hardware…this is something I’ve come to expect from VAPORESSO products. Something that isn’t normally to my taste was the use of enclosed pods, as this means that users are unable to change out the coil.

However, this does have its merits in that it eliminates any confusion and hassle that this would create for inexperienced vapers.

To fill the pod, I simply had to remove the top part and uncover a one-way seal that was an ideal size for most small bottle tops. Each pod was fully refillable and TPD compliant, having a 2ml capacity that was ideal for pod systems and MTL/RDTL vaping. For me, the pods lasted a good while and the flavour was incredibly fresh and intense throughout, even as the coil began to falter.

The throat hit was also warm and powerful, even when using a lower strength e-liquid.

As you’d expect, the XROS 3 worked wonders with MTL (mouthto-lung) and RDTL (restricted-direct-to-lung) vaping, even letting you adjust the airflow to cater for your preferred method of inhalation.

The XROS 3 featured a hefty 1,000mAh battery that easily lasted a full day’s worth of vaping…though VAPORESSO say the device can run for 48 hours on a single charge.

It also used a subtle LED light to indicate battery level and I found charging time to be around an hour from 0-100 percent.

Dimensions: 13.7*23.6*115.1mm

Pod Capacity: 2ml Battery Capacity 1,000mAh Charging: USB-C, Type 1A

The XROS 3 makes for a good option for all levels of vapers, but holds up particularly well for those wishing to convert from a typical disposable set up.

You can expect improved levels of warm, intense and full tasting flavours with this device, plus it also gives users the chance to choose their preferred flavours and nicotine strengths.

Overall, I was completely blown away by the XROS 3, even when comparing it to its earlier iteration - the original XROS.

The flavour was unbelievably well rounded and consistent, the throat hit was satisfying and, as a moderate to heavy vaper, I found the battery life to be on point.

I think this is definitely one to look out for.

Pros

Long battery life Full tasting flavour Sleek and stylish design

Cons

It’s completely personal but I prefer removable coils

VAPORESSO XROS 3 MINI

Words: Peach Atkinson

After being lucky enough to try out this kit’s larger relative - namely the XROS 3 - I was interested to see how this smaller version would compete.

I would say the biggest difference came from how this kit was presented; it was noticeably smaller and, as a result, was even more pocket-friendly than the the XROS 3.

Naturally, the MINI had a lighter weight and was more portable… though it should be noted that it still felt like a sturdy and substantial device.

This kit mirrored the rectangular shape and soft curved edges of the larger version and was a far more basic iteration of the XROS 3.

I really liked how uncomplicated it was, only featuring a USB-C charging port on the exterior.

Due to the lack of fire buttons, the MINI had an auto draw function which meant I only had to inhale to activate the device.

The XROS 3 and the XROS 3 MINI both have a battery capacity of 1,000mAh and both enlist the use of USB-C fast charging.

When I was putting it through the paces, the MINI lasted for a day of regular vaping and recharged quickly.

Identical to the XROS 3, the battery level was displayed through different coloured LED lights on the base of the device.

The TPD compliant, 2ml pods were interchangeable between the XROS 3 and the XROS 3 MINI and were filled up through a small one-way valve under the mouthpiece.

This helped prevent leaking and overfilling, as well as reduced the level of condensation.

It worked best with thinner e-liquids that were about 50 percent VG; I used 20mg nicotine salts and have to say that the flavour was stunning.

The coils were prebuilt into each pod, so once they began to burn out - usually in a week or so, depending on several factors – it was time to chuck the whole pod away.

A discernible difference between this and the larger version was the lack of airflow controls to adjust the type of inhale.

To me, this was absolutely fine as it represented a true RDTL experience - my preferred method of inhalation. Despite many, many similarities, I feel that the MINI version

Dimensions: 23.6*13.8*99.2mm

Pod Capacity: 2ml

Battery Capacity: 1,000mAh Charging: USB-C

offers vapers a more streamlined set up while retaining many of the key features of the XROS 3.

I feel like this kit could suit just about any vaper out there, but particularly new vapers and smokers looking to make the switch. It was so straightforward to operate and, when combined with high strength nicotine, could be great for keeping those cravings at bay.

VAPORESSO has crafted a wonderfully uncomplicated kit that ticks all of the relevant boxes when it comes to finding a vape that you can rely on, day in and day out.

Pros

Streamlined but impressive performance Decent battery life Incredible flavour and throat hit

Cons

I personally prefer replaceable coils as opposed to whole pods

DRAGBAR F600

An award-winning collection of disposables, the ZOVOO DRAGBAR F600 range offers users mind blowing flavour, an intense throat hit and a high level of convenience.

For this review, I tried six of the available flavours…here’s how they all held up.

Kiwi Passionfruit & Guava

A super popular taste profile, Kiwi Passionfruit & Guava and its multi-layered combination of sweet and sour created a truly tropical vibe.

The notes of kiwi offered a zingy, slightly acidic edge that was neatly offset by a sweet and well-rounded passionfruit. The relaxed undertone of guava the perfectly mellowed out the overall taste and the cooling agent gave it a refreshing edge…making it perfect for those who like fruit liquids with an icy twist.

Pink Lemonade

A firm favourite of many, this delicious blend of sharp lemon and sweet, succulent berries combined into a vibrant blend of flavour.

I really noticed the zesty lemonade above all as it was both strong in taste and more prevalent than the more laid-back berry notes. The way these two elements interacted was nothing short of incredible and they both brought something different to the table. I thoroughly enjoyed vaping this disposable as it provided just about everything you would want in a decent lemonade-inspired liquid.

Watermelon Ice

As suggested by the name, this flavour offered a punchy, well rounded and sweet watermelon taste profile that was imbued with hints of ice. Alongside the sugary taste was an extremely subtle sourness and the cooler notes were proportioned perfectly, complementing the watermelon in a well-

Words: Peach Atkinson

E-liquid Capacity - 2ml Nicotine Strength - 20mg Puff Amount - Up to 600 puffs

concocted effort. I felt that this livened up the sweetness and amplified the bright, somewhat floral, vibe that this flavour achieved.

Grape

Another favourite flavour profile of mine, the grape notes used in this disposable were complex and extremely lively. I picked up on several different grape notes, including one that reminded me of bubblegum and another that reminded me of a soda. As with many of the options in this line, there was a noticeable cooling agent that brought the already powerful flavour to a whole new level of intensity. I found this disposable tremendously easy to vape due to the consistent and long-lasting taste.

Sour Apple

Immediately standing out for me, this disposable presented a straightforward but easily enjoyable flavour with an exceptionally sour taste. The tart green apple notes manifested as that familiar chewy candy we all know and love, with a layer of cooling agent bringing a mouth-watering refreshment to the mix. I’m not usually one who opts for icy flavours, but the added coldness actually made this disposable even more pleasant to vape. I would certainly recommend this disposable to people who enjoy strong flavours and a medium amount of iciness.

Blueberry Sour Raspberry

This is a popular flavour making the rounds in the disposable market right now…and the brand managed to get it spot on. With a tangy and somewhat bitter blueberry on the inhale and a vibrant, juicy raspberry on the exhale, this disposable had a tongue-tingling sourness that was present throughout. To emphasise the fruity, sour taste, there was minimal iciness to this flavour. I felt that the lack of coldness allowed the berry notes to take centre stage and really grab your attention.

SPECIFICATIONS:

CALIBURN A3 POD SYSTEM

Words: Peach Atkinson

Over the past couple of years, I have been lucky enough to own several iterations of the UWELL Caliburn line.

So, when I was asked to review the A3 pod system, I was both excited and intrigued to see what this new device had to offer.

Following on from the previous models, the A3 retained that familiar rectangular shape and came complete with soft, rounded edges.

The colour options were varied, but all offered a real sense of simplicity and refinement.

The exterior of the device was rather basic and featured an on/off button on the side and a USB-C charging port on the base.

Ultra-lightweight and palm sized, the A3 oozed portability at its best and really did feel light as a feather when I was holding it.

In terms of functionality, simplicity was again at the very heart of this device, boasting features such as auto draw function, quick charging and refillable pods with built in coils.

To turn the device on or off, I had to press the fire button five times and, once the kit was switched on, I was able to observe the battery life via a subtle LED light on the base.

Dimensions - 109.8 mm*21.3 mm*11.7 mm Weight - 31g

E-liquid Capacity - 2ml Output - Max 13W Battery Capacity - 520mAh

Charging the 520mAh battery was a doddle and it was able to reach full power in as little as 15 minutes…truly incredible.

I found the modest battery held up remarkably well, considering its relatively small size and during a day of moderate usage, I only had to put it through two speedy charges.

The 2ml pods had built in 1ohm coils and filling them involved removing the top part of the mouthpiece to reveal a one-way valve that could accommodate most fine tipped e-liquid bottles.

Because of the 1ohm coil, I used 50/50 VG/PG e-liquid to maximise the amount of time each coil would last – which was typically a week depending on a number of factors.

I had to refill the pod approximately two to three times a day (again, during moderate usage) which was fairly average.

With no adjustable airflow, the Caliburn A3 provided a true MTL (mouth-to-lung) inhale, meaning high strength nicotine e-liquids performed well when used in this kit.

The flavour offered up by this device was fairly decent, and the vapour production was incredibly discreet - something I genuinely enjoyed.

The A3 has an estimated RRP of about £19.99, so would suit most budgets easily, particularly when compared to using disposable setups on a daily basis.

The straightforward operation of this device comes across as streamlined when compared to, say, the Caliburn X kit and feel like this could be a positive for new vapers/ smokers looking to switch.

As always, it was a pleasure to review another Caliburn device and I found it to be an exceedingly impressive option for vapers that are after a ‘no fuss’ setup.

Pros

Easy to use

Affordable

I loved the quick charge feature

Cons

Perhaps a little too simple for me personally

SPECIFICATIONS:

E-liquid Capacity – 2ml Nicotine Capacity – 10mg

KIWI PODS

Words: Peach Atkinson

These pods are compatible with the Kiwi Starter Kit that I reviewed in the previous issue of Vapouround Magazine.

Each pack contained 2 x 2ml pre-filled pods and 2 x filter tip style mouthpieces; I got to try seven different flavours. The design of the mouthpieces is an especially innovative way to make them more accessible to smokers, as they replicate the sensation and draw you would find on a standard cigarette…minus the tobacco.

Soft Tobacco

I have found that tobacco flavours are recently becoming more and more complex, with this one being absolutely no exception. A mellow warmth gives this flavour a perfectly balanced and enjoyable taste and the tobacco is earthy and devoid of any smokey undertones.

To me, there was a strong element of sweetness, but never to the point of it becoming too excessive. Personally, I don’t usually opt for tobacco flavours, not because I don’t find them enjoyable but perhaps down to the fact that nowadays the market seems to be saturated with fruity/ menthol/ice-based e-liquids.

In all honesty, I was really surprised and impressed by this particular flavour and the way it was conveyed in a carefully layered manner, offering vapers both a deep richness and a palpable amount of smooth sweetness.

Mint

Definitely one to reinvigorate, this remarkably simple flavour delivered a powerful and unequivocal wave of mintiness that cleared my sinuses instantly. This flavour boasts a biting, sharp and easily recognisable hit of peppermint that was complemented by a fairly present level of menthol. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of mint/menthol/ ice flavours, but I can certainly appreciate that this one was concocted extremely well. There’s no doubt in my mind this

e-liquid will be an excellent choice for vapers who like that refreshing and palate-cleansing experience.

Blueberry

Spectacularly straightforward, this blueberry flavour is just about as simple as it gets in the vaping world – but let it be said that simple does not mean poorly executed or unenjoyable. In fact, I would say that this flavour was probably my favourite in this specific line.

The blueberry has a certain candy-esque vibe to it and exudes a decent level of punchy sweetness.

For me, I felt that there was a subtle edge of bubblegum added on to the exhale, which made it even more enjoyable.

Due to the fact that I got on really well with this particular flavour, I managed to get through a whole pod in no time at all.

I feel like vapers who enjoy uncomplicated, fruity flavours with minimal cooling effect will simply fall in love with this one.

Vanilla Tobacco

Offering the same smooth and rich notes of tobacco as the ‘Soft Tobacco’ flavour I reviewed previously, this one had an intense and well balanced amount of creamy vanilla bean.

I would say that the vanilla element to this flavour was more pronounced when compared to the earthier tobacco, however, these proportions actually worked out really well.

I felt that the sweetness of the vanilla was offset by the almost savoury tobacco. The depth of tobacco gave the overall flavour a soothing effect, whilst the notes of vanilla were a little heavy and clearly more prominent.

As a massive fan of creamy, dessert flavours, I enjoyed this one immensely and would gladly recommend it to fellow sweet tooths.

Mint Tobacco

Highly reminiscent of a menthol cigarette, I feel that many exmenthol smokers will appreciate the similarities in taste here -

minus many of the harmful substances found in combustible tobacco. The split between the menthol and tobacco elements are in equal parts, so in that sense, I would say that it is rather basic in nature, but by no means in a negative manner.

You can expect a wide reaching and subtly smokey tobacco undertone, upon which a brighter note of chilling menthol can flourish.

Whilst vaping this e-liquid, I could taste both the main flavour constituents simultaneously, cementing this as an ideal choice for vapers looking for that familiar menthol and tobacco combination.

Mango

Another fantastically fruity flavour, the mango in this pod was mellow, sweet and very laid back.

With a ripe and whole tasting palate, I found it super easy and enjoyable to vape.

The fruity notes were well balanced and had a refreshing, exotic feel that came across as similar to mango juice.

To me, the mango flavouring seemed to be very consistent during my time vaping it, without the flavour diminishing over time. Another thing I loved about this flavour would be the absolute lack of any mint or menthol elements, which allowed me to really taste the mango.

Strong Tobacco

One of the most accurate depictions of a cigarette flavour I have ever tried, I was truly taken aback by just how realistic this flavour was - especially alongside

the innovative ‘filter tip’ mouthpiece. Strong Tobacco is worlds away from the tones offered by the soft tobacco flavour I mentioned previously.

It has an intense smokiness that closely replicates the taste you get when smoking a cigarette, without the unpleasant smell often associated with

burning tobacco. I would say though, there was just the tiniest amount of sweetness added right at the end of the exhale, something that I felt gave the overall flavour a bit of a unique twist. If you are a smoker and other flavours have just not cut it, I highly recommend this one in terms of realism.

FLERBAR BAYMAX 3500

Words: Alex Shenker

Despite a lack of nicotine, I have to say these devices from FlerBar delivered a satisfying vaping experience.

This is likely due to the new HRTP technology incorporated in the Baymax devices, which is intended to provide a similar effect to nicotine-containing alternatives.

I was very impressed with the hit I got as it did feel like I was vaping a nicotine product…and the delicious flavours were certainly a bonus.

For this review, I tried five of the flavour options available. Here’s how each of them held up.

PASSION FRUIT ICE

A fairly self-explanatory flavour, it's safe to say if you like passion fruit this is definitely going be a good choice as the flavour was absolutely bang on.

It tasted exactly like the real thing; a fresh, ripe passion fruit with all of the tangy, sour notes you'd expect…plus a few hints of sweetness to take the edge off.

The ice element was quite punchy as well and held its own against the strong fruity flavour.

PINK WATERMELON

Next up was the Pink Watermelon; an enjoyable flavour that was definitely a fair bit sweeter than traditional watermelon e-liquids.

The initial puff gave a good hit of fruit, not too sweet or sour, which was soon joined by a sweet candy hit that I personally loved.

I think the two flavours work really well together as watermelon sweets are some of my favourites…if you've got a sweet tooth like me give this one a go.

BANANA ICE

Battery capacity – 650mAh

Puff count – Up to 3,500

Nicotine – Zero Nic

E-liquid capacity – 12ml Charging – USB-C

Another one of my go-to favourites, this was an absolutely fantastic example of the Banana Ice flavour.

The banana was sweet and creamy with what tasted like the slightest hint of custard in the background.

The ice in the background cooled everything down and gave the effect of drinking a banana milkshake.

I kept it on charge and enjoyed each and every one of the 3,500 puffs…now it's all gone and I'm sad.

GRAPE

Grape is one of those flavours I always enjoy, but never usually choose over flavours like watermelon or banana.

Having tried this offering from FlerBar I think I might be a grape convert, as it was ridiculously fruity and sweet without ever becoming sickly and incredibly moreish.

If you're on the fence about grape vapes like I was, give this one a go and you may just land the right side of it.

BLUEBERRY ICE

Last but not least from these fantastic Baymax 3500 disposables was Blueberry Ice.

As with all the other flavours, the blueberry was extremely accurate and ripe tasting, with each puff full of the juicy, sweet flavour you'd expect from a premium vape liquid.

The ice was also a worthy partner, cooling the vape down and keeping it from ever becoming one dimensional.

I can happily recommend all of the flavours I've tasted from FlerBar, I really feel like they have something for everyone.

INNOKIN INNOBAR C1 KIT

SPECIFICATIONS:

Battery - Rechargeable 450mAh E-liquid Capacity - 2ml Coil ResistanceAquios 1.1 ohm mesh coil Power Output - 3.6V

Words: Peach Atkinson

Most of the products hitting the market right now seem to be disposables…but this offering from Innokin shows closed pod systems are still a big part of the industry.

Just about as straightforward as your single-use options, the Innobar C1 makes use of pre-filled cartridges that come in a selection of incredible flavours. The device itself is discreet, has a lightweight feel and easily fits in the palm of your hand; all while maintaining a robust and tough exterior.

To use, you simply remove the rubber seal on the bottom of the pod then click it into the top of the rechargeable device. The Innobar C1 has no buttons, no airflow control and no screen and uses a small, coloured light on the base to let you know when it is charged. It also features a modest 450mAh battery that, while small, significantly reduced charging times. What’s perhaps most impressive about this device is the incorporation of Aquios water-based vaping technology. This unique addition promised to make a noticeable change to the flavour quality and deliver a faster satisfaction. All in all, I found the Innobar C1 to be a wonderfully concise and affordable device that worked as an alternative to disposables. For this review, I tried seven options from the 10-strong collection of flavours…this is how they each faired.

Iced Cosmic

An instantly recognisable taste profile, this flavour was heightened by a wave of icy menthol. The easy to remember but difficult to define flavour was sweet and true to life, with no nasty aftertastes. I felt that the addition of menthol gave the energy drink notes a bit of a kick and saw to boost the refreshing effect of this pod.

Pink Lemonade

A ‘go to’ of mine, pink lemonade satisfies my cravings for both sweet and sour. The e-liquid used in this pod offers powerful tasting citrus, soft red berries and refreshing zest in the perfect quantities. With just the tiniest touch of ice, the overall flavour was sweet and vibrant.

Strawberry Watermelon

A classic in the vape industry, this rich blend of sweet strawberries and mellow watermelon made for a relaxing yet flavourful vape.

There was an incredible smoothness to it, which was amplified by the lack of iciness.

Rose Lychee

Aromatic, bold and deeply satisfying, the floral and well-rounded notes of rose lingered at the forefront. The lychee, which was less prevalent but still well done, brought a level of brightness to an otherwise chilled flavour.

Lemon Tart

An intense creaminess is at the very core of this flavour, with light notes of zesty lemon thrown in for good measure. The combination of both a mellow smoothness and a vibrant citrus element was enough to impress, with the subtle touch cooling agent elevating it to a level I haven’t really experienced before.

Cherry Lemonade

A bright and vivacious energy was present from the very first puff and included a punchy, fresh and sweet mix of cherries. Complementing the lively cherry notes was a zesty and tonguetingling wave of citrus…an undeniable winner in my book.

Jungle Juice

The strange combination of intense fruitiness and gentle throat hit made this an intriguing and enjoyable flavour. A fusion of tart pineapple, juicy green apple, sweet cherries and rich strawberry all combined to create a one of a kind tropical flavour.

Pros

- Impressive new water-based technology

- Sleek, simple design

Cons

- The battery life was quite short

Words: Peach Atkinson

POWER SALT RANGE POWER 100ML RANGE

SPECIFICATIONS: SPECIFICATIONS:

VG/PG RATIO: 50/50

NICOTINE CONTENT: 10mg Salt Nicotine

This review comes in two parts, one with me reviewing the three flavours in nicotine salt form and then again as high VG e-liquids.

WATERMELON ICE

Without doubt, this flavour was watermelon at its finest. The inhale was punchy and vibrant and the taste was wholly realistic.

Compared to other watermelon flavours I’ve tried in the past, this option from Juice N Power was leagues ahead, with the more natural notes elevating this liquid.

Following closely behind the layers of fruitiness, came a delightfully chilling kick of cooling agent which balanced out the liquid very nicely.

BLUEBERRY POMEGRANATE

An interesting concoction of flavours, this combination of two rather floral elements made for an enjoyable and complex vape. There was a curious interplay between the mellow and tart notes here, with the blueberry offering the staple flavours of a berry liquid with a unique twist.

During my time trying this e-liquid, I found the pomegranate element was definitely most noticeable, boasting an aromatic and well-rounded taste which left me satisfied.

I did not pick up on much in the way of menthol/cooling agent, which is something I felt could’ve brightened up the fruitier notes.

GRAPE ICE

Vivacious and powerful, the grape flavourings used in this e-liquid exuded nostalgia and complexity.

Grape is often a flavour profile that can be notoriously difficult to execute but with the geniuses behind Juice N Power, I knew that wouldn’t be the case here.

The already bouncy notes of grape were livened up by a deep and consistent undertone of biting menthol and a sharp wave of cooling agent.

The proportions between the flavours were well thought out and created an easy to enjoy e-liquid that was so moreish I soon ran out.

VG/PG: 70/30

NICOTINE: 0MG

Having had the pleasure of trying out the following flavours in nicotine salt form, I was interested to see how they held up as a high VG e-liquid.

To test these flavours out, I decided to dig out my dual battery mod, my favourite RDA and some fresh cotton and coils.

WATERMELON ICE

I would say that the differences between this high VG e-liquid and its nicotine salt counterpart were minimal.

The watermelon was very lifelike and had a subtle sweetness to it, giving vapers a chance to enjoy this e-liquid without it becoming too much.

The ice was very noticeable and provided a wonderful addition to the already incredible flavour.

Both versions of the flavour were very enjoyable but I personally would say that the high VG version came across as much more complex.

BLUEBERRY POMEGRANATE

Vastly more intense in flavour, there was no doubt in my mind that this e-liquid came across as being much stronger in taste.

I found that the main differences between the high VG and nicotine salt versions had to be that this one had notes of blueberry front and centre, whereas the other had pomegranate as the primary taste.

The blueberry was insanely punchy and had a strong feeling of sweetness as opposed to the tart and mild taste found in the nicotine salt form.

GRAPE ICE

Bright and bouncy, this flavour was rather different when compared to its nicotine salt companion.

The grape still offered a powerful and consistent taste that was highly reminiscent of grape soda.

With a significantly less pronounced amount of cooling agent, to me the notes of grape were far more noticeable and vibrant.

Having said that, this e-liquid wasn’t completely devoid of iciness, and the small amount it offered was enough to complement the fruitier tones.