The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has recently published a "Greenprint" action plan aimed at promoting sustainability within the vaping industry. This initiative is developed in collaboration with waste industry professionals, regulators, retailers, vape manufacturers, and experts in consumer behavior.
The Greenprint action list includes measures for various sectors such as retail, product design, waste infrastructure, regulatory and policy, and consumers. The aim is to create a sustainable vaping sector by focusing on environmentally-friendly practices.
Recycling Collection Facilities
One of the key recommendations of the Greenprint is the installation of recycling collection facilities at the point of use, rather than just at the point of sale. The UKVIA suggests that vape manufacturers and waste providers should work closely to find viable, long-term solutions for disposing of and recycling vaping products. It also recommends designing "simple and easy-to-use" vape recycling containers.
Packaging Design
The Greenprint also suggests designing packaging that highlights the importance of recycling vape devices. It recommends using words such as "Recyclable" or "Recycle Me" on packaging to educate consumers about the importance of recycling.
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations
The UKVIA also recommends that all relevant vape businesses become compliant with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2013 (WEEE regulations), Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 2007, and Packaging Waste (Data Reporting) Regulations 2023. Compliance with these regulations ensures that vape products are properly recycled and disposed of.
Support for a Sustainable Vaping Sector
The Greenprint aims to mobilize environmental action to support a sustainable vaping sector in the future. John Dunne, the Director General of UKVIA, emphasizes that the Greenprint is a necessary step for the industry to take. Disposables have been around for some time, but their popularity has soared in recent years, especially among low-income individuals who are among the most prevalent smokers.
Dunne states that the Greenprint covers the development of recycling infrastructure, new vape innovations that make products more recyclable and reusable, and the support needed to encourage greater participation from both retailers and consumers in the environmentally-conscious disposal of vape products.
Conclusion
The vaping industry is taking steps towards sustainability by adopting environmentally-friendly practices. The Greenprint action plan proposed by UKVIA provides a framework for the industry to promote sustainability by designing recyclable products, promoting recycling facilities, and complying with waste regulations. The implementation of these measures will pave the way for a sustainable vaping industry in the future.
