The UK government has announced its decision to ban the sale of disposable vapes in England and Wales from June next year, a measure directed at curbing environmental waste and reducing accessibility to young non-smokers.
Waitrose, a prominent UK supermarket chain, has publicly supported this governmental action. Notably, Waitrose has distinguished itself as the sole supermarket that chose never to stock these products, underlining a commitment to both environmental sustainability and public health.
Charlotte Di Cello, commercial director at Waitrose, expressed unequivocal support for the ban, stating, “Not only are the devices being picked up by huge numbers of younger, non-smokers, they’re also an environmental nightmare, with over five million binned each week.” Her comments reflect growing concerns about the ecological impact of disposable vapes, which contribute significantly to landfill waste.
The decision aligns with Waitrose’s earlier stance, announced in December 2022, to refrain from entering the disposable vape market. Despite facing criticism from online vape retailers, who labelled the supermarket’s decision as “woke hypocrisy,” Waitrose has maintained its position, focusing on long-term environmental benefits and youth protection.
The ban’s introduction comes amidst increasing scrutiny over the proliferation of vaping products among young consumers and the subsequent environmental consequences. Parliament’s decision represents a significant step towards collective action in addressing these challenges.
The forthcoming ban on disposable vapes will have wide-reaching implications for retailers and consumers alike. Waitrose’s support of this initiative highlights its ongoing dedication to sustainability and public health.
