We have come a long way since the starlets used to puff their cigars on silver screens and parents lit up with anger in their living rooms. The years have gone by, and traditional tobacco products, such as cigarettes, are slowly and gradually exiting the cultural landscape. A new trend is emerging in the form of e-cigarettes.
Young adults notably have traded their Marlboros for vapourizers. Vaping has become a common sight in many public spaces, with people enjoying flavoured vapour in outdoor locations such as street corners, back porches, and sidewalks. E-cigarettes have become increasingly popular in recent years, and with them has come a wide variety of flavoured vape juices that allow users to customize their vaping experience to their liking.
Overview of the Vaping Industry in the UK (2022)
The UK vaping industry has grown rapidly in recent years, with a range of new products and technologies hitting the market. In 2022, the industry faced a range of challenges and changes. These changes showed both positive and negative outcomes.
One of the most significant statistics of the year was the record-breaking increase in the number of adult e-cigarette users, surpassing 4 million. At the same time, the number of adult smokers dropped to its lowest recorded level in history.
Vaping Devices
The 2022 ASH-Y survey revealed a significant change in the most popular type of vaping device among 11- to 18-year-old current users, with disposable models taking the lead with 52.8% usage, while 18.7% preferred reusable tank models. This shift is noteworthy, considering that tank models were the dominant choice in previous years. In 2021, only 7.8% of current vapers reported using disposable models, while 41% used tank models. Another trend in vaping is the growing popularity of 70:30 shortfills, which are larger bottles of e-liquid that can be diluted with nicotine shots and mixed to create custom flavours. The purchase of 70:30 shortfills online has made it convenient for vapers to find and receive their preferred e-liquid flavours.
In this post, we’ll review some of the most notable developments in the UK vaping market over the past year.
- Vaping Bans and Regulations
One of the biggest challenges facing the UK vaping industry in 2022 was the introduction of new regulations and bans on vaping products. In February 2022, the UK government announced plans to ban the sale of flavoured vaping products, citing concerns about their appeal to young people. This ban is set to come into effect in 2023. Additionally, there are ongoing discussions around the regulation of nicotine levels in e-liquids, which could have a significant impact on the UK vaping market.
- Health Concerns and Research
Another major issue facing the UK vaping industry in 2022 was health concerns associated with vaping. In August 2022, a study published in the British Medical Journal found a link between vaping and an increased risk of lung disease. This has led to renewed calls for tighter regulation of the vaping industry in the UK. However, it is worth noting that other studies have found that vaping can be a safer alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes.
- Innovation and Product Development
Despite the challenges faced by the UK vaping industry, there have been a range of new products and technologies introduced in 2022. For example, some companies have introduced new pod-based vaping systems that are designed to be more user-friendly and convenient. Additionally, there has been a continued focus on the development of high-quality e-liquids with complex flavours and nicotine strengths.
- Popularity and Trends
Vaping remains a popular activity among many people in the UK, particularly among younger people. According to a 2022 survey by ASH (Action on Smoking and Health), around 15% of UK adults currently vape. However, there are concerns about the impact of vaping on young people, and there have been calls for greater regulation to prevent underage vaping.
Conclusion
The UK vaping industry faced a range of challenges and changes in 2022, including new regulations, health concerns, and ongoing debates about the future of the industry. Despite these challenges, there have been some exciting developments in product innovation and a continued interest in vaping among UK consumers. It will be interesting to see how the UK vaping industry adapts to these challenges and what the future holds.
Foresights
Looking ahead, it seems likely that the UK vaping industry will continue to face regulatory challenges as governments around the world grapple with the issue of vaping. However, there are also opportunities for industry to continue to innovate and develop new products that meet the changing needs of consumers.
One area where there is likely to be continued growth is in the development of high-quality, premium e-liquids. As more and more consumers seek out unique and interesting flavours, there will be a growing demand for companies that can offer a wide range of high-quality e-liquids that meet these needs.
In addition, there is likely to be increased focus on the development of new vaping technologies that are designed to be more user-friendly and convenient. This could include the development of new pod-based systems or other innovations that make vaping more accessible to a wider range of users.