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As 2025 unfolds, the European Union finds itself at the centre of an intensifying debate over the environmental and health impacts of disposable vapes. Actions taken by countries like Belgium and France highlight a growing momentum towards stricter regulation, with an EU-wide ban on these products becoming an increasingly tangible possibility.
Belgium led the charge in March last year when it became the first European nation to announce a ban on disposables. This decision followed a failed attempt in 2021 that was blocked by the European Commission due to bureaucratic issues. However, the measure successfully came into force on 1st January of this year. The Belgian government cited environmental concerns as the primary driver of this policy, emphasising the urgent need to tackle the mounting problem of electronic waste while protecting fragile natural ecosystems.
Additionally, Belgian officials underscored the alarming rise in under-age vaping as a secondary but crucial justification. This dual focus on environmental preservation and youth protection reflects a growing awareness of the multifaceted challenges posed by disposable vapes and sets an example for how regulatory frameworks can address both ecological and public health issues simultaneously. Belgium’s bold step has already begun to influence neighbouring countries, signalling a new wave of action on this front.
Countries face environmental and public health concerns
France followed suit in late 2023, securing European Commission approval for its sweeping ban on disposable vapes. This decision represented a significant victory for health and environmental advocates, who had long warned of the dangers posed by single-use e-cigarettes. The move came after months of heated debate that exposed the profound public health risks and environmental damage associated with these products. In France, the policy served as a clear acknowledgment of the urgent need to address these dual crises, further solidifying the momentum behind stricter regulation.
These decisions in Belgium and France mirror a broader trend emerging across Europe, like in Ireland, where health minister Stephen Donnelly secured Cabinet approval in September last year to draft legislation banning flavoured and disposable vapes.
Governments are increasingly grappling with the intricate intersection of environmental imperatives and public health priorities. While these national measures are still being implemented, they are already spurring a conversation about the future of disposable vapes. Within the EU, calls for harmonised regulations are growing louder, suggesting that more coordinated action may soon follow.
Manufacturers push back as ideas for enhanced requirements pick up
As the bans in Belgium and France take effect, their repercussions are likely to resonate across member states. Discussions within the European Commission about disposable vapes are expected to accelerate in 2025, though it remains unclear whether an EU-wide ban could be fully realised within the year. Still, there is a noticeable move towards stricter regulatory measures. Ideas gaining traction include enhanced recycling requirements, clear labelling to educate consumers about health risks, and restrictions on flavours that disproportionately attract young people.
Vape manufacturers, unsurprisingly, are pushing back. Many are lobbying for alternative approaches such as introducing improved recycling programmes or investing in biodegradable materials to align with emerging regulatory trends. Anticipating stricter policies, some companies are already pivoting towards reusable vape systems to secure their position in a rapidly evolving market.
With disposable vapes disappearing from shelves in key markets, consumer behaviour is expected to shift. Refillable vape systems may rise in popularity, yet there are concerns that traditional tobacco products could see a resurgence, reversing years of progress in smoking reduction.
Policy-makers will need to carefully navigate this delicate landscape to avoid unintended consequences. They are also likely to face the task of balancing public health goals with environmental sustainability while addressing economic considerations and shifting consumer behaviours. The stakes are high, as the decisions made this year could set a global standard for how emerging consumer technologies are regulated.
– Antonia Di Lorenzo ECigIntelligence staff
Photo: AI-generated
