The escalating concern of improper disposal of single-use vapes in the UK has reached alarming proportions in the past year. Recent research by the BBC has unearthed staggering statistics, revealing that a mind-boggling five million disposable vapes are discarded weekly, marking a fourfold increase from the previous year. Equally worrisome is the fact that a mere 17% of vapers are responsibly recycling their vapes, painting a troubling picture.
In response to the mounting concerns voiced by consumers and retailers alike, Phoenix 2 Retail, the UK’s fastest-growing vape supplier, has taken a proactive stance to tackle this pressing issue head-on.
Chris Kelly, the CEO of Phoenix 2 Retail, asserted, “We know everyone sees the colossal impact single-use vapes have on the environment, which is why we have been working on a 360-degree recycling solution for retailers for several months. Phoenix 2 Retail is set to roll out over 200 recycling units this month, followed by a further 5,000 units by the end of the year, subject to retailer agreements. We aim to reach all 15,000 retailers by the following year, ensuring at least one recycling unit per store. This step is part of our company’s ongoing efforts to tackle the issue of improper vape disposal”.
By providing these accessible and convenient recycling units, Phoenix 2 Retail aspires to inspire vapers to adopt eco-friendly disposal practices. The company firmly believes that by simplifying the recycling process, more vapers will willingly embrace responsible vape disposal.
To ensure the proper disposal of collected vapes, Phoenix 2 Retail has forged a strategic partnership with a certified waste management company.
The mechanics of this initiative are straightforward for retailers: once the recycling units reach capacity, the waste management company takes charge of collection, promptly replacing them with empty units. Subsequently, all vapes collected through these units are meticulously recycled within the UK, assuring that each unit meets environmentally friendly disposal standards. This collaboration with a registered waste management company underscores Phoenix 2 Retail’s commitment to the environment and its customer base.
Phoenix 2 Retail’s unwavering dedication to addressing the issue of improper vape disposal is an integral facet of its ongoing mission to safeguard the vaping category in the FMCG sector. This initiative serves as a crucial step towards raising awareness about the problem and working collectively towards a sustainable future.
For further details on the Phoenix 2 Retail recycling rollout, do not hesitate to contact Jackie Reed, Head of Quality & Compliance, at [email protected].
