High street giant Superdrug announces it will stop selling single-use vapes in UK stores

Superdrug confirmed that it will stop selling single-use vapes in every one of its UK and Ireland stores.

The brand said that it plans to have stock completely cleared by the end of this year.

The move comes after ministers are reportedly set to ban the use of disposable vapes due to growing concerns that the products are being targeted towards children.

The call for the sale of disposable devices to become illegal has been backed by councils, paediatricians as well as public waste campaigners.

Recent research from Material Focus, a recycling campaign group, found that 5m single-use vapes were thrown away in the UK every week.

Lucy Morton-Channon, Superdrug’s head of environment, social and governance, said: “The rate that consumers are using single-use vapes and discarding them is worrying and alarming for the environment.

“The lasting effects that single-use vapes are having on the environment needs to be addressed, and I am pleased that we’ve decided to remove them from all stores.”

Additionally, Superdrug acknowledged that the risk of fires caused by the improper disposal of vapes due to many containing lithium batteries is a factor.

Superdrug revealed that they sell an average of 1,300 units of disposable vape products per week in stores.

Ghada Beal, Superdrug’s healthcare director, said: “We need to be responsible about the growing trend in disposable vapes among young people, and the lasting effect on the environment.

“We have a wide range of products at Superdrug to help those wanting to quit smoking, so head into a Superdrug store to learn about your different options or speak to one of our friendly pharmacy team members who would be happy to advise on the best option for you.”