26% of former disposable vape users switch to tobacco or the black market after the ban
The recent ban on disposable e-cigarettes in the UK, implemented in June 2025, is already beginning to reveal its unexpected effects.
A survey conducted in July by the institute Opinion for the manufacturer Eleven bar, with more than 6,000 respondents, shows that more than a quarter Former single-use vapers have changed their habits in a worrying way: some have returned to traditional cigarettes, others have turned to electronic devices that do not comply with regulations.
A majority, however, opts for reusable alternatives.
While this data is causing concern among public health professionals, it should not obscure another strong trend: 85% Regular vape users have taken advantage of the ban to switch to models reusable ou rechargeable.
These devices, which are more durable and comply with current standards, meet the official objective of reducing the environmental footprint and the proliferation of high-nicotine products among young people.
Warning signs already visible before the ban
The risks of a return to smoking or a switch to the illicit market had been anticipated by several surveys.
As of May 2025, a survey conducted by confused.com revealed that 19% vapers were considering returning to traditional cigarettes, 24% to switch to reusable and 37% to stop vaping completely.
These data, collected even before the law came into force, already demonstrated that the ban could create a divide in consumer behavior.
A double challenge for the authorities
The real impact of this public policy can only be fully assessed in the medium term.
However, two axes are already emerging:
-
Accompany the transition towards compliant devices, in order to limit the return to tobacco.
-
Strengthening the fight against the black market, whose growth is likely to be fueled by the disappearance of legal single-use products.
The British government, which justified the measure by the desire to curb young people's attraction to vaping and to reduce plastic waste, will now have to ensure that its objectives are not circumvented by perverse effects.
PROSPECTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
The situation in the United Kingdom will be closely monitored by other European countries, some of which, such as Belgium and France, have already announced similar measures.
While the massive shift to reusable products is a victory for sustainability, the fact that a quarter of former users continue to engage in risky practices underlines that a ban alone is not enough: it must be accompanied by educational monitoring and accessible alternatives.
