Vape Business Ireland (VBI) launches Sustainability Charter, pledges commitment to reducing waste
Increase in smoking rates highlights failing approach to a Tobacco Free Ireland
December 7, 2021
The Charter signals VBI’s ambition to improve the environmental credentials of vaping devices; while supporting new and emerging innovations across the product range
Vape Business Ireland has today published its first Sustainability Charter, reaffirming its obligation to reducing waste, and improving the environmental credentials of vaping products. The Charter marks the trade association’s formal commitment to supporting national efforts to transition from a ‘take-make-waste’ economy; towards an economy that promotes recycling, re-use and repurposing of existing materials.
As Ireland’s leading trade association for the vaping sector, VBI and its Members play a leading role in harm reduction – providing products which serve the requirements of more than 200,000 vapers across the country. With many of its Members already working to source environmentally friendly products, VBI is keen to build on this progress, and lead the vaping sector towards a sustainable future.
The Charter, published today, outlines the following commitments:
- Partner with sustainable suppliers: Focus on purpose-led partnerships with suppliers that use high-quality, long-lasting materials
- Embrace eco-friendly delivery services: Minimise packaging materials; consolidate nearby orders into one delivery; prioritise zero-emission, last-mile options for local deliveries
- Reduce waste across all business segments: Phase out paper billing; offer digital receipts and gift cards; avoid single-use plastics; perform regular ‘waste audits’
- Encourage re-use and recycle: Engage with e-waste collectors to promote recycling of batteries; encourage the purchasing of rechargeable devices
There are currently more than 300 independent vape shops across Ireland who provide a bespoke, individualised service to adults who are seeking to move away from smoking. Many of these retailers are cognisant of the need to embrace new innovations and eco-friendly products; particularly in the context of increasing consumer enthusiasm for sustainability.
As an effective harm-reduction tool, vaping has a central role to play in achieving the Irish Government’s target of a Tobacco Free Ireland – 5% smoking prevalence – by 2025. The Charter therefore signal’s VBI’s commitment to supporting this objective in a sustainable manner.
Speaking today, Vape Business Ireland national spokesperson Paul Malone said: “As Ireland’s leading trade association for the vaping sector, VBI is determined to lead the charge, to embrace sustainability and ensure that environmentalism is embedded in everything that we do. Our Sustainability Charter, published today, marks a crucial step in moving the sector towards an environmentally conscious future.
There are more than 300 specialist vaping shops across Ireland; if each of these outlets makes a concerted effort to partner with sustainable suppliers, to prioritise eco-friendly deliveries and to reduce waste across their operations, this will undoubtedly have a significant impact. In addition, as an industry, we will continue to seek out the latest innovations, particularly those which make materials easier to recycle, and facilitate the re-use of existing products. This is VBI’s commitment – and we are proud to place it on a firm footing, with the publication of our Sustainability Charter today”.
