The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has expressed concerns about “personal bias” influencing the Scottish government’s review of the environmental impact of single-use vapes.
The review, commissioned by the Scottish government and jointly prepared by Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS) and Dr Dominic Hogg of Equanimator Ltd, shortlists nine policy options for further consideration.
One of the policy options the review highlighted was a total ban on single-use vapes, which the UKVIA says could increase smoking rates.
In a letter to Lorna Slater MSP, Scotland’s Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity, UKVIA Director General John Dunne detailed concerns about the process of the review and his perception of a “lack of impartiality”.
Dunne questions in his letter why, while the UKVIA was permitted to provide submissions to the review, its individual members were not. Dunne also said that the approach to this report differed from a previous Scottish consultation on the advertising and promotion of vaping products, which allowed consumers to “have their say”.
It seems that this review could be used as a tool to push through anti-vaping policies without proper public consultation and scrutiny.
Dunne wrote: “This gives the impression that the consultations were merely a box-ticking exercise rather than a genuine attempt to engage with the views of both the vaping sector and those who have successfully transitioned from smoking to vaping.
“This is reinforced by the fact that the report does not reference any comments from the UKVIA, the UK’s largest vaping association with an extensive membership in Scotland. Unfortunately, it seems that this review could be used as a tool to push through anti-vaping policies without proper public consultation and scrutiny.”
Dunne also expressed concerns about the lead reviewer Dr Dominic Hogg having potential biases because he posted on LinkedIn after the review was published: “…if we weren’t going to keep single-use ecigs off the market, then what product would we keep off the market”.
In the letter, Dunne also claims that “prohibition has been proven ineffective” and a ban on disposable vapes would “create a thriving black market beyond government control”.
He said there is a “better way forward” and invited those involved in the consultation to meet to discuss how the Scottish government can “best support smokers in transitioning to a less harmful alternative” while also ensuring the impact on the environment is minimised.
The report clearly shows that single-use vapes are an increasing issue – for our environment, local communities and young people.
Reacting to the letter in a statement given to Circular Online, Iain Gulland, Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland, said: “Single-use vapes are made up of components which, unless disposed of safely and responsibly, can last on our planet for years and years. And the sight of them, discarded on our streets, is becoming far too common.
“This is why earlier this year Zero Waste Scotland was happy to lead on the ‘environmental impact of single-use e-cigarettes’ report. The report clearly shows that single-use vapes are an increasing issue – for our environment, local communities and young people.
“Tackling our throwaway culture is a priority for us and we will continue to work with the Scottish government in highlighting the huge impact that littering these items has on the environment.”