Superdrug has announced it will stop selling single use vapes, citing concerns around the rapid growth in their use and their environmental impact.

In a statement this morning (September 22), the company pointed to data indicating that the number of single use vapes disposed of each week in the UK has risen from 1.3 million to almost 5 million.

Asked by P3pharmacy to confirm when products will be pulled from the company’s shelves, a spokesperson responded: “Superdrug has stopped all purchases of single use vapes and aims to have the stock completely cleared by the end of 2023.”

The decision comes amid reports in the Daily Telegraph that the Department of Health and Social Care is planning to consult on banning the products.

P3pharmacy has also approached Boots UK and Well Pharmacy to learn whether they have similar plans to stop the sale of the products, but did not receive a response in time for publication.

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

“Many of these single use vapes contain lithium batteries, which should be disposed of responsibly but many end up in landfill, and incorrect battery disposal can lead to a risk of fires.

“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.: 

The chain’s healthcare director, Ghada Beal, added: “It’s our responsibility at Superdrug to provide the best choice for consumers who want alternatives to cigarettes, whether that’s smoking cessation products or vaping options.

“We need to be responsible about the growing trend in disposable vapes among young people, and the lasting effect on the environment.”