Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1506051
36 tobaccoasia Issue 5, 2023 September / October By Thomas Schmid Depending on the source consulted, it is estimated that currently more than 80% of all vaping devices sold globally are of the closed-system, disposable kind. Though designed for consumer convenience ("use and discard"), disposables are nevertheless tagging along with environmental concerns, not to mention that they also waste precious resources. "Although pre-filled disposable devices have been a huge success in terms of harm reduction, their short life cycle is generating more waste than necessary," confirmed Benedict Jones, UK brand- ing manager for leading Chinese vape manufac- turer, Innokin Technology Limited. He added that the firm's market research indicated that consum- ers enjoyed the ease of use of disposables "within minutes of purchase and without any technical knowledge of vaping." Innokin rolls out refillable "Endura S1" But unlike many manufacturers who ride the "sin- gle-use vape train," Innokin always regarded refill- able devices as its core products. Some companies are starting to roll out refillable and recyclable vaping devices, a practice that is hoped to catch on in the industry on a wider scale. Refillable and Recyclable Vapes Gain Traction The attractive Endura S1 is available in a variety of pastel shades. Credit: Innokin Technology Ltd. "We are firm believers that permanent, refillable vaping devices offer the best balance of value, vap- ing performance, and satisfaction," Jones said. In an effort to marry the convenience of disposables with the economy and better environmental footprint offered by refillables, Innokin recently launched the Endura S1. According to Jones, it is the company's simplest refillable device ever, with an easy filling design, automatic draw and advanced wicking that rapidly soaks the coil with e-liquid after the first fill. Endura S1 offers the low price point and con- sumer satisfaction typical of a disposable device while simultaneously providing a significantly extended life cycle, thereby reducing waste. Ac- cording to Jones, "many customers are starting to realize that disposable vapes are actually the most expensive way to vape in the long term." This, he said, made Endura S1 a logical next step especially for new vapers. "Endura S1 is designed to be re- filled at least 10 times and comes bundled with a 10ml supply of e-liquid for 5 refills that give the user approximately 3,500 puffs in total." The En- dura S1 has been available in regular retail since June 2023 in the UK and elsewhere.