2019 trends and news from the world of vaping

We explore the changes that you can expect to see at your favourite vape shop, and across the UK, during 2019.

It’s been a great week for vaping news. The Guardian reported the results of a study showing that vaping is a better aid to quitting that nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) such as patches and gum. Professor Peter Hajek from Queen Mary University ran the study. He believes that the results could change the advice that smokers are given by health professionals.

“Although a large number of smokers report that they have quit smoking successfully with the help of e-cigarettes, health professionals have been reluctant to recommend their use because of the lack of clear evidence from randomised controlled trials. This is now likely to change.”

This landmark study is welcome news for anyone who wants to quit smoking and has reached out to their healthcare professional for support; only to be advised against vaping in favour of NRT.

It follows a quote at the end of 2018 from Professor Jim McManus, the Director of Public Health, who told The Ashtray Blog:

“Over the next year I see greater dissonance in the clinical and public health community. We will see more evidence on the benefits of harm reduction and vaping within this, and it will become ever clearer that ideology rather than evidence of effectiveness still sits at the base of some health professionals rejection of vaping as a harm reduction tool.”

So, all the evidence points to the ongoing success of vaping for the foreseeable future. Great news!

With this will follow the continued innovation that we vapers have become accustomed to from our beloved vaping hardware and e-liquid providers. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the advancements and trends we expect to see in 2019.

As vaping continues to rise in popularity, vapers are demanding more choice and better quality / longevity from their kit. Manufacturers have got the message that the low-end vape pens that people try when they first attempt to quit smoking are *too* low-end; potentially driving people back to the dreaded tobacco.

Consequently, in 2019, expect to see a rise in the quality, durability, and customisability of these entry products. Great news for vaping newbies.

2018 was the year of the vape POD. Now, in 2019, we expect to see this popularity drive further innovation.

Once compatible only with their own supplied vape juice, PODs will be able to take nearly any available e-liquid. PODs will have longer battery life; they will charge faster; and they will be more customisable.

We are continually updating our POD selection because our customers love them. We’ll keep growing the range as they improve.

If there’s one thing that UK vapers made clear in 2018, it’s that nic salts are the way forward for e-liquid manufacturers. The higher nicotine levels, without the harsh throat hit, has really appealed to vapers who are struggling to balance their nicotine cravings with a desire for a smooth vaping experience.

2019 will see more of our favourite e juice producers venturing into the nicotine salts market, vastly increasing the choices available.

We’re sticking with salt nicotine for a moment for the next important development that we predict.

Sub-ohmers are a subset of the vaping community that have thus far been neglected during the nic salt craze. The 20mg nicotine levels in available nic salt e-liquids just aren’t suited to sub-ohm vape  devices.

2019 will see cloud chasers being catered for when e liquid manufacturers release salt nic juice at 3mg and 6mg strengths.

The TPD regulations which govern the manufacture and sale of vaping products throughout the EU have really been taken seriously by responsible producers and retailers alike. However, no such regulations exist outside of the EU; which means that e liquid manufacturers elsewhere have largely had free reign over their branding and marketing.

As regulators, such as the FDA in the States, clamp down worldwide, expect to see a marked shift in the way vape juice companies market their products.

Flashy logos, characters, bright colours, and tone of language will be replaced by more mature and subtle brand identities. Don't worry though - this won’t affect the flavour or quality of the e liquid in the bottle.

In November 2018 the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) and the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP) reviewed the policies regarding the advertising of vaping products.

After lengthy consultations with multiple governing health organisations and public health charities, vaping products can now legally be advertised. This is following Canada’s example, and the new regulations are set to be similar to our Commonwealth cousins in that e-cigarettes cannot be advertised as a healthy option, rather as a safer option than smoking conventional cigarettes.

Beju Lakhani, a CEO of Vape Brands International, once said: ‘The reality is, as long as there are smokers, there will be smokers looking to stop smoking.’

2018 saw the number of vapers in the UK rise to an estimated 3.2 million, an increase of 10% from 2017. While the numbers continue to rise, and the ongoing studies continue to find in favour of vaping as a safer alternative to smoking, there will be vaping innovation. We’re excited to see if our predictions come to pass, and can’t wait to see what we’ll be reporting for vaping in 2020.

In the meantime, if you need any advice from our team of vaping experts, please get in touch. We’re always happy to help.