Waitrose has endorsed the government’s decision to ban disposable vapes, emphasising its longstanding policy against these products.
- Parliament confirmed the upcoming ban on the sale and supply of disposable vapes in England and Wales, effective from June next year.
- Waitrose stands out as the only major UK supermarket that has never stocked disposable vapes, reinforcing its commitment to public health.
- Charlotte Di Cello, Waitrose’s commercial director, highlighted the environmental and health implications of disposable vapes.
- The announcement follows criticism of Waitrose’s stance by online vape retailers, labelling it as ‘woke hypocrisy.’
Parliament has officially sanctioned the prohibition of disposable vapes in England and Wales, setting the implementation date for June of the following year. This development marks a significant step in governmental efforts to address public health and environmental concerns.
In alignment with this legislative change, Waitrose reiterated its unique position as the sole major supermarket that opted against carrying disposable vapes. The supermarket chain has consistently prioritised the health implications linked to vaping products, alongside environmental considerations.
Charlotte Di Cello, Waitrose’s commercial director, articulated the company’s support for the ban. She stated, “As the only UK supermarket that decided never to sell disposable vapes, we absolutely support the government’s ban.” Her comments underscore the supermarket’s proactive stance on health and environmental issues, suggesting a broader responsibility towards societal well-being.
The discourse surrounding disposable vapes is not solely about health but also about environmental impact. Di Cello pointed out the alarming statistic that millions of these devices end up discarded each week, contributing significantly to landfill waste. Such waste management challenges are becoming increasingly prominent in sustainability discussions.
Despite Waitrose’s consistent policy, the brand has faced criticism, particularly from online vape retailers. These critics have described Waitrose’s policy on disposable vapes as ‘woke hypocrisy,’ reflecting the divisive opinions that this topic continues to generate in the retail and consumer sectors.
Waitrose’s support for the ban highlights its commitment to health and environmental sustainability in retail practices.
