Why Vapes Should Follow the Same Packaging Rules as Traditional Cigarettes
E-cigarettes are becoming increasingly popular among young adults due to their trendy and addictive nature.
Often called vaping, it contains flavored nicotine and uses an electronic cigarette that simulates tobacco smoking.
It comprises a battery, an atomizer and a cartridge or tank to contain the nicotine. The user inhales the vapor instead of smoke, hence the terms “vape” and “vaping.”
There is serious concern that people are taking this recreational form of smoking too well. It is a rapidly growing habit among young adults, teenagers, and kids.
Youth and non-smokers should not vape. Nicotine carries risks specific to teens.
Talk with your teen about the harms of #nicotine on their brain development and why it’s best not to smoke or vape. https://t.co/XAP8ULIYZG pic.twitter.com/7LXETEjwOH
— Health Canada and PHAC (@GovCanHealth) November 21, 2022
Anti-smoking charity Action on Smoking and Health discovered in research that in 2022, 7% of 11- to 17-year-olds in the UK used e-cigarettes.
The record is up from 3.3% the year before. It is a significant increase that shows that the youths have adopted this habit only too well.
Vape Packaging
There is a demand for plain packaging to protect the health of young folk. Experts believe this would dampen the attempts to get the young generation attached and dependent on nicotine.
If the authorities implemented this, vape products would come without logos, colors, and images, making the products less appealing to potential customers.
Companies have used this packaging for marketing these vape products to young adults. It utilizes cultural references that teenagers easily relate to, such as movies, anime, and video games.
This strategy is quite familiar. Tobacco brands have associated themselves with symbols and activities that particular consumers find appealing.
For example, the “Marlboro man” related cigarettes to the concept of Masculinity. Those who were fascinated and wanted to look masculine were attracted to it. Today, vape brands attract young people by drawing them to things they love.
By design, vape products are appealing, with bright colors and edgy designs that make them look exciting and inviting. The sweet flavors are emphasized, while logos and slogans are bold and straightforward.
They also come in entertaining designs, with some packaged to look like coffee cups and some others looking like laughing gas canisters.
These packaging styles came from punk and hipster themes; names such as Bloody Mary reference alcohol, while some logo designs resemble tattoos and graffiti.
The New Generation of Users
Teenagers, due to their inexperience, are susceptible to peer influence and misleading marketing on the health effects of vaping. It makes them more open to taking risks.
Edgy and rebellious vape designs present a way for youths to fit in with their like-minded peers.
Recent studies by Cancer Research discovered that e-cigarette marketing is more likely to influence young people. In Australia, about 20% of young adults between 18 to 24 have used a vaping device or e-cigarette once at least.
For the first time in a generation, the number of smokers in Australia has increased https://t.co/6ArevIamEP
— The Australian (@australian) August 13, 2017
Research indicates that plain packaging increases awareness of the health risks of smoking. More data shows that health warnings on plain packs affect smokers more than branded packs.
Plain packaging has hampered sales efforts used by tobacco brands and is associated with increased feelings of wanting to reduce or stop smoking altogether.
If companies remove the packaging, more people will be stopped from taking up smoke and help those trying to desist from it.
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