ANDS, a distributor of alternative nicotine delivery systems, has earned a Golden Leaf Award for its new environmentally friendly Slix disposable vape.
The annual Golden Leaf awards recognise “outstanding contributions” from companies associated with the global tobacco and nicotine sectors. Judges give special consideration to companies that display a commitment to innovation and/or sustainability.
The win for Slix comes at a time when single-use vapes are attracting a lot of negative publicity for their environmental impact; the Scottish Government is considering a proposal to ban them.
Slix boasts an outer casing made of 100% recyclable high-grade cardboard, with a biodegradable silicone mouthpiece and end piece.
A study – commissioned by ANDS and conducted by waste management specialist Waste Experts – found that the device creates 70% less waste by weight, takes 57% less time to dismantle and is 25% lighter and significantly less complex when compared to the market-leading brand.
The report, which was recently unveiled in the Houses of Parliament, also confirmed it is 99.29% recyclable and recoverable.
Morrisons was the first to commit to Slix earlier this year, as it aligned with the multiple’s sustainability principles. The product is now carried by a growing list of retail and convenience chains across the UK, including McColl’s and Euro Garages.
ANDS Co-Founder and President Fadi Maayta said: “Retailers are acutely aware of growing climate concerns and are increasingly shining a spotlight on the environmental footprint of the goods they stock – especially vapes.
“The newly released SLIX is our initial answer to this pressing industry challenge and to the desire for more conscious options.”
