The Evolution of Vaping: From Inception to Modern Day

Vaping has evolved from a simple concept into a regulated, widely used alternative to smoking. However, many people are unaware of vaping’s history and its current UK legal framework.

In this article, we’ll explore the history of vaping, its technological advancements, and how UK TPD regulations affect vapers today.

Early Concepts of Vaping

Vaping as a concept dates back to 1963, when Herbert A. Gilbert patented the first smokeless, non-tobacco cigarette. His invention aimed to heat flavoured air instead of burning tobacco, but it never reached the market due to lack of commercial interest and technological limitations.

The Birth of Modern Vaping

The modern e-cigarette was developed in 2003 by Hon Lik, a Chinese pharmacist and ex-smoker. Motivated by his father’s struggle with smoking-related illnesses, Hon Lik created a battery-powered device that used a heating element to vaporize a nicotine solution, eliminating the need for combustion.

By 2006, e-cigarettes were introduced to Europe and the United States. Named cigalikes, early devices were designed to look like traditional cigarettes but had limited battery life and vapour production.

The Rise of Advanced Vaping Devices

Between 2010 and 2020, the vaping industry saw major technological advancements, including:

• Vape pens and box mods (2010-2015): Larger battery capacity, adjustable wattage, and refillable e-liquid tanks.
• Pod systems and nicotine salts (2015-2020): Compact, user-friendly devices and smoother, high-strength nicotine options.
• Sustainability and regulation (2020-present): The increasing popularity of vaping systems increased regulatory oversight.

UK TPD Regulations and Compliance

What is TPD (Tobacco Products Directive)?

The Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) is a set of UK and EU regulations designed to standardise and regulate vaping products. In the UK, TPD rules are enforced by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Key TPD Regulations Include:

• Nicotine strength limits: Maximum 20mg/ml for e-liquids.
• Tank size restrictions: Maximum 2ml e-liquid capacity in vape kits.
• Child-resistant packaging: All e-liquids must be tamper-proof.
• Product testing: E-liquids and devices must undergo safety testing before being sold.

How Freesmo Complies with TPD

At FREESMO, all vape products:

• Meet UK TPD compliance standards
• Contain only MHRA-approved ingredients
• Are clearly labelled with nicotine content & safety warnings

Great Alternatives to Disposable Vapes:

Vaporesso XROS 3 Pod Kit

Geekvape Sonder Q Pod Kit

What’s Next for Vaping?

The future of vaping will likely focus on:

• Temperature-controlled devices: Better flavour control and safety.
• Smart vape technology: Bluetooth-enabled devices for tracking nicotine intake and customised settings.
• Eco-friendly innovations: More biodegradable and recyclable vape products to reduce waste.

Vaping has come a long way from its early designs to today’s advanced, regulated devices. With ongoing technological innovation and regulatory oversight, vaping remains a widely used alternative to smoking, helping many users transition away from tobacco.