April 22 - More could be done to reduce environmental waste before considering a ban on single-use e-cigarettes, according to the UK e-cigarette association UKVIA.

Earlier this week, the e-cigarette trade body joined experts from an all-party parliamentary group on the environment in Westminster. Environment Minister Rebecca Pow pointed to the main value of e-cigarettes as a means of helping people quit smoking, as well as the government's second priority of preventing young people from accessing e-cigarettes.

Its director general, John Dunn, agreed, saying that more work needed to be done before a ban on single-use e-cigarettes could be considered and that such a ban would not help the hundreds of people who have died from smoking-related illnesses.

"Research from the Royal College of Physicians and Cancer Research shows that e-cigarettes are the best way to quit smoking and reduce harm by 95 per cent. E-cigarettes are our best chance." 'he said.

UKVIA does, however, recognise its role in finding effective environmental solutions and points to how several Ukvia-owned waste management companies and manufacturers have created more sustainable materials for e-cigarettes, including cardboard and biodegradable silicone, as a successful step forward.

Financial journalist Alexandra Heal, who also attended the event, revealed that 138 million disposable e-cigarettes were sold last year, the equivalent of two per person.