News & Reviews

What Comes After Disposables? A Look at the Next Generation of Vape Kits

in Vape Pens

In our previous blog post, we gave a final call to stock up on popular disposables like the Lost Mary Elf Bar 600 ahead of the UK’s upcoming ban on disposable vapes. Since then, the vape industry has responded quickly — and creatively.

While disposables are being phased out due to their environmental impact and appeal to underage users, brands like Lost Mary haven’t disappeared. Instead, they’ve evolved.

New pod-based systems, such as the Lost Mary Nera 30K and BM6000, are being promoted as the next step in vaping tech. But the question remains: Are they truly better for the planet, or just a workaround to stay ahead of regulation?

From One-Use to Modular: The New Generation of Vape Kits

On the surface, pod systems offer a more sustainable design:

  • 🔋 Rechargeable batteries replace the waste of single-use lithium cells.
  • 🧴 Replaceable pods (either prefilled or refillable) generate less plastic waste.
  • 🌬️ Higher puff counts mean fewer products used over time.

For example, the Nera 30K is designed for use with replaceable prefilled pods and a rechargeable battery — a setup that could potentially last for weeks. The BM6000 goes further with a refillable pod system, cutting down even more on throwaway components.

Is This a Step Forward for Recycling?

While these designs are clearly an upgrade in functionality and lifespan, their environmental credentials are more complicated.

✅ The Good:

  • Less plastic per session, especially with refillable models.
  • Fewer batteries in the bin, thanks to USB-C charging.
  • Greater product longevity, reducing how often devices are thrown out.

❌ The Not-So-Good:

  • Most prefilled pods are still non-recyclable and end up in landfill.
  • Battery recycling in the UK is still underused – many users don’t dispose of used vape kits responsibly.
  • There’s still no nationwide vape recycling infrastructure, leaving it to consumers to figure it out.

So while this move away from disposables shows progress, it’s not a perfect solution — and much depends on how users interact with and dispose of these new systems.

Innovation or Loophole?

There’s another angle to consider. Are these pod kits a genuine attempt at sustainability — or simply a way for brands to stay ahead of legislation?

It’s likely a bit of both.

Pod kits address key issues raised by the UK government (youth access, excessive waste, lithium fire risks), but they also retain the convenience and mass appeal that made disposables so dominant. It’s a fine line between innovation and sidestepping.

What It Means for UK Vapers

While Shiva Online isn’t currently stocking these new pod systems, we’re closely watching how the industry adapts — and how legislation responds.

For vapers looking for a longer-term, eco-conscious setup, traditional vaporizers remain the gold standard. Devices like the Volcano Vaporizer offer long-lasting performance, reusable parts, and none of the single-use plastic waste that’s plagued the disposable market.

This new wave of pod kits shows that the vape industry is innovating quickly, but it’s up to consumers, retailers, and policymakers to ensure that these changes lead to real environmental improvements, not just clever rebranding.

Shiva’s Thoughts

The move away from disposable vapes marks a major moment in the UK vaping landscape — but we’re not out of the woods yet. Pod systems like the Nera 30K and BM6000 offer promise, but they also raise fresh questions about responsibility, sustainability, and intent.

At Shiva Online, we’ll continue offering high-quality, long-lasting vaping solutions while staying transparent about where the market is heading — and what it means for our customers.

Stay informed. Vape responsibly.
— The Shiva Online Team