By Timothy S. Donahue
Europe’s nicotine industry is evolving—one clear tank, pouch, and pod at a time. At the Next Level Expo, held Sept. 27–28, 2025, at the Ptak Warsaw Expo Center, over 220 exhibitors and about 7,000 attendees gathered to showcase the future of vaping, oral nicotine, and hybrid wellness products.
From next-generation refillables to biodegradable pouches, the two-day event confirmed Poland’s position as one of Europe’s most vital innovation hubs for alternative nicotine. According to a detailed show report by Wingle Group Electronics, the Warsaw event “illustrated how fast product design and supply chains are adapting to stricter regulations while keeping innovation alive.”
“Poland is now one of the most important testing grounds for new nicotine and vape formats,” said Maryna Gudym, Business Development Manager for Wingle Group. “The industry is no longer defined just by e-liquid and disposables. We are watching nicotine merge with wellness, tech, and sustainability in real time.”
Evolving Hardware
While disposable vapes still drew the biggest crowds, the clear message across booths was that the market is pivoting toward refillable and regulation-ready devices. Exhibitors unveiled products designed for durability, recyclability, and transparency—literally. Clear-tank models that let users monitor e-liquid levels dominated displays, signaling a move toward both compliance and user experience.
Vozol Europe attracted attention with its Star 9000 Pro, a high-capacity pod system featuring a transparent window and USB-C charging. Ispire presented its dual-mesh Fresco line, while Geekvape and OXBAR pushed compact refillable pods optimized for both nicotine and CBD.
Gudym said the trend reflects “manufacturers trying to anticipate what’s next.” She added, “Clear tanks, removable batteries, and smart charging are becoming the standard. Brands want to future-proof before the next wave of EU bans takes effect.”
Hardware innovation also focused on flavor experience without using flavor additives. Technology leaders like FEELM and Inspovape showcased airflow and temperature-based systems that create sensory variation while staying compliant with upcoming European restrictions.
Meanwhile, sustainability was at the forefront. Polish and Czech suppliers showcased recyclable housings and replaceable battery cores, while Chinese OEMs promoted closed-loop return programs for used pods. Exhibitors mentioned that major retailers now inquire about carbon reduction plans during contract negotiations—something that was unthinkable just two years ago.
Oral’s Direction
If vape hardware showed refinement, oral nicotine products demonstrated explosive creativity. Rows of stands featured Scandinavian-style pouches (snus), caffeine-nicotine hybrids, and nicotine-free stimulant formats packaged more like wellness supplements than tobacco.
Major European brands Killa, 77, and Pablo launched new moisture-balanced pouches with smoother release and longer shelf life. Functional newcomers like WELLNRG and NRG Boost combined nicotine with taurine and ginseng, reflecting a growing consumer appetite for “focus and energy” positioning.
Gudym said this aesthetic and functional shift is reshaping how products reach consumers. “Retailers are redesigning displays to look more like supplement counters than tobacco cases,” she said. “Design now mirrors premium nutrition, and that broadens appeal beyond traditional smokers.”
Eco-conscious packaging and plant-based materials added another layer of differentiation. Blck Line promoted biodegradable pouch mesh, while BioNic Labs presented dissolvable oral films made from cellulose for faster absorption and minimal waste.
Beyond consumer products, supply-chain and compliance services took up a large part of the floor. “What partners tell us is simple: compliance has become the biggest cost and the biggest differentiator,” Gudym said. “Manufacturers who provide turnkey solutions—from product safety data to labeling—win the trust of distributors and retailers.”
The show also introduced new categories connecting nicotine, caffeine, and nootropics. NeuroBoost Labs showcased a 5 mg nicotine pen infused with L-theanine, while XBody launched a caffeine-nicotine micro-spray for the fitness industry. KT&G highlighted its Lil Solid EZ heat-not-burn system, focusing on improved heating consistency, and UAE-based Airme revealed a cartridge-based “smart hookah” designed for cafes and lounges.
Despite looming tax increases and flavor restrictions, exhibitors described the overall mood as pragmatic but confident. “Even under pressure, the market is innovating faster than regulation,” Gudym said. “That’s what defines the European nicotine sector today—maturity without stagnation.”
Organizers announced that Next Level Expo 2026 will expand to two halls to accommodate exhibitor demand, especially in oral and component categories.
With clear-tank pods, hybrid pouches, and digital compliance tools leading the way, Warsaw’s 2025 edition highlighted a key shift: innovation is now regulation-proof, and adaptation has become the industry’s new competitive edge.
Reporting based on materials provided by Wingle Group Electronics, with analysis and commentary from Maryna Gudym, Business Development Manager for Wingle Group.
