A MARCH based technology company has created a “virtual cigarette” which they claim offers a more authentic and less harmful smoking experience.

Following several years of research and development, BioProgress Technology Ltd (BTL), located at Hostmoor Avenue, has launched a range of cigarette alternative products designed to meet the growing demands of smokers looking for healthier ways of obtaining nicotine.

BTL’s first product is a unique soft filter disposable virtual e-cigarette which provides a realistic experience for cigarette smokers without the tar, ash, carbon monoxide and tobacco smell associated with normal cigarettes.

Keith Hemming, BTL’s sales and marketing director, said: “Smokers complain that the virtual e-cigarettes currently on the market do not feel like normal cigarettes when they put them in their mouth.

“This is why we launched a soft filter e-cigarette which feels more like a normal cigarette.

“It is a high quality product with pharmaceutical grade nicotine which has completed all the required safety standard checks.”

There are more than 10 million tobacco smokers and 600,000 regular e-cigarette smokers in the UK.

Virtual e-cigarettes have been endorsed by The UK Centre for Tobacco Control Studies.

A spokesman said: “Some smokers find it very difficult to quit, despite a lot of effort. For these people, who may have tried several times to stop, alternative forms of nicotine without the major health risks of smoked tobacco may be a more positive option than continuing to use smoked tobacco.”

The VC virtual e-cigarettes brand will consist of a range of nicotine containing products including a fast dissolving edible film and lozenge.

Mr Hemming is excited about the potential of BTL’s virtual e-cigarette to make an impact in a rapidly growing market.

He said: “The e-cigarette market is estimated to be worth £60 million and is continually growing. With our range of products, we hope to take a major share of that.

“These truly are exciting times.”

The virtual e-cigarettes are available from www.virtualcigarettes.co.uk.