Exploring the ZLab Z-Ecosystem: Versatility Reimagined!

In recent years, many companies have attempted to rise to the top of the vape market by simply offering more. More puffs; more battery life; more flashy features (large screens, Bluetooth connectivity, etc.). Unenthralled by modern trends, ZLab has taken a much different approach to innovation, seemingly asking, “How do we improve the user experience?” “What do vapers really want?” The answer: a personalized experience, options, and stellar performance.

In this regard, the “Z-Ecosystem” by ZLab may be on the verge of taking the vaping industry by storm. This modular system offers next-level customizability with its stackable flavor pods, allowing users to create unique flavor profiles perfectly suited to their tastes. The options are seemingly limitless, and the performance does not disappoint.

Whether you’re an exclusive disposable user or a hobbyist vaper, the Z-ecosystem has something new to offer. Let’s take a closer look at its various components, features, and capabilities to uncover why this next-gen prefilled vape is changing the game.

About ZLab

ZLab (also known as “Ziip Lab”) was founded in 2015 by Victor Shelton. As both a vaper and multi-market entrepreneur, Shelton quickly identified areas where vape manufacturing and design could be improved. He proceeded to recruit a team of experienced engineers and chemists and launched Ziip Lab, headquartered in Shenzhen, China. Their mission was to create innovative products that could help smokers successfully transition from combustible cigarettes.

Less than a decade after its humble beginnings, ZLab has sold a staggering 300 million products. Their operations have since expanded beyond their 30,000-square-meter headquarters into dozens of countries, accounting for over 2,500 jobs. ZLab’s current catalog includes a variety of harm-reduction products, such as disposables, e-liquids, and nicotine pouches. Despite their past successes, their most groundbreaking product line was launched in 2024: the versatile ZLand/ZColors series.

Z-Ecosystem product guide

The Z-Ecosystem consists of two main components: a rechargeable battery pack (ZLand) and flavor pods (ZColors). Both of these are required to get up and running. These two components are also available in Mini editions. Additionally, ZLab makes a heat-not-burn device (ZJoins) that is compatible with the full-sized flavor pods.

ZColors & ZColors Mini: flavor pods

ZColors are a series of disposable pods, prefilled with 10 mL of e-liquid. Their distinct colors are indicative of the flavor (e.g., banana is yellow, coffee is brown, etc.), hence the name “ZColors.” Each pod is equipped with LED indicators that show the e-liquid level and strength setting (regular, medium, or high). The strength can be adjusted by clicking the small button between the lights.

The smaller ZColors Mini pods only contain 2 mL of e-liquid since they were designed to be TPD compliant. They do not have individual strength settings like the full-size pods; however, the power output can be boosted via the battery pack (ZLand Mini).

ZLand & ZLand Mini: battery packs

The ZColors pods are unusable on their own; they require the ZLand to function. One might think of it as the control unit. It separates into two pieces: a 1200 mAh battery pack (with an airflow switch and a battery percentage display) and a top plate with a mouthpiece. Up to three flavor pods can be sandwiched between these pieces, attaching magnetically.

While the concept is the same, the ZLand Mini houses a smaller 850 mAh battery. It also features a button on the bottom to adjust the power mode (soft or boost).

ZJoins: hybrid heated tobacco device

The ZJoins is a heat-not-burn tobacco device. It houses a 1280 mAh battery and features adjustable airflow, adjustable power, and an LED indicator. To accommodate the variety of tobacco sticks on the market, the ZJoins will be available in two different versions: induction heating and blade heating.

The device breaks down into three pieces: a mouthpiece, a battery pack, and a base. If desired, a single ZColors pod can be magnetically attached between the battery and the base. This allows users to add a boost of flavor to their heated tobacco. Flavor pods are not required, though, as the ZJoins is a perfectly functional device right out of the box.

Note that there’s no Mini version of the ZJoins (yet?). If you want to add flavor to your heated tobacco sticks, you’ll need to use the full-sized ZJoins-ZColors combo.

Benefits of the ZLand/ZColors platform

What makes the Z-Ecosystem so special? After all, other companies have made disposables with replaceable pods/cartridges; some have even integrated multiple flavors into one device. ZLab, however, has taken both of these concepts to new heights.

Customizable flavors: up to three ZColors pods can be used in conjunction with the ZLand battery pack. Because the strengths can be individually adjusted, users can dial in the perfect blend of flavors. For example, with a coffee-cake-vanilla combo, one might set the coffee flavor to high, the cake to low, and the vanilla to medium. Others might balance these strengths differently; it all comes down to one’s unique preferences.