It’s curtains for the butane lighter formerly known as the Zippo Blu.
On Thursday, Zippo Manufacturing Co. confirmed that as of Jan. 1, 2016, Zippo “will discontinue the manufacturing, distribution and sales of the Zippo branded butane pocket lighter, formerly branded ‘Blu.’ This does not include Zippo butane utility lighters and Ronson branded butane products.”
The Zippo Blu was launched in 2007, after several problems held up its production. The company had wanted the lighter to be “Zippo shaped,” to be windproof and to have the distinctive Zippo “click.” The company started working on the butane lighter in 2001 and had several hurdles to overcome, including the plastic for the canister in the lighter’s insert, which had to be a specific material to work correctly.
The lighter, which featured a flint instead of the traditional lighting method for butane lighters, was sold for several years.
In 2014, Lorillard Tobacco sued Zippo, saying the Zippo Blu created confusion with Lorrilard’s cigarettes, also called Blu. Similar litigation was taking place in several countries.
Earlier this year, Zippo sold the Blu brand name to Lorrilard, confirmed Zippo spokesman Pat Grandy on Thursday.
“Since then, we have continued to market our butane pocket lighter as, the Zippo Butane Fueled Lighter,” read a notice distributed within Zippo to its employees.
“After thoroughly evaluating future sales opportunities, the increased difficulty in sourcing components, the significant increase in the cost of components and the cost of rebranding; we concluded the only feasible option was for the company to end production,” the notice read.
“Zippo will be contacting all of our butane pocket lighter resellers; wholesalers and retailers about this change,” it continued. “We will continue to provide consumer service for all Zippo Butane pocket lighters previously sold.”
Grandy told The Era this decision will have no employment impact in Bradford.
“We maintain a robust business in selling Zippo and Ronson branded butane fuel,” Grandy said, explaining the butane plant in Bradford will continue to operate as well. “The fuel is used for Zippo and Ronson candle lighters and utility lighters as well as for Ronson pocket lighters. Zippo and Ronson butane is also used for other brands of consumer products that require butane fuel.”
