Alexei Volkov
Chewing gum is enjoyed by millions of people around the world, but many are unaware that it contains plastic. Plastic is a key ingredient in most chewing gums, providing the chewy texture that consumers know and love. This plastic is often listed as 'gum base' on the ingredients list and can include substances such as polyvinyl acetate, which is also used in the production of glue and plastic bags. Recent studies have shown that chewing gum can release hundreds of microplastics into people's mouths, contributing to plastic pollution and posing potential risks to human health and the environment. While some eco-friendly and plant-based alternatives exist, raising awareness about the presence of plastics in chewing gum is crucial for informed consumer choices and reducing plastic waste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic in chewing gum | Yes, plastic is a key ingredient in most chewing gums. |
| Plastic type | Synthetic petroleum derivatives, including butyl rubber, polyethylene, and polyvinyl acetate. |
| Plastic function | Provides the gum with its chewy texture. |
| Plastic listing on packaging | May be listed as “gum base” or "gum-based" on labels, without specifying the type of plastic. |
| Microplastics | Chewing gum releases microplastics into the mouth and contributes to plastic pollution. |
| Health risks | Microplastics pose a risk to human health and can enter the food chain through marine life. |
| Eco-friendly alternatives | Eco-friendly, plant-based, biodegradable, plastic-free chewing gum options are available, such as Glee Gum and Simply Gum. |
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What You'll Learn
Chewing gum is made of plastic
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of these plastics in chewing gum, but recent studies have shown that microplastics pose a real risk to humans. Chewing gum releases hundreds of tiny plastic pieces straight into people's mouths, and these microplastics can also end up in the ocean, causing pollution. In addition, the small percentage of gum that is properly binned will end up in landfills, contributing to the global plastic waste problem.
While chewing gum is not a pure enough plastic to be defined as one chemically, it contains plastic and is considered a flavored plastic. Gums, or the natural polysaccharides found in some plants, are often considered a natural plastic. Modern chewing gum is composed of gum base, sweeteners, softeners/plasticizers, flavors, colors, and typically a hard or powdered polyol coating. Softeners like vegetable oil and lecithin are added to the gum base to keep it soft and chewy.
To reduce the environmental impact of chewing gum, some people opt for sustainable alternatives like plant-based, biodegradable, plastic-free chewing gum with lower impact. These chewing gums use natural gum bases like chicle, harvested from tree sap.
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Microplastics are released into the mouth
Chewing gum is made of synthetic petroleum derivatives, which are plastics. Plastic is the ingredient that makes chewing gum chewy, and it is listed in the ingredients as "gum base". The most common chewing gum is called synthetic gum, which contains petroleum-based polymers to achieve its chewy texture. Other ingredients in chewing gum include sweeteners, softeners/plasticizers, flavours, colours, and a hard or powdered polyol coating.
While the US FDA has approved these plastics for use in chewing gum, studies have shown that microplastics pose a real risk to humans. Microplastics are small particles of plastic found in everyday life, such as drinking water, seafood, clothing textiles, and personal care products. We ingest microplastics through food and drink.
Chewing gum releases hundreds of microplastic pieces into people's mouths, contributing to plastic pollution. An estimated 80-90% of chewing gum is not disposed of properly, making it one of the most littered items on streets. Due to its plastic content, chewing gum is non-biodegradable and will not naturally break down into organic matter. Instead, it photodegrades into microplastics, which can be washed into oceans and harm marine life.
To reduce the environmental impact of chewing gum, consumers can opt for sustainable alternatives. Plant-based, biodegradable, and plastic-free chewing gums are available, using natural gum bases like chicle, a tree sap. These options are better for the environment and the consumer's health.
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Plastic pollution and the environment
Plastic pollution is a pressing global issue, with an estimated 19-23 million tonnes of plastic waste entering aquatic ecosystems annually. This pollution has severe consequences for both wildlife and human populations. The environmental impact of plastic pollution extends beyond the unsightly landscapes littered with plastic packaging, as it also poses a significant threat to natural habitats and processes. The persistence of plastic waste in the environment, particularly in oceans, rivers, and lakes, is a primary concern.
The convenience and versatility of plastic have led to a throw-away culture, with single-use plastics accounting for 40% of the plastic produced each year. These products, such as plastic bags and food wrappers, are used briefly but can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. The improper disposal of plastic waste, including illegal dumping and overflowing containment structures, is a significant contributor to plastic pollution. Population centres generate the most litter, and trash is carried by wind and water to reach even remote locations.
Microplastics, tiny plastic particles resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic items, have been found in every corner of the globe, from Mount Everest to the Mariana Trench. These microplastics are ingested by aquatic organisms, birds, and other animals, causing digestive blockages, organ damage, and even death. Nearly 2,100 species, including endangered ones, are known to be affected by plastics, with nearly every species of seabird consuming plastic.
The impact of plastic pollution extends to humans as well. Microplastics have been detected in drinking water, seafood, and personal care products, leading to their presence in our blood, lungs, and faeces. While the exact health risks are still being studied, the potential harm posed by microplastics to human health is a growing concern.
Chewing gum, often listed as "gum base" in ingredients, is another source of plastic consumption. While not considered a pure plastic, it contains polyvinyl acetate, a plastic also used in glue and plastic bags. The plastic in chewing gum contributes to the overall plastic pollution issue, with consumers unknowingly ingesting plastic.
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Plastic in chewing gum: a health risk?
Chewing gum is a soft, rubbery substance designed to be chewed but not swallowed. It contains plastic, listed in the ingredients as "gum base", which gives the gum its chewy quality. Polyvinyl acetate is a key ingredient in most chewing gums and is also used in the production of glue, plastic bags, and bottles.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of plastics in chewing gum, as they have for many uses of plastic in food. However, recent studies have shown that microplastics pose a real risk to humans. A study found that "chewing gum is potentially associated with microplastic exposure". Given that this topic is relatively new, there is a good reason to avoid consuming plastic that is hidden from the ingredients list.
Chewing gum has not been linked to any serious health effects, but some ingredients added to certain types of chewing gum are controversial. For example, Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a preservative added to gum to extend its shelf life. Its use is controversial as some animal studies suggest that high doses can cause cancer. However, the results are mixed, and other studies have not found this effect. Overall, there are very few human studies, so the effects of BHT on humans are relatively unknown.
Another ingredient, aspartame, has been found to be a chemical carcinogen in rodents, and prenatal exposure to it increases cancer risk in rodent offspring. However, according to the FDA, consuming aspartame within daily intake recommendations is not thought to be harmful. People with a rare hereditary condition known as phenylketonuria should, however, limit their consumption of phenylalanine, a component of aspartame.
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Plastic-free chewing gum alternatives
Chewing gum is made of plastic, with polyvinyl acetate being a key ingredient in most chewing gums. This has led to concerns about the presence of microplastics in food and drinks, with people consuming a credit card-sized amount of plastic per week. This has spurred the creation of plastic-free chewing gum alternatives, which are made from natural, compostable, and biodegradable ingredients.
One such alternative is Chicle, a natural gum base derived from trees. Chicle is used by brands such as Chewsy Gum, Oh My Gum, Glee Gum, Simply Gum, and True Gum. These brands also use plant-based sweeteners like xylitol, stevia, or cane sugar instead of artificial alternatives. They are also committed to using sustainable and recyclable packaging.
Another natural chewing gum option is Georganics, which is made from Chicle and Arabic gum derived from Sapodilla and Acacia trees. It is flavoured with natural peppermint and sweetened with sugar-free Xylitol.
Oh My Gum, founded by Malak Ben Hmeda, is another sustainable alternative for chewing gums. The company's chewing gum range is made from 100% plant-based ingredients, is sugar-free, vegan-friendly, and uses sustainable packaging.
These plastic-free chewing gum alternatives are gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers who care about the planet and their health.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, plastic is a key ingredient in most chewing gums. It is often disguised as "gum base" on the ingredients list.
Plastic is what makes chewing gum chewy. It also gives chewing gum its indestructible property, as it is non-digestible and water-insoluble.
Yes, there are some eco-friendly, plant-based, biodegradable, plastic-free chewing gum brands on the market, such as Glee Gum and Simply Gum.
Yes, studies have shown that microplastics pose a real risk to humans. Chewing gum releases hundreds of tiny plastic pieces straight into people's mouths, which can then be ingested.
