Alexei Volkov
Chewing gum is a sticky, breath-freshening substance often made with artificial flavors and colors. It is non-digestible and water-insoluble, which means it does not break down easily. While it is technically not ingested, it is still edible. Chewing gum contains plastic, specifically polyvinyl acetate, a thermoplastic polymer used to make PVA glue. This is concerning because microplastics have been found in human blood, and the plastic in chewing gum is often hidden under the ambiguous term gum base in the list of ingredients. Recent studies have shown that chewing gum is potentially associated with microplastic exposure, and it also accounts for a significant amount of pollution, especially in the UK, where it stains 95% of the country's streets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do chewing gums contain plastic? | Yes, chewing gums contain plastic. |
| Percentage of plastic in chewing gum | It is claimed that chewing gum contains about 80% plastic. |
| Plastic ingredients in chewing gum | Polyvinyl acetate, polyethylene, and polyvinyl acetate are some of the plastics found in chewing gum. |
| Harmful effects of plastic in chewing gum | Recent studies have shown that microplastics pose a real risk to humans. |
| Alternatives to plastic-based chewing gum | There are plant-based and biodegradable alternatives to plastic-based chewing gum, such as Nuud Gum and Milliways. |
| Regulation of plastic in chewing gum | The FDA in the US has evaluated and approved the safety of many substances used in chewing gum bases, including plastics. |
| Labelling of plastic in chewing gum | There have been calls for clearer labelling of plastic ingredients in chewing gum, as the term ""gum base" is considered ambiguous. |
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What You'll Learn
Chewing gum is made from plastic
The use of plastic in chewing gum is controversial, with some arguing that it should be replaced with a plant-based alternative. Chewing gum is a significant source of plastic pollution, with 100,000 tons of it chewed every year in the UK alone, and 95% of the country's streets are stained with it. It is a single-use plastic that is often disposed of improperly, contributing to environmental degradation.
While the plastic in chewing gum has been approved by the FDA and other food safety authorities, there are concerns about the potential health implications of consuming microplastics. Recent studies have shown that chewing gum is potentially associated with microplastic exposure, and plastic particles have been discovered in human blood.
Some companies, like Milliways, have developed clean label chewing gum products that are plastic-free and plant-based, made from sustainably harvested tree sap called chicle. These biodegradable alternatives can break down easily, reducing the environmental impact of chewing gum pollution.
In summary, while chewing gum is made from or contains plastic, there are alternatives available that do not contribute to plastic pollution and may be safer for human consumption. The debate around the use of plastic in chewing gum highlights the importance of transparency in ingredient labelling and the need for environmentally-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics.
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'Gum base' is largely made of polyvinyl acetate
Chewing gum is largely made of plastic. While natural gum bases like latex sap (chicle) from the sapodilla tree were used in the past, most modern chewing gums use synthetic elastomers like polyvinyl acetate as their base. Polyvinyl acetate is a thermoplastic polymer that is also used to make PVA glue. It is a plastic polymer material that becomes pliable or moldable at elevated temperatures and solidifies upon cooling.
The use of plastic in chewing gum has come under scrutiny due to its potential association with microplastic exposure and environmental pollution. Some companies, like Milliways, have started offering plant-based, biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastic-based gum. However, the exact ingredients of gum bases are often not disclosed, and they are usually considered trade secrets. This lack of transparency has led to calls for clearer labelling on products that still use plastic-based gum bases.
While the plastic content in chewing gum may be concerning, food safety authorities worldwide have reviewed and approved the use of these ingredients. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has specifically evaluated the safety of many substances used in chewing gum bases and has determined that they are safe for consumption. Nevertheless, the presence of plastic in chewing gum and its potential health and environmental implications remain a subject of debate.
It is worth noting that the definition of "plastic" in this context is also open to interpretation. While chemically, chewing gum contains plastic and has plastic-like material properties, it is not pure enough to be defined as a "true plastic" by some sources. The distinction between natural and synthetic materials further complicates the definition, with natural gums being considered a type of natural plastic.
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Chewing gum is a single-use plastic
The use of plastic in chewing gum is concerning for several reasons. Firstly, it contributes to pollution, with gum staining up to 95% of the streets in the UK alone. Secondly, there are potential health risks associated with chewing on plastic. Recent studies have shown that microplastics pose a real risk to humans, and chewing gum has been linked to potential microplastic exposure. While the health implications of chewing gum have not been extensively researched, there are some red flags that cannot be ignored.
Additionally, the lack of transparency and ambiguity in labelling chewing gum products is deceptive and misleading to consumers. Many people are unaware that they are chewing on plastic, and the term "gum base" does not adequately convey the presence of plastic in the product. This has led to calls for clearer labelling and the recommendation that the plastic content of a product be printed on the packaging of gum.
While some gum brands continue to use plastic in their products, there are alternatives available. Companies like Nuud Gum and Milliways have developed plastic-free, plant-based chewing gums that are biodegradable and sustainably sourced from tree sap. These companies are disrupting the chewing gum market and offering consumers a more environmentally friendly and potentially safer option.
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Chewing gum is potentially associated with microplastic exposure
Chewing gum is made from synthetic elastomers such as polyvinyl acetate, a thermoplastic polymer. This is a plastic polymer material that becomes pliable or moldable at certain temperatures and solidifies upon cooling. It is often used in glue and plastic bags and is one of the main culprits behind the 21 million tons of microplastics thought to be in the Atlantic Ocean.
Polyvinyl acetate is not the only plastic used in chewing gum. Plasticizers such as polyethylene, a plastic commonly found in plastic bags, are also used. These plastics are hidden under the ambiguous term "gum base" in the ingredients list. While the FDA has approved these plastics for use in chewing gum, recent studies have shown that microplastics pose a real risk to humans.
One study found that "Chewing gum is potentially associated with microplastic exposure." This is a concern as there has been little research into the health implications of chewing gum, and the plastic is purposefully hidden from the ingredients list. While it is true that gum is not ingested, it is still edible and often made with artificial flavors and colors.
Some companies, such as Nuud Gum and Milliways, have started making chewing gum from plant-based, biodegradable ingredients. These companies are advocating for clearer labeling on products that still use plastic, resin, and petroleum-derived paraffin wax.
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Nuud Gum is a plastic-free alternative
Chewing gum is made of plastic, or at least it contains plastic. The gum base in most popular brands contains Polyvinyl acetate, a thermoplastic polymer. This is a synthetic elastomer that gives gum its chewy texture. The presence of plastic in chewing gum is a concern because it is a single-use plastic that is often disposed of improperly, leading to pollution and the potential release of microplastics into the environment.
The use of chicle in chewing gum is not a new concept. In fact, it is the way chewing gum was first made hundreds of years ago. Before World War II, chewing gums used a natural latex derived from sapodilla trees, which is similar to the chicle used in Nuud Gum today. However, since then, synthetic elastomers like polyvinyl acetate have become the preferred choice for most gum manufacturers.
By choosing Nuud Gum, consumers can avoid contributing to the pollution caused by single-use plastic chewing gum. Nuud Gum provides a fresh-tasting, natural alternative that is better for both the consumer and the planet. With Nuud Gum, you can "Chew Plants, Not Plastic!".
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, chewing gum contains plastic. The ingredient known as "gum base" in the list of ingredients in chewing gum is largely made of polyvinyl acetate, a thermoplastic polymer.
While chewing gum does contain plastic, it is not purely made of plastic. Chewing gum is made of a combination of plastic, flavours, colourings, and other additives.
Plastic is used in chewing gum to give it its chewy texture and to make it non-digestible and water-insoluble.
Yes, there are plastic-free alternatives to traditional chewing gum. Some companies are now making chewing gum from plant-based and biodegradable ingredients, such as sustainably harvested tree sap.
