Chewing Gum's Plastic Problem: How Much Is Too Much?

Chewing gum is a single-use plastic. It is made from synthetic petroleum derivatives, including butyl rubber, polyethylene, and polyvinyl acetate, which are also used in diesel, plastic bags, and glue, respectively. The ingredient known as 'gum base' in the list of ingredients in chewing gum is largely made of polyvinyl acetate, a thermoplastic polymer. Chewing gum contributes 100,000 tons of plastic pollution annually and is non-biodegradable, meaning it won't naturally break down into organic matter. Instead, littered gum is left to photodegrade into microplastics, which are extremely harmful to marine life and can end up back on our dinner plates through the food chain.

Chewing gum is made of plastic

The presence of plastic in chewing gum is concerning due to its environmental impact. Chewing gum contributes to approximately 100,000 tons of plastic pollution annually, with a significant portion ending up as litter on streets and in oceans. Improper disposal of gum, which accounts for an estimated 80-90% of cases, leads to the accumulation of non-biodegradable waste. Instead of naturally breaking down, discarded gum undergoes photodegradation, fragmenting into microplastics that pose risks to marine life and ultimately enter our food chain.

To address this issue, some companies have introduced sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic-based gum. These eco-friendly options utilize plant-based, biodegradable ingredients, such as chicle, a sustainably harvested tree sap. By returning to the original recipe, these chewing gums offer a more environmentally friendly and healthier choice for consumers.

While the FDA has reviewed and approved the safety of certain substances used in chewing gum bases, the potential risks associated with microplastics cannot be overlooked. Studies have shown that microplastics are ingested through food and drink, and their presence in the environment is a growing concern. As a result, initiatives have emerged to recycle chewed gum, converting it into a rubber material used to create new products, such as pencils, shoe soles, and door stops.

In conclusion, while it may be surprising, chewing gum is indeed made of plastic. This plastic component provides the desired chewiness but comes at a cost to the environment. With the growing awareness of plastic pollution, consumers are increasingly seeking sustainable alternatives, and companies are responding with plastic-free options. By making informed choices and supporting eco-friendly products, we can collectively reduce our environmental footprint and contribute to a greener future.

Plastic pollution caused by gum

Chewing gum is a major source of plastic pollution, contributing 100,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually. This is because gum is largely made of plastic—specifically, polyvinyl acetate, a plastic also used in glue, plastic bags, and bottles. Gum manufacturers often disguise the presence of plastic in their products by listing "'gum base' in the ingredients without further detail. This plastic base is derived from petroleum, like many other plastics, and does not biodegrade. Instead, it can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, eventually breaking down into microplastics.

When gum is discarded, it often ends up in sewers and waterways, where it pollutes water and harms animal life. It can also seep into the ground and contaminate water tables. Over time, the gum fragments into microplastics, which can be ingested by animals and humans, with potentially harmful health effects. These microplastics can enter the food chain, bringing them back to humans through the consumption of contaminated animals. Even the small percentage of gum that is properly binned will likely end up in landfills, contributing to the global plastic waste problem.

The environmental impact of gum waste has led to the emergence of gum recycling initiatives. These companies process chewed gum, converting it into fuel or using it to create new products such as pencils, shoe soles, and door stops. However, these recycling programmes are not yet widely available.

To reduce the environmental harm caused by chewing gum, individuals can opt for sustainable alternatives. Plant-based, biodegradable, plastic-free gums are available and typically use natural gum bases like chicle, a tree sap. By choosing these eco-friendly options, consumers can play their part in reducing plastic pollution from gum and encouraging the development of more sustainable practices in the chewing gum industry.

Plastic alternatives to chewing gum

Chewing gum is often made of plastic, with brands using synthetic compounds derived from petroleum to give the gum its chewy texture. These plastics are listed under the name "gum base" in the ingredients. The plastic used in chewing gum contributes to the global plastic waste problem, as it is often packaged in more plastic and not disposed of properly.

However, there are several plastic-free chewing gum alternatives available that are made from natural, compostable, and biodegradable ingredients. These gums use plant-based bases such as chicle, a natural gum base derived from tree sap, and Arabic gum from sapodilla and acacia trees. Chicle is a sustainable alternative to plastic-based gum bases as it does not require cutting down trees and supports the livelihood of local communities in Central America. Other natural bases include beeswax and candelilla wax, which help the gum hold its shape and maintain a smooth texture.

Some popular brands that offer plastic-free chewing gum include True Gum, Oh My Gum, Chewsy Gum, Glee Gum, Simply Gum, and The Humble Co. True Gum, founded in 2017, offers a variety of seven different flavours, including mint, raspberry, and vanilla. The company crafts its gum in an eco-friendly factory running on green energy just outside of Copenhagen. Oh My Gum, founded by Malak Ben Hmeda, is made from 100% plant-based ingredients, is sugar-free, vegan-friendly, and uses sustainable packaging. Chewsy Gum, a UK-based company, uses plant-based, vegan, and biodegradable ingredients and sweetens its gum with xylitol to support dental health.

In addition to choosing plastic-free gum, consumers can also reduce their environmental impact by supporting companies that use sustainable packaging and ethical sourcing practices. Consumers can also send emails to corporations to advocate for more ethical and sustainable products, as individual choices and collective actions can make a significant difference in tackling the plastic pollution problem.

Plastic in gum is harmful to humans

Chewing gum is composed of synthetic petroleum derivatives, including butyl rubber, polyethylene, and polyvinyl acetate, commonly known as plastic. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has deemed the use of plastic in chewing gum safe for consumption, there are concerns about the potential health implications of ingesting microplastics.

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that contaminate our environment, including our food and water sources. When chewing gum is discarded improperly, it can break down into microplastics, which can be ingested by humans and animals. These microplastics have been found to have harmful effects on health, with studies suggesting potential links to cancer and other health risks.

While the direct health impact of ingesting microplastics from chewing gum has not been extensively studied, it is important to consider the broader implications of plastic pollution. Chewing gum contributes significantly to plastic pollution, with an estimated 100,000 tons of plastic waste generated annually. Improper disposal of chewing gum leads to pollution in sewers, waterways, and oceans, harming animal life and potentially entering the food chain.

Additionally, the act of chewing gum itself may contribute to the ingestion of microplastics. Studies have shown that components of the gum base, including plastic, can dissolve into saliva during chewing. While the FDA has reviewed the safety of these substances, the long-term effects of microplastic ingestion are still not fully understood.

To address these concerns, consumers can opt for plastic-free, biodegradable chewing gum alternatives made from plant-based ingredients like chicle, a natural gum base derived from tree sap. By choosing these eco-friendly options, consumers can reduce their impact on the environment and promote sustainable practices in the chewing gum industry.

Plastic in gum is harmful to wildlife

Chewing gum is a major source of plastic pollution, contributing 100,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually. It is composed of synthetic petroleum derivatives and plastics such as butyl rubber, polyethylene, and polyvinyl acetate, which are also used in diesel, plastic bags, glue, and bottles. These plastics provide the desired chewiness but come at a significant ecological cost.

When disposed of improperly, which is often the case as 80-90% of chewing gum is not discarded appropriately, it becomes a persistent environmental pollutant. Chewing gum does not biodegrade; instead, it photodegrades into microplastics over time. These microplastics are then susceptible to being washed into oceans and other water bodies, where they accumulate toxins.

The presence of microplastics in marine environments poses a severe threat to wildlife. Animals may mistake these microscopic particles for food, leading to poisoning and the introduction of microplastics into our food chain. This not only impacts marine life but also has the potential to affect human health.

Additionally, the sticky nature of chewing gum leads to unique challenges in removing it from sidewalks, benches, desks, and street furniture. The cleanup process is labour-intensive and costly, with estimates suggesting that the annual cost of addressing chewing gum pollution in the UK alone is approximately £7 million.

The issue of plastic in gum has garnered attention, with some companies developing plastic-free alternatives that utilize natural, plant-based ingredients. These eco-friendly options, such as Glee Gum, Simply Gum, and The Humble Co., offer consumers a chance to make a more sustainable choice. However, the widespread presence of plastic in conventional chewing gum remains a pressing concern for wildlife and the environment.

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