Maya Ellison
Chewing gum is a soft, cohesive substance designed to be chewed without swallowing. It is made up of a gum base, sweeteners, softeners, flavours, colours, and a hard or powdered polyol coating. The gum base is made of synthetic polymers like polyethylene and polyvinyl acetate, which are plastics. These materials don't biodegrade easily, leading to environmental concerns. While the exact percentage varies, some sources claim that most gum brands are 80% plastic. However, it's important to note that gum is not considered a pure plastic due to the presence of other additives, and there are also plastic-free gum options available.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of plastic in gum | 80% |
| Plastic used in gum | Polyethylene, Polyvinyl acetate, Polyethene |
| Plastic alternatives in gum | Chicle, Arabic gum, Natural resins, Wood rosins |
| Plastic-free gum brands | Glee Gum, Simply Gum, Nuud, Peppersmith |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic is added to chewing gum to make it chewy
- Chewing gum is not a pure enough plastic to be defined as one
- The usual plastic in gum has been replaced with chicle and Arabic gum
- Polyethylene, a common component of gum base, is a plastic used in plastic bags and hula hoops
- Plastic-free chewing gum is available, but it's softer and less bouncy
Plastic is added to chewing gum to make it chewy
Chewing gum is a soft, cohesive substance designed to be chewed without being swallowed. Its texture is reminiscent of rubber due to the physical-chemical properties of its polymer, plasticiser, and resin components, which give it its elastic-plastic, sticky, and chewy characteristics.
Plastic is added to modern chewing gum in the form of synthetic polymers such as polyethylene and polyvinyl acetate, which are plastics. These materials give the gum its chewy texture and elasticity, allowing it to be chewed for a long time without disintegrating in the mouth. The hydrophobic nature of the polymers in the gum base is essential, as it allows the gum to retain its physical properties during the mastication process. The polymers repel water, so the water-based saliva in the mouth dissolves the sugars and flavorings but not the gum base itself.
The addition of plastic to chewing gum has raised concerns about its environmental impact, as synthetic polymers do not biodegrade easily. This has led to the development of plastic-free chewing gum options that use natural bases like chicle, Arabic gum, and plant-based elements. These natural alternatives provide a biodegradable option, reducing the impact on the environment if the gum is littered.
While the exact ingredients and proportions used in gum bases are trade secrets, it is estimated that typical gum contains about 80% plastic. This has led to consumer concerns, especially as the term "food" is defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as "a raw, cooked, or processed edible substance, ice, beverage, or ingredient used or intended for use or for sale in whole or in part for human consumption, or chewing gum". However, the FDA has evaluated the safety of substances used in chewing gum bases and considers these plastics safe for human consumption.
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Chewing gum is not a pure enough plastic to be defined as one
Chewing gum is a soft, cohesive substance designed to be chewed without being swallowed. It is made up of gum base, sweeteners, softeners/plasticizers, flavours, colours, and, typically, a hard or powdered polyol coating. The term "gum base" on the ingredients list refers to the plastic content in chewing gum.
While it is true that chewing gum contains plastic, it is inaccurate to state that chewing gum is plastic. This is because chewing gum is not a pure enough plastic to be defined as one. It contains other ingredients besides plastic, such as sweeteners, softeners, flavours, and colours. In addition, the plastic content in chewing gum is not pure plastic but rather a combination of synthetic rubbers, resins, and waxes. These synthetic parts are derived from petroleum products and include polymers like polyethylene and polyvinyl acetate.
The concept of plastics revolves around the material property of plasticity, or the ability to be shaped or moulded. Gum, both natural and synthetic, exhibits plasticity and is highly plastic in nature, which gives it its chewy texture. However, the presence of other ingredients and the fact that the plastic component is not pure plastic means that chewing gum cannot be defined as purely plastic.
While chewing gum does contain a significant amount of plastic, with some sources estimating it to be around 80%, it is important to recognise that this plastic content is not pure. The plastic in chewing gum is a synthetic "gum base" that provides the chewy texture and elasticity. However, the presence of other ingredients and additives means that chewing gum as a whole cannot be classified as a pure plastic.
It is worth noting that the inclusion of plastic in chewing gum has raised environmental concerns due to its synthetic, non-biodegradable nature. Some companies are now opting for natural bases like chicle to create more eco-friendly and biodegradable gum options. Additionally, there are plastic-free chewing gum brands available, such as Glee Gum and Simply Gum, that offer sustainable alternatives to traditional chewing gum.
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The usual plastic in gum has been replaced with chicle and Arabic gum
Modern chewing gum is primarily made with synthetic polymers like polyethylene and polyvinyl acetate, which are plastics. These materials do not biodegrade easily, leading to environmental concerns. As people become more aware of how plastic pollutes the world, consumer concern over the impacts of synthetic polymer-based chews, such as chewing gum, is increasing.
Chewing gum was first a long-standing favourite treat over two thousand years ago and started life as natural tree resins. However, as demand picked up, the more readily available and lower-cost alternatives to natural chicle began to be utilized, leading to the incorporation of synthetic materials.
Today, some companies are reverting to natural bases like chicle and Arabic gum for more eco-friendly and biodegradable gum options. Chicle is a natural tree gum that was first used by the Mayans and Aztecs as a base for making a gum-like substance. It is also biodegradable and keeps the gum chewy. Arabic gum is also a natural tree gum.
Some plastic-free chewing gums may be a little softer and less ‘bouncy’ than regular gum, and they may not have the same satisfying crunch. However, they can still be chewy and minty, and they are better for the environment.
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Polyethylene, a common component of gum base, is a plastic used in plastic bags and hula hoops
Chewing gum is a soft, cohesive substance designed to be chewed without swallowing. It is made up of a gum base, sweeteners, softeners/plasticizers, flavours, colours, and a hard or powdered polyol coating. The gum base is made of polymers, plasticizers, and resins.
Polymers, including elastomers, give chewing gum its stretchy and sticky nature. Plasticizers improve flexibility and reduce brittleness, contributing to the plastic and elastic nature of the gum. Resins compose the hydrophobic portion of the gum base, giving it its chewiness.
Polyethylene is a common type of plastic used in the gum base of chewing gum. It is the same plastic found in carrier bags, milk jugs, and water bottles. It is a lightweight plastic that helps to soften gum, preventing jaw tiredness. Polyethylene is also used in hula hoops and white glue.
The use of plastic in chewing gum has raised environmental concerns due to its lack of biodegradability. Gum litter is an ongoing problem, as it does not break down quickly and is difficult to clean. Some companies are now offering plastic-free chewing gum options, using natural bases like chicle, Arabic gum, and plant-based elements to create a biodegradable product.
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Plastic-free chewing gum is available, but it's softer and less bouncy
Plastic-free chewing gum is available as a substitute for regular chewing gum, which typically contains synthetic polymers like polyethylene and polyvinyl acetate, which are plastics. These plastic components give gum its chewy texture and elasticity, but they do not biodegrade easily, leading to environmental concerns.
Some companies are now offering plastic-free alternatives, such as Nuud, Simply Gum, Glee Gum, and Chewsy, which use natural gum bases like chicle, a tree sap, Arabic gum, and other plant-based elements. These natural bases are biodegradable, addressing the issue of gum litter that plagues cities worldwide. While plastic-free gum is a more sustainable option, it does differ in texture and flavour. It is described as softer and less bouncy, with a meltier rather than chewy consistency, and a flavour that may not last as long as its plastic-containing counterparts.
The creation of plastic-free gum aligns with the growing consumer demand for sustainable products and the desire to reduce plastic waste. This shift is reflected in the rise of other eco-friendly alternatives, such as shampoo bars, refillable beauty products, and metal straws.
While plastic-free gum may not have the same sensory appeal as traditional gum, it offers a more environmentally conscious choice for consumers. As sustainable product innovations continue to evolve, it is likely that we will see further improvements in the texture and flavour of plastic-free gum options.
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Frequently asked questions
Most gum brands are estimated to be 80% plastic. However, this number cannot be confirmed as the exact ingredients and proportions used in gum bases are trade secrets.
The plastic in gum is made from synthetic polymers like polyethylene and polyvinyl acetate. These polymers are hydrophobic, meaning they repel water. This allows the gum to be chewed for a long time without breaking down in the mouth.
Plastic is added to gum to make it chewy. The use of plastic-based polymers also means that gum can be mass-produced at a lower cost.
