Chewing gum is a common item many people use daily, leading to questions about its environmental fate. Many everyday products break down naturally over time, prompting curiosity about whether chewing gum shares this characteristic. The answer involves understanding its core components and how they interact with natural decomposition processes.
Composition of Chewing Gum
Traditional chewing gum’s foundational element is the gum base. This base provides the chewable, elastic texture of gum and is typically composed of synthetic polymers. Examples include polyisobutylene, polyvinyl acetate, and polyethylene, which are also found in various plastic products. Other ingredients like sweeteners, flavorings, and softeners are added to the gum base to enhance taste and texture. While these additional components are generally biodegradable, the synthetic gum base resists natural breakdown.
Why Traditional Gum Resists Biodegradation
Biodegradation is a natural process where microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, break down organic substances into simpler compounds. These microorganisms produce specific enzymes that cleave the chemical bonds within organic materials. This enzymatic action decomposes natural materials like leaves or wood.
The synthetic polymers in gum base are highly resistant to this process. Microorganisms lack the specific enzymes required to break down the complex, long-chain molecular structures of these man-made polymers. Unlike natural materials with chemical bonds that microbial enzymes can easily target, the synthetic bonds in gum base are largely unrecognized by these biological agents. This structural difference prevents gum from being naturally assimilated.
Environmental Consequences
Discarded, non-biodegradable chewing gum poses several environmental challenges. It becomes persistent litter, commonly found on sidewalks, streets, and public spaces, and is the second most common type after cigarette butts. The sticky residue adheres firmly to surfaces, making it difficult and costly to remove. For instance, cleaning up gum costs UK councils millions annually.
Beyond aesthetics, discarded gum fragments into microplastics, entering water systems and impacting aquatic life. While the direct harm to wildlife from ingesting gum is generally limited, there is a potential for digestive issues if animals mistake it for food. Long-term gum litter contributes to overall plastic pollution.
Emerging Biodegradable Options
Recognizing environmental issues, efforts are underway to develop environmentally friendly gum alternatives. Some manufacturers are returning to natural tree saps, such as chicle, as a base. Chicle, a natural latex from the sapodilla tree, is biodegradable.
Newer biodegradable options also include plant-based polymers designed to break down naturally. Developing these alternatives presents challenges, including maintaining comparable chewability, flavor retention, and affordability to traditional gum. Despite these hurdles, the availability of plastic-free, plant-based gums is growing, offering consumers more sustainable choices.