Chewing gum is a common habit for many people, but what most don’t realize is that they are essentially chewing on plastic. The majority of chewing gum on the market is made from oil-based synthetic rubbers, similar to the materials used in car tires. This means that thousands of tonnes of plastic pollution could be entering the environment every year – directly from our mouths.
The chewing gum industry is a massive business, with an estimated worth of US$48.68 billion in 2025. Three companies dominate the market, with Wrigley holding the largest share at 35%. Despite the huge profits, there is a lack of transparency when it comes to what gum is actually made of. Manufacturers often list “gum base” in the ingredients, without providing a clear definition of what that entails.
Chemical analysis has revealed that gum contains synthetic chemicals like styrene-butadiene, polyethylene, and polyvinyl acetate, along with sweeteners and flavorings. These are all durable materials that do not biodegrade, leading to persistent plastic pollution in the environment.
Cleaning up discarded gum is not only unsightly but also costly and labor-intensive. In the UK alone, councils spend around £7 million annually on gum clean-up efforts. Efforts have been made to address the issue, such as installing gum collection pots and encouraging responsible disposal. However, these solutions do not tackle the root cause of the problem.
To effectively combat chewing gum pollution, a multi-faceted approach is needed. This includes educating the public about the environmental consequences of gum ingredients, implementing stricter regulations on manufacturers, and promoting sustainable alternatives. By holding manufacturers accountable and incentivizing the use of plant-based gums, we can reduce the environmental impact of this form of plastic pollution.
It’s time to recognize chewing gum pollution as a serious environmental issue and take action to address it. By making informed choices, advocating for stricter regulations, and supporting sustainable alternatives, we can all play a part in reducing the harmful effects of plastic pollution from chewing gum.
This article was written by David Jones, a Sessional Teaching Fellow at the School of the Environment and Life Sciences, University of Portsmouth, and is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.
