What is 'Gum Base' and How Did it Change?
The journey of chewing gum's main ingredient is one of evolution driven by mass production. Initially, chewing gum was made from natural substances. The ancient Mayans, for example, chewed chicle, a natural latex sap from the sapodilla tree. Similarly, Native Americans used resin from spruce trees. These natural bases were biodegradable and easily sourced in smaller quantities.
However, during World War II, the demand for gum, especially for military rations, caused a chicle shortage. This scarcity spurred manufacturers to seek out synthetic alternatives. This shift marked the beginning of modern, mass-produced gum as we know it, which relies heavily on synthetic polymers to create a consistent, long-lasting chew that is more cost-effective to produce. This undisclosed blend of synthetic materials is what is now listed simply as "gum base" on most ingredient labels, including Wrigley's.
The Synthetic Polymers Hiding in Your Gum
When you see the term "gum base" on a package of Wrigley's gum, it’s a blanket term for a proprietary mixture of synthetic and natural ingredients. The synthetic components are what give the gum its non-biodegradable, elastic properties. Chemical analysis of modern gum base reveals that it contains several types of polymers commonly associated with plastics and rubbers.
Key synthetic ingredients in gum base may include:
- Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA): A synthetic polymer also used in wood glue and plastic bottles, PVA provides bubble strength and flexibility.
- Polyethylene: Found in plastic bags and milk jugs, this plastic offers bulk and texture to the gum.
- Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR): A synthetic rubber used to make car tires, it gives gum its characteristic bouncy and tacky properties.
Manufacturers like Wrigley's use these materials because they are more consistent and durable than natural alternatives, ensuring a uniform product with improved texture and a longer-lasting flavor. While the FDA considers these specific food-grade materials safe for consumption, their origins as plastic polymers remain a key point of discussion for consumers.
Synthetic vs. Natural Gum Base: A Comparison
To better understand the difference, here is a comparison of synthetic and natural gum bases:
| Feature | Synthetic Gum Base (used by Wrigley's) | Natural Gum Base (e.g., chicle) |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Blends of synthetic polymers like polyethylene, PVA, and SBR | Plant-based materials, primarily chicle from the sapodilla tree |
| Biodegradability | Non-biodegradable; takes decades or centuries to break down | Biodegradable; breaks down in weeks or months |
| Consistency | Highly consistent and uniform due to synthetic formulation | Can vary in quality and batch consistency |
| Cost | More cost-effective for mass production | More expensive due to slower, manual harvesting |
| Texture & Longevity | Designed for long-lasting flavor and a durable chew | Often less durable and shorter-lived in flavor |
| Environmental Impact | A major source of plastic litter and microplastic pollution | Eco-friendly and less impactful on the environment |
The Environmental Cost of Synthetic Gum
With trillions of pieces of gum produced annually, the environmental impact of non-biodegradable, synthetic gum is significant. Improperly disposed of chewing gum is a persistent and costly form of litter worldwide, as it sticks to pavements and does not dissolve. A single piece of discarded gum can take centuries to break down.
As the sun and weather act on discarded gum, the synthetic plastic polymers break down into tiny pieces called microplastics. These microplastics enter waterways, soil, and potentially the food chain, posing a threat to both wildlife and human health. Studies show that chewing gum can release hundreds of microplastic particles into a person's saliva during an hour of chewing.
What About Health Concerns?
The use of food-grade plastics in gum raises questions for many consumers. While regulatory bodies like the FDA classify the materials in gum base as safe for human contact and ingestion, ongoing research into the health effects of microplastic exposure continues. Some studies on animals suggest potential effects on the gut microbiome, though the long-term impact on humans is still being determined. Wrigley's and other gum manufacturers assure consumers that the gum base is not absorbed by the body, even if swallowed.
Alternatives to Plastic-Based Gum
If the idea of chewing on plastic-derived materials is unappealing, there are alternatives available that utilize natural, plant-based ingredients. Many eco-friendly brands have returned to using traditional chicle or other biodegradable bases.
These options offer several advantages:
- Biodegradable: They break down naturally in the environment, reducing litter and plastic pollution.
- Eco-Friendly Sourcing: Often made with ethically sourced and natural ingredients.
- Transparency: Brands that use natural bases are typically more transparent about their ingredients.
While natural gums may not offer the same ultra-durable chew or consistent texture as their synthetic counterparts, their rising popularity demonstrates a growing consumer demand for more sustainable and transparent products. Companies like Glee Gum and Simply Gum are prominent players in this market.
Can you recycle chewing gum?
Because of its synthetic polymer content, conventional gum is not recyclable through standard recycling streams. Specialised companies like Gum Drop and TerraCycle have developed programs to collect and process used chewing gum into new plastic products, offering an innovative solution to the litter problem.
Conclusion
The simple answer to whether Wrigley's gum is made from plastic is that its gum base is indeed formulated with several synthetic polymers, which are essentially plastics. While deemed safe for human consumption by regulatory bodies, this ingredient choice carries significant environmental consequences, including non-biodegradable litter and the release of microplastics. The shift from natural chicle to synthetic rubber during the mid-20th century transformed the industry but also introduced these environmental trade-offs. For consumers concerned about the origin of their gum, a growing market of natural, biodegradable, and plastic-free alternatives offers a more sustainable chewing option. Understanding the composition of modern gum allows for a more informed choice, whether you stick with tradition or opt for a greener chew.
For further reading on the environmental impact of synthetic gum, check out this article: Chewing gum is plastic pollution, not a litter problem.
