Most people don’t realize that chewing gum contains plastic—but a researcher has revealed that many brands use oil-based synthetic rubbers, the same materials found in car tires and plastic bags.
Microplastics expert David Jones of the UK’s University of Portsmouth explains that major manufacturers, including Wrigley, avoid disclosing exact ingredients, instead listing “gum base” as a vague catch-all term. However, a 2014 study from the University of Arkansas found that many gums contain styrene-butadiene (used in tires), polyethylene (found in plastic bags), and polyvinyl acetate (wood glue).
With an estimated 1.74 trillion pieces of gum produced yearly, this results in millions of tons of synthetic gum base being chewed and discarded. Because gum does not biodegrade quickly, it lingers on sidewalks, under tables, and in the environment, eventually breaking down into microplastics that persist for decades.
While some companies fund disposal campaigns, Jones argues that this doesn’t address the root problem—the fact that these non-biodegradable, potentially toxic materials are allowed in a product meant for human consumption.
Many people are horrified to learn what they’ve been chewing. While exact data on gum-related plastic pollution is lacking, Jones emphasizes that it’s another overlooked contributor to the microplastic crisis.
If you want to avoid synthetic ingredients, consider switching to natural gums made from tree sap or chicle—or rethink chewing gum altogether.
