Iceland becomes first supermarket to sell plastic-free chewing gum (it’s using tree sap instead) Iceland is the first supermarket in the UK to sell plastic-free chewing gum – making it from tree sap instead. […]

Iceland is the first supermarket in the UK to sell plastic-free chewing gum – making it from tree sap instead.

Although most people don’t realise it, the primary ingredient in the vast majority of chewing gum sold in the UK is ‘gum base’ – a non-biodegradable substance made from synthetic polymers – or plastic – as well as range of chemicals to soften and texturize the product.

With more than 100,000 tons of chewing gum being consumed every year, it’s estimated that 95 per cent of Britain’s streets contain at least some discarded gum and local councils spend around £60m each year cleaning it up.

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“I absolutely detest the mess that discarded plastic chewing gum creates on our streets,” Sir Malcolm Walker

Now, Iceland is selling Simply Gum, a biodegradable product from the US made from sap called chicle. This is taken from the sapodilla tree, which is native to central America.

“I absolutely detest the mess that discarded plastic chewing gum creates on our streets, and the fortune that is wasted by councils trying to clear it up,” said Iceland Founder Sir Malcolm Walker.

‘Gum base’ contains plastic

“For decades, regular gum makers have hidden their synthetic ingredients behind the catch-all term of ‘gum base’ which is consistently used as an ingredient on pack.

Research commissioned by Iceland found that 80 per cent had no idea what ordinary chewing gum is made of. Meanwhile, 85 per cent were unaware that it usually contains plastic.

Simply Gum is now available in Iceland stores across the country and online and costs £2 for a pack of 15, in Mint, Maple and Ginger flavours.

Plastic free gums are already available to buy in the UK but they tend to be sold in small, health stores. Any gum that contains ‘gum base’ contains plastic.