Chewing gum, while seemingly harmless, is actually a major source of pollution. They account for 100,000 tonnes of plastic pollution a year - the equivalent of 10 Eiffel Towers! But do we really know what we're dealing with?
What is chewing gum made of?
It is made from gum base containing petroleum derivatives, synthetic flavors, colorants, preservatives and sweeteners to replace sugar. Some white chewing gums contain titanium dioxide to obtain their color, an additive banned since January 1, 2020 due to its carcinogenic risks. What's more, titanium dioxide nanoparticles represent a potential environmental problem.
Once consumed, all that remains is the gum base in chewing gum. When it disintegrates, it generates particles that end up in the environment.
Why are they a scourge on the planet?
→ They're not biodegradable: chewing gums don't break down naturally. Composed of plastic and mainly gum base, a substance derived from petroleum, they can persist in the environment for hundreds of years.
→ They contaminate the environment: Thrown on the ground, chewing gum often ends up in sewers and waterways, where it pollutes water and harms animal life. They can also seep into the ground and contaminate water tables.
→ They're a source of micro-plastic: Over time, chewing gums fragment into micro-plastics, which can be ingested by animals and humans. These micro-plastics can have harmful effects on health.
→They're a real scourge on cities. Chewing gum stuck to sidewalks and street furniture is not only unsightly, but also difficult and costly to clean up. This situation leaves citizens dissatisfied with the cleanliness of public spaces, leading to hygiene problems on the ground and encouraging bad behavior.
Key figures
→ It is the 2nd urban waste after cigarette butts
→ It costs €1.70/m2 to clean up chewing gum for a local authority! For example, cleaning "just" the Champs- Elysées would require a budget of €227,290.
→ Chewing gum consists of 100 chemical elements, including petroleum derivatives
Steps you can take to reduce the harmful impact of chewing gum
Throwing chewing gum on the ground or sticking it to surfaces has harmful long-term consequences. Awareness of this impact is crucial to promoting cleaner spaces. The simple act of throwing chewing gum in the garbage can is essential. What's more, supporting associations and local authorities in their awareness-raising campaigns against chewing gum pollution is a concrete action to protect our planet.
Freegum, the solution to chewing gum pollution
Our Freegum solution is a simple approach to fighting plastic pollution from chewing gum and its consequences.
We provide you with a personalized offer and follow-up to understand your needs and propose the most appropriate solution. Next, we put at your disposal our Gum'Box, a playful piece of furniture specially designed to collect chewing gum and create a zero-waste space. It's adaptable for both indoor and outdoor use, so it's perfect for all your clean-up needs! After collecting your chewing gum, we convert it into fuel. Transport is carried out anywhere in France, in compliance with regulatory standards. To ensure quality follow-up, we provide you with an environmental impact report, as well as regulatory traceability slips for your waste.
By implementing the Freegum solution, you are contributing to your CSR commitments and to better urban living, raising awareness of plastic pollution and eco-gestures, and reducing the drudgery of cleaning.
In short, chewing gum pollution is a serious and significant problem that needs to be addressed. By taking simple actions and supporting existing initiatives, we can all reduce our impact on the environment.
Become an ambassador of change and join us in our efforts to transform our cities into zero-waste spaces. Together, let's say goodbye to chewing gum pollution!