Chewing Gum
Chewing gum is a soft, rubbery substance that has been chewed by humans since the Neolithic period, with historical evidence suggesting use as far back as 10,000 B.C.E. Early forms of chewing gum were made from natural materials such as tree sap, while modern versions often utilize synthetic ingredients. The chewing gum industry is significant, valued at over $19 billion in 2014, with an average person consuming about 280 sticks each year, contributing to a total of 100,000 tons annually. Chewing gum has evolved through various cultures, with notable examples including the use of birch tree bark tar by ancient Scandinavian populations and chicle by the Mayans and Aztecs for hydration and breath freshening.
The commercial development of chewing gum advanced in the United States in the late 19th century, particularly through the efforts of inventor Thomas Adams Sr. and entrepreneur William Wrigley, who popularized products like Juicy Fruit. While chicle was the primary ingredient for many years, by the 1980s, manufacturers shifted to synthetic bases such as polyvinyl acetate due to increased demand and limited supply of natural chicle. Today, concerns are raised regarding the environmental impact of chewing gum, particularly its disposal, as it is indigestible and can pose challenges if not managed properly.
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Chewing Gum
Chewing gum is a soft, rubbery substance made from petroleum, wax, and other materials that is chewed by humans but is indigestible. Humans chewed gum as far back as the Neolithic period. Early chewing gum was made of natural substances derived from trees, grasses, and other plants. As a synthetically produced, water-insoluble substance, modern chewing gum is potentially hazardous to the environment if it is not disposed of properly.
The chewing gum industry was valued at more than $19 billion by 2014. The average person chews 280 sticks of gum each year, which adds up to 100,000 tons of chewing gum consumed annually. Chewing gum sales in the United States in 2014 amounted to $2 billion.
Overview
Chewing gum has existed since the Neolithic period of human history, which began about 10,000 B.C.E. Archaeologists discovered a 5,000-year-old piece of chewing gum made of birch tree bark tar, which contains antiseptic compounds called phenols, in Finland in 2007. Neolithic people probably chewed the gum to treat infections. This type of chewing gum was also popular among ancient Scandinavian populations.
The ancient Greeks chewed a plant-based substance called mastich. The Mayans and Aztecs also chewed a type of gum extracted from the bark of sapodilla trees. This type of gum was made from chicle, a plant substance derived from these trees. The Mayans used the gum to quench thirst and satisfy hunger. The Aztecs used it as a breath freshener. American Indians chewed spruce tree resin, a habit they eventually passed on to European settlers.
Modern chewing gum habits developed out of failed attempts to develop chicle for commercial use as a rubber substitute. American inventor Thomas Adams Sr. instead discovered a way to make chewing gum out of the substance. Chicle-based gum made for a softer product that held its flavor longer. By 1880, demand had grown so high that Adams's company was manufacturing five tons of chewing gum per day.
Chewing gum's popularity in the United States boomed in the early twentieth century. William Wrigley was a soap salesperson who began offering free chewing gum to customers during the 1890s. He soon realized the complimentary chewing gum was more popular than the soap. In 1893, Wrigley introduced a new product he called Juicy Fruit. The gum became hugely successful, and by the 1920s Americans were chewing an average of 105 sticks of gum per year.
Chewing gum's popularity increased the demand for chicle. Unfortunately, demand for chicle far outweighed the supply. By 1980, American manufacturers were no longer using chicle to produce gum. Gum manufacturers have turned to synthetic bases, which are cheaper and readily available. Synthetic polymer polyvinyl acetate is one common chewing gum base.
Bibliography
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