Chewing gum that degrades quicker

27 March 2012 – Litter in the form of chewing gum is a tricky and, literally, sticky problem. It can take up to 25 years for chewing gum to degrade, and removing it is a tricky and expensive task.

TNO, chewing gum manufacturers and Stichting Nederland Schoon (Clean Netherlands Foundation) have started a research project that aims to enable the development of a chewing gum that complies with the requirements of both consumer and producer. Chewing gum that disintegrates quickly and is less sticky but retains a good taste. At the end of 2012, TNO expects to be able to publish the initial results.

TNO has extensive knowledge of carbohydrate modification as well as plenty of experience of food perception and food taste.