What are the origins of chewing gum?
While colourful packs of chewing gum may seem like a modern invention, its history dates back to ancient times. There’s even evidence that some northern Europeans were chewing birch bark tar 9,000 years ago—possibly for enjoyment as well as medicinal purposes, such as relieving toothaches.
Native Americans chewing on the resin from spruce trees are believed to have inspired John Curtis in the 1840s to create the first chewing gum to be sold commercially. By the early 1850s, he had even built in Portland, Maine the world’s first chewing gum factory.
Fast forward to today, and modern chewing gum, made from synthetic polymers and plasticisers, is sold in a wide variety of flavours but unfortunately, its popularity has led to a sticky situation: chewing gum litter.
This elastic, rubber-like substance litters our pavements, benches, and public spaces, creating an unsightly and stubborn mess. Because it’s made from non-biodegradable materials, discarded gum can stick around indefinitely, complicating clean up efforts. With gum being one of the most common forms of litter, innovative solutions and professional services are essential to maintain the cleanliness of our public areas.
Is discarded chewing gum a big issue?
Chewing gum is the second most common type of street litter on the planet after cigarette butts. With an estimated 574 billion pieces of gum chewed annually, the scale of the problem is clear if ‘chewers’ do not dispose of their used chewing gum properly.
In a study by Keep Britain Tidy, 87% of sites surveyed were found to be marred by gum stains. It is perhaps not surprising that more than 50 councils across the UK have received grants of more than £1.2 million to help clean their streets of gum and try to prevent them from being littered again.
Why should ‘chewers’ dispose of chewing gum properly?
Chewing gum does not biodegrade because it is made from synthetic materials. Whilst these might give it durability and help to enhance the chewing experience for people, it also means that it needs careful disposal. The durability of gum means it can remain on surfaces for long periods, becoming hardened over time to further complicate clean up efforts.
Some people may think flushing chewing gum down the toilet is an okay means of disposal, but it can cause damage to plumbing systems and contribute to environmental pollution.
Through our research, it was revealed that 1 in 7 UK adults think it is safe to flush chewing gum down the toilet. Twice as many men (15%) flush chewing gum down the toilet compared to women (7%), and 18 – 34 year-olds (47%) are the most likely to try and flush their gum away.
These statistics highlight the need for increased public awareness and better disposal habits.
How do you remove chewing gum?
The best solution is for chewing gum not to be discarded onto surfaces in the first place, so carefully placed bins and signage can play a helpful part.
Some people may attempt DIY methods for gum removal, but these can prove ineffective and can even damage the surfaces they aim to clean. Manual removal is time-intensive, and can cause staining when gum has been sitting on a hard surface like concrete or asphalt for an extended period. For long-lasting and thorough results, professional cleaning solutions are recommended.
In recent years, several innovations have improved the effectiveness of chewing gum removal, including:
- Ecoblasting Technology: This advanced method combines compressed air with a specialist abrasive to remove chewing gum without harming the underlying surface.
- Pressure Washing: Using high-powered water jets, pressure washing is a highly effective solution for tackling various industrial cleaning tasks.
Professional chewing gum removal service
Chewing gum litter is more than a minor inconvenience; it is a widespread problem that blights public spaces and can impact negatively on people’s perceptions. Tackling it effectively and efficiently requires innovative solutions and professional intervention. Contact us today for advanced cleaning technologies and solutions, to ensure affected areas are restored to their original condition.