Polymer solution to a sticky problem

A Welsh company has developed a new chemical base for chewing gum that allows it to be removed from pavements and other surfaces with a mild soap solution or simply washing with water.

‘We have managed to change the surface characteristics of the gum base which will allow a stream of water or a mild soap solution to break the adhesion between chewing gum residues and surfaces such as paving stones, furniture, hair and so on,’ said Professor Terence Cosgrove, chief scientific officer of start-up company Revolymer.

Revolymer develops new polymers from existing commodity polymers that potentially have applications in medical devices, paints and coatings, textiles and personal care products.

In UK Government studies, chewing gum pollution has been considered as one of the key issues facing local authorities and a chewing gum tax is being considered in the UK, Ireland and other EU countries. As an example of the problem, Westminster city council spends some £95,000 per year removing gum from pavements.