What is the Difference Between Bubble Gum and Chewing Gum? | Food Unwrapped

Food Unwrapped
10 Jan 202005:03
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script delves into the world of chewing gum, highlighting the global expenditure on this ubiquitous product and the various ways it is consumed. It explains the manufacturing process, starting from the arrival of synthetic gum base at the factory, which is initially tasteless, hot, and lacks sweetness. The script differentiates between regular chewing gum and bubble gum, emphasizing the higher elastomer content in the latter that allows for bubble-blowing. The environmental impact of gum is addressed, with the UK spending millions annually on cleanup. The narrative then introduces Anna Poulos, a designer with an innovative solution to recycle gum into useful products like gumdrop bins and Wellington boots, showcasing a sustainable approach to a sticky problem. The summary concludes with a look at the world's first chewing gum recycling scheme, which aims to create a closed-loop recycling system for gum, turning it into a guilt-free pleasure.

Takeaways
  • πŸ’° **Global Spending:** Last year, we spent 12 billion dollars globally on chewing gum.
  • πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Έ **Spanish Innovation:** Spain is renowned for its unique approach to chewing gum.
  • 🌿 **Natural Origins:** Chewing gum originally comes from tree sap, known as chicle.
  • πŸ”¬ **Synthetic Evolution:** Modern chewing gum is made from synthetic materials that resemble sheets of rubber.
  • 🍭 **Tasteless Beginnings:** The raw gum base is tasteless, hot, and lacks the sweetness and flavor of finished products.
  • 🎈 **Bubble Gum Difference:** Bubble gum contains more elastomers, which allow it to stretch and create bubbles.
  • πŸ‘„ **Chewing Gum vs. Bubble Gum:** The production process for chewing gum is different from that of bubble gum due to the varying amounts of elastomers used.
  • πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ **UK Gum Problem:** In the UK, 60 million pounds are spent annually on cleaning up gum, indicating a significant environmental issue.
  • 🌱 **Eco-Friendly Solutions:** Anna Poulos is pioneering a green solution to recycle chewing gum into new products.
  • πŸ—‘οΈ **Recycling Innovation:** The Gumdrop bin is a product made from recycled chewing gum, designed to be refilled and recycled.
  • ♻️ **Sustainable Products:** Recycled chewing gum can be made into various items, including Wellington boots and bracelets, promoting a circular economy.
  • 🌟 **First of Its Kind:** Anna's initiative represents the world's first chewing gum recycling scheme.
Q & A

  • How much was spent globally on chewing gum last year?

    -Globally, 12 billion was spent on chewing gum last year.

  • What is the primary ingredient in modern chewing gum?

    -The primary ingredient in modern chewing gum is synthetic rubber that arrives at the factory in sheet form.

  • What is the main difference between chewing gum and bubble gum?

    -The main difference is the amount of elastomer used in the base. Bubble gum contains more elastomer, which is a synthetic rubber that adds flexibility.

  • What is the texture of the raw gum base before any flavoring or sweetening is added?

    -The raw gum base is tasteless, hot, and not sweet. It is similar to chewing on a piece of rubber.

  • How much does Britain spend on cleaning up gum each year?

    -Britain spends 60 million pounds a year on cleaning up gum.

  • What is the innovative solution that Anna Poulos has come up with to recycle chewing gum?

    -Anna Poulos has developed a chewing gum recycling scheme that turns recycled gum into new products, such as gumdrop bins and Wellington boots.

  • How does the gumdrop bin work in terms of recycling?

    -Once the gumdrop bin is full, it can be returned to the company. The bin is then broken down, any litter is removed, and the gum is recycled into new pellets to create more products.

  • What happens to the recycled gum at the factory?

    -The recycled gum is processed at high temperatures to kill any bacteria, then made into a paste which can be molded into new objects.

  • What are some of the products that can be made from recycled chewing gum according to Anna's scheme?

    -Some of the products include gumdrop bins, Wellington boots, and bracelets, all made from recycled chewing gum.

  • What is unique about the Wellington boots made from recycled chewing gum?

    -The Wellington boots are lightweight and, when they wear out, they can be sent back to be recycled into new ones.

  • Why is the process described by Anna considered 'guilt-free chewing'?

    -It is considered 'guilt-free' because the chewing gum can be recycled into new products, reducing waste and the environmental impact of gum disposal.

Outlines
00:00
🌍 Global Chewing Gum Industry Insights

The script begins by highlighting the global spending on chewing gum, which reached 12 billion dollars last year. It explores the various ways people interact with gum, from chewing and popping to the common issue of stepping on it. The narrator expresses curiosity about the differences between chewing gum and bubble gum. The journey to understand these differences takes the narrator to Spain, where the chewing gum industry is thriving. The video introduces the raw materials used in gum production, including a natural product derived from tree sap. The script also explains the process of transforming raw materials into the base of chewing gum, which is initially tasteless, hot, and lacks sweetness. The main difference between chewing gum and bubble gum is the amount of elastomer used; bubble gum contains more to provide the stretch needed for blowing bubbles. The environmental impact of gum is also discussed, with Britain spending 60 million pounds annually on cleaning up discarded gum. The video concludes with a visit to a pioneering designer in Leicester who has developed a green solution to recycle gum into new products, such as gumdrop bins and Wellington boots, thus creating a sustainable and guilt-free chewing experience.

Mindmap
Keywords
πŸ’‘Chewing Gum
Chewing gum is a type of confectionery made from synthetic rubber that is chewed as a form of oral stimulation. It is the primary subject of the video, which discusses its production, consumption, and environmental impact. The script mentions that the base of chewing gum is made from tree sap and synthetic materials, and it is chewed globally, indicating its widespread use.
πŸ’‘Bubble Gum
Bubble gum is a specific type of chewing gum that has the ability to stretch and form bubbles when blown through a small opening. It contains a higher amount of elastomer, which is a synthetic rubber that adds flexibility to the base. The video differentiates bubble gum from regular chewing gum by highlighting its elasticity and bubble-blowing capabilities.
πŸ’‘Elasteromer
Elastomer is a type of polymer with elastic properties that allow it to return to its original shape after being stretched. In the context of the video, elastomers are used in the production of chewing gum and bubble gum to give the gum its characteristic chewiness. The script explains that bubble gum contains more elastomer than regular chewing gum, which is why it can stretch further.
πŸ’‘Chewing Gum Production
The process of making chewing gum involves combining raw materials to create a chewable product. The video script describes the arrival of synthetic gum at the factory in sheet form, which is then processed and flavored to become the final product. The production process is central to understanding how chewing gum is made and the materials used in its creation.
πŸ’‘Environmental Impact
The environmental impact of chewing gum is a significant theme in the video. It discusses the cost associated with cleaning up gum that has been discarded, as well as the efforts to recycle and repurpose used gum. The script mentions the annual expenditure on cleaning up gum in Britain, emphasizing the need for a green solution.
πŸ’‘Recycling
Recycling in the context of the video refers to the process of collecting and processing used chewing gum to create new products. The script introduces a pioneering designer who has developed a method to recycle chewing gum into various items, such as bins and wellington boots. This process is highlighted as a sustainable solution to the problem of gum waste.
πŸ’‘Gumdrop Bins
Gumdrop bins are a specific product mentioned in the video that are made from recycled chewing gum. They serve a dual purpose: collecting used gum for recycling and promoting a circular economy. The script describes how these bins can be returned and their contents recycled, contributing to a guilt-free chewing gum experience.
πŸ’‘Synthetic Rubber
Synthetic rubber is a man-made material that mimics the properties of natural rubber. In the video, synthetic rubber is used as a key ingredient in the production of chewing gum. The script explains that the base of chewing gum starts as a natural product, tree sap, but in modern times, synthetic materials are also used to create the chewy texture.
πŸ’‘Guilt-Free Chewing Gum
The concept of guilt-free chewing gum is introduced as a result of the recycling efforts and the development of sustainable products made from recycled gum. The video suggests that by recycling and reusing gum, consumers can enjoy chewing gum without the guilt associated with its environmental impact. This term encapsulates the video's message of sustainability and responsible consumption.
πŸ’‘Pioneering Designer
The term refers to the individual, Anna Poulos, who is highlighted in the video for her innovative work in recycling chewing gum. She is portrayed as a visionary who has developed a way to give new life to discarded gum, creating a range of products that can be recycled again and again. Her work is central to the video's narrative of sustainability and innovation.
πŸ’‘Circular Economy
A circular economy is an economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources. The video script discusses the concept in relation to the recycling of chewing gum, where used gum is collected, processed, and turned into new products. This approach is presented as a sustainable alternative to the traditional linear economy, which often results in waste and environmental harm.
Highlights

Global spending on chewing gum reached 12 billion last year.

Chewing gum starts as a natural product, tree sap, but is now often synthetic.

Synthetic gum arrives at the factory in sheets, resembling large pieces of edible but tasteless and hot gum.

The main difference between chewing gum and bubble gum is the amount of elastomer in the base; bubble gum has more.

Bubble gum can stretch to make large bubbles due to the higher elastomer content.

In the UK, 60 million pounds are spent annually on cleaning up gum, indicating a significant environmental issue.

Anna Poulos is a pioneering designer who has developed a green solution for recycling chewing gum.

Gum is a synthetic rubber that can be recycled into various products, such as the Gumdrop bins.

The Gumdrop bins, once full, can be returned for recycling along with their contents.

Recycled gum is processed at high temperatures, killing any bacteria and making it safe for new products.

Recycled gum can be made into new objects, promoting a circular economy for chewing gum products.

Anna's idea constitutes the world's first chewing gum recycling scheme.

Recycled gum products, such as Wellington boots and bracelets, are lightweight and can be returned for recycling when worn out.

The recycling process involves smashing the gum, removing litter, and using secret ingredients to create new pellets.

The pellets are then heated into a paste, which can be molded into new objects.

The initiative aims to create guilt-free chewing gum that can be recycled repeatedly.

The innovative approach to gum recycling has the potential to significantly reduce environmental impact.

Transcripts

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Chewing GumProductionBubble GumRecyclingInnovationSustainabilitySynthetic RubberElastomersGum PollutionEco-friendlyUK Industry