The 100% biodegradable and sugar-free chewing gumcomprises eight naturally derived ingredients: sapodilla tree chicle sap, natural flavourings, xylitol, stevia, gum arabic, vegetable glycerine, magnesium stearate and ethically and sustainably sourced carnauba wax. It is available in four variants: Peppermint, Bubblemint, Watermelon and Mighty Mint. Biodegradable, plant-based alternatives to conventional chewing gum should be subject to zero-rated VAT. This would reduce prices and encourage consumers to buy more sustainable products. https://lnkd.in/ezKkAxKF #oceanwarriorproject #brandswithpurpose #climateaction #climatescience #citizenscience #sustainability #expedition

Milliways CEO and founder, Tom Raviv, said: “It was important for us to build on the existing brand identity we’ve established whilst pushing the brand and designs to the next level to make Milliways recognisable to everyone, everywhere. Miliways’ product ranges fit into this category, containing only ingredients like gum arabica, natural flavorings and vegetable glycerin. Milliways said these ingredients made the gum biodegradable and healthier to consume than traditional gum. Whether disposed of responsibly or not, the plastic element of the product means there can be no positive outcome for the environment. If disposed of in a bin, the plastic will either be incinerated or sent to landfill where it will remain and will not decompose,” says the company.Raviv said he wanted to continue educating shoppers that conventional gum could contain the same amount of plastic as a drinks straw. Gum base, the primary ingredient for conventional chewing gum that gives it its rubbery texture, is often made using synthetic polymers like polyethylene. In addition, materials like paraffin wax, latexes and stearic acid are often added to the base mixture.

In the UK only 10-20% of chewing gum is disposed of responsibly, according to council data.Approximately 374 billion pieces of gum are made each year globally, leading to 100,000 metric tons of chewing gum being disposed of annually. Proper waste management is crucial as waste may take less time to decompose in a compost machine or longer in low-traffic areas like gravel or grassland,” says Raviv.A levy should be imposed on any chewing gum containing petroleum-based materials. This would deter consumers from buying dangerous products and would raise public funds for cleaning. This means shoppers are being forced to pay a premium if they want to make better choices for our environment and our health.” Ultimately though, Raviv sees Milliways recent successes as a significant moment for plastic-free brands in general, as they continue to grow in both prominence and market share.