Chewing gum
Rev7 Gum is a chewing gum, which after chewing is to some extent removable and biodegradable.[1] The idea behind the gum's composition was developed by Professor Terence Cosgrove at the University of Bristol and it was developed by the British company Revolymer.[2]
Rev7 is designed to be a low adhesive gum that, unlike conventional gum, can be easily removed from a variety of surfaces, and which degrades and disperses over a short time-scale when in contact with water.[3]
Composition
Conventional chewing gums use poly(styrene-co-butadiene) or poly(ethylene-co-vinylacetate). In contrast, Rev7 Gum contains an amphiphilic material, containing both hydrophobic (water repellent) and hydrophilic (water attracting) regions, which aids in the degradability and removability of the substance. It is composed of a polyisoprene backbone and grafts of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)[4] and has a CAS number of 1246080-53-4.
Development
The polymer was developed at the University of Bristol in an effort to curb pollution issues, due to regular chewing gum, which are prevalent in the United Kingdom. Britain spends over £150 million annually (as of 2008) on gum cleanup efforts, using techniques such as high pressure steam hoses, corrosive materials, and freezing machines to help remove this synthetic material from sidewalks and other public spaces.[citation needed]
Its name is derived from the word "revolution" (Rev), and the number of attempts it took to achieve the degradable gum (7).[5] Rev7 has two flavours: Natural Peppermint and Natural Spearmint.
Availability
United Kingdom
Rev7 launched in Spring 2012.[6]
United States
Rev7 was on the US market from 4 October 2010[7] to December 2012, when it was withdrawn due to low sales.[8]
It was available at multiple retailers, including 7-Eleven, Huck's Market, Mobil, BP and Weigel's, as well as Rev 7's online store.[9]
