Jena Students Win with Plastic-Free Gum in “Jugend gründet” Final
The Problem with Conventional Chewing Gum
Conventional chewing gum often contains plastic and artificial additives. Advocates argue that a better alternative would be less harmful to health, environmentally pleasant, and fully biodegradable.
Developing a New Recipe
Two students,Julia Peiselt and Johanna Schultz,have spent several years researching chewing gum. their investigation into the ingredients of commercially available chewing gum revealed concerning findings. What they found was horrifying,
said Johanna.
Years in the Making
The students spent two years refining their recipe. Julia explains that their chewing gum alternative does not use plastic polymers. Rather, it uses chicle
—a tree resin from South America that was chewed by the Aztecs and the Maya.
Competition Ahead
After placing second, the students can qualify for a national competition thru an additional round.In this business simulation, they must defend their business idea against an AI simulator. The competition,which has been running since 2003,saw participation from 1,177 school teams from across Germany,all of whom submitted business plans.
The Problem with Conventional Chewing Gum: A Q&A
What are the main concerns with conventional chewing gum?
Conventional chewing gum often contains plastic and artificial additives. these ingredients have raised concerns among advocates who are seeking alternatives that are less harmful to health, environmentally pleasant, and fully biodegradable.
What ingredients are typically found in chewing gum?
While the article doesn’t list specific ingredients, it points to concerns with the ingredients used in commercial chewing gums. Other sources reveal that a typical chewing gum includes sugar, corn syrup, softeners, flavors, and a non-soluble gum base.
What is the focus of research to improve chewing gum?
Two students, Julia Peiselt and Johanna Schultz, spent several years researching chewing gum. Their investigation aimed to identify alternatives to the problematic ingredients in commercially available chewing gum. Johanna stated their findings were concerning.
What alternative ingredients are being explored?
The students developed a chewing gum alternative that does not use plastic polymers. Instead, it uses chicle—a tree resin from South America that was chewed by the Aztecs and the Maya.
How long did it take to develop the new chewing gum recipe?
the students spent two years refining their recipe.
Where else can I learn about chewing gum ingredients?
You can find addition information about chewing gum ingredients such as gumbase, sugar, and sirup in articles like the one found here: [2]
What challenges are involved in bringing a new chewing gum alternative to market?
The students participated in a business simulation competition, where they had to defend their business idea against an AI simulator. The competition, which saw participation from 1,177 school teams from across Germany, shows the challenges involved in bringing a new chewing gum alternative to market.