72% of Dutch people want a ban on plastic chewing gum: 'We are chewing on plastic without knowing it'

Amsterdam, 23 September 2025 – New research by the Plastic Soup Foundation shows that 72% of Dutch people are in favour of banning chewing gum containing plastic. Yet the vast majority of consumers do not know that most chewing gums consist largely of plastic. The Plastic Soup Foundation calls on politicians to take action and ban plastic chewing gum.

Chewing gum: a plastic product in disguise

Chewing gum often contains synthetic polymers such as polyvinyl acetate, polyethylene, butyl rubber, and other plastics. However, these substances are not clearly stated on the packaging; It is sufficient to use the general terms "gum base" or "gum."

The survey shows that 86% of the Dutch think that it should be mandatory to clearly state if there is plastic in chewing gum.

"It is incomprehensible that for a food product such as chewing gum, it is not mandatory to clearly name all ingredients," says Robbert Meulenveld, director of the Plastic Soup Foundation. "Consumers now have no idea that they are literally putting plastic in their mouths and chewing on it."

Microplastics in saliva and the environment

Recent research shows that more than 250,000 microplastics are released into saliva after an hour of chewing plastic gum. Nanoplastics were also detected. These particles can enter the body, disrupt the intestinal flora and reach other organs through the bloodstream. Scientists express great concern about the health risks.

Worldwide, 560,000 tons of chewing gum are produced annually, accounting for 374 billion pieces. After chewing, about 35% of the gum base remains, a large part of which ends up in the environment as litter and is very difficult to clean up. 

Young people chew the most

Chewing gum is especially popular among young people: 86% of 18 to 24-year-olds chew gum, compared to 67% of the average Dutch person.

What can you do?

• Choose biodegradable chewing gum based on natural gum (chicle)
• Always throw chewing gum in the trash
• Sign the petition 'Stop The Plastic Chew': the Plastic Soup Foundation wants to collect at least 40,000 signatures to put the subject on the agenda in the House of Representatives.*
• Ask your favorite chewing gum brand for transparency about the ingredients
• Read our article on chewing gumfor more information.