Chewing gum and sustainability

Working to keep our sidewalks clean

ICGA and its members understand the impact that our products can have on the environment, and we are fully committed to doing our part to ensure that consumers dispose of their chewing gum properly.

Research has shown that littered gum is caused by the irresponsible behavior of a minority of gum chewers. Therefore, the only sustainable solution to deal with the issue of littered gum, as well as all other forms of litter, is to change individual behavior. In our view, the best and most effective solution is to educate consumers on responsible behavior.

ICGA members promote good disposal practice through use of on-pack icons, as through the use of proper disposal messages in advertising and at point of sale.

Our members also work alongside governments and environmental organizations to drive litter education in our communities. For instance in the UK, the Chewing Gum Action Group (CGAC), which was founded in 2003 and is chaired by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, develops and sponsors education programs with an average of 15 local authorities each year. These campaigns have proven to be very successful in reducing littered gum by as much as 25% to 40%. ICGA members organize themselves in other countries to work in a flexible and effective way to address the litter issue with local partners.