Rev7 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
Rev7 Gum, UK (above) and US (below)
Product typeChewing Gum
OwnerRevolymer Ltd.
CountryUnited Kingdom
Introduced2010
MarketsUnited Kingdom and United States
Websiterev7gum.com

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.

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Rev7 was on the US market from 4 October 2010[7] to December 2012, when it was withdrawn due to low sales.[8]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]

References
  1. Roberts, Laura (5 October 2010). "British designers create non-stick chewing gum that dissolves". The Daily Telegraph. London.
  2. "Removable Gum". Revolymer: Revolutionary Polymer Solutions. Archived from the original on 29 October 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  3. "Removable Gum". Revolymer: Revolutionary Polymer Solutions. Archived from the original on 29 October 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  4. "Removable Gum". RSC Chemistry World. Retrieved 25 February 2012.
  5. "Rev7". Our Company. Retrieved 1 December 2011.
  6. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-03-21. Retrieved 2012-02-25.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  7. "A Revolutionary Removable Chewing Gum Launches in World's Largest Market" (Press release). PR Newswire LLC. Retrieved 1 December 2011.
  8. "Rev7 branded degradable gum exits US". 4 January 2013. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  9. "Rev7". Where to Buy. Archived from the original on 2011-12-25. Retrieved 1 December 2011.
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