Biodegradable gum set to chew up cleaning bills

IT’S the bane of teachers, parents and street sweepers, turning up as it does on pavements, desks, bedposts and sofas.

However, a University College Cork scientist attempting to develop a quality gluten-free flour has found a magic ingredient that could make their lives easier — and save taxpayers millions in cleaning bills.

Professor Elke Arendt at UCC’s school of food and nutritional sciences has developed a biodegradable chewing gum which has the elasticity of regular gum but breaks down in days.