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.

“It’s a protein, it’s good for you because it’s not like a rubber-based gum that stays in your stomach,” said Prof Arendt.

The university has patented her discovery and is looking to sell the recipe to the highest bidder.

Between 2007 and 2010, Dublin City Council spent €1.3 million cleaning chewing gum off city streets. Cork City Council spends €30,000 per year keeping its streets gum-free.

It is understood that three multinationals have expressed an interest in commercialising the biodegradable gum.