Environmental Science - Research Paper Example

The process that is used for different products involves set procedures that make a difference in the response from consumers. The process of makingchewing gum is one of the products that can be analyzed for a specific procedure. The process is able to create a specific type of product that is sold in almost every region of the world and which is defined through several brands and companies. The concept of chewing gum dates back to ancient times in several cultures. The Greeks, Arabs and Mayans were all known to have this substance.

In Greece, the process involved resin which was taken from a mastic tree, specifically which could be used for medicinal purposes. Middle Eastern cultures also used resin, combined with beeswax, specifically because it could be chewed with a softer texture. The first gum in America was noted in as early as the 800s when spruce tree resin was taken from the bark and chewed on. This chewing gum continued to be used until the 1800s when it became a commercial product (Ford Gum, 2011). When chewing gum was first processed, it began with taking gum from spruce trees.

There were also options to have a silicone base with the gum. However, neither of these options allowed for continuous manufacturing of the gum. The process used today began by Thomas Adams. Adams was introduced to chicle, a rubbery textured tree sap that is found in both Mexico and in Central America. The chicle is scrapped from the trees and immediately consists of a rubbery substance that can be chewed. The gum is then processed to make a different consistency and size. The chicle is placed in hot water until it begins to reform into a putty type of consistency.

After the putty is made, the gum is processed into different flavors. The ingredients include sassafras and licorice, which creates the main taste for general bubble gum. Other types of gum will also add in other flavors, such as mint, peppermint or fruit flavors. After the flavors are mixed into the gum, the substance is kneaded, similar to dough. The gum is then shaped into chewable sizes, most commonly which are created into small circles or squares. There is also the ability to cut the gum into small, thin strips.

This is usually done through the process of a machine that is able to flatten and cut the gum substance. The gum is then placed into a small wrapper and a label is placed around a pack, usually which comes in 5, 10 or 15 sticks or circles of gum. The gum is then taken to a manufacturer or reseller (Plaut, 16). The manufacturing process is also followed with bubble gum, which consists of a slightly different substance. To make this, there is a combination with synthetic rubber that makes a harder consistency with the bubble gum and which allows the substance to form with air.

Today, these different substances are not only used on bubble gum, but also may work as a substitute for chicle. The natural resins often don’t provide a strong enough supply for manufacturing the chewing gum. In these instances, the synthetic rubber can provide a substitute for the main type of resin. After this, there is the need to add more artificial sweeteners and syrups. Most gum consists of 79% sweeteners and flavors to create the right flavor with current manufacturing (Plaut, 16). Works Cited Ford Gum.

“The Story of Chewing Gum.” Retrieved from: http://www.fordgum.com/story.html, 2011. Plaut, Josh. “Pop Secret.” Science World. (September), 1992.