In the U.S., preparations for a ban on gum sales have begun! Products containing microplastics are under scrutiny.

Chewing gums consumed by millions in everyday life have entered the debate over microplastics. A new bill presented to the New Jersey legislature in the United States aims not only to restrict gum sales but also to limit the sale of certain cosmetics, cleaning, and food packaging products that contain microplastics.

The Contents of Chewing Gums Under the Lens

The A5452 bill presented to the New Jersey State Legislature seeks to reduce the spread of microplastics into the environment and limit human exposure to these particles. Supported by Democratic representatives Shama Haider and Margie Donlon, the regulation covers products that use plastic-based materials in production or can release microplastics during use.

In some traditional gums, synthetic polymers based on gum provide chewability and flexibility. While these substances preserve the texture of the gum, they also become a point of contention regarding microplastic pollution.

Microplastics smaller than 5 millimeters are increasingly examined in scientific studies because they can persist in the environment, mix with water and soil, and enter the food chain.

A Sales Ban Could Come to the Foreground Within Three Years

The legislative proposal foresees a phased implementation of restrictions on covered products. Accordingly, in the first year after the regulation comes into force, manufacturers would disclose information about microplastics in their products, and in the second year, warnings in English and Spanish would be added to packaging.

From the third year onward, the sale of products that fail to meet the specified conditions would be banned. However, the proposal does not mean that all gum on the market will be directly banned. The scope of the restrictions will depend on the definitions made in the regulation, the microplastic content, and the anticipated exemptions.

The proposal also includes provisions for imposing monetary fines on manufacturers and sellers who violate the rules. In addition, it foresees allocating $3 million for researching and reducing microplastic pollution.

Proposal Not Yet Enacted

The regulation that has emerged in New Jersey has not yet been enacted. If the legislative process is completed and the proposal is adopted, significant changes could occur in the production, labeling, and sale of certain consumer products that may contain microplastics.

Whether the proposal will be enacted and which products will ultimately fall within the regulation will become clear as a result of the legislative process.