Rev7 Gum
{{Short description|Chewing gum}}
{{Infobox brand
| logo =
| name = Rev7
| image = File:Rev7 Gum Packaging UK.jpg File:Rev7 Gum Packaging US.jpg
| caption = Rev7 Gum, UK (above) and US (below)
| type = Chewing gum
| currentowner = Revolymer Ltd.
| origin = United Kingdom
| introduced = 2010
| discontinued =
| related =
| markets = United Kingdom and United States
| previousowners =
| trademarkregistrations =
| ambassador =
| tagline =
}}
Rev7 Gum was a chewing gum, which after chewing is to some extent removable and biodegradable.{{cite news| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/8042855/British-designers-create-non-stick-chewing-gum-that-dissolves.html | location=London | work=The Daily Telegraph | first=Laura | last=Roberts | title=British designers create non-stick chewing gum that dissolves | date=5 October 2010}} 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.{{cite web|title=Removable Gum|url=http://www.revolymer.com/removable_gum|work=Revolymer: Revolutionary Polymer Solutions|accessdate=25 October 2011|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111029072947/http://www.revolymer.com/removable_gum|archivedate=29 October 2011}}
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.{{cite web|title=Removable Gum|url=http://www.revolymer.com/removable_gum|work=Revolymer: Revolutionary Polymer Solutions|accessdate=25 October 2011|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111029072947/http://www.revolymer.com/removable_gum|archivedate=29 October 2011}}
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){{cite web|title=Removable Gum|url=http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2010/October/07101002.asp|work=RSC Chemistry World|accessdate=25 February 2012}} 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.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}
Its name is derived from the word "revolution" (Rev), and the number of attempts it took to achieve the degradable gum (7).{{cite web|title=Rev7|url=http://www.rev7gum.com/our-company.php|work=Our Company|accessdate=1 December 2011}} Rev7 has two flavours: Natural Peppermint and Natural Spearmint.
Availability
= United Kingdom =
= United States =
Rev7 was on the US market from 4 October 2010{{cite press release|title=A Revolutionary Removable Chewing Gum Launches in World's Largest Market|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/a-revolutionary-removable-chewing-gum-launches-in-worlds-largest-market-104257218.html|publisher=PR Newswire LLC|accessdate=1 December 2011}} to December 2012, when it was withdrawn due to low sales.{{Cite web|url=http://www.confectionerynews.com/Manufacturers/Rev7-branded-degradable-gum-exits-US-as-maker-seeks-licensees|title=Rev7 branded degradable gum exits US|last=|first=|date=4 January 2013|website=|publisher=|access-date=16 April 2016}}
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.{{cite web|title=Rev7|url=http://www.rev7gum.com/where-to-buy.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111225043539/http://www.rev7gum.com/where-to-buy.php|archive-date=2011-12-25|work=Where to Buy|accessdate=1 December 2011}}