BEIJING, Sept. 17 (Xinhuanet) -- British scientists have developed a nonstick and degradeable chewing gum, Clean Gum, which can be easily removed from shoes, clothes, pavements and hair, according to media reports Monday.

    "The advantage of our Clean Gum is that it has a great taste, it is easy to remove and has the potential to be environmentally degradable," said Terence Cosgrove, a professor of chemistry of Revolymer, a company linked with the University of Bristol.

    Today's chewing gums are made from synthetic latex, which is resistant to the weather and is strongly adhesive. The new gum adds a special polymer to modify its formulation, which alters the interfacial properties of the discarded gum cuds, making them less adhesive to most common surfaces.

    In two street trials, leading commercial gums remain stuck to the pavement three out of four times, while Clean Gum is removed naturally within 24 hours by "natural events" in all cases, Revolymer said.

    Preliminary results also indicate that the gum will degrade naturally in water.

    The new gum could significantly change the pollution issues facing chewing gum and will be launched commercially in 2008.

    (Agencies)