BREATH SAVERS

Introduction

BREATH SAVERS is a brand that has found its place in the competitive mint market since it joined The Hershey Company in 2000. Although the specific founders are not widely known, the brand was developed to cater to individuals seeking a reliable solution for freshening breath while also addressing underlying concerns like bad breath. The philosophy of BREATH SAVERS is rooted in a commitment to provide products that go beyond mere minting; they aim to empower consumers with confidence through fresh breath and enjoyable flavors.

The brand believes in the notion that freshness should be effective and convenient. Their philosophy emphasizes not just masking bad breath but neutralizing it, which is reflected in the formulation of their mints. This unique approach and dedication to quality help distinguish BREATH SAVERS in an oversaturated market. With a variety of flavors and sugar-free options, the brand appeals to a broad customer base, encouraging them to embrace moments of close interaction with assurance.

What makes BREATH SAVERS special is not only their juicy, refreshing flavors but also their scientifically-backed ability to neutralize bad breath. The mints are designed to provide a rapid breath-freshening experience without the sugar, making them an enticing choice for health-conscious consumers. Additionally, the brand’s integration with The Hershey Company lends it a level of trust and recognition that consumers often seek in their product choices.

Signature Products

BREATH SAVERS offers a delightful array of mints designed for freshening breath effectively and conveniently. With a focus on quality and flavor, their products are crafted to redefine breath-freshening experiences.

• Spearmint Sugar Free Mints : A refreshing burst of spearmint flavor in a convenient 0.75 oz roll, perfect for on-the-go freshness.
• 3-Hour Peppermint Sugar Free Mints : A long-lasting peppermint flavor packaged in a 1.27 oz puck for sustained freshness throughout the day.
• Wintergreen Sugar Free Mints : A cool wintergreen flavor presented in a 0.75 oz roll, delivering crisp freshness for any occasion.

Materials and Ingredients Used by BREATH SAVERS

• Magnesium Stearate : This ingredient is a key flow agent commonly used in the production of mints. It helps to prevent ingredients from clumping together, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture in BREATH SAVERS Mints, ultimately enhancing the product's quality and usability.
• Polysorbate 20 : This ingredient acts as an emulsifier and stabilizer, contributing to the uniform distribution of flavors and ensuring that the mints retain their desired consistency. Its role is crucial in providing a pleasant mouthfeel and aiding in flavor release when consuming the mints.
• Sorbitol : Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that serves as a sweetener and humectant in BREATH SAVERS Mints. It not only imparts sweetness without contributing calories but also helps maintain moisture, enhancing the overall texture and flavor experience of the product.
• Yellow 5 : This ingredient is a color additive that contributes to the visual appeal of the mints. By adding a vibrant hue, it enhances the overall presentation and consumer experience, making the product more attractive on retail shelves.
• Zinc : Zinc is included for its beneficial properties in neutralizing bad breath. By helping to combat odor-causing compounds, it plays a vital role in the effectiveness of BREATH SAVERS Mints in maintaining fresh breath, aligning with the brand's promise of confidence.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From BREATH SAVERS

Deforestation:

The production of both magnesium stearate and sorbitol can be linked to deforestation. For magnesium stearate, the raw material comes from palm or other plant oils, often sourced from deforested areas, particularly in Southeast Asia. Extensive clearing for palm oil plantations leads to loss of biodiversity, habitat destruction, and contributes to climate change through increased CO2 emissions. For example, the rapid expansion of palm oil plantations in Indonesia has resulted in significant biodiversity loss and is a leading cause of habitat destruction for endangered species like orangutans.

Energy-intensive Processing:

Energy plays a substantial role in the production of magnesium stearate. Its processing involves high-temperature reactions that require large amounts of energy, usually from fossil fuels, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. This energy demand not only increases the carbon footprint of magnesium stearate but also strains local energy resources. The energy required for magnesium extraction and processing can contribute extensively to environmental degradation and carbon emissions.

Chemical Waste:

The chemical processes involved in synthesizing ingredients like magnesium stearate often produce hazardous waste. Improper disposal of this waste can lead to soil, water, and air pollution, affecting local communities and ecosystems. In many countries, chemical manufacturing does not always operate under strict regulations, leading to pollution that impacts both the environment and human health. Areas surrounding chemical manufacturing plants can suffer from contaminated water supplies, harming both wildlife and human inhabitants.

Petrochemical Dependency:

Polysorbate 20 is derived from ethylene oxide, a petrochemical. This creates a dependency on oil and gas, fossil fuels that are unsustainable and environmentally damaging. The extraction and refining process for petrochemicals can lead to significant environmental issues such as oil spills, air and water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. This highlights the unsustainable nature of using fossil fuel-derived ingredients in consumer products.

Water Pollution:

Both polysorbate 20 and yellow 5 contribute to water pollution during their production and use. Synthetic chemicals and byproducts can be discharged into local water bodies, disrupting aquatic ecosystems and affecting water quality for local communities. For instance, the effluents from chemical plants can lead to nutrient overloading in waterways, promoting harmful algal blooms that deplete oxygen and kill marine life.

Agricultural Runoff:

The production of sorbitol involves crops like corn, which are often grown using intensive farming techniques that necessitate chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Runoff from these farms can lead to eutrophication in water bodies, damaging aquatic life and leading to dead zones where few organisms can survive. Additionally, the reliance on genetically modified crops raises concerns about biodiversity and ecosystem balances.

Synthetic Chemical Production:

The production of yellow 5, a synthetic dye, involves complex chemical synthesis processes that can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants into the environment. Moreover, the health risks associated with synthetic dyes have sparked consumer concern, as they can cause allergic reactions and have been linked to behavioral problems in children.

Mining Impact:

Zinc is extracted through mining, which has a significant impact on the landscape. Mining practices disturb vast areas of land, causing deforestation, soil erosion, and habitat loss. Open-pit mines, in particular, can be especially damaging as they permanently alter the landscape. Additionally, mining operations often lead to the contamination of nearby soil and water bodies due to the release of heavy metals and chemicals used in the mining process, posing a threat to both human and ecological health.

These issues are deeply intertwined with the supply chain of BREATH SAVERS and must be considered in efforts to improve sustainability. Understanding and addressing the environmental and social impacts of ingredient sourcing and processing is crucial for reducing the ecological footprint and promoting sustainability within the industry.