Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for thermally sealing a filled chewing gum product. The fill material of the chewing gum product is heated to a temperature greater than about 40° C. which correspondingly heats the inner portion of the chewing gum material to an elevated temperature. The method further includes sealing the heated inner portion of the chewing gum material to form a sealed, filled chewing gum product. The present disclosure advantageously increases the bond strength of the sealed ends of the sealed and filled chewing gum product and reduces the amount of unacceptable product or leakers.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides center-filled confectionery products and apparatuses and methods for producing the center-filled confectionery products. The apparatuses include a forming device with cooperatively engaging first and second forming members. The center-filled confectionery products may be released from the forming device with or without the use of an ejection device. The ejection device may comprise plunger members that contact the center-filled confectionery or may comprise a non-contact ejection device. The apparatuses further include an extruder having a housing. The housing has an inlet for receiving a material, at least one extrusion screw within the interior of the housing, and at least device in cooperative communication with the inlet and the extrusion screw. The extruder provides a process that allows for improved blending of chewing gum ingredients and improved processability of the chewing gum product.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for thermally sealing a filled chewing gum product. The fill material of the chewing gum product is heated to a temperature greater than about 40° C. which correspondingly heats the inner portion of the chewing gum material to an elevated temperature. The method further includes sealing the heated inner portion of the chewing gum material to form a sealed, filled chewing gum product. The present disclosure advantageously increases the bond strength of the sealed ends of the sealed and filled chewing gum product and reduces the amount of unacceptable product or leakers.