CHICAGO - Wrigley will soon make the switch from aluminum foil wrappers to paper for five of its chewing gum brands, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. Big Red, Doublemint, Juicy Fruit, Winterfresh and Wrigley??s Spearmint will lose their shiny coverings, but the Extra brand will keep its foil wrappers, as well the colored versions of its 5 brand.

Wrigley estimates the switch to paper will conserve the equivalent of 60 million aluminum cans annually. The company will save 13 percent by using paper instead of foil wrappers on the five brands.

But industry experts are a bit unclear as to why Wrigley is making the change, since aluminum is easily and commonly recycled. However, a recent Mintel survey found that 19 percent of respondents desire their gum and mints to be wrapped in eco-friendly packaging.

Breath fresheners, gum and mints are doing okay in the U.S. market because of their low price points. Consumers often purchase these items to give themselves a treat.

"In addition, innovative packaging and unique flavors are aiding in the upward sales momentum," said Bill Patterson, senior analyst at Mintel. The company predicts that the category will experience increases for at least four more years.