A process and apparatus for processing the elastomeric component of a gum base or chewing gum product is disclosed. Slabs of elastomeric material (12) are metered into a rotary cutting mechanism (64) together with a powdered lubricant and the elastomer is ground up into small flakes and particles which are coated with the powder. A vaccum-conveyor system (20) transports the elastomeric particles through a cyclone receiver (22), blender and sifter where excess powder is removed. The elastomeric particles are then transported through another receiver and fed into an extruder (44) by a metered feeding mechanism.
