Content about Recyclable materials

MINNEAPOLIS — Target said that its in-store recycling stations collected and recycled more than 170 million shopping bags, weighing more than 1,800 tons, between April and December 2010.

The retailer also said that its in-store recycling stations, which were launched to make it easier for guests to recycle common household items, also collected and recycled more than 700 tons of bottles and cans, as well as nearly 2 million units of such small electronics as MP3 players and cell phones during the nine-month period.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart announced it has eliminated more than 80% of the waste that would go to landfills from its operations in California by implementing a comprehensive waste-reduction program. The results far exceed the national average, where the Environmental Protection Agency estimated only 45% of waste is diverted from landfills. The California rate was 65%.

PURCHASE, N.Y. — PepsiCo said it significantly is reducing its carbon footprint through its development of a plant-based bottle.

The company said its "green" PET bottle, made of such bio-based raw materials as switch grass, pine bark and corn husks, is 100% recyclable.

The announcement followed the company's rollout of "quieter" compostable bags for its SunChips brand.

PepsiCo will pilot production of the new bottle in 2012.

ATLANTA — Expect to see Heinz in a whole new way.

The company said it has entered a strategic partnership with Coca-Cola to implement the soft drink giant's PlantBottle packaging in the production of its Heinz Ketchup bottles. PlantBottle packaging is made of PET plastic bottles that are fully recyclable and use less nonrenewable resources than traditional PET plastic bottles, according to the companies. Heinz said the adoption of the PlantBottle technology will be the biggest change to its iconic ketchup bottles since they first introduced plastic in 1983.

BETHEL, Conn. — Procter & Gamble’s Duracell brand, in partnership with the National Volunteer Fire Council, on Monday kicked off a national battery donation program. The Power Those Who Protect Us program is designed to help equip the more than 730,000 volunteer firefighters with supplies they need to help power such firefighting gear as flashlights, breathing apparatuses and emergency personnel locators.

LAS VEGAS — Energizer is unveiling its latest long-lasting power products at the Consumer Electronics Show this week.

Energizer said Wednesday that it will showcase:

• New Energi To Go products, which include various portable power packs;

• Energizer Inductive and Recharge Smart chargers;

• A new line of electronic accessories, including an all-in-one travel adapter and an extended flash case for the iPhone; and

BETHEL, Conn. — Duracell brought to New York its mobile Smart Power Lab tour, which gives New Yorkers and tourists the opportunity to recharge their mobile electronic devices and participate in powering the New Year's Eve numerals.

ELMWOOD PARK, N.J. Household paper goods manufacturer Marcal has appointed a new CEO.

Fred Smagorinsky joins Marcal from Schofield Stone, a privately held quarrier, fabricator, wholesaler and retailer of natural stone products, where he served as CEO. Smagorinsky also served as an executive at Sealed Air Corp., a global food and specialty packaging leader. "I'm joining a talented team at an exciting time, with consumer awareness of recycled paper goods and their environmental benefits growing rapidly," Smagorinsky said.

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill. Clear Lam Packaging has developed a new plastic derived from plants to be used as packaging for products from Stonyfield Farm.

Stonyfield Farm's yogurt multipacks now feature the new packaging, which uses 93% renewable resources, primarily plant-based Ingeo PLA (polylactic acid), Clear Lam Packaging said. The new packaging is being used for every Stonyfield Farm multipack yogurt cup, including YoBaby, YoToddler and YoKids, as well as BHealthy, B-Well, Probiotic and O’Soy.

HAYWARD, Calif. CoverMate's stretch-to-fit food cover line now features sustainable packaging made from recyclable plastic.

The new stand-up pouch for CoverMate's variety pack reduces packaging source materials by 75%, CoverMate said. The pack contains a selection of stretch-to-fit food covers in four sizes, ideal for covering everything in the kitchen from small cans and food storage containers, to casserole dishes and large party platters.