PepsiCo has fired another green shot over the bow in the ongoing cola wars with competitor Coca-Cola. The company is releasing five varieties of recyclable and compostable cups in the US, following up on its March announcement of the world's first plant-based bottle.

Coca-Cola, meanwhile, is promoting its PlantBottle eco-friendly packaging, while its recent introduction of recyclable display racks.Continue reading...

The Coca-Cola Company is stepping up its efforts as a global leader in sustainability.

It recently introduced its eco-friendly PlantBottle in the US, starting with its Odwalla and Dasani brands. And now, on the cusp of Earth Day, it's asking its US retailers to go green by using its environmentally friendly "Give It Back" racks.

The corrugated racks are designed to be easily recycled at retail outlets with onsite corrugate recycling capabilities, or bottlers can return them to a Coca-Cola facility for recycling via Coca-Cola delivery trucks.

OK, it may not sound sexy, but it's an industry first.

Coca-Cola's free-standing, 100% recyclable display racks are aimed at convenience and grocery stores, and helps the company "close the loop" on an eco-system that gets closer to its sustainability goals.Continue reading...

Chrysler to curb output because of Japan supply shortage.

Coca-Cola 'pips' PepsiCo with PlantBottle roll out in US to coincide with Earth Month.

Dish Network eyes Netflix in wake of acquisition of Blockbuster assets.

Fox News to end Glenn Beck’s show but retain alliance.

GE plans to build largest solar-panel plant in the world.

Google is revamping YouTube.Continue reading...

In this national TV spot, Coca-Cola introduces the US to its new nationally available PlantBottle for Dasani, billing it as"the first 100% recyclable beverage package made from up to 30% made from plants." Dasani was Coca-Cola's pilot brand to test the PlantBottle. It's also being joined by sister beverage brand Odwalla, as announced today — just in time for Earth Month.

ESPN defends tonight's live hour-long special with LeBron James' NBA franchise decision against infomercial charges as rumors fly. The special's commercial revenue (which LeBron's team is handling) is going to the NBA star's favorite kids' charity, as outlined in the video above.

Domino's extends transparency campaign and seeks truth in advertising in its photo/video shoots, with a related user-generated photo contest. Chipotle also aims for truth in advertising as founder signs on for NBC restaurant reality series.

Barneys tests 3D ads and Saks gets funny as US retailers try to woo shoppers.Continue reading...

How does a juice brand stand out in the ultra-competitive bottled drink market? In Odwalla's case, by planting trees.

Through its Plant a Tree program, Odwalla has donated 160,000 trees to America's state parks since 2008. Last year, 11 states were the beneficiaries of Odwalla's donations but this year, Odwalla has expanded the program to include all 50 states.

To plant a tree, consumers just need to visit its website through August 15 and click on the state in which they'd like to see trees planted. The company reports it has already planted over 33,000 trees this year.Continue reading...

The good news: BP's latest maneuver in the Gulf got off to a good start. The bad news: its shares are in freefall as takeover speculation increases, the Guardian calls its "future in doubt" and criticizes "clumsy response," and scientists fear spill's long-term effect on food chain and underwater ecosystem. Meanwhile, US late-night comedian Jon Stewart chided President Obama for breaking spill promises.

Steve Jobs said Apple has sold an iPad "every three seconds," envisions a post-PC era and defended his Taiwanese iPhone-maker, among other D8 remarks.

Facebook advertisers have quadrupled since 2009.

P&G's rumored interest in Rubbermaid sends Newell shares soaring.

Toyota rolls out first Lexus campaign in wake of recalls.

World Cup fever is taking over the Web, especially in the UK.Continue reading...

Kraft Foods is bringing Crystal Light Pure Fitness to market. It is being touted as “the first nationally available low-calorie fitness beverage,” as it uses a new ingredient, truvia, first cousin of stevia.

The sugar substitute, from a plant harvested in Asia and South America, is already used by Coca-Cola in Sprite Green and Odwalla. Since the FDA approved stevia two years ago, the market for foods enhanced by the sweetener has hit the $100 million, and projections are a $2 billion market by 2011 (Mintel).

The new beverage is targeted towards a person who is “very health minded, is looking to avoid artificial sweeteners as much as possible,” says Roxanne Bernstein, Kraft marketing director.Continue reading...