By now, most consumers and retailers understand and approve of the idea of recycling. They’ve heard about carbon footprint and composting and other buzzwords with environmentally-friendly connotations. In 2011, Americans recycled about 35 percent of trash, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). That’s not a number to scoff at, but it’s also a number that many key figures in the sustainability business believe should rise.

Following a successful test launch of its 3-Day Purifying Cleanse pack in Costco stores, Sambazon CEO Ryan Black said that the company will look to extend its presence in mainstream and club retailers with a new line of cleanse-inspired products as well as a variety of new multi-serve packages.

Nearly four months after purchasing the assets of Mix1 from The Hershey’s Co., the new owners of the brand are readying a relaunch. In a statement, Mix1, now headed by longtime entrepreneur Cameron Robb, today announced that it has reformulated the line of high-protein meal replacement shakes, introduced new packaging and commenced manufacturing of Mix1.

While not quite at the level of peanut butter and jelly, carbonated soft drinks have long paired with burgers. But what about tea instead?

Consumers are drinking more than ever – and they are prepared to pay more than ever for drinks, as well. Consumption is increasing faster than population growth, and pricing is increasing faster than inflation. But the industry has fundamentally changed. In the past decade, carbonated soft drinks, those iconic American libations, have lost their unassailable position at the top of the beverage world.

Following a successful limited distribution launch in the Northeast, Sunny Delight Beverages Co. has announced plans to roll out Sparkling Fruit2O to the rest of the country. The line of zero-calorie, flavored, sparkling waters-- one of several new brands with marketing and positioning parallel to that of category juggernaut Sparkling ICE -- will be distributed through the Dr Pepper Snapple system as well as other existing DSD partners of Sunny Delight.

When marketing kids beverages, companies typically have two consumers in mind: the kid, who they hope will be drawn to the packaging and flavor, and the mom, who they’re looking to satisfy with the ingredients and price point.