OAKLAND, Calif. -- Despite being a centerpiece of celebrations the world over, fireworks displays often release toxic chemicals into the environment; researchers are developing a new generation of fireworks that shine as bright but leave less of an impact.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Bioplastic maker NatureWorks has changed from being a joint venture between companies Cargill and Teijin to being an independent company fully owned by Cargill. Teijin dropped out of the joint venture as part of its company-wide restructuring.

TRENTON, N.J. -- The partnership signals a new direction for TerraCycle, which will be sourcing used vinyl billboard materials that Yak Bag is turning into durable, waterproof backpacks, messenger bags, totes and more.

LEED, UNITED KINGDOM -- Cleaning company startup Xeros Ltd. and Cambridge Consultants have developed a washing machine that cuts water consumption by as much as 90 percent and launders clothes using reusable nylon polymer beads.

Burleigh Heads, -- Australian surfwear maker Billabong has gone to market with a wetsuit fashioned from 90 percent recycled polyester that takes 80 percent less energy to manufacture.

LONDON -- The U.K.'s Waste & Resources Action Programme has conducted trials showing that is it technically and commercially viable to recycle non-bottle plastic packaging like yogurt cups. The group is now offering $3.2 million (£2 million) as part of a grant competition to improve the U.K.'s recycling supply chain.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM -- Sainsbury's has started stocking Rice Pops cereal that are packaged only in plastic bags, with no cardboard boxes. The retailer is aiming to cut packaging for its self-branded products by one-third.

STAFFORD, Texas -- ECO by Cosentino, a line of countertops and surfaces made from 75 percent recycled material, has received Cradle to Cradle Silver certification from McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry.

OTTAWA, Ontario, CANADA -- Health Canada is looking to expand a ban on a set of chemicals that are used to make plastic soft and flexible. The ban on phthalates would extend to children's products that kids are likely to chew on.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Among the innovations recognized in the 14th annual Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards were a new type of vegetable oil-based paints from Procter & Gamble, a method to make gasoline or jet fuel from sugars, and other environmentally friendly processes.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- National Gypsum Company, the second largest producer of gypsum wallboard in the U.S., went live this week with a "Green Site" that provides information on its plants, product content and certifications.

HIROSHIMA, -- Mazda began using a new paint system at a Japanese facility this week that it claims carries the smallest environmental footprint of any water-based paint system in use today.

MENLO PARK, Calif. -- HID Laboratories has officially launched its SmartPod Luminaires, a lighting solution that mates IT with high-tech design and energy efficient performance, the firm says.

HANFORD, Conn. -- Thresher Industries, a manufacturer of recycled aluminum and metal matrix composite parts, is taking in old, worn out planter wheels from one of its customers and recycling them into brand new products.

CHICAGO, Ill. -- At the NeoCon 2009 trade show, Herman Miller and Steelcase unveiled some of their newest, and improved, products that are made with recycled material, are recyclable, use less energy, take up less shipping space or help cut down on energy use.

HOUSTON, Texas -- The company, whose business has expanded beyond simple trash hauling to include recycling and materials management, will distribute BigBelly solar-powered trash compactors to reduce the amount of waste collection in public places.

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. -- New clothing company Playback uses only recycled material in its clothing, mixing recycled cotton, plastic bottles and polyester to make T-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies. Beyond simply using recycled materials, the company conducted a lifecycle analysis of its products to show their benefits.

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- A new Ipsos Marketing study suggests green packaging for food products is in and convenient packaging is out for consumers. The food itself should include fresh ingredients and deliver health benefits.