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CHICAGO — Morton Salt on Thursday introduced a new line of Natural Epsom salt products, marking its first foray into the health and beauty category.

"The Epsom salt category has seen sustained growth over the past few years, presenting an opportunity for Morton Salt to begin leveraging its ubiquitous brand equity with the health and beauty shopper," stated Carol Panozzo, VP consumer products sales and marketing at Morton Salt.

TORONTO — The Home Depot Canada has joined other Canadian retailers in complying with the government's planned phase out of the penny.

However, the retailer noted that many Canadians were unaware of the phase-out, and wanted to ensure its customers that it is doing its best to inform them of the change. As of Feb. 4, the penny will no longer be in circulation. 

NEW YORK — All-natural, cane turbinado sugar brand Sugar In The Raw has received the 2012 Bon Appétit Seal of Approval in the category of Finishing Sugar.

The new award from Bon Appétit is a first in its 56-year history. Bon Appétit’s list of must-have ingredients, including Sugar In The Raw, was selected by the editors to celebrate their favorite products. The list appears in their December 2012 issue.

NORTHFIELD, Ill. — Kraft Foods is on track to complete a three-year initiative to reduce sodium by an average of 10% across its North American portfolio by the end of 2012.

Kraft Foods' sodium reduction efforts reach across the company's North American product portfolio, including Kraft grated parmesan cheese, Breakstone's 2% cottage cheese and Oscar Mayer bacon. Many other Kraft Foods products, the results far exceeded this goal, including:

• Kraft original BBQ sauce, 40%;

Towson, Md.-based Black & Decker has introduced the GYRO 4V MAX Lithium-ion Rechargeable Screwdriver (BDCS40G).

The manufacturer describes the new product as “the world’s first motion-activated screwdriver.” It uses gyroscopic technology that allows users to rotate their wrist one-quarter turn to the right for forward or left for reverse.

The variable speed feature and direction change that occurs with a twist of the wrist provide improved control while screwdriving, the company said.

NEW YORK — Though rising gas prices put a damper on consumer sentiment in March, Americans are no longer shocked by $4 gasoline.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan's preliminary reading on the overall index on consumer sentiment slipped to 74.3 from 75.3 in February, contrary to economists' forecasts for a gain to 76.0.

Despite this dip, consumers are confident the employment situation will improve.

NEW YORK -- Consumer confidence recovered somewhat in April, though the impact of rising gasoline prices is still evident, according to data released Tuesday by the Conference Board.

The confidence index hit 65.4 in April, from an upwardly revised 63.8 in March. The reading is still below the 72.0 mark of February.

NEW YORK — Seventh Generation has developed an ultra-concentrated liquid laundry detergent that is available in a 100% compostable bottle.

The company said the entire packaging system (fiber bottle, pouch, spout, cap) for its Natural 4x laundry detergent uses 66% less plastic than a typical 100-oz. 2x laundry bottle. Seventh Generation's Natural 4x laundry detergent, a nontoxic, biodegradable formula, is available in a 50-oz. (66 loads) size and two scents: Free and Clear, and Geranium Blossoms and Vanilla.

NEW YORK — At a press event in New York on Wednesday, Pacific World and Walmart officially took the wraps off a new eco-friendly beauty line for tweens, aptly named GeoGirl.

The line, which has a suggested retail price between $3.98 and $5.98, is launching exclusively at about 1,250 Walmart stores and on Walmart.com beginning in March. The 69-SKU collection includes makeup for face, lips, cheeks and eyes, as well as skin and body care. A GeoGirl website is slated to launch Feb. 24.

LOS ANGELES — Looking to offer a greener option for users of Styrofoam and noncompostable insulated cups, Repurpose Compostables has launched a new insulated hot cup that is 100% compostable.

One Cup requires no sleeve, uses 65% less carbon dioxide than a traditional cup and can be composted in 90 days, the company said. The insulated cups also feature Ingeo-based lining, which eliminates the need for "double cupping," to assure the beverage, and not the drinker's hands, stay hot.