Demand for wood-plastic composite and plastic lumber, used in decking, railing, trim and other building materials, is projected to rise 13% per year until 2015, according to a report from The Freedonia Group.

According to an article in the New York Times, Home Depot's executive VP merchandising Craig Menear is among those encouraging alternatives to expensive plastic packages.

Plastic packaging known as clamshells -- the kind that usually require cutting tools to open -- are being affected by the price of oil. The article reports Wal-Mart has pledged to reduce its packaging by 5% in the five years ending 2013.  

Minneapolis-based Valspar Corp. has announced the appointment of Cynthia Arnold, Ph.D. as SVP and chief technology officer.

Dr. Arnold will report to William Mansfield, chairman and CEO. In this new role Arnold will lead Valspar’s global technology activities.