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WASHINGTON — Consumers can expect to find less packaging with their food and beverages in the coming years as manufacturers look to eliminate waste.

The Grocery Manufacturers Association found that by 2020, 2.5 billion lbs. of waste is expected to be avoided. This is on top of the 1.5 billion lbs. of packaging avoided since 2005.

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. — An ice cream brand making its U.S. debut is at the forefront of a three-part film series starring actress Rachel Bilson.

Magnum, a 20-year-old Unilever brand, said the films were directed by fashion guru Karl Lagerfeld and are a platform to introduce the premium ice cream products to U.S. consumers. The films, which will debut at the Tribeca Flm Festival, also can be viewed on the brand's Facebook page next month.

MINONG, Wis. — Jack Link’s Beef Jerky announced its sponsorship of the nation's largest bike scavenger hunt.

The beef jerky brand said it would be the presenting sponsor of the New Belgium Brewing Urban Assault Ride, which is a bike race/obstacle course. The event is open to anyone ages 7 years or older and includes such team divisions as coed, male, female and family, with prizes awarded to the top three teams in each division.

The 2011 Urban Assault Ride will take place in the following locations:

• March 20 in Tucson, Ariz.;

MINNEAPOLIS — Chex is looking to reach more cereal lovers by saying "so long" to gluten.

The cereal brand now touts gluten-free products — including honey nut, chocolate, cinnamon, rice and corn — which is called out on the packaging.

SHELTON, Conn. — Bic is expanding its Pro Series of lighters with new Mexican soccer designs.

The lighters are emblazoned with Chivas and Club America teams' logos and colors. The eight lighters are targeted to Mexican-American males ages 25 years and older, Bic said.

Lighters in the Bic Pro Series Mexican soccer series have a suggested retail price of $1.69 per lighter.

NEW YORK — Rising gas prices will prompt consumers to be more mindful of their spending habits, according to Nielsen projections.

In the United States, Nielsen noted, households could be paying an extra $52.50 with a 50-cent increase in gas prices, $105 with a $1 increase and $210 if prices jump up $2, prompting consumers to tighten their wallets. This will mirror historic trends, which include increased trip compression, more value-conscious shopping alternatives and increased use of coupons, Nielsen said.

ATLANTA — The maker behind such brands as Goody and Sharpie has expanded its board of directors to 12 members.

Newell Rubbermaid said it elected Kevin Conroy, Univision Interactive Media president, to its board. Prior to his position at Univision, Conroy worked as AOL's EVP global products and marketing.

ORANGEBURG, N.Y. — Wet wipes manufacturer Nice-Pak announced it is expanding its distribution facilities and manufacturing plants.

Nice-Pak said the move will further the company’s leadership position and significantly enhance its global sustainability platform.

Nice-Pak produces more than 125 billion premoistened products in the baby, beauty wipes, personal care, hand wipes and household wipes categories.