Target introduces ‘comprehensive’ chemical strategy
Target has announced a new chemical strategy and policy that addresses every product it sells, which the Minneapolis-based retailer says is a first in the retail industry.
“Our chemical strategy will be one of the most comprehensive in the U.S. retail industry, including all Target-owned and national brand products and operations, not just formulated products,” said Jennifer Silberman, Target’s chief sustainability officer. “It’s ambitious, but using our size, scale and expertise, we think we’ll be able to make significant progress. And we hope our robust approach will accelerate similar efforts across the industry.”
Target said its first set of goals are aimed at addressing unwanted chemicals with the biggest potential health impact and factoring in their prevalence within Target’s products. The retailer said it is also prioritizing the areas its customers tell it are most important to them such as products that go on, in and around their body.
Target is teaming with its vendors, supply chain partners, non-governmental organizations and other organizations across the industry to identify unwanted substances in products and operations, understand how they impact health, and work to develop safer alternatives.
“Making informed choices should be simple for guests,” said Dawn Block, Target’s senior vice president of essentials and beauty. “This framework is designed to take the complications out of finding better-for-you product options. We’re looking forward to working with our vendors on solutions that will benefit us all.”
Target said its new chemical strategy is an integral part of its sustainability commitments and responsible sourcing aspirations.
“Ultimately, we want to bring all stakeholders together to innovate and champion a consistent, industry-wide approach to greener chemistry,” Silberman said.
Target said it will monitor its progress beginning in February and report on it each year in its Corporate Social Responsibility Report.
“We’re excited to kick off this long-term effort, understanding that this is a journey, and it takes everyone working together to truly make a difference,” Silberman said. “We look forward to working with our partners on further reducing the presence of unwanted substances in the homes and workplaces of millions of guests, and helping to enhance their health and well-being.”