Target Debuts New Sustainability Strategy

Introducing what it called "a new era in sustainability for the company," Minneapolis-based Target Corp. announced the launch of Target Forward, a sustainability strategy that includes both new and previously announced environmental and social-responsibility goals.

Target Forward encompasses three overarching commitments: to design and elevate sustainable brands, to eliminate waste, and to accelerate equity and opportunity within the company and the communities it serves.

Several specific goals are attached to the broader missions. For example, Target aims to become a net-zero enterprise—sending no waste to U.S. landfills and achieving net-zero emissions across its operations and supply chain—by 2040. The company also noted its commitment, first announced in September, to increasing Black team member representation 20% by 2023. 

It's a holistic, collaborative, communities-focused approach to designing and building for a healthier and more-equitable future, according to the company.

"We want our guests to turn to Target first when they think about sustainability," said Amanda Nusz, Target SVP of corporate responsibility and Target Foundation president, in a news release. "We know that the only way to make that possible is by putting both people and the planet at the center of our efforts, as we co-create with our guests, our partners and the communities we serve."

Target cited progress it has made in the past three years on multiple sustainability and social-responsibility fronts, from launching projects that will advance on the goal of purchasing 100% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030 to increasing the company's use of sustainable packaging and committing $2 billion in support of Black-owned businesses.

"We know sustainability is tied to business resiliency and growth and that our size and scale can drive change that is good for all," Target Chairman and CEO Brian Cornell said in announcing the new strategy. "Target Forward influences every corner of our business, deepens our collaboration with our partners and builds on our past efforts to ensure a better future for generations to come."