Target Aims to be Net Zero Enterprise by 2040 in New Sustainability Strategy

Target has unveiled its new sustainability strategy, Target Forward, in which it aims to be a leader for creating and curating inclusive, sustainable brands and experiences by 2030 and commits to being a net zero enterprise by 2040.

Through Target Forward, the retailer is focused on restoring and regrowing natural systems, and ensuring its team, communities and partners around the globe can thrive.

“As a company and a member of the global community, it’s imperative for both the health of our business and of our planet that we embrace new ways to move forward,” said Target CEO Brian Cornell. “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 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.”

Target said it spent nearly two years gathering input across all areas of its business, researching the latest leading insights and co-creating this strategy alongside key external partners. Target’s vision and ambitions are designed to build resiliency in its business, while also collaborating with partners to accelerate change.

“Target’s new sustainability commitments can make a real impact,” said Fabian Garcia, president of Unilever North America. “We at Unilever love seeing the goal of net zero emissions, which aligns with ours. Carbon reduction is needed to work toward a more sustainable world for all. Unilever and our purpose-driven brands look forward to partnering with Target to help drive our industry even further in improving the health of our planet.”

Target’s Sustainability Commitments

Target Forward goals include:

• By 2030, Target aims to be the market leader for creating and curating inclusive, sustainable brands and experiences.
• By 2040, Target plans for 100% of its owned brand products to be designed for a circular future. Target’s teams will continue designing to eliminate waste, using materials that are regenerative, recycled or sourced sustainably, to create products that are more durable, easily repaired or recyclable.
• By 2040, Target commits to being a net zero enterprise — zero waste to landfill in its U.S. operations and net zero emissions across both its operations and supply chain, inclusive of scopes 1, 2 and 3.
• By 2030, Target aims to build a team that equitably reflects the communities it serves, beginning with its commitment to increase Black team member representation across the company by 20% by 2023.
• Target and the Target Foundation will become even more deeply ingrained within communities, lifting up the voices and unique perspectives of community members to maximize the positive impact they can create together.

“We want our guests to turn to Target first when they think about sustainability,” said Amanda Nusz, senior vice president of corporate responsibility, Target, and president of the Target Foundation. “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.”